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Agent Dallas Thriller #2
The Target
Agent Jamie Dallas loves undercover assignments that get her out of the Phoenix Bureau. But her new case is daunting—an FBI agent is mysteriously dead, and a medical device company is targeting competitors with dangerous acts of sabotage.
Dallas infiltrates TecLife, spies on her new bosses, and tries to steal a sample of their mutant bacteria. But soon her life is in danger when she’s caught in a battle between companies, each hoping to kill the competition while launching a billion-dollar blockbuster.
Meanwhile, a famous actor is found beaten and murdered in an abandoned cannery, and a young detective lands the case of a lifetime. Determined to bring justice to his favorite star, Detective Cortez follows a trail of evidence that leads to the medical-product war—but he has no idea how deadly it is.
Can Dallas survive long enough to stop a researcher who’s gone over the edge and save millions of consumers from getting caught in the crossfire?
“With her latest Agent Dallas outing, Ms. Sellers has once again hit it out of the park.”—Bookbitch.com
Dallas infiltrates TecLife, spies on her new bosses, and tries to steal a sample of their mutant bacteria. But soon her life is in danger when she’s caught in a battle between companies, each hoping to kill the competition while launching a billion-dollar blockbuster.
Meanwhile, a famous actor is found beaten and murdered in an abandoned cannery, and a young detective lands the case of a lifetime. Determined to bring justice to his favorite star, Detective Cortez follows a trail of evidence that leads to the medical-product war—but he has no idea how deadly it is.
Can Dallas survive long enough to stop a researcher who’s gone over the edge and save millions of consumers from getting caught in the crossfire?
“With her latest Agent Dallas outing, Ms. Sellers has once again hit it out of the park.”—Bookbitch.com
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
90 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Sellers
59 books477 followersI write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 20, 2014
THE TARGET by LJ Sellers is the second book in her Dallas series featuring undercover FBI Agent Jamie Dallas. Dallas' first case was with Agent River in Eugene, Oregon helping Detective Wade Jackson. Sellers introduced the Dallas Series in THE TRIGGER. THE TARGET is Sellers' newest adventure in undercover work in San Diego. I think Agent Jamie Dallas is her to stay.
LJ Sellers does a wonderful job of developing her protagonist Agent Jamie Dallas as the key character driving her story. THE TARGET is a technothriller focusing on the BIOTECH industry. As usual Sellers gives characters, the readers can connect with because each character, has a great back story.
Sellers explains how Dallas goes undercover to find out details of the product tampering, a warehouse destroyed by fire killing the night watchman, and the death of an FBI agent. The San Diego field office's investigation is trying to find who is tampering with products in the cutthroat BIOTECH industry? THE TARGET'S protagonist is undercover Agent Jamie Dallas working with Agent River as her backup field agent the undercover investigation. Dallas' undercover assignment is to find the person or persons responsible for sabotaging product lines, burning down warehouses, responsible for unexplained deaths
We learn immediately that this case she is being sent in undercover is going to be a difficult and dangerous. It involves the death of an FBI agent, Joe Palmer in San Diego. The death of an agent is always bad but in this instance it has a personal side. Agent Palmer and his wife raised Agent Carla River, River asks for Dallas, who is a friend and colleague, to come to San Diego to help find the answers to circumstances behind the deaths of two people, a warehouse fire, and the threat of product tampering. .
Sellers helps us understand who Jamie Dallas is both as an undercover agent and her personal life. Dallas doesn't believe in coincidences. She thinks there is a connection to the death of a security guard, death of, a researcher, the work of an arsonist setting a warehouse fire, and a death celebrity who happens to be a major stockholder of one BioTech companies involved in the fires and product tampering..
The story details how the BIOTECH industry plays an important role the business environment in San Diego. Sellers gives the reader a good background on the issues going on with companies who bring products to market and the fight for market share. Products issues in the health care industry make the story real to the readers. She brings to life the economic problems companies face. The two companies are fighting to bring health care product focus on helping people lose weight. We get a great understanding of the side characters and the role they play in the story.
The book's pace builds slowly to a fast moving turn of events. Seller's story changes direction with unexpected twist and turns from the time Dallas arrives in San Diego. Sellers does a great job of helping fans understand the similarities of the background of River and Dallas and what they faced growing up. We learn River and Dallas' back story making both agents human. Events, such as Dallas having a death in the family in the middle of her undercover assignment and she has to fly home. We see River trying to honor the death of her mentor, Agent Palmer in San Diego without loosing the new life she has in Eugene, Oregon. River would like to resolve the case in San Diego so she could return to Eugene, Oregon.. Dallas and River's personal issues are the same the problems and issue Sellers' readers face each day. The readers feel a personal connection Dallas.
Sellers help us see the Dallas character growing and becoming a stronger person. We understand why she loves undercover work. We also see Dallas accepting the sacrifices and the dangers of her undercover work. Dallas has a passion for the importance of her undercover assignments and is willing to face danger the job demands.
One thing I like most about how Sellers writes is how she presents her fans more than one case police and FBI to solve. It is amazing how the two stories develop side by side, and we won't see if they connect until we get to the end of the book. THE TARGET details how Agent Carla River deals with the local police investigation of the celebrity stockholder River prove it. River agrees with Dallas there is a connection. Sellers show us how Agent River deals with a young, aggressive detective to get local cooperation and support..
I won't tell you any spoilers in my review. You will have to read the book to find out how Agent Palmer died and why and what Agent Dallas finds out about products about to be released by both companies. The exciting ending and what Dallas had to endure to bring her case to a surprising end.
LJ Sellers keeps us on edge and readers will feel the suspense and experience the thrill of an unpredictable ending of THE TARGET. This ending is just unexpected. I enjoyed how Sellers made us part of the investigative team including the local and federal investigation and importance of Dallas's undercover work. We see how everything comes together, and we learn that undercover work is dangerous. I give this book a 5 star rating and must read recommendation.
LJ Sellers does a wonderful job of developing her protagonist Agent Jamie Dallas as the key character driving her story. THE TARGET is a technothriller focusing on the BIOTECH industry. As usual Sellers gives characters, the readers can connect with because each character, has a great back story.
Sellers explains how Dallas goes undercover to find out details of the product tampering, a warehouse destroyed by fire killing the night watchman, and the death of an FBI agent. The San Diego field office's investigation is trying to find who is tampering with products in the cutthroat BIOTECH industry? THE TARGET'S protagonist is undercover Agent Jamie Dallas working with Agent River as her backup field agent the undercover investigation. Dallas' undercover assignment is to find the person or persons responsible for sabotaging product lines, burning down warehouses, responsible for unexplained deaths
We learn immediately that this case she is being sent in undercover is going to be a difficult and dangerous. It involves the death of an FBI agent, Joe Palmer in San Diego. The death of an agent is always bad but in this instance it has a personal side. Agent Palmer and his wife raised Agent Carla River, River asks for Dallas, who is a friend and colleague, to come to San Diego to help find the answers to circumstances behind the deaths of two people, a warehouse fire, and the threat of product tampering. .
Sellers helps us understand who Jamie Dallas is both as an undercover agent and her personal life. Dallas doesn't believe in coincidences. She thinks there is a connection to the death of a security guard, death of, a researcher, the work of an arsonist setting a warehouse fire, and a death celebrity who happens to be a major stockholder of one BioTech companies involved in the fires and product tampering..
The story details how the BIOTECH industry plays an important role the business environment in San Diego. Sellers gives the reader a good background on the issues going on with companies who bring products to market and the fight for market share. Products issues in the health care industry make the story real to the readers. She brings to life the economic problems companies face. The two companies are fighting to bring health care product focus on helping people lose weight. We get a great understanding of the side characters and the role they play in the story.
The book's pace builds slowly to a fast moving turn of events. Seller's story changes direction with unexpected twist and turns from the time Dallas arrives in San Diego. Sellers does a great job of helping fans understand the similarities of the background of River and Dallas and what they faced growing up. We learn River and Dallas' back story making both agents human. Events, such as Dallas having a death in the family in the middle of her undercover assignment and she has to fly home. We see River trying to honor the death of her mentor, Agent Palmer in San Diego without loosing the new life she has in Eugene, Oregon. River would like to resolve the case in San Diego so she could return to Eugene, Oregon.. Dallas and River's personal issues are the same the problems and issue Sellers' readers face each day. The readers feel a personal connection Dallas.
Sellers help us see the Dallas character growing and becoming a stronger person. We understand why she loves undercover work. We also see Dallas accepting the sacrifices and the dangers of her undercover work. Dallas has a passion for the importance of her undercover assignments and is willing to face danger the job demands.
One thing I like most about how Sellers writes is how she presents her fans more than one case police and FBI to solve. It is amazing how the two stories develop side by side, and we won't see if they connect until we get to the end of the book. THE TARGET details how Agent Carla River deals with the local police investigation of the celebrity stockholder River prove it. River agrees with Dallas there is a connection. Sellers show us how Agent River deals with a young, aggressive detective to get local cooperation and support..
I won't tell you any spoilers in my review. You will have to read the book to find out how Agent Palmer died and why and what Agent Dallas finds out about products about to be released by both companies. The exciting ending and what Dallas had to endure to bring her case to a surprising end.
LJ Sellers keeps us on edge and readers will feel the suspense and experience the thrill of an unpredictable ending of THE TARGET. This ending is just unexpected. I enjoyed how Sellers made us part of the investigative team including the local and federal investigation and importance of Dallas's undercover work. We see how everything comes together, and we learn that undercover work is dangerous. I give this book a 5 star rating and must read recommendation.
December 9, 2014
I have enjoyed the Detective Jackson series by this author, of which the ninth entry is scheduled to be released in August of 2014. The present novel is the second in the Agent Dallas books. The reader is immediately shown a facet of the personality of Agent Jamie Dallas when, in the opening pages, she undertakes skydiving with her colleague, on a bit. (This trait, of loving a challenge, is apparently one she shares with her creator, who has also been known to jump out of airplanes.) When Jaime wins the bet, that she couldn’t catch him in a free-fall, “not only did Sam owe her a hundred dollars, but for the next week, he had to call her ‘sir’ and give her sex whenever she wanted it.” But what she’s really anxious for is another undercover assignment. Hopefully soon enough to get out of Phoenix for the rest of the summer. Her wish is granted when she is called to San Diego: An FBI agent has been killed. Dallas, whose ultimate aim is to become a Special Agent, for now loves undercover work: “a license to lie, cheat and spy - - all for the good of her country.”
What follows is a look into the field of medical device research and development into what seems a very esoteric field: developing digestive-friendly microbiota, appetite-suppressant devices, and the like. Two particular companies seem to have a more-than-usually competitive relationship, and sabotage is suspected, with each rumored to have a mole in the other company, and with the murdered agent only the first victim. The stakes are huge: if one is to believe the studies, a very large portion of our society suffers from obesity, and a product to combat that has multi-billion dollar rewards.
A recurring theme is revenge, and fraught father-daughter situations. The cast of characters, as always with Ms. Sellers, is intriguing and unusual: Transgender agent Carla (formerly “Carl”) River, whose father was a convicted serial killer serving a life sentence; Kiya, a free-lance and very lethal operative from Uzbekistan who had been sold as a young child into marriage; homicide cop Raul Cortez, only four months on the job and with an active love life (or imagination) and a “rescue pig” named Grumpy; and Dallas herself, who had run away from home at 16 and never looked back, and whose connection to the murdered agent is very personal. An enjoyable read (although my preference is still for the Detective Jackson series, I must admit).
What follows is a look into the field of medical device research and development into what seems a very esoteric field: developing digestive-friendly microbiota, appetite-suppressant devices, and the like. Two particular companies seem to have a more-than-usually competitive relationship, and sabotage is suspected, with each rumored to have a mole in the other company, and with the murdered agent only the first victim. The stakes are huge: if one is to believe the studies, a very large portion of our society suffers from obesity, and a product to combat that has multi-billion dollar rewards.
A recurring theme is revenge, and fraught father-daughter situations. The cast of characters, as always with Ms. Sellers, is intriguing and unusual: Transgender agent Carla (formerly “Carl”) River, whose father was a convicted serial killer serving a life sentence; Kiya, a free-lance and very lethal operative from Uzbekistan who had been sold as a young child into marriage; homicide cop Raul Cortez, only four months on the job and with an active love life (or imagination) and a “rescue pig” named Grumpy; and Dallas herself, who had run away from home at 16 and never looked back, and whose connection to the murdered agent is very personal. An enjoyable read (although my preference is still for the Detective Jackson series, I must admit).
August 6, 2015
Interesting story.
Medical device and drug companies trying to steal and make more money from people wanting to lose weight. Parent of a child with Prade-Willi Syndrome. FBI, CDC investigations of these companies, with little politics, love.
Medical device and drug companies trying to steal and make more money from people wanting to lose weight. Parent of a child with Prade-Willi Syndrome. FBI, CDC investigations of these companies, with little politics, love.
May 11, 2014
Just finished reading another very good read by L J Sellers. Lab work for new medical cures was especially interesting.
April 28, 2025
A twisted story
This was a complex and intriguing story with many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
This was a complex and intriguing story with many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
March 16, 2020
Very enjoyable
December 22, 2020
A good read.
September 4, 2014
THE TARGET by LJ Sellers is the second book featuring undercover FBI Agent Jamie Dallas. I like when reviewers put that in so I know which book to read when!
Having said that, I think this book would be good as a stand-alone book. In terms of character background, I don't feel like there is much. She had a rough childhood, she has scars, she's a loner, adrenaline junkie and has intimacy issues. Not a lot of time is spend examining all that, which, in my opinion is just fine. The only complaint I have with the glossing over of her flaws is she's an FBI agent! I feel like there must be MORE or she never would have made the cut. In this case, the lack of details make her seem reckless and that, in turn, makes the FBI seem incompetent or desperate.
The story is entertaining. A little convoluted, with all the companies and the connections and this and that. I feel like, for the sake of the story, the author tends to rush things. I don't care how sexy and gorgeous and AMAZING agent Dallas is ... no bigwig in a large company is going to just GIVE her trust like she gets in the book.
I also have to wonder, seriously, how many times has this poor girl been hit on the head? Down she goes again ... will she ever learn? Two books, two conks on the head she survives! It's like James Bond! No criminal ever just finishes the pesky FBI agent off! It's unrealistic, unless the author is trying to show some sort of compassion in the criminals. I don't know. But it detracts from the enjoyment of the story for me.
Another distraction is how the men in her life, who she regularly blows off, come back more in love than ever. No. If every time she sends a Dear John text the man comes back harder .... it's unrealistic. And, there should be consequences, not some cosmic assurance that once she's given some super-nice guy the heave-ho, he will come back. No.
Still, I enjoyed the book. Books. I'd probably pick up the next one if it was on Kindle Unlimited. The main character is likeable enough, with all her flaws that I'd read another book about her. I'd just like to see a darker tone, I guess, as we find out more about her, her past and of what she is really capable.
Having said that, I think this book would be good as a stand-alone book. In terms of character background, I don't feel like there is much. She had a rough childhood, she has scars, she's a loner, adrenaline junkie and has intimacy issues. Not a lot of time is spend examining all that, which, in my opinion is just fine. The only complaint I have with the glossing over of her flaws is she's an FBI agent! I feel like there must be MORE or she never would have made the cut. In this case, the lack of details make her seem reckless and that, in turn, makes the FBI seem incompetent or desperate.
The story is entertaining. A little convoluted, with all the companies and the connections and this and that. I feel like, for the sake of the story, the author tends to rush things. I don't care how sexy and gorgeous and AMAZING agent Dallas is ... no bigwig in a large company is going to just GIVE her trust like she gets in the book.
I also have to wonder, seriously, how many times has this poor girl been hit on the head? Down she goes again ... will she ever learn? Two books, two conks on the head she survives! It's like James Bond! No criminal ever just finishes the pesky FBI agent off! It's unrealistic, unless the author is trying to show some sort of compassion in the criminals. I don't know. But it detracts from the enjoyment of the story for me.
Another distraction is how the men in her life, who she regularly blows off, come back more in love than ever. No. If every time she sends a Dear John text the man comes back harder .... it's unrealistic. And, there should be consequences, not some cosmic assurance that once she's given some super-nice guy the heave-ho, he will come back. No.
Still, I enjoyed the book. Books. I'd probably pick up the next one if it was on Kindle Unlimited. The main character is likeable enough, with all her flaws that I'd read another book about her. I'd just like to see a darker tone, I guess, as we find out more about her, her past and of what she is really capable.
August 12, 2016
Agent Jamie Dallas’ new assignment involves investigating corporate intrigue, suspicious deaths and sabotage in the field of medical technology. She loves the excitement and even the danger, thriving on the thrill of undercover work. She still has problems with long-term relationships and is happy to sever any romantic ties when a job comes along.
The ins and outs of the Biotech industry are detailed and well researched. It’s interesting and quite scary to explore how far companies might go in the race to become the first to launch a product and how vulnerable the public can be when unscrupulous people are involved. The rewards and accolades are naturally very high and it’s a game where murder isn’t too high a price as Dallas finds out to her cost.
Lots of action and suspense and we get to meet Agent Carla (neé Carl) Rivers again. Dallas and Rivers are interesting characters, both had difficult formative years and are dealing, or trying to, with the consequences.
Another good read from L J Sellers. I like the way she incorporates two intertwining story lines which are always woven together well.
The ins and outs of the Biotech industry are detailed and well researched. It’s interesting and quite scary to explore how far companies might go in the race to become the first to launch a product and how vulnerable the public can be when unscrupulous people are involved. The rewards and accolades are naturally very high and it’s a game where murder isn’t too high a price as Dallas finds out to her cost.
Lots of action and suspense and we get to meet Agent Carla (neé Carl) Rivers again. Dallas and Rivers are interesting characters, both had difficult formative years and are dealing, or trying to, with the consequences.
Another good read from L J Sellers. I like the way she incorporates two intertwining story lines which are always woven together well.
August 21, 2014
I haven't written a book review or anything close to it for over 35 years. I enjoy reading books when I have the time in a matter of a few days. Unfortunately, being an owner of a newly established general contracting business, did not allow me to enjoy reading this book the way I wanted to. Having said that, I found the book well written, suspenseful, easy to follow, got into the characters easily. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.
I had a very busy spring/summer, and I want to read this book again when I have time in my slower season of winter. I will post another more in-depth review in the winter months. Thank you for picking my name to win this book. For now, I will enter your contests for cook books, home improvement, woodworking etc.
I had a very busy spring/summer, and I want to read this book again when I have time in my slower season of winter. I will post another more in-depth review in the winter months. Thank you for picking my name to win this book. For now, I will enter your contests for cook books, home improvement, woodworking etc.
October 3, 2015
I read and loved the Detective Jackson series where Agent Dallas and Rivers were introduced. While I love police thrillers I am not a fan of undercover. However I read Target and while it was a good read I wasnt convinced it was for me but there is something about Dallas and Rivers that made me want to read more and I am glad I chose to read this book. The characters are building into very likeable characters and while the books focus on the case there is enough about their personal lives to persuade the readers to keep reading. Excellent thriller. Detective Cortez was introduced in this book and I am sure he will feature in future books. L J Sellers is a brilliant author and I cant wait to read more books by her.
July 16, 2014
I won this book on Goodreads and It was my first Agent Dallas Thriller. An agent is killed while investigating a medical device company. Jamie goes undercover to find the killer. Scientists are disappearing as well. The story comes to a dramatic conclusion when she is almost killed herself. One person who helped in the sabotage escapes while the real killer is discovered. This is not my last Agent Dallas book. I look forward to reading more of L.J. Sellers books. It was intense and kept you on pins and needles throughout the entire story. I loved the short chapters which made this story an easy read.
Give it a read. I think you will enjoy reading this and other books by L.J. Sellers.
Give it a read. I think you will enjoy reading this and other books by L.J. Sellers.
May 1, 2015
A smart read
The storyline is timely and well constructed with lots of surprises and plot twists . Sellers does very well with her characters . They are interesting , believable , and best of all, she conveys them vividly yet with a soft touch . You know enough about her characters but she doesn't hit you over the head with the information . In other words she doesn't tell, she shows and that makes her story so much more readable . The target tells an exciting story of ruthless corporate espionage, but there are so many other important stories threaded through the main plot, engaging the reader many times over on many levels . Highly recommend
The storyline is timely and well constructed with lots of surprises and plot twists . Sellers does very well with her characters . They are interesting , believable , and best of all, she conveys them vividly yet with a soft touch . You know enough about her characters but she doesn't hit you over the head with the information . In other words she doesn't tell, she shows and that makes her story so much more readable . The target tells an exciting story of ruthless corporate espionage, but there are so many other important stories threaded through the main plot, engaging the reader many times over on many levels . Highly recommend
June 10, 2014
I've never read a book by the author and am glad that I was given the opportunity to become a 'first-reads' winner. The book was quite enjoyable and hard to put down. I will probably go back to read it a second time because some of the characters were lost to me. There was just enough description and text to get the story across and I found it kept my interest throughout the entire book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
August 14, 2015
Left me cold
The plot was suspenseful but I thought the dialogue was stilted. None of the characters were likeable and it was hard to care what happened to them. Dallas seems self-centered and shallow. I won't read any more of these
The plot was suspenseful but I thought the dialogue was stilted. None of the characters were likeable and it was hard to care what happened to them. Dallas seems self-centered and shallow. I won't read any more of these
February 2, 2016
Fast-paced and packed with action. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about doomsday preppers who decide to try to start the doomsday scenario for their own purposes. The character of Agent Dallas is completely believable. I look forward to reading other books by LJ Sellers.
September 6, 2014
Very fast-paced and exciting.
I stayed on edge throughout and enjoyed the excitement of the well-worked science and technology involved in this thriller.
Enjoyable read.
-Kathy
I stayed on edge throughout and enjoyed the excitement of the well-worked science and technology involved in this thriller.
Enjoyable read.
-Kathy
June 4, 2014
A suspenseful story built around an interesting premise. Read book one in this series first for a better understanding of the two female leads.
August 10, 2015
very good
December 25, 2015
Good easy read
While I never lost interest in this book, it wasn't something I just HAD to read. Well written, and good plot line, it just never really grabbed me and held on.
While I never lost interest in this book, it wasn't something I just HAD to read. Well written, and good plot line, it just never really grabbed me and held on.
January 22, 2016
A good read, but did not find Agent Dallas, FBI undercover agent, to be the main person in this book. A story medical espionage.
March 28, 2016
Love it
I can't wait for the next book in his series to come out. These books are full of adventure and action and mystery!
I can't wait for the next book in his series to come out. These books are full of adventure and action and mystery!
July 5, 2016
Very good book. I liked this one much better than the first one of this series. This book had enough unknowns to keep me guessing. Believable undercover work. Good finish.
September 23, 2024
A piece of undercover work in an industrial espionage case
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews