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In the President's Service #2
The Dark Pool
Helen Meeker is up against impossible odds as she races against time to rescue both her sister and her partner. To further complicate matters, however, behind-the-scenes experiments threaten the very survival of Western civilization.
From the halls of the White House to the hidden laboratory of a diabolical scientist to the foreign fields of battle, a pervading evil moves ever closer to the successful overthrow of all that is good. Will Helen Meeker be able to stem the tide…or will she be swept away in its dark undercurrent?
From the halls of the White House to the hidden laboratory of a diabolical scientist to the foreign fields of battle, a pervading evil moves ever closer to the successful overthrow of all that is good. Will Helen Meeker be able to stem the tide…or will she be swept away in its dark undercurrent?
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2013
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Ace Collins
119 books219 followersCiting his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2024
This is a different style of novel. It reads life a TV episode, and now there are 19 novels to this series. I'm not sure I will read the whole series, but it's going to be hard not to read them all. Each one ends with a cliffhanger.
May 6, 2018
Loving this series
I am really getting into these books. Already have the next one. They keep my interest through the last page.
I am really getting into these books. Already have the next one. They keep my interest through the last page.
May 31, 2018
Quell done and entertaining.
February 17, 2014
Brilliant! Ace has done it again with this second installment in the series. I did find that having read his first book with the introduction of Helen Meeker finding her sister, The Yellow Packard, brought a little more depth into the story line. We start right where A Date with Death left off. He intricately introduces the Dark Pool to us in the beginning, using such imagery to bring out that moment in the life we can feel so triumphant and suddenly find ourselves struck down in the mire. You feel the brokenness of the prisoner as he lies and weeps. With the setting of war and 2 of the people most important to her kidnapped, you feel for Helen and her dark pool that she is trudging through in this 2nd part of the series.
We have the same as the 1st installment, intrigue, suspense and historical references that put you right in the moment. I can hear the woodwinds and brass of Tommy Dorsey and Frankie crooning over radio waves. I can feel the eagerness in Helen as she seeks to find a resolution to what is an almost impossible decision. Ace writes in such a way to completely draw you in to this world of ultimate patriotism and standing up for a country you love.
A new entity is brought into this installment that makes you wonder that other twists this story has in store for us. The structure of having a new installment every month makes for an added bit of excitement. You don't have to pace yourself thinking there will be another year before you can find out what's next. I recommend this to anyone that likes a good suspense with a strong female lead that isn't bogged down in sexual tension. I like a heroine that would never claim heroine status, but holds her own in such strong confidence that men don't know how to handle her, all the while embracing all that feminity has to offer.
This review was my honest opinion in exchange for a copy of this book courtesy of bookfun.org.
We have the same as the 1st installment, intrigue, suspense and historical references that put you right in the moment. I can hear the woodwinds and brass of Tommy Dorsey and Frankie crooning over radio waves. I can feel the eagerness in Helen as she seeks to find a resolution to what is an almost impossible decision. Ace writes in such a way to completely draw you in to this world of ultimate patriotism and standing up for a country you love.
A new entity is brought into this installment that makes you wonder that other twists this story has in store for us. The structure of having a new installment every month makes for an added bit of excitement. You don't have to pace yourself thinking there will be another year before you can find out what's next. I recommend this to anyone that likes a good suspense with a strong female lead that isn't bogged down in sexual tension. I like a heroine that would never claim heroine status, but holds her own in such strong confidence that men don't know how to handle her, all the while embracing all that feminity has to offer.
This review was my honest opinion in exchange for a copy of this book courtesy of bookfun.org.
August 4, 2016
This is the second episode of In The President's Service mystery series. Ace Collins has once again hit it out of the park and snared us with danger, intrigue, action, suspense and everything else fantastic that you can pack into one episode. I can't get enough of this series and am chomping at the bit between each episode dying to know what happens next.
Helen continues to jump head first into her job and loyalty to her country to save those innocents around her. In a time where everyone is on alert for those who would do anything for money - including handing over your own country - Helen knows she is up against the best. The whole mystery of Reggie Fister keeps this story rolling, then you add a secret lab, her sister in danger, her partner missing or dead and you just can't put the book down. Ace knows how to trail the breadcrumbs leaving you wanting more when you turn to the last page and cry "NO!" when you realize it's a cliffhanger. What can this secret laboratory mean for our country? Will they ever get to the bottom of it? Is Helen's partner dead or alive?
Add on top of all this the fact that Ace knows how to immerse you into the era. I felt I was there in that time period of history. He knows his stuff!
Highly recommend this whole series - go get it and READ!
received book from bookfun.org for honest review
Helen continues to jump head first into her job and loyalty to her country to save those innocents around her. In a time where everyone is on alert for those who would do anything for money - including handing over your own country - Helen knows she is up against the best. The whole mystery of Reggie Fister keeps this story rolling, then you add a secret lab, her sister in danger, her partner missing or dead and you just can't put the book down. Ace knows how to trail the breadcrumbs leaving you wanting more when you turn to the last page and cry "NO!" when you realize it's a cliffhanger. What can this secret laboratory mean for our country? Will they ever get to the bottom of it? Is Helen's partner dead or alive?
Add on top of all this the fact that Ace knows how to immerse you into the era. I felt I was there in that time period of history. He knows his stuff!
Highly recommend this whole series - go get it and READ!
received book from bookfun.org for honest review
April 8, 2014
In the middle of WWII, Helen Meeker finds herself a close aide to FDR, himself. As this episode begins, she has just helped foil a plot to assassinate FDR and Churchill. She know must move on to rescuing her little sister and hopefully, finding her partner for whom she has discovered she has feelings. She is afraid she is responsible for the possible deaths of both of them.
Helen is up against a diabolical scientist whose schemes may turn the tide of the war. Can she protect both those she loves and her country at the same time?
The concept of Ace Collins’ episodes is very different. It is only available digitally and in serial format. Originally, it was to come out monthly. This is the second of three episodes which are currently available. It is no more than novella in length, so the author cannot go too far in developing the story. Personally, I would have been happier if I could have read the whole story at once. I felt that I was just being introduced to the characters and the episode was over. There was lots of action packed in a few pages with little resolution at the end. But, who knows – they used to serialize stories in monthly magazines, so perhaps there is a market for this.
I received a copy of this from the BookClub network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Helen is up against a diabolical scientist whose schemes may turn the tide of the war. Can she protect both those she loves and her country at the same time?
The concept of Ace Collins’ episodes is very different. It is only available digitally and in serial format. Originally, it was to come out monthly. This is the second of three episodes which are currently available. It is no more than novella in length, so the author cannot go too far in developing the story. Personally, I would have been happier if I could have read the whole story at once. I felt that I was just being introduced to the characters and the episode was over. There was lots of action packed in a few pages with little resolution at the end. But, who knows – they used to serialize stories in monthly magazines, so perhaps there is a market for this.
I received a copy of this from the BookClub network in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 15, 2014
In The Dark Pool by Ace Collins, I quickly discovering that the series had started earlier. A fast paced thriller set in the 1940’s, the suspense novel kept pulling me all the way to the end with questions like: Why are people made mute and furtive surgeries performed? Where is Helen Meeker’s missing partner?
Helen Meeker works in President Roosevelt’s secret service and deals with Nazi spies. I love that she drives a yellow Packard--usually very fast. She is comfortable as a woman in a man's world and is a fine heroine. I wasn't sure who the hero was, but, reading the whole series probably answers that.
I did not realize that this was a monthly series until the end. In hindsight, I wish I had started from the beginning. I don't usually like cliffhanger books because in the wait I loose details that add rich layers to a story. That aside, this is a fabulous concept and well executed. I enjoyed and recommend this series.
I received a complimentary ebook from the Book Club Network at bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
Helen Meeker works in President Roosevelt’s secret service and deals with Nazi spies. I love that she drives a yellow Packard--usually very fast. She is comfortable as a woman in a man's world and is a fine heroine. I wasn't sure who the hero was, but, reading the whole series probably answers that.
I did not realize that this was a monthly series until the end. In hindsight, I wish I had started from the beginning. I don't usually like cliffhanger books because in the wait I loose details that add rich layers to a story. That aside, this is a fabulous concept and well executed. I enjoyed and recommend this series.
I received a complimentary ebook from the Book Club Network at bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2014
Helen Meeker has been shot. Who wants her dead? The main suspect is in custody or so they believe? Helen held the answer to this question.
Enter 2 doctors, a lab FBI agent, a MIA agent, a secret service agent and an innocent college student and you have the makings of a secret team.
Thanks to a pint of Fister's "supercharged" blood, Helen makes a speedy and complete recovery. Now those bent on espionage want a prominent German citizen who now lives in the United States and helps with them with the war, brought back to Hitler. They will stop short at nothing to make this happen. Will the "secret" team be able to free the prisoners before the plane takes off? Or will the reader be flown to Germany for Ace Collin's fourth episode?
Great series set in a time of many unanswered questions and unsettled alliances. Eagerly awaiting Episode 4.
I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Enter 2 doctors, a lab FBI agent, a MIA agent, a secret service agent and an innocent college student and you have the makings of a secret team.
Thanks to a pint of Fister's "supercharged" blood, Helen makes a speedy and complete recovery. Now those bent on espionage want a prominent German citizen who now lives in the United States and helps with them with the war, brought back to Hitler. They will stop short at nothing to make this happen. Will the "secret" team be able to free the prisoners before the plane takes off? Or will the reader be flown to Germany for Ace Collin's fourth episode?
Great series set in a time of many unanswered questions and unsettled alliances. Eagerly awaiting Episode 4.
I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2014
Dark Pool
In the President's Service ~ Episode 2
By Ace Collins
Dark Pool picks up where A Date with Death left us. Reece and Allison have been abducted and Helen Meeker is in a countdown to save her sister and partner. But can she get the information she needs from British Army hero Reggie Fister or will he taunt her until it is too late?
But someone is determined to carry out their mission and Reggie Fister is an important part of completing it. And they are willing to do anything to get their man back.
Dark Pool is a fast paced and exciting story you won't want to put down. Who does Helen choose to go after - her sister or her partner? Who will she save? This episode is as exciting as Episode 1 and it will leave you in anticipation of Episode 3. Cliff-hanger that will leave you gasping!
I was provided a copy of this digital book through BookFun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.
In the President's Service ~ Episode 2
By Ace Collins
Dark Pool picks up where A Date with Death left us. Reece and Allison have been abducted and Helen Meeker is in a countdown to save her sister and partner. But can she get the information she needs from British Army hero Reggie Fister or will he taunt her until it is too late?
But someone is determined to carry out their mission and Reggie Fister is an important part of completing it. And they are willing to do anything to get their man back.
Dark Pool is a fast paced and exciting story you won't want to put down. Who does Helen choose to go after - her sister or her partner? Who will she save? This episode is as exciting as Episode 1 and it will leave you in anticipation of Episode 3. Cliff-hanger that will leave you gasping!
I was provided a copy of this digital book through BookFun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.
March 7, 2014
Love a Well- Named Book!
This is the second installment of a serial series, In the President's Service, that comes out once a month. It is best read in order with its predecessor, and you will want the following episodes, too! Ace Collins had introduced us to Helen Meeker, who works for FDR at the time of WWII. She is also reunited with her former FBI partner, Henry Reese, or, she WAS until she finds herself furiously racing the clock to locate and save both Reese and her sister from sinister forces. Starting with the capture of a Nazi spy,the ninety mile-an-hour action only screeches to a stop when the last page has been anxiously thumbed and the reader is praying for next month to come soon! An absolutely fabulous read for male and female alike!
I received this ebook episode from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second installment of a serial series, In the President's Service, that comes out once a month. It is best read in order with its predecessor, and you will want the following episodes, too! Ace Collins had introduced us to Helen Meeker, who works for FDR at the time of WWII. She is also reunited with her former FBI partner, Henry Reese, or, she WAS until she finds herself furiously racing the clock to locate and save both Reese and her sister from sinister forces. Starting with the capture of a Nazi spy,the ninety mile-an-hour action only screeches to a stop when the last page has been anxiously thumbed and the reader is praying for next month to come soon! An absolutely fabulous read for male and female alike!
I received this ebook episode from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2014
Intrigue and Espionage
This is the second episode in the series “In the President’s Service”. The series is full of espionage and drama and keeps you guessing as to how the plot will develop. The second episode is just as exciting and nail biting as the first episode, but I did have to review the first one a little to catch up on what was happening. Perhaps having a little synopsis of each previous episode might help the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved that I could read the whole book at one time. Can’t wait for the next episode! This would be a great tv series.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review
This is the second episode in the series “In the President’s Service”. The series is full of espionage and drama and keeps you guessing as to how the plot will develop. The second episode is just as exciting and nail biting as the first episode, but I did have to review the first one a little to catch up on what was happening. Perhaps having a little synopsis of each previous episode might help the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved that I could read the whole book at one time. Can’t wait for the next episode! This would be a great tv series.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review
February 18, 2014
The Dark Pool is the second episode from the series In The President's Service. Ace Collins keeps us captivated as this story continues, with more drama, danger, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns.
Helen Meeker continues her path to help save the world, her sister and former FBI partner. A surprise ending in this episode. It will leave you longing to see what happens next. Can't wait to read the next one. This is a great series.
I recommend you read this book.
I received a copy of this e-book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Helen Meeker continues her path to help save the world, her sister and former FBI partner. A surprise ending in this episode. It will leave you longing to see what happens next. Can't wait to read the next one. This is a great series.
I recommend you read this book.
I received a copy of this e-book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
March 28, 2014
The Dark Pool
By: Ace Collins
This number 2 in the series and I am just loving them. What wonderful characters. Helen Meeker is one tuff lady. She is trying to save her sister and Henry Reese and not much time to do it in. Not only her sister but the survival of the Western civilization. There is a secret lab they need to find and only so much time to do it in. There also is a Nazi spy they need to capture. This one is action packed. This one leaves you really hanging. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action. I am looking forward to book 3.
By: Ace Collins
This number 2 in the series and I am just loving them. What wonderful characters. Helen Meeker is one tuff lady. She is trying to save her sister and Henry Reese and not much time to do it in. Not only her sister but the survival of the Western civilization. There is a secret lab they need to find and only so much time to do it in. There also is a Nazi spy they need to capture. This one is action packed. This one leaves you really hanging. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action. I am looking forward to book 3.
February 16, 2014
I really like this series. I like Helen. She's tough, smarter than the guys, a crack shot, beautiful, and she love to drive fast. In the first episode she saved President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill. But she put her own sister and partner in danger. In this episode she races against the clock to saver her sister.
I grew up on hard boiled detective novels and this series is like those. I do like it. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1dyhjjM.
I grew up on hard boiled detective novels and this series is like those. I do like it. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1dyhjjM.
February 17, 2014
I have read the first episode and could hardly wait for the second one. This series is so good. It is fast moving. So will Helen find her sister and her partner before they are killed by the bad guys? You must read this series to find the answers.
Waiting patiently for the next episode.
I was given this book free for my honest review from bookfun.org.
Waiting patiently for the next episode.
I was given this book free for my honest review from bookfun.org.
February 15, 2014
This part was even better than the first part. Can Helen save her sister or her partner? Read to find out. This keeps you guessing what will happen next. Recieved this through the book club network for a fair and honest review
August 13, 2016
Not enjoying the ending
The author definitely wants to keep you hanging in suspense and purchase future novels. Well, I am a glutton and curious as a cat so onto the next episode. I love the series and they need to be read in order. Espionage,intrigue,romance all in one packAge.
The author definitely wants to keep you hanging in suspense and purchase future novels. Well, I am a glutton and curious as a cat so onto the next episode. I love the series and they need to be read in order. Espionage,intrigue,romance all in one packAge.
September 11, 2015
Another cliff-hanger
Another fast-paced thriller with Helen Meeker striving toward the answer. When I get to the end I'm always wanting more.
Another fast-paced thriller with Helen Meeker striving toward the answer. When I get to the end I'm always wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews