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Tony Wolf/Tim Buckthorn #1
Breaking Cover
From the Shamus Award-nominated author of the critically-acclaimed Jack Keller southern crime series comes an explosive stand-alone thriller about an undercover federal agent, a chameleon whose specialty is assaulting criminal organizations from within. He was the most talented undercover agent in FBI history, until he dropped completely off the grid, and hasn't been heard from in years. Did he go native, or was he discovered and killed? When Tony Wolf is finally driven out into the open, torn from deep cover during the rescue of two kidnapped children, he becomes the number one target of both the vicious biker gang he double-crossed and a massive Federal manhunt. But Tony’s tired of being the hunted, and as both the gang and a traitorous FBI agent converge on a small southern town, they’re all about to learn a hard When the Wolf breaks cover, he doesn’t always run away. Sometimes he comes straight at your throat. Critically acclaimed author J.D. Rhoades has written his most compelling thriller to date--a pulse-pounding novel that leaps off the page and will leave readers begging for more.
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First published July 22, 2008
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About the author
J.D. Rhoades
25 books186 followersJ.D. Rhoades is America's foremost writer of the genre known as "Redneck noir," and his biography reads like "Tobacco Road" as written by Hunter S. Thompson.
Rhoades never knew his parents; he was found abandoned on the steps of a cut-rate Filipino tax preparation service in Slidell, La. As a child, he was bounced around between a series of orphanages, reformatories and opium dens. His first brush with the law came when he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. He was seven years old at the time.
Rhoades first turned to drugs at the age of five, when he discovered you could get high by snorting Nestle’s Quik through a rolled up copy of Highlights magazine. Since then, he claims to have ingested marijuana, peyote, heroin, psilocybin, uppers, downers, screamers, laughers, dried banana peels, glue, paste, mucilage, LSD, DMT, STP, ABC, CNN, TLC, Sterno, Drano, Bondo, Ketamine, Dopamine, glucosamine, Ovaltine, and Krispy Kreme.
He hit rock bottom when he did all of them in the same night and woke up two weeks later, hanging upside down by his knees from a tree limb in Duluth, Minn., and singing an aria from “Die Fledermaus.” In German, a language that he does not speak.
Rhoades is rumored to have once killed a stripper with a fondue fork and disposed of the body using an electric pencil sharpener over a period of 14 hours.
Ii is not known whether the rumors are true that Rhoades kidnapped the Lindbergh Baby, nor can reports that he was the shooter on the grassy knoll when Kennedy was shot be confirmed. He does, however, know Tom DeLay personally.
-Biography contributed by James Frey
Rhoades never knew his parents; he was found abandoned on the steps of a cut-rate Filipino tax preparation service in Slidell, La. As a child, he was bounced around between a series of orphanages, reformatories and opium dens. His first brush with the law came when he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. He was seven years old at the time.
Rhoades first turned to drugs at the age of five, when he discovered you could get high by snorting Nestle’s Quik through a rolled up copy of Highlights magazine. Since then, he claims to have ingested marijuana, peyote, heroin, psilocybin, uppers, downers, screamers, laughers, dried banana peels, glue, paste, mucilage, LSD, DMT, STP, ABC, CNN, TLC, Sterno, Drano, Bondo, Ketamine, Dopamine, glucosamine, Ovaltine, and Krispy Kreme.
He hit rock bottom when he did all of them in the same night and woke up two weeks later, hanging upside down by his knees from a tree limb in Duluth, Minn., and singing an aria from “Die Fledermaus.” In German, a language that he does not speak.
Rhoades is rumored to have once killed a stripper with a fondue fork and disposed of the body using an electric pencil sharpener over a period of 14 hours.
Ii is not known whether the rumors are true that Rhoades kidnapped the Lindbergh Baby, nor can reports that he was the shooter on the grassy knoll when Kennedy was shot be confirmed. He does, however, know Tom DeLay personally.
-Biography contributed by James Frey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 1, 2019
This was one of my cheap impulse buys on Amazon. I always have my list but usually pick up something cheap as well that catches my eye. I'd already read a couple of books by this author and they were four star reads so safe enough.
This wasn't quite as good as the other two. The action was fast and furious as usual, good story and all but I just thought there were some information gaps, things that could have been clarified earlier. So a guy by the name of Sanders (not is real name) bursts into a remote cabin where two young boys, missing for a few days, are being molested. He shoots the perp dead, swears the boys to secrecy and hightails its out of there. What just happened? Who is this guy? How did he know the boys were there?
Next thing he's on the run. Then the FBI are after him and so is a criminal gang. Eventually all is explained. He was undercover FBI and was thought to have faked his death at a meth lab explosion where he shot one of the gang leaders. But rather than kill him, he was left as a paraplegic and now the guy wants revenge - on Alex McCabe (as the gang knew him) or Tony Wolf (his real name). Since they now know he's alive Wolf decides to take the fight up to them. I'm not telling how that pans out. There was his wife too (also FBI) and the situation between them was not really resolved. So all in all a bit predictable and cliched but a decent, quick and light read.
This wasn't quite as good as the other two. The action was fast and furious as usual, good story and all but I just thought there were some information gaps, things that could have been clarified earlier. So a guy by the name of Sanders (not is real name) bursts into a remote cabin where two young boys, missing for a few days, are being molested. He shoots the perp dead, swears the boys to secrecy and hightails its out of there. What just happened? Who is this guy? How did he know the boys were there?
Next thing he's on the run. Then the FBI are after him and so is a criminal gang. Eventually all is explained. He was undercover FBI and was thought to have faked his death at a meth lab explosion where he shot one of the gang leaders. But rather than kill him, he was left as a paraplegic and now the guy wants revenge - on Alex McCabe (as the gang knew him) or Tony Wolf (his real name). Since they now know he's alive Wolf decides to take the fight up to them. I'm not telling how that pans out. There was his wife too (also FBI) and the situation between them was not really resolved. So all in all a bit predictable and cliched but a decent, quick and light read.
December 15, 2011
"He was the most talented undercover agent in FBI history, until he dropped completely off the grid, and hasn't been heard from in years. Did he go native, or was he discovered and killed? When Tony Wolf is finally driven out into the open, torn from deep cover during the rescue of two kidnapped children, he becomes the number one target of both the vicious biker gang he double-crossed and a massive Federal manhunt."
There are times when a novel is so finely done, so expertly rendered, that the reader feels as if they have been truly transported to a certain place that they have never been before. In BREAKING COVER by J.D. Rhoades, I feel as if I have just returned from an emotional and thrilling journey to America's small town South. In this case Kentucky and a tiny town called Pine Lake in North Carolina. As Rhoades has written several books set in the South,it comes as no surprise that this novel packs a very powerful and true to life wallop.
This is thriller writing at its best and so much more...a true character study what happens to an undercover agent who gets lost in the roles he must play and the ramifications that occur when he is forced into "Breaking Cover".
Tony Wolf has infiltrated a very powerful and very (with a capital V) violent motorcycle gang called The Brotherhood. After shooting the nephew and heir apparent to the leader of the gang, Wolf retreats to small town, Pine Lake, NC under an assumed name- as he has good reasons to fear The Brotherhood AND his employer the FBI as there is apparently a mole employed there. All goes well until he is forced out of hiding by an act of bravery. Needless to say, this is a very fast paced, very involving novel that indeed grabs the reader from page one and never lets go.
Special note must be given to Rhoades' expert character development. The villians of the piece, The Trent clan, led by Uncle Nathan and his crazed son Clay are penned as violent, cruel men- yet never over the top. Johnny Trent, Nathan's nephew and the brains behind the vast criminal activities of The Brotherhood is presented as a complex, in in some ways even a sympathetic character. It is Wolf who has put Trent into a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and Rhoades is able to portray a tortured man, who is juggling his role as a leader and his thirst for revenge. Just when one starts to feel for Johnny, his true vile nature comes through and one sees him for the heartless sadist he is, yet the complexity of what could have been a pure stereotyped character is a testement to the very talented Rhoades.
The plotting of the book is another strong asset. The first part deals with Wolf in the present. The reader learns about him from a second person perspective. The second part is what cements this as a must read. Rhoades switches to first person, as Tony explains to a reporter how he came to be in the position he finds himself, and the reader gains a true understanding of what drives this man. The third part returns to second person, and is enhanced by the new found understanding of Tony. This is a very good book, and one that will more than satisfy anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries or just great stories.
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
There are times when a novel is so finely done, so expertly rendered, that the reader feels as if they have been truly transported to a certain place that they have never been before. In BREAKING COVER by J.D. Rhoades, I feel as if I have just returned from an emotional and thrilling journey to America's small town South. In this case Kentucky and a tiny town called Pine Lake in North Carolina. As Rhoades has written several books set in the South,it comes as no surprise that this novel packs a very powerful and true to life wallop.
This is thriller writing at its best and so much more...a true character study what happens to an undercover agent who gets lost in the roles he must play and the ramifications that occur when he is forced into "Breaking Cover".
Tony Wolf has infiltrated a very powerful and very (with a capital V) violent motorcycle gang called The Brotherhood. After shooting the nephew and heir apparent to the leader of the gang, Wolf retreats to small town, Pine Lake, NC under an assumed name- as he has good reasons to fear The Brotherhood AND his employer the FBI as there is apparently a mole employed there. All goes well until he is forced out of hiding by an act of bravery. Needless to say, this is a very fast paced, very involving novel that indeed grabs the reader from page one and never lets go.
Special note must be given to Rhoades' expert character development. The villians of the piece, The Trent clan, led by Uncle Nathan and his crazed son Clay are penned as violent, cruel men- yet never over the top. Johnny Trent, Nathan's nephew and the brains behind the vast criminal activities of The Brotherhood is presented as a complex, in in some ways even a sympathetic character. It is Wolf who has put Trent into a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and Rhoades is able to portray a tortured man, who is juggling his role as a leader and his thirst for revenge. Just when one starts to feel for Johnny, his true vile nature comes through and one sees him for the heartless sadist he is, yet the complexity of what could have been a pure stereotyped character is a testement to the very talented Rhoades.
The plotting of the book is another strong asset. The first part deals with Wolf in the present. The reader learns about him from a second person perspective. The second part is what cements this as a must read. Rhoades switches to first person, as Tony explains to a reporter how he came to be in the position he finds himself, and the reader gains a true understanding of what drives this man. The third part returns to second person, and is enhanced by the new found understanding of Tony. This is a very good book, and one that will more than satisfy anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries or just great stories.
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
July 12, 2017
Interesting characters, quick pace and a sense of humor amid the mayhem!
October 8, 2008
I only discovered J.D. Rhoades' books this summer, and devoured all three of the books in his Jack Keller series within about a week's time. I think this is because of Rhoades' timing: he puts a situation into place, some act of chaotic violence, and writes outward from there as the people either caught up in or assigned to investigate that situation uncover the truth. His stories tend to expand outward like a furious fireball of mayhem, where you keep turning pages to find out what will happen next.
I enjoyed reading the Keller books, but I think this standalone book was stronger. It felt like Rhoades found his voice and hit a good pace for his style in Breaking Cover; there was more heft to this story and the characters than in the previous three books. I'd love to see Rhoades make this into a series - I'd read it.
I also liked the shifting point of view in the center of the book; that held my interest and gave details in a way that created more empathy for the lead character than it otherwise might have.
Two criticisms: The resolution between the main character and his wife was practically nonexistent. I think the point was that the news of Kendra Wolf's pregnancy meant Tony Wolf figured he'd best step out of the picture, even thought Kendra knew she didn't really love the baby's father. But there was no conversation about or explanation for why they couldn't be together beyond a flippant remark to the female reporter at the very end. Wow, this sounds like a soap opera, and I promise the book didn't read like one, but this was the central struggle of the book--the slim-to-none hope of getting back home to the life he left behind and there wasn't really much said about it. I found that disappointing. If Rhoades does a sequel, perhaps a flashback scene will appear . . . Perhaps the author was trying to avoid being overly soapy and left things as uncomplicated as possible.
The second crit is the level of violence. As with sex, I think that so often in storytelling, less is more, and I felt that the depiction of the Viking "eagle" torture technique was memorable, for sure, but the portrayal seemed . . . egregious to me. My reading tastes skew very masculine and I love crime/mystery novels, but maybe I'm not as up on newer genre fiction as I could be. It left me wondering if this ramped up uber-violence is the norm for readers of thrillers now. If it is, I'm not enamored with it. That won't stop me from reading Rhoades' books, but I did feel it was worth noting.
I enjoyed reading the Keller books, but I think this standalone book was stronger. It felt like Rhoades found his voice and hit a good pace for his style in Breaking Cover; there was more heft to this story and the characters than in the previous three books. I'd love to see Rhoades make this into a series - I'd read it.
I also liked the shifting point of view in the center of the book; that held my interest and gave details in a way that created more empathy for the lead character than it otherwise might have.
Two criticisms: The resolution between the main character and his wife was practically nonexistent. I think the point was that the news of Kendra Wolf's pregnancy meant Tony Wolf figured he'd best step out of the picture, even thought Kendra knew she didn't really love the baby's father. But there was no conversation about or explanation for why they couldn't be together beyond a flippant remark to the female reporter at the very end. Wow, this sounds like a soap opera, and I promise the book didn't read like one, but this was the central struggle of the book--the slim-to-none hope of getting back home to the life he left behind and there wasn't really much said about it. I found that disappointing. If Rhoades does a sequel, perhaps a flashback scene will appear . . . Perhaps the author was trying to avoid being overly soapy and left things as uncomplicated as possible.
The second crit is the level of violence. As with sex, I think that so often in storytelling, less is more, and I felt that the depiction of the Viking "eagle" torture technique was memorable, for sure, but the portrayal seemed . . . egregious to me. My reading tastes skew very masculine and I love crime/mystery novels, but maybe I'm not as up on newer genre fiction as I could be. It left me wondering if this ramped up uber-violence is the norm for readers of thrillers now. If it is, I'm not enamored with it. That won't stop me from reading Rhoades' books, but I did feel it was worth noting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2013
Exactly what an action thriller should be!! Well-rounded characters, clean writing, intriguing plot line, a fair amount of violence, a few suspenseful twists and non-stop action. This was my first J.D. Rhoades book, but I'm ready to get my hands on more of his works.
I wanted to give 5 stars but there is of course, room for improvement.The plot could've been fleshed out a bit more and a few more twists could've been added. I knew rather early on who the mole was though it didn't deter me from finishing the book. Additionally, more character development in regards to the antagonist could've been added. I'd have liked to know what made Johnny tick, it would've put his obsession for revenge in context. Yes, Johnny's paralyzed but he was also semi-rational and concerned about 1) his money 2) the Brotherhood, before the incident. But now he is enervated and becomes even more crazed once he finds out Wolf is alive. Motivated by just the desire to take Wolf's legs? I don't quite buy it. And maybe Rhoades could've included a bit more background about "The Brotherhood" in general. Regardless, the book is a page-turner and I'd recommend it to all.
I wanted to give 5 stars but there is of course, room for improvement.The plot could've been fleshed out a bit more and a few more twists could've been added. I knew rather early on who the mole was though it didn't deter me from finishing the book. Additionally, more character development in regards to the antagonist could've been added. I'd have liked to know what made Johnny tick, it would've put his obsession for revenge in context. Yes, Johnny's paralyzed but he was also semi-rational and concerned about 1) his money 2) the Brotherhood, before the incident. But now he is enervated and becomes even more crazed once he finds out Wolf is alive. Motivated by just the desire to take Wolf's legs? I don't quite buy it. And maybe Rhoades could've included a bit more background about "The Brotherhood" in general. Regardless, the book is a page-turner and I'd recommend it to all.
October 14, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
I have mixed feelings about Breaking Cover. Its a little bit of an older book that is now being adapted as an audiobook. The narrator did a really good job differentiating characters with different voices, accents, mannerisms and tone of voice. I liked the narrator. That being said, the narrator can only do so much with what is written, and that's where I struggled a bit. I found the characters really flat, there was no real character growth or development. This was just an action/thriller book that is really geared more towards men who like action-packed "hero" books with no depth to the characters. I think i was maybe the wrong audience and I feel like this is more a book men would enjoy than women. I do normally enjoy action and thriller books, but this one fell flat for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. While the main character's motives are admirable, I just kept zoning out, which made me lose track of what was happening in this book. Thankfully it wasn't super long and I was able to finish it in a reasonable time. The dialogue was also bland, and I think that also failed to suck me in. Except for the back story, which was important, you could almost get away with cutting all the character discussions out and still have the same level of plot understanding from just the narrative. I also found that the fluctuations between 1st and 3rd person view to be distracting and confusing.
I have mixed feelings about Breaking Cover. Its a little bit of an older book that is now being adapted as an audiobook. The narrator did a really good job differentiating characters with different voices, accents, mannerisms and tone of voice. I liked the narrator. That being said, the narrator can only do so much with what is written, and that's where I struggled a bit. I found the characters really flat, there was no real character growth or development. This was just an action/thriller book that is really geared more towards men who like action-packed "hero" books with no depth to the characters. I think i was maybe the wrong audience and I feel like this is more a book men would enjoy than women. I do normally enjoy action and thriller books, but this one fell flat for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. While the main character's motives are admirable, I just kept zoning out, which made me lose track of what was happening in this book. Thankfully it wasn't super long and I was able to finish it in a reasonable time. The dialogue was also bland, and I think that also failed to suck me in. Except for the back story, which was important, you could almost get away with cutting all the character discussions out and still have the same level of plot understanding from just the narrative. I also found that the fluctuations between 1st and 3rd person view to be distracting and confusing.
September 20, 2024
A former FBI agent, thought dead by the Bureau and his wife, frees two boys being held captive by a pedophile. In doing so, he once again crosses paths with the gang from whom he has been in hiding. This is the start of a gang war and a new series focused on Tony Wolf with his strong moral compass and disdain for poorly trained police forces.
I will listen to future books in this series and hope the author will do a better job with female characters moving forward. 3.5 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook. Publication date is Sept 27, 2024.
I will listen to future books in this series and hope the author will do a better job with female characters moving forward. 3.5 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook. Publication date is Sept 27, 2024.
July 25, 2018
This is a quick read. The story is pretty good, although predictable and been done a million times. It’s okay. A good way to use down time when you don’t have much.
February 22, 2015
Another high energy action packed thriller from author J.D. Rhoades, "Breaking Cover" is a non stop roller coaster of suspense. The first Tony Wolf/ Tim Buckthorn novel in series is a wild ride from the first page until it's conclusion. Former FBI agent Tony Wolf has been underground for over four years hiding away from his superiors in the FBI. Living as a small town nobody named "Sanders", Wolf loses his anonymity quickly by saving two little boys who'd been kidnapped five days earlier. By accident "Sanders" inserted himself into rescue and killing of the actual kidnapper. Not wanting to stick around for credit or the publicity that a local newsteam, chasing after him wants to give. He grabs the reporter Gaby Torrijos "hostage", and is off. Meanwhile we learn about Nathan and Johnny Trent's motorcycle gang known as the Brotherhood. Johnny newly released from prison is out to find the guy who put him in wheelchair over four years ago. The Trent's are looking to branch out their criminal organization from rural Kentucky into North Carolina where novel is set. Newswoman Gaby soon finds out from "Sanders" who is really Tony Wolf, an expert undercover FBI operative, his story of why he's running from FBI. Wolf four years earlier posed as Axel McCabe and was in Trent's Brotherhood gang. It was McCabe- AKA Wolf who put Johnny in Wheelchair. From publicity of children being saved from kidnapper Johnny discovers where McCabe disappeared to."Sanders" is McCabe and Johnny is out for bloody revenge. After a somewhat slow and kind of confusing start, this book is high octane action. Throughout story line is sizzles in non stop suspense and action packed storytelling. It was a little difficult to get read on characters from the beginning. However, as book progressed the characters were defined much better. The dialog was excellent in helping the characters grow into more defined roles. The first 50 pages were confusing for me. This however never takes away from the book as a whole. Having read several J.D. Rhoades books already, I knew it was a matter of time before book got rolling really well, and it sure did. Regardless it's still a 5 star out of a possible 5 star book for me. Rhoades is a fantastic thriller/ suspense writer to be sure. I really get a kick out of how he builds his bad guy characters. They really are some of the best parts of his books. Reading this book I could picture Mark Whalberg starring in a big Hollywood blockbuster version of this book. The Wolf character kept reminding me of Whalberg in several of his action movies. This is a good thing as well. If you haven't checked out any of author J.D. Rhoades action thrillers, do yourself a favor and grab onto now. His characters are something else to be sure. Just enjoyable reading from cover to cover. Check them out you'll see !
August 23, 2008
Fast moving, very exciting book.
Highly recommended. When I added this book it came out (Jack Keller series but it isn't a Jack Keller book.
Breaking Cover-5 Paws
J. D. Rhoades
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2008, 339 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0=312-37155-5
A chance sighting of one of the little boys on a poster “Have You Seen Us?” begins a series of events that are loaded with danger and excitement. A man living in the rural community, Pine Lake, spots one of the boys peeking out a window in a van. Unable to turn his back on situation the man called Sanders rescues the two boys but kills the kidnapper.
So begins the story of undercover FBI agent Tony Wolf who had been living under the name of Sanders. And what a story it is. Wolf has gone undercover in a motorcycle gang called “The Brotherhood”. Wolf discovers that Nathan Trent, head of the gang, has an informant inside the FBI. Not knowing who to trust Wolf escapes but not before causing a lot of damage and injuring Johnny Trent, one of the gang members. Johnny is now chained to a wheelchair and out for revenge.
Wolf’s heroism in rescuing the kidnapped boys and the publicity involved has forced him to come out of hiding and fight for his life.
Breaking Cover is a stand-alone and a very exciting one. Highly recommended for readers who want a great story, a wonderful character and plenty of action.
Highly recommended. When I added this book it came out (Jack Keller series but it isn't a Jack Keller book.
Breaking Cover-5 Paws
J. D. Rhoades
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2008, 339 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0=312-37155-5
A chance sighting of one of the little boys on a poster “Have You Seen Us?” begins a series of events that are loaded with danger and excitement. A man living in the rural community, Pine Lake, spots one of the boys peeking out a window in a van. Unable to turn his back on situation the man called Sanders rescues the two boys but kills the kidnapper.
So begins the story of undercover FBI agent Tony Wolf who had been living under the name of Sanders. And what a story it is. Wolf has gone undercover in a motorcycle gang called “The Brotherhood”. Wolf discovers that Nathan Trent, head of the gang, has an informant inside the FBI. Not knowing who to trust Wolf escapes but not before causing a lot of damage and injuring Johnny Trent, one of the gang members. Johnny is now chained to a wheelchair and out for revenge.
Wolf’s heroism in rescuing the kidnapped boys and the publicity involved has forced him to come out of hiding and fight for his life.
Breaking Cover is a stand-alone and a very exciting one. Highly recommended for readers who want a great story, a wonderful character and plenty of action.
September 5, 2008
Deep cover FBI agent Tony Wolf infiltrated a motorcycle gang, crippled one of its leaders and stole all the gang's assets when he learned that they were dealing in kiddie porn. He's been hiding under an assumed name for several years and the FBI thinks he's dead. When Tony sees a white van with two young boys inside who've been missing for days, he rescues them from their kidnapper breaking his cover and alerting both the FBI and motorcycle gang that he's still alive. Now he has nowhere to hide.
This book is pure adrenaline--full of fast-paced, riviting action. You won't be able to put it down. A must read for thriller fans. Definitely over-the-top!
This book is pure adrenaline--full of fast-paced, riviting action. You won't be able to put it down. A must read for thriller fans. Definitely over-the-top!
August 24, 2011
I had a ton of fun reading this book. The characters are well-drawn, and where Rhoades could have dipped into stereotypes, he finds depth. Tony Wolf goes from hero, to anti-hero and back again, with some very well-executed violence.
The supporting cast, which ranges from a small host of FBI agents, including Wolf's wife, to the local politico, er sheriff and the deputy he couldn't do without. Dogged and dedicated is local journalist who is ambitious and aggressive, but you can't dislike her.
Hard to go on without spoilers. I will say the end made me smile, especially because it wasn't the simple loose-end wrap-up it could have been. Get yourself a copy.
The supporting cast, which ranges from a small host of FBI agents, including Wolf's wife, to the local politico, er sheriff and the deputy he couldn't do without. Dogged and dedicated is local journalist who is ambitious and aggressive, but you can't dislike her.
Hard to go on without spoilers. I will say the end made me smile, especially because it wasn't the simple loose-end wrap-up it could have been. Get yourself a copy.
July 12, 2012
My first book with the main character, Tony Wolf. I couldn't put this one down. The story was really interesting to follow and action packed! A few scenes involving "the bad guys' methods" made me squimish. Wolf is a very interesting character with a military background (similar to the Jack Reacher character so popular in Lee Child's books...and by no means am I complaining!) & is FBI undercover. I look forward to reading more of this series.
March 23, 2013
This is a well-written engaging story and I enjoyed it, BUT there's a reason why female readers like me sometimes are less enthusiastic about male-written, male-driven fiction. Namely, there are some graphically violent scenes in this book that made me squeamish. And, when all is said and done, I was hoping for more of a happy ending. But consider the source. I write romance novels.
July 29, 2016
Wow, this story intrigued me from the get-go and Tony Wolf was immediately likeable and frightening. I wasn't sure what to believe half the time and wished it wasn't true the other half. The whole story was gritty and gripping and made my heart race and break. I'll be looking for more from this author!
March 16, 2013
I would actually give this 3.5 stars if possible. I usually consider books in this genre to be formulaic, but I picked it up on a whim. It was quick-paced & I never lost interest. I actually liked the main character and the relationships of the characters. Not bad...
April 5, 2013
Intriguing storyline and good characterizations plus a lot of action makes this a quick, satisfying read. A bit too much on-page violence for me, and several places where there were no dialogue tags for a few paragraphs, so I had no idea who was speaking until I went back over it.
December 4, 2008
I am loving this book. In the same category as the Lee Child books about Jack Reacher. Hooray!!
December 8, 2008
One of the best page turners I have read in a while.
July 29, 2011
A great stand-alone novel by the author of the Jack Keller series. A fast-paced page turner. Couldn't put it down!
May 4, 2012
I just began this novel. Wow. Just wow.
July 12, 2012
good book would recommend
July 13, 2012
I really liked this book and look forward to more from this character. He is engaging with an interesting background. I especially like the "off the grid" aspect.
September 16, 2012
My first time reading a JD Rhoades book and won't be my last... I really enjoyed reading this book!
September 30, 2012
Rhodes is a skilled author. I have read most of his work.
October 1, 2012
Excellent action book.
February 27, 2013
it was a pretty good quick read. a little to detailed about the killing but over all not bad.
February 23, 2014
Fast-paced thriller! Absolute page-turner. I highly recommend for those who are captivated with the FBI.
October 10, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
J.D. Rhoades’ Breaking Cover is a high-octane thriller that plunges listeners into the dangerous world of undercover operations and betrayal within the FBI. The audiobook, narrated by the talented George Newbern, brings this gripping story to life with a performance that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
The novel follows Tony Wolf, an esteemed undercover FBI agent who has mysteriously vanished only to resurface during the dramatic rescue of two kidnapped children. This act of heroism thrusts him back into the spotlight, making him a target in a massive federal manhunt. As Wolf navigates the treacherous waters of his past and present, he must contend with a traitorous agent within the Bureau and a ruthless biker gang he has crossed paths with before. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Wolf sets out on a mission to uncover the truth and protect those he cares about.
George Newbern’s narration is a stellar aspect of this audiobook. His ability to convey the intensity and urgency of the plot keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Newbern’s distinct character voices and emotional depth add layers to the storytelling, making each character memorable and the narrative more immersive. His pacing is impeccable, maintaining the suspense and ensuring that the listener is fully engaged from start to finish.
Rhoades’ writing is sharp and fast-paced, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The action sequences are vividly described, and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. The author’s experience in crafting crime thrillers is evident in the intricate plotting and the well-developed characters. Tony Wolf is a compelling protagonist, his complexity and moral ambiguity adding depth to the story. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic traitor and the menacing biker gang, are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the overall tension and intrigue.
Breaking Cover explores loyalty and betrayal. Rhoades delves into the psychological toll of living a double life and the impact of trust—or the lack thereof—on personal and professional relationships. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.
Breaking Cover is a thrilling and well-crafted audiobook that will keep listeners hooked from the first chapter to the last. George Newbern’s exceptional narration enhances the experience, bringing J.D. Rhoades’ gripping story to life in a way that is thrilling and emotionally engaging.
For fans of crime fiction and audiobooks, Breaking Cover is a must-read /must-listen.
J.D. Rhoades’ Breaking Cover is a high-octane thriller that plunges listeners into the dangerous world of undercover operations and betrayal within the FBI. The audiobook, narrated by the talented George Newbern, brings this gripping story to life with a performance that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
The novel follows Tony Wolf, an esteemed undercover FBI agent who has mysteriously vanished only to resurface during the dramatic rescue of two kidnapped children. This act of heroism thrusts him back into the spotlight, making him a target in a massive federal manhunt. As Wolf navigates the treacherous waters of his past and present, he must contend with a traitorous agent within the Bureau and a ruthless biker gang he has crossed paths with before. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Wolf sets out on a mission to uncover the truth and protect those he cares about.
George Newbern’s narration is a stellar aspect of this audiobook. His ability to convey the intensity and urgency of the plot keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Newbern’s distinct character voices and emotional depth add layers to the storytelling, making each character memorable and the narrative more immersive. His pacing is impeccable, maintaining the suspense and ensuring that the listener is fully engaged from start to finish.
Rhoades’ writing is sharp and fast-paced, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The action sequences are vividly described, and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. The author’s experience in crafting crime thrillers is evident in the intricate plotting and the well-developed characters. Tony Wolf is a compelling protagonist, his complexity and moral ambiguity adding depth to the story. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic traitor and the menacing biker gang, are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the overall tension and intrigue.
Breaking Cover explores loyalty and betrayal. Rhoades delves into the psychological toll of living a double life and the impact of trust—or the lack thereof—on personal and professional relationships. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.
Breaking Cover is a thrilling and well-crafted audiobook that will keep listeners hooked from the first chapter to the last. George Newbern’s exceptional narration enhances the experience, bringing J.D. Rhoades’ gripping story to life in a way that is thrilling and emotionally engaging.
For fans of crime fiction and audiobooks, Breaking Cover is a must-read /must-listen.
November 2, 2024
"Breaking Cover" is an exhilarating romp through a world reminiscent of classic 1950s and 60s detective tales, infused with a contemporary flair that makes it feel fresh and relevant. The story is undeniably action-packed, delivering a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
While the narrative didn't quite resonate with my personal tastes, I can easily see how it would captivate a broad audience. The clever plotting and dynamic characters are sure to engage fans of the genre, drawing them into a world filled with twists and turns. The author's ability to blend nostalgia with modern elements offers a unique reading experience that many will find irresistible.
In conclusion, while this book may not have been the perfect fit for me, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fast-paced detective stories brimming with excitement. It's a thrilling read that promises to keep many readers glued to the page.
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