Bluebird

by Chris Kneer

A good spy never breaks. A good friend protects his pack. A good son doesn’t let his parents die. Jason Miles has failed at all of these.

Desperate to leave his dark past behind, Jason Miles is finally living the life he always imagined for himself. A beautiful wife, great friends, and a job as a security expert at a bank.

But when he discovers a massive tax fraud scheme for the wealthy clients at work, he faces the choice between doing the easy thing or the right thing, and is forced to go on the run from the FBI and his boss’s group of thugs.

Leaning on his small circle of friends, Jason does what he needs to do to clear his name and save the life he worked so hard to build–even if it comes at the price of losing himself.

What Jason doesn’t account for is the betrayal of someone close to him, leaving him alone to either win, or die…

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Chris Kneer has spent thirty years as a senior level banker. When he's not in the office, he draws on his professional expertise to write page-turning financial thrillers. His debut novel, Bluebird, is the first in a series featuring Jason Miles. Chris lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with his family.

Reviews

[Beth Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite genres to read are suspense, thrillers, and mysteries. Bluebird, the first novel in this series, is a strong debut from this new author. It is a "financial thriller," which I found to be fresh and original. The plot is fast-paced and the story contains interesting and multi-dimensional characters, with the setting of Tampa Bay perhaps my favorite "character" of all! The novel is definitely a page-turner with several twists and even humor sprinkled throughout. Bluebird can hold its own against thrillers from great authors like Harlan Coben and John Grisham. I cannot wait for the second installment!

[Ruth Banowetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It kept me guessing from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a page turner!

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be able to read Bluebird before it was released to the public and can happily recommend it! Bluebird tells the story of Jason Miles, starting from his past as a security service recruit in Israel, to his current life in Tampa Bay. Living in Tampa, I enjoyed reading all about the real life settings throughout the local area. I also really enjoyed the interesting characters in the book, in particular Oak and Avner. The story moves along quickly and easily keeps your interest throughout each chapter. You’ll find yourself guessing until the end and wanting more. Bluebird is definitely a great suspense story and I’m excited to read the next book and follow along with Jason’s story.

[Polly Demma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mysteries, especially ones that are realistic with strong characters and a twisted plot. Bluebird, by Chris Kneer is the very best thriller I have ever read, and I usually read a book a day. This one I read twice! The characters are well-developed with a setting from Israel to Tampa, Florida, and a plot that centers around offshore tax fraud by the super-wealthy. The main character has to make life and death decisions while on the run in Tampa [that includes places I have visited and will visit again]. The twist at the end was a thunderbolt. Well worth the read. I can't wait for the sequel. Polly Demma

[Steve Garraty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Kneer’s Bluebird: A Cigar City Thriller is a fast-paced, smartly written debut set in Tampa. I couldn't put this book down, a gripping financial thriller that blends high-stakes suspense with authentic local color! When ex-Israeli operative Jason Miles is framed for a massive tax fraud, he must navigate betrayal and danger to clear his name. Kneer’s banking background adds authenticity, and his vivid portrayal of Tampa gives the story a strong sense of place. A gripping financial thriller with heart—perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and John Grisham.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a GREAT book!

The story is great, the characters are great, the action is great, the twists and turns are great. I read this book in two sittings I could barely put it down. It has snipers, bankers, the ultra-rich, a movie star, Isreali secret agents, the FBI and a grand conspiracy that the good guys are trying to bring to light while the bad guys are trying to kill them. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the next one.

Happy Reading.

[Abby Ebensberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first book this hits it out of the park. Full of action and plenty of twists and turns. Jason Miles is now one of my favorite characters! I thought I had it figured out and I was soo wrong! Excellent book… go read it!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel as it takes place in the Tampa Bay area with familiar places. The characters are likeable, interesting, the story of friendship is good, as is the plot.

I look forward to reading more novels by this novelist!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Getting to know the characters there are twists and turns that keep you wanting more. I couldn't put it down. You will be guessing until the final chapter. A must read!

[Lindabutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Page turner and even more meaningful if you have a career in banking!! Can’t wait for the sequel

[Adrienne Deeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular mystery novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The plot is fast paced. Jason quickly becomes a character I want to root for!

[Lindsey Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great debut book! I loved the financial aspect to the thriller genre. Highly recommend!

[Scott Johni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read.

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read