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Pike Logan #18
Dead Man's Hand: A Masterful Pike Logan Thriller of Assassination, Russian Intrigue, and Nuclear War
Pike Logan goes head-to-head with Putin’s henchman in this propulsive and topical edge-of-your-seat thriller from New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor. To finally end the war between their nations, a rogue Ukranian band of partisans known as the Wolves teams up with members of Russia’s military intelligence to assassinate Vladimir Putin. But Putin is aware of the traitors in his midst and assigns the loyal commander of the Russian national guard to root them out. It’s a mission Victor Petrov is expected to undertake after he prevents Sweden from joining NATO—by assassinating a deputy minister of foreign affairs. After receiving intelligence about the threat in Sweden, the U.S. sends Pike Logan to identify Victor’s target—only for him to get caught in the crossfire between Putin’s agents and the Wolves. When the smoke clears, Pike makes no effort to stop the Wolves on their ultimate mission, believing it just, until he discovers that their operation has unimaginable consequences. For Putin is preparing a devastating activating the Dead Man’s Hand nuclear response that will launch Russia’s missiles in the event of his death. . .
560 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 15, 2024
839 people are currently reading
3433 people want to read
About the author
Brad Taylor
48 books2,538 followersBrad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
March 8, 2024
Incredibly boring. 2 of 10 stars
January 29, 2024
Always love this series. But this one seemed to be a lot of wheel spinning and repetitive set pieces. Still fun and enjoyed the team interplay, but was hoping this was a little more in the end.
February 21, 2024
In Dead Man's Hand, Pike Logan and the Taskforce team face off against Russia, Putin and upper management in Brad Taylor's newest. Putin catches wind of an assassination plot and gives his most trusted advisors a remote they must use if Putin is threatened. This remote launches every nuclear missile they have. Seems reasonable. He also wants to assassinate a U.N. official as an appetizer. This freaks upper management (the president) out and Pike's team is tasked to gather intelligence which they are not equipped to do and could jeopardize their cover/mandate. Not only does Pike have to stop an assassination and Putin from killing everyone, his boss sucks.
The things which makes Taylor's books so good are the characters and the dynamic between them . The characters are all fantastic especially Shoshana. Maybe my favorite secondary character in all of fiction.. Everything Taylor writes has an air of authenticity which is lacking in many thrillers. None of it feels fake or contrived. Well-researched. Taylor knows his stuff and it sings off the page.
Dead Man's Hand as well as the entire Pike Logan series should not be missed and I can't recommend them enough!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Dead Man's Hand.
The things which makes Taylor's books so good are the characters and the dynamic between them . The characters are all fantastic especially Shoshana. Maybe my favorite secondary character in all of fiction.. Everything Taylor writes has an air of authenticity which is lacking in many thrillers. None of it feels fake or contrived. Well-researched. Taylor knows his stuff and it sings off the page.
Dead Man's Hand as well as the entire Pike Logan series should not be missed and I can't recommend them enough!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Dead Man's Hand.
December 20, 2023
Pike Logan and his fellows is back. Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor is without a doubt one of the best books in this series ever and that is not because it takes place in Sweden for a part of it. This one feels almost to real and living in Sweden and being close to the antics of the infamous russian leader, it is scary. Taylor has managed to create a story that is plausible and very contemporary. It is a mean feat to write a book about the war in Ukraine that has almost no events taking place in Ukraine. The writing is as always impeckable and the characters are as usually great. I have felt that some books in this series have been a little boring but this sure makes up for it. It is highly recommended by me and I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I did. P.S. Brad you where lucky with your traintravels in Sweden, most often we are surprised when the train is going close to schedule. D.S. I must thank Edelweiss, William Morrow and Harper Collins for giving me an advance copy of this book.
March 30, 2024
Book Review – Dead Man’s Hand – Brad Taylor
Book 18, “Dead Man’s Hand,” in thriller author Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series is a present-day military thriller where main character Pike Logan and his Taskforce team take on Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s henchmen. In this intense military espionage-like story, a rogue band of Ukrainians known as the ‘Wolves’, teams up with some Russian military intelligence ‘traitors’ to assassinate Vladimir Putin. But Putin ‘gets wind’ to the assassination attempt and assigns the loyal commander of the Russian National Guard to root them out and stop them. In a subplot to the main story, the Russian commander is also on a mission to prevent Sweden from joining NATO—by assassinating a Swedish foreign affairs diplomat. After receiving intelligence about the threat in Sweden, the United States sends Pike Logan to stop the Russian/NATO threat, only for him to get caught in the crossfire between Putin’s killers and the Ukrainian assassins. Subsequently, Logan discovers that the assassins’ operation against Putin – if successful – has the tendency to activate and launch Russia’s nuclear missiles in the event of his death. Taylor pens another powerful and alluring tale that was suspenseful and enticing. The narrative keeps the reader ‘honed-in’ with its explosive and gripping action. I also especially like when Taylor includes the Shoshanna character in these stories. She’s a one-of-a-kind appeal that always adds a bit more intrigue and fascination to the story with her supposed "special powers". Dead Man’s Hand is a terrific read. Taylor’s military knowledge and experience, expert research, and integration of current events into his books has earned my continued admiration and appreciation for this series. I love how he ‘educates and entertains’ even with fiction stories and I give him ‘high props’ for that!
Book 18, “Dead Man’s Hand,” in thriller author Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series is a present-day military thriller where main character Pike Logan and his Taskforce team take on Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s henchmen. In this intense military espionage-like story, a rogue band of Ukrainians known as the ‘Wolves’, teams up with some Russian military intelligence ‘traitors’ to assassinate Vladimir Putin. But Putin ‘gets wind’ to the assassination attempt and assigns the loyal commander of the Russian National Guard to root them out and stop them. In a subplot to the main story, the Russian commander is also on a mission to prevent Sweden from joining NATO—by assassinating a Swedish foreign affairs diplomat. After receiving intelligence about the threat in Sweden, the United States sends Pike Logan to stop the Russian/NATO threat, only for him to get caught in the crossfire between Putin’s killers and the Ukrainian assassins. Subsequently, Logan discovers that the assassins’ operation against Putin – if successful – has the tendency to activate and launch Russia’s nuclear missiles in the event of his death. Taylor pens another powerful and alluring tale that was suspenseful and enticing. The narrative keeps the reader ‘honed-in’ with its explosive and gripping action. I also especially like when Taylor includes the Shoshanna character in these stories. She’s a one-of-a-kind appeal that always adds a bit more intrigue and fascination to the story with her supposed "special powers". Dead Man’s Hand is a terrific read. Taylor’s military knowledge and experience, expert research, and integration of current events into his books has earned my continued admiration and appreciation for this series. I love how he ‘educates and entertains’ even with fiction stories and I give him ‘high props’ for that!
March 27, 2025
Tried to read it because I'd won it in a giveaway and wanted to give it a review in return. Found myself inexplicably uninterested in the Russia/Ukraine war. Giving up.
January 30, 2024
An excellent thriller, but also quite depressing. Maybe the subject matter was too topical and hit a bit too close to current events to allow me to really immerse myself in the fictional aspect of the story? Or, having spent the month of January immersed in a reread of fae fantasy, this particular genre was too abrupt a change to allow me to really enjoy it? Either way, I feel like it deserved a better reaction than the one I gave it; I simply was not in the mood! Bummer.
Four stars.
PopSugar Reading Challenge 2024:
A Book that Came Out in a Year that Ends with "24.”
Four stars.
PopSugar Reading Challenge 2024:
A Book that Came Out in a Year that Ends with "24.”
December 10, 2025
A cadre of Ukrainians are being used to assassinate Putin. In response, Putin starts a purge, but also insitutes a dead man switch guaranteeing armegeddon if anything happens to him.
The Task Force starts out shadowing a jabroni in Sweden, then stumbles into a plot to assassinate various other figures, including Putin. Washington dithers. The Task Force keeps on keeping on, occasionally wasting wimps.
I believe this is a response to the Biden presidency, but it really doesn't go far enough in that regard.
The Task Force starts out shadowing a jabroni in Sweden, then stumbles into a plot to assassinate various other figures, including Putin. Washington dithers. The Task Force keeps on keeping on, occasionally wasting wimps.
I believe this is a response to the Biden presidency, but it really doesn't go far enough in that regard.
October 1, 2025
Great book. Totally enjoyed.
October 12, 2024
Vladimir Putin has enemies in high places- in his own cabinet. He is paranoid of his own people and party who he believes will plot a coup or assignation attempt. Of course, he also has enemies among the Ukrainian people. A cell of Ukrainians called the Wolves join forces with a sect of Russian GRU agents to do just as Putin fears- assassinate him.
To thwart an assassination, Putin has four loyalists with devices from which they would immediately initiate a nuclear strike in the event of his death. This device is called the Dead Man’s Hand. Putin assigns a strike team to locate and eliminate the Ukrainians who want to kill him and destroy his power plays in the Ukraine.
The Wolves don’t know about this device. The wolves don’t know that a Russian strike team are hot on their tail, looking to take them out before they can complete their mission. The wolves don’t know about the device that will initiate a nuclear strike should the assassination attempt succeed.
Pike Logan and his Taskforce team come into the mix to thwart the Wolves from succeeding, as the dead man’s hand has world wide deadly consequences. Pike’s team are tasked with tracking the Wolves and rogue Russian team to stop the madness of Putin’s plan.
Dead Man’s Hand leads to an explosive conclusion. Enthralling as well as timely plot. Pacing a bit slow at first. There was way too much time spent detailing practicing high diving jumps. It was not germane to the story and took away from the story getting started. Readers who enjoy the complexities of Pike’s missions will enjoy this one!
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
To thwart an assassination, Putin has four loyalists with devices from which they would immediately initiate a nuclear strike in the event of his death. This device is called the Dead Man’s Hand. Putin assigns a strike team to locate and eliminate the Ukrainians who want to kill him and destroy his power plays in the Ukraine.
The Wolves don’t know about this device. The wolves don’t know that a Russian strike team are hot on their tail, looking to take them out before they can complete their mission. The wolves don’t know about the device that will initiate a nuclear strike should the assassination attempt succeed.
Pike Logan and his Taskforce team come into the mix to thwart the Wolves from succeeding, as the dead man’s hand has world wide deadly consequences. Pike’s team are tasked with tracking the Wolves and rogue Russian team to stop the madness of Putin’s plan.
Dead Man’s Hand leads to an explosive conclusion. Enthralling as well as timely plot. Pacing a bit slow at first. There was way too much time spent detailing practicing high diving jumps. It was not germane to the story and took away from the story getting started. Readers who enjoy the complexities of Pike’s missions will enjoy this one!
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2024
I am so disappointed in this book. It is nothing but adults on both sides whining about whether they should be on the mission. Literally 12 hours of annoying writing about why are we being ordered to do this- then - why is he doing this?? It goes on and on. There is very little substance here and almost painful to listen to. I love Brad Taylor, but he missed the mark with this one. I would not waste a credit on it.
February 7, 2024
Needlessly Long
The plot may have made sense in the author’s mind, but to readers it’s clear as mud. Characters with similar names made the story hard to follow. Unlike other books in the series, this novel was a slog to get through. If I hadn’t paid for it, I would’ve given up a third of the way when it started to go off the rails. The conclusion was ridiculous. Sorry, Mr. Taylor - this one didn’t cut it.
The plot may have made sense in the author’s mind, but to readers it’s clear as mud. Characters with similar names made the story hard to follow. Unlike other books in the series, this novel was a slog to get through. If I hadn’t paid for it, I would’ve given up a third of the way when it started to go off the rails. The conclusion was ridiculous. Sorry, Mr. Taylor - this one didn’t cut it.
October 28, 2023
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
February 26, 2024
For me this entry into the Pike Logan Series was not up to the usual level. Did I enjoy the book? Sure. Still I found the story ho hum at best. Should you read it? Of course if you enjoy the genre you’ll have some fun.
January 28, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟
As always, I was so excited to see the latest Pike Logan story. The events are taken from today's headlines with events that are actually occurring in our present day. There is a really interesting Author's Note at the end of the book where Mr. Taylor actually discusses his concerns regarding certain situations and how things were going to play out - both in his book and in real life. I found that extremely interesting.
The story itself was good. I really like the world and the characters that have been built during the last 18 books. The entire team dynamic is something that is so enjoyable to read, especially the way that Jennifer and Pike manage both their personal relationship with that of the Team's. I have found that I actually really like when Shoshanna is included in any story. She adds a bit of intrigue with her supposed "powers" that Pike can't seem to determine if they truly exist or not. She's definitely a one of a kind character and she added a bit of the "woo-woo' without it being over the top.
I will admit to being a little confused at times. I listened to this on audio (and let me do a shout out to Rich Orlow. He did his normally fantastic job at narration) but there were times when I was confused with who was who. There are two teams at work in this plot - in addition to Pike's team - and there were times when I wasn't sure which team was doing what. Maybe that's just me.
While this wasn't my favorite book of all, it still kept me entertained and interested until the end.
Now the wait begins for book 19 :)
As always, I was so excited to see the latest Pike Logan story. The events are taken from today's headlines with events that are actually occurring in our present day. There is a really interesting Author's Note at the end of the book where Mr. Taylor actually discusses his concerns regarding certain situations and how things were going to play out - both in his book and in real life. I found that extremely interesting.
The story itself was good. I really like the world and the characters that have been built during the last 18 books. The entire team dynamic is something that is so enjoyable to read, especially the way that Jennifer and Pike manage both their personal relationship with that of the Team's. I have found that I actually really like when Shoshanna is included in any story. She adds a bit of intrigue with her supposed "powers" that Pike can't seem to determine if they truly exist or not. She's definitely a one of a kind character and she added a bit of the "woo-woo' without it being over the top.
I will admit to being a little confused at times. I listened to this on audio (and let me do a shout out to Rich Orlow. He did his normally fantastic job at narration) but there were times when I was confused with who was who. There are two teams at work in this plot - in addition to Pike's team - and there were times when I wasn't sure which team was doing what. Maybe that's just me.
While this wasn't my favorite book of all, it still kept me entertained and interested until the end.
Now the wait begins for book 19 :)
February 18, 2024
Its's obvious, that Brad Taylor's Spec Ops' experience bleeds through his writing, both the actual operations and the "tug & pull" of the political and bureaucratic nonsense that those "down range" are subject to...And, we as readers, can more appreciate when the tragic news stories of lives lost on special missions emerge...George Orwell has been attributed with something that has stuck with me regarding these brave men and women..."We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."..."Dead Man's Hand," has Pike and his crew drawn into an internecine fight between anti-Putin operatives engaging Ukrainian operatives to assassinate the Russian President and pro-Russian operatives seeking to protect him...The political and bureaucratic tug of war between those behind desks and those at the "tip of the spear” is on obvious display here as operations engage throughout Scandanavia and the Baltic States...Just good Stuff!!!
March 16, 2024
I believe that this could be the most inspired and gripping Pike Logan novel by Brad Taylor. Almost certainly the most researched book in recent memory. Drawing from current and actual tech and events almost always makes a novel more interesting and riveting. The GRS crew still has to qualify and be prepared to deploy in a variety of scenarios. Their high altitude jump quals get interrupted and they get sent on a goat f#¢k of a mission that has the usually impossible ROEs that Pike chooses to follow or ignore as needed. The president decided on a close hold for the mission until spiraled out of control and needed the full Oversight Council, much to their consternation. Pike and his team chased Russians and Ukrainians all over Scandinavia trying to figure out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. The mission involved a device conceived by Putin that literally scared the hell out of everyone that knew about it. Pike's mission was to stop global war by any means necessary, despite any and all orders. I can't wait to read the next mission debrief!
February 5, 2024
The plot of this novel revolves around one question: whom do you trust? Pike Logan is placed in a nearly unwinnable situation. Russia vs. Ukraine. Putin loyalists vs. Ukrainian splinter cells. The title comes from Putin's built in failsafe; if he loses power, things go boom in a big way. Pike and his team are told to just observe the situation...yeah, like that's going to happen. We end up with a kick ass page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the ending. A very good read!!!
February 1, 2024
Pike Logan his team have a very different mission…the “keep watching” technique that usually gets one killed! Suspense, Sweden-joining NATO, Ukrainian fighters, Putin, Russian killers and even an Israeli fighter are after one another…Enjoy
March 6, 2024
3.5 stars
March 3, 2024
Interesting story with current Ukraine/Russia events but not my favorite Pike Logan. The writing felt off and drawn out but well researched given current events, Finland and Estonia city centers and future of espionage.
March 15, 2024
Another solid Pike Logan entry. I dig the team aspect of these books. The plot in this one involving Russia and Ukraine wasn't as compelling because the way it was plotted there was no good villain. Also an element that would have made for a great twist was told to the reader early and not known to the characters. An odd choice. Still an enjoyable thriller that helped me fight through a reading slump.
December 4, 2023
I have read all of the Task Force books and this one may be the best yet. Incredibly topical in today’s day and age, Full of action with Pike’s patented humor. Perfectly paced, always wanting to know what happens in the next chapter. Well done and keep these coming!
October 29, 2024
I’m usually a Brad Thor fan, but this one is a bit over the top. Instead of two factions going at it with the run, shoot, drive routine, this novel has the Americans, the Russians and the Ukrainians hunting each other in two countries. It is very intense and convoluted. In typical Pike Logan action, orders and all communication is going back and forth as they would be in real time, but the other two countries are doing the same thing! Trying to keep up with all that’s going on and trying to keep the three sides straight in your head is enough to give you a headache - it’s just too much! I wasn’t sure how to rate this one, but it wasn’t one of my favorites.
December 9, 2025
A fast, gripping thriller! Brad Taylor delivers nonstop action, sharp twists, and intense geopolitical tension. Pike Logan is at his best in this high-stakes race that kept me hooked from start to finish.
May 5, 2024
"Dead Man's Hand" by Brad Taylor is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The eighteenth book in the Pike Logan series, this novel follows the exploits of Taskforce, an elite team of operators led by Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill. The story kicks off with a bang as Pike and his team are tasked with tracking down a dangerous group known only as the Wolves.
The story commences when Russian Premier Vladamir Putin gets wind of an assassination attempt on his life by a rebel group of Ukrainians known as the Wolves, who have colluded with some traitors of Russian Military Intelligence. He assigns the commander of the Russian National Guard, Victor Petrov to hunt down the traitors. In a subplot to the main anecdote, Russia is on a mission to prevent Sweden from joining NATO, by assassinating one of the Swedish foreign affairs diplomats. Following the task force’s interception of this information, Pike and the team are assigned to a counter-intelligence operation, but without any authority to execute self-defence action.
However, things take an ugly turn, when Pike and his team are caught in a cross-fire between the Wolves and Putin’s henchmen and get engaged in a gunfight. As they continue their surveillance operations, Pike discovers that if the Wolves are successful in assassinating President Putin, it will unleash a catastrophic sequence of global destruction, that is code-named “Dead Man’s Hand”. As they scramble to unravel this deadly conspiracy that threatens to plunge the world into chaos, Pike must confront his inner demons and face the deadly consequences of his past actions.
One of the standout qualities of "Dead Man's Hand" is the vivid and realistic portrayal of military operations and espionage efforts. Brad Taylor, a former Special Forces officer himself, brings a wealth of personal experience and expertise to the table, making the action sequences and tactical manoeuvres in the novel feel authentic and believable. Readers will be immersed in the high-stakes world of covert operations, as Pike and his team race against time to stop a catastrophic attack.
The character development in "Dead Man's Hand" is also top-notch. Pike Logan is a complex and compelling protagonist, haunted by his past and driven by a fierce sense of duty. His relationship with Jennifer Cahill adds an emotional depth to the story, as they navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal together. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, especially when Shoshanna enters the plot, with her agenda assigned by her bosses from Mossad. From the ruthless antagonist mastermind to the dedicated members of the task force, each brings their strengths and vulnerabilities to the table.
Brad Taylor's writing is crisp and fast-paced, grabbing the reader's attention from the very first page and never letting go. The narrative unfolds with a series of twists and turns, keeping the suspense level high and the stakes ever-increasing. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research shines through in the intricately plotted storyline, which is both thought-provoking and pulse-pounding.
Overall, "Dead Man's Hand" is a riveting thriller that combines heart-pounding action with thought-provoking drama. Brad Taylor's expert storytelling and authentic voice make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre, as well as anyone interested in the high-stakes world of international intrigue. With its richly drawn characters, pulse-pounding suspense, and timely themes, "Dead Man's Hand" is a tour de force of military fiction that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Pike Logan series.
The story commences when Russian Premier Vladamir Putin gets wind of an assassination attempt on his life by a rebel group of Ukrainians known as the Wolves, who have colluded with some traitors of Russian Military Intelligence. He assigns the commander of the Russian National Guard, Victor Petrov to hunt down the traitors. In a subplot to the main anecdote, Russia is on a mission to prevent Sweden from joining NATO, by assassinating one of the Swedish foreign affairs diplomats. Following the task force’s interception of this information, Pike and the team are assigned to a counter-intelligence operation, but without any authority to execute self-defence action.
However, things take an ugly turn, when Pike and his team are caught in a cross-fire between the Wolves and Putin’s henchmen and get engaged in a gunfight. As they continue their surveillance operations, Pike discovers that if the Wolves are successful in assassinating President Putin, it will unleash a catastrophic sequence of global destruction, that is code-named “Dead Man’s Hand”. As they scramble to unravel this deadly conspiracy that threatens to plunge the world into chaos, Pike must confront his inner demons and face the deadly consequences of his past actions.
One of the standout qualities of "Dead Man's Hand" is the vivid and realistic portrayal of military operations and espionage efforts. Brad Taylor, a former Special Forces officer himself, brings a wealth of personal experience and expertise to the table, making the action sequences and tactical manoeuvres in the novel feel authentic and believable. Readers will be immersed in the high-stakes world of covert operations, as Pike and his team race against time to stop a catastrophic attack.
The character development in "Dead Man's Hand" is also top-notch. Pike Logan is a complex and compelling protagonist, haunted by his past and driven by a fierce sense of duty. His relationship with Jennifer Cahill adds an emotional depth to the story, as they navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal together. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, especially when Shoshanna enters the plot, with her agenda assigned by her bosses from Mossad. From the ruthless antagonist mastermind to the dedicated members of the task force, each brings their strengths and vulnerabilities to the table.
Brad Taylor's writing is crisp and fast-paced, grabbing the reader's attention from the very first page and never letting go. The narrative unfolds with a series of twists and turns, keeping the suspense level high and the stakes ever-increasing. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research shines through in the intricately plotted storyline, which is both thought-provoking and pulse-pounding.
Overall, "Dead Man's Hand" is a riveting thriller that combines heart-pounding action with thought-provoking drama. Brad Taylor's expert storytelling and authentic voice make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre, as well as anyone interested in the high-stakes world of international intrigue. With its richly drawn characters, pulse-pounding suspense, and timely themes, "Dead Man's Hand" is a tour de force of military fiction that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Pike Logan series.
March 18, 2024
DEAD MAN’S HAND by Brad Taylor
Most of the time, I try to save the latest Brad Taylor novel for my summer vacation—but much like trying to buy Girl Scout Caramel Delites in bulk, storing them in the freezer, and rationing them over time—I was an abysmal failure. I tried, but then I cracked the cover of DEAD MAN’S HAND and couldn’t help myself. Like every other installment in the Pike Logan saga, I loved this book.
Everything you’ve come to adore about the Pike Logan universe is there in spades. The family of characters you’ve come to know like your own—Pike, Jennifer, Knuckles, Veep, and Shoshana—are all present and accounted for, and as you’ve come to expect from Brad Taylor, there’s a twist. Not that anyone should think that our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the Long War can be interpreted as an end to our fight against terrorism, but the war in Ukraine presents itself as fertile and new ground for the Taskforce. Pike and his team are tasked with a mission that conflicts with the parameters of the Taskforce Charter and in an odd twist, it’s Pike that pushes back, not wanting to pursue the mission. Without giving too much away, he and the team are ultimately forced to prevent a daring mission that in another time and place, they would eagerly support. That conflict provides for a new look at who Pike Logan is and what he stands for. As always, beyond the kinetic and authentic action, it’s Brad Taylor’s character development that makes this series such a joy to read. Add in the evolution of his relationship with Jennifer, not to mention Shoshana, his leadership of his team… I can assure you of this, if you’re not hooked already, you will be.
Taylor’s writing is the benchmark for this genre. His research is top-notch, the action heart-pounding from the start, and the narrative disturbingly believable. As a retired CIA Operations Officer who has practiced and taught the skills described in Taylor’s writing, I can’t help but praise his description of tradecraft and the fluid complexity of the dark art of surveillance. As he does regularly, Taylor nails it. The Dead Hand system described in Taylor’s novel is real, a matter of history. As for the Dead Man’s Hand, the modern variant, I can neither confirm nor deny it’s existence, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. So very, very well done.
In summary, like every prior installment in the Pike Logan saga, DEAD MAN’S HAND is not to be missed. I guess I’ll need to find something else to read at the beach this summer.
Most of the time, I try to save the latest Brad Taylor novel for my summer vacation—but much like trying to buy Girl Scout Caramel Delites in bulk, storing them in the freezer, and rationing them over time—I was an abysmal failure. I tried, but then I cracked the cover of DEAD MAN’S HAND and couldn’t help myself. Like every other installment in the Pike Logan saga, I loved this book.
Everything you’ve come to adore about the Pike Logan universe is there in spades. The family of characters you’ve come to know like your own—Pike, Jennifer, Knuckles, Veep, and Shoshana—are all present and accounted for, and as you’ve come to expect from Brad Taylor, there’s a twist. Not that anyone should think that our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the Long War can be interpreted as an end to our fight against terrorism, but the war in Ukraine presents itself as fertile and new ground for the Taskforce. Pike and his team are tasked with a mission that conflicts with the parameters of the Taskforce Charter and in an odd twist, it’s Pike that pushes back, not wanting to pursue the mission. Without giving too much away, he and the team are ultimately forced to prevent a daring mission that in another time and place, they would eagerly support. That conflict provides for a new look at who Pike Logan is and what he stands for. As always, beyond the kinetic and authentic action, it’s Brad Taylor’s character development that makes this series such a joy to read. Add in the evolution of his relationship with Jennifer, not to mention Shoshana, his leadership of his team… I can assure you of this, if you’re not hooked already, you will be.
Taylor’s writing is the benchmark for this genre. His research is top-notch, the action heart-pounding from the start, and the narrative disturbingly believable. As a retired CIA Operations Officer who has practiced and taught the skills described in Taylor’s writing, I can’t help but praise his description of tradecraft and the fluid complexity of the dark art of surveillance. As he does regularly, Taylor nails it. The Dead Hand system described in Taylor’s novel is real, a matter of history. As for the Dead Man’s Hand, the modern variant, I can neither confirm nor deny it’s existence, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. So very, very well done.
In summary, like every prior installment in the Pike Logan saga, DEAD MAN’S HAND is not to be missed. I guess I’ll need to find something else to read at the beach this summer.
January 25, 2024
Pike Logan and his Taskforce team - Jennifer, Knuckles, Veep, Brett along with Israeli agent Shoshone are back in the latest addition to Taylor’s series. The story revolves around the ongoing war in the Ukraine, with the majority of the action taking place in Finland and Sweden. There are plenty of people both in Ukraine and Russia who oppose the war as well as Vladimir Putin and some will go to extraordinary lengths to change the course of history. Pike and company are on a mission that lacks any specific guidance from the Oversight Council. As they move about Scandinavia, they are chasing an elusive goal - who are they chasing - Ukrainians or Russian GRU members or some other Russian group - all of whom seem to be stumbling about as well. Sound confusing - it was until things came into focus as the mission ultimately has a goal. This is the 18th book in the Pike Logan series - I have read about 1/2 of them including the last five and this is another author who consistently puts out a good product with a main character that is both likable and unpredictable. I put Pike up there with Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, John Wells, Scot Harvath, and the like - characters that we have come to know over the years and look forward to another chapter in their worlds. Needless to say, this addition to the series may not have been the best, but it kept my attention throughout leading to a pulse pounding conclusion. I thought the first part of the book was a little confusing bouncing back and forth amongst a bunch of different groups but came together to create a fast-paced read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing how he was going to get out of this one. Logan’s personality - hellbent on saving the world while bumping up against the bureaucracy of the government and its security forces keeps you on your toes as the action builds. As Taylor noted in an afterword, writing a book about a subject that is still in the forefront of the news can be challenging but he has pulled it off. My thanks to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read the ARC of this novel.
January 15, 2024
Brad Taylor has once again created an excellent continuation to the lives of his literary characters. The way that he writes about the way his character’s move about in their world that closely mirrors our own, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, since the story is so realistic that we know any one of the characters could be killed off to keep the story evolving.
As with each of Mr. Taylor’s books, the story could be taken off the current news of the day, and is still a pleasure to re-read years later.
Dead Man’s Hand, the novel, deals with repercussions from the current war between Russia and Ukraine, and without bogging the reader down with whether or not the USA should be involved in it. Our characters are forced into going across the Atlantic to look into something unrelated to that war, but end up getting mixed up with groups involved with it.
This book is hard to put down until reaching the end of the tale, and my only disappointment is that Pike still has not replaced his old Jeep with a 1976 IH Scout! (Sorry, it is a personal thing and doesn’t mean anything to other readers)
I am eagerly awaiting the next story in this series, whether it is the next novel or short story set between the novels.
If you haven’t figured it out, I highly recommend this novel and the whole series!
As with each of Mr. Taylor’s books, the story could be taken off the current news of the day, and is still a pleasure to re-read years later.
Dead Man’s Hand, the novel, deals with repercussions from the current war between Russia and Ukraine, and without bogging the reader down with whether or not the USA should be involved in it. Our characters are forced into going across the Atlantic to look into something unrelated to that war, but end up getting mixed up with groups involved with it.
This book is hard to put down until reaching the end of the tale, and my only disappointment is that Pike still has not replaced his old Jeep with a 1976 IH Scout! (Sorry, it is a personal thing and doesn’t mean anything to other readers)
I am eagerly awaiting the next story in this series, whether it is the next novel or short story set between the novels.
If you haven’t figured it out, I highly recommend this novel and the whole series!
April 22, 2025
This is incredibly tough to rank. I have real respect for Taylor as an author, and whilst the subject matter of his Pike Logan books is problematic – an extra-curricular American government sponsored kill team – usually I can ignore the ethical issues and get on board with the excellent thrillers that Mr Taylor produces. After all, if you ignore “the ends justifies the means” then the good guys win and we all sleep safe in our beds.
However, I found I just couldn't finish this – I started ages ago, before the latest US elections, but then found out that I just couldn't go on. Indeed, I have actually stopped reading for quite some time (because I'm a sad obsessive and I hate not finishing a book, I was hit with a reader's block!)
Let's be honest - in the current real world situation the idea of such a team run by America would be close to any sane person's nightmare.
If you can ignore the real world I'm sure this would be right up there with Brad Taylor's page turning best, his books are well researched, his background suggests that he knows what he is talking about, and that's certainly the way it reads. The “did not finish” is my failing not his, at the same time a four or five star review would be dishonest so I've gone with an average three stars. My apologies to the author.
However, I found I just couldn't finish this – I started ages ago, before the latest US elections, but then found out that I just couldn't go on. Indeed, I have actually stopped reading for quite some time (because I'm a sad obsessive and I hate not finishing a book, I was hit with a reader's block!)
Let's be honest - in the current real world situation the idea of such a team run by America would be close to any sane person's nightmare.
If you can ignore the real world I'm sure this would be right up there with Brad Taylor's page turning best, his books are well researched, his background suggests that he knows what he is talking about, and that's certainly the way it reads. The “did not finish” is my failing not his, at the same time a four or five star review would be dishonest so I've gone with an average three stars. My apologies to the author.
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