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James Flyn Escapades #3
Goldhammer: A James Flynn Escapade, Book 3
A young actress, involuntarily committed to City of Roses Psychiatric Hospital, plunges James Flynn into a dangerous new adventure when she claims one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood is trying to kill her.
Still convinced he's a secret agent for Her Majesty's Secret Service, Flynn springs into action, helps her escape, and finds himself embroiled in a battle with a dangerous sociopath worth billions. In the process, he uncovers a high-tech conspiracy to control the mind of every human being on Earth.
With the help of his reluctant sidekick, Sancho, and a forgotten Hollywood sex symbol from the 1960s, Flynn faces off with Goldhammer and his private army in a desperate attempt to save the young actress...and save the world...once again.
Still convinced he's a secret agent for Her Majesty's Secret Service, Flynn springs into action, helps her escape, and finds himself embroiled in a battle with a dangerous sociopath worth billions. In the process, he uncovers a high-tech conspiracy to control the mind of every human being on Earth.
With the help of his reluctant sidekick, Sancho, and a forgotten Hollywood sex symbol from the 1960s, Flynn faces off with Goldhammer and his private army in a desperate attempt to save the young actress...and save the world...once again.
Audible Audio
Published June 23, 2022
39 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Haris Orkin
12 books115 followersHaris Orkin is a playwright, screenwriter, game writer, and novelist, which is a fancy way of saying he has career commitment issues. Fortunately, other people don’t seem to mind. He’s a WGA and BAFTA Award–nominated narrative designer whose credits include more than a dozen video games, including Resident Evil: Shadows of Rose and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 20, 2022
If you ever wondered what Sir Ian Fleming would have written if he were on just a touch of acid and had a bit of Peter Seller’s DNA, you need to read this book. In fact the hell with all that; just read the damn book. What a ride! Funny, suspenseful, engaging as hell and to top it all off you will learn some history along the way. “Inside baseball” kind of stuff. Great work Mr. Orkin! I can’t wait to read the rest of your series! Bravo!
June 28, 2022
I reserve 4 stars* for books that are ‘almost’ life-changing, books that elicit a ‘wow’ when they finish, books I will probably never forget.
This is not one of those books. BUT! It is rare to find a book that is this much fun to read. This series has only gotten better and better.
I have two questions:
1. When is the next James Flynn Escapade coming out?
2. Why is James Flynn not on the big screen? It is rare to read a book that is as visual as this one is.
* Five stars are life-changing and elicit a ‘WOW!’ when finished.
This is not one of those books. BUT! It is rare to find a book that is this much fun to read. This series has only gotten better and better.
I have two questions:
1. When is the next James Flynn Escapade coming out?
2. Why is James Flynn not on the big screen? It is rare to read a book that is as visual as this one is.
* Five stars are life-changing and elicit a ‘WOW!’ when finished.
August 14, 2022
Dear James flynn,
I just wanted to write you a letter and let you know that your very existence has brought me joy. Your absurd and over the top adventures make my heart laugh at how dumb it all is and I love it. Please keep being crazy and saving the world. Thanks!
Sarah
I just wanted to write you a letter and let you know that your very existence has brought me joy. Your absurd and over the top adventures make my heart laugh at how dumb it all is and I love it. Please keep being crazy and saving the world. Thanks!
Sarah
September 4, 2022
Such an awesome, hilarious series. I really hope the author continues these for the foreseeable future, and lives a long, long life.
July 6, 2023
Haris Orkin has written another amazing comic spy thriller and nobody does it better. James Flynn super spy (in his head) is back in action with all the thrills and laugh out loud moments we are accustomed to. This series is getting better with every outing. It’s Ian Fleming rewritten by Carl Hiaasen and Donald E. Westlake.
June 26, 2022
This is my first book by this author and won't be my last. The book is the third in the series but easily works as a standalone book. This book is hilarious and truly laugh out loud funny. It is creative and is the perfect James Bond parity.
It is hard not to fall for James Flynn, while certifiably insane, he is committed to his mission of fighting evil while saving the women he encounters. The author did a great job of bringing humor to the serious subject of the exploitation of women, without dismissing their experiences of being exploited.
I am going to read the first two books while I anxiously await the next book. I can't wait to see more of James and his antics.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Black Rose Writing, Haris Orkin, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
It is hard not to fall for James Flynn, while certifiably insane, he is committed to his mission of fighting evil while saving the women he encounters. The author did a great job of bringing humor to the serious subject of the exploitation of women, without dismissing their experiences of being exploited.
I am going to read the first two books while I anxiously await the next book. I can't wait to see more of James and his antics.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Black Rose Writing, Haris Orkin, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
August 6, 2022
Summer reading recommend!
I enjoyed reading this series and this was the best one yet. It helped me escape the heat with chills of danger and laughter. A fan!
I enjoyed reading this series and this was the best one yet. It helped me escape the heat with chills of danger and laughter. A fan!
August 25, 2023
You do not disappoint Mr. Orkin! I am crushing on Flynn, James Flynn and at the same time LOL 😂.
Keep this up and I’ll be with Flynn at HMSS headquarters. On to the next hilarious adventure!
Keep this up and I’ll be with Flynn at HMSS headquarters. On to the next hilarious adventure!
July 12, 2023
Haris Orkin’s Flynn books just keep getting better and better
When I read the first James Flynn book (“You Only Live Once”), I was expecting no more than what one of the ad blurbs called it: “James Bond meets Maxwell Smart.” However, the more of it I read, the more it seemed like something refreshingly new and different.
James Flynn might very well be a mental patient, but his sense of honor & fair play, and his unquestioned bravery, make him a hero to be admired. The second of the Flynn books — “Once is Never Enough” — peeked just a tiny bit under the façade to show the old & sadly sane Flynn, which made me appreciate the Superspy Flynn all the more. And the storytelling was better in the second book, with plotting, characters, dialog, etc., somehow made Flynn all the more heroic for all his shortcomings.
And now we have “Goldhammer,” the best yet. Any lingering thoughts I might have entertained that James Flynn might prove to be an ACTUAL superspy suffering from amnesia are thoroughly dispelled in this book: pitted against actual combat-trained bad guys, Flynn’s legendary luck runs out nearly every time, and he nearly dies again & again. So now we know that all the heroism and daring-do are NOT from years of training, but are (as we hoped) completely inventions of James Flynn’s mind. He believes so strongly in his identity as an elite spy that he acts just like every hero he has read about and watched in the movies.
Despite his horrific childhood and his mental illness he IS a self-made hero, and an inspiration to others he meets and helps.
When I read the first James Flynn book (“You Only Live Once”), I was expecting no more than what one of the ad blurbs called it: “James Bond meets Maxwell Smart.” However, the more of it I read, the more it seemed like something refreshingly new and different.
James Flynn might very well be a mental patient, but his sense of honor & fair play, and his unquestioned bravery, make him a hero to be admired. The second of the Flynn books — “Once is Never Enough” — peeked just a tiny bit under the façade to show the old & sadly sane Flynn, which made me appreciate the Superspy Flynn all the more. And the storytelling was better in the second book, with plotting, characters, dialog, etc., somehow made Flynn all the more heroic for all his shortcomings.
And now we have “Goldhammer,” the best yet. Any lingering thoughts I might have entertained that James Flynn might prove to be an ACTUAL superspy suffering from amnesia are thoroughly dispelled in this book: pitted against actual combat-trained bad guys, Flynn’s legendary luck runs out nearly every time, and he nearly dies again & again. So now we know that all the heroism and daring-do are NOT from years of training, but are (as we hoped) completely inventions of James Flynn’s mind. He believes so strongly in his identity as an elite spy that he acts just like every hero he has read about and watched in the movies.
Despite his horrific childhood and his mental illness he IS a self-made hero, and an inspiration to others he meets and helps.
June 11, 2022
This is an entertaining novel for readers who like a humorous twist on the super spy character. Flynn is a character. He is crazy enough to get into all kinds of adventures. He is skilled enough, having read spy novels and watched movies, he manages most of the time to foil his enemies. Some of the scenes are humorous while others are outlandish. The fight scenes are a riot. I was amazed at how many times he survived when there was no way out. It's amazing that Flynn once again stumbles into an opportunity to save humanity from a greedy and powerful villain.
My favorite quote in the book: “Mr. Flynn, I've amassed many enemies in my rise, but you have proven to be the most dogged and unrelenting opponent I have ever encountered. I'm guessing that's because your elevator does not go all the way to the top.” (2805/3575)
Not only will be treated to an entertaining faux 007, you'll receive some insightful thoughts on advertising and brainwashing. There is some foul language and verbal phrases I would rather have never read but that aspect of the narrative is really toned down from the first novel in this series. There are some raunchy parts, examples of what bad guys say and do. I just tried to ignore those parts. I did find the bits of history at the beginning of every chapter interesting.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
My favorite quote in the book: “Mr. Flynn, I've amassed many enemies in my rise, but you have proven to be the most dogged and unrelenting opponent I have ever encountered. I'm guessing that's because your elevator does not go all the way to the top.” (2805/3575)
Not only will be treated to an entertaining faux 007, you'll receive some insightful thoughts on advertising and brainwashing. There is some foul language and verbal phrases I would rather have never read but that aspect of the narrative is really toned down from the first novel in this series. There are some raunchy parts, examples of what bad guys say and do. I just tried to ignore those parts. I did find the bits of history at the beginning of every chapter interesting.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 19, 2023
If you love James Bond stories and have a good sense of humor, you owe it to yourself to enjoy the James Flynn book series from Harris Orkin. This latest book in the series doesn't disappoint one bit.
July 24, 2023
Great Read
This is my 3rd James Flynn novel and I think this is my favorite. Non stop action, humor and fun locations. I especially loved the brief history introduction for various chapters. Read in 2 days because I could not put it down.
This is my 3rd James Flynn novel and I think this is my favorite. Non stop action, humor and fun locations. I especially loved the brief history introduction for various chapters. Read in 2 days because I could not put it down.
October 18, 2022
I love James Flynn and his adventures! I hope Haris Orkin continues the saga.
June 29, 2022
Goldhammer by Haris Orkin is definitely for all fans of James Bond and espionage. I love the cover design. It fit the description of the novel. In this book, I experienced excitement, humor, danger, and plenty of deadly scenarios. Flynn is like a James Bond incarnate. He exuberates everything James Bond was a symbol for and did. However, Flynn does it better. He is a comedian, yet he somehow pulls off the most daring situations. Not that his job is a comedian, but he is just that entertaining. Sometimes, with James Bond, one could hate him. The way his mannerisms were. Yet with Flynn, it's bolder and more dramatic.
I enjoyed following the character and his sidekick. I can see this being a large series of books. This adventure was fun, hilarious, and engaging. I want more of Flynn and his action-packed journeys. As I read this, I kept thinking of Goldeneye movie with James Bond. Yet this novel, took espionage and made it into a hilarious circus. Flynn is not as level-headed and cool as Bond. But he somehow always pulls through just when I thought Flynn would perish. It is insane but addictive. Overall, I highly recommend it for it is a fast read that will keep one laughing.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I enjoyed following the character and his sidekick. I can see this being a large series of books. This adventure was fun, hilarious, and engaging. I want more of Flynn and his action-packed journeys. As I read this, I kept thinking of Goldeneye movie with James Bond. Yet this novel, took espionage and made it into a hilarious circus. Flynn is not as level-headed and cool as Bond. But he somehow always pulls through just when I thought Flynn would perish. It is insane but addictive. Overall, I highly recommend it for it is a fast read that will keep one laughing.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
February 28, 2023
Third book of the series and I hardly want to admit I did not read the first two. When I read the synopsis for it, I wasn’t sure about reading it. Now I am so glad that I did! It is such a relaxing, easy to read, and feel good book! Because it is a comical read, you will find yourself laughing out loud and shaking your head.
For me it reminded me of the humorous Inspector Clauseau and mindless Agent Maxwell Smart, with a tiny bit of a suave James Bond thrown in! In my opinion, the author seems to be using this as a parable of how we may sometimes think our detectives and agents make mistakes and miss clues. LOVE IT!
The writer seems to be very confident with no fear of whether people like it or not! Seems he just loves to write! It is a light, quick read when you want to take your mind of your troubles and just laugh out loud!!! Definitely reccommend! Thank you to @partnersincrimevbt for my ARC copy. These are my opinions only.
suzyapprovesbooktours
For me it reminded me of the humorous Inspector Clauseau and mindless Agent Maxwell Smart, with a tiny bit of a suave James Bond thrown in! In my opinion, the author seems to be using this as a parable of how we may sometimes think our detectives and agents make mistakes and miss clues. LOVE IT!
The writer seems to be very confident with no fear of whether people like it or not! Seems he just loves to write! It is a light, quick read when you want to take your mind of your troubles and just laugh out loud!!! Definitely reccommend! Thank you to @partnersincrimevbt for my ARC copy. These are my opinions only.
suzyapprovesbooktours
July 8, 2022
Laughed my sox off!
James Flynn is to James Bond what AIRPLANE! is to disaster movies or Inspector Clouseau to Sonny Crockett ! And is the author related to the Orkin Man?
From the City of Roses Psychiatric Institute to the insanity of Hollywood, James believes that he is a 007 of Her Majesty's Secret Service and has even more escapades than Sir Ian's protagonist (and they are a whole lot funnier). This episode is to rescue a young woman from ... Well, just read it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you!
James Flynn is to James Bond what AIRPLANE! is to disaster movies or Inspector Clouseau to Sonny Crockett ! And is the author related to the Orkin Man?
From the City of Roses Psychiatric Institute to the insanity of Hollywood, James believes that he is a 007 of Her Majesty's Secret Service and has even more escapades than Sir Ian's protagonist (and they are a whole lot funnier). This episode is to rescue a young woman from ... Well, just read it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 21, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as the reviews were quick to point out how crazy the main character is. Frankly I am very tired of the "unreliable narrator" style of book. This book is not that -- yes the main character, Flynn, is crazy, but the book is a satire and truly laugh out loud funny. After finishing this book I found out that it is part of a series by the author, Haris Orkin, featuring James Flynn. I will definitely track down and read others in this series. Would definitely recommend this book to those who like spy stories, but need a humorous break.
April 28, 2022
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
James Flynn – Seemingly Mr. Flynn works for Her Majesty’s Secret Service using the “cover story” as a patient of City of Roses Psychiatric Institute. The antics of Mr. Flynn will keep you turning pages.
Chloe – Left the town where she grew up to move to Los Angeles, looking to pursue her dream of being an actress. She also wanted Goldhammer to pay for what he did to her.
Tyler – Chloe’s brother who moved to Los Angeles with her, looking to get into film making. He only wanted the best for Chloe.
Jenna – Tyler’s friend, a reporter for a small publication. Tyler and Chloe elicited her help to write Chloe’s story.
Sancho – An aide at the City of Roses Psychiatric Institute. Always looking out for Mr. Flynn.
Alessandra/Alessa – A retired actress who befriends James, after finding him on the beach by her home. Tired from their escapade but happy to have been out in the world again.
Goldhammer and his goons – The bad guys in this tale. Ohana and Black Star are hired hands for Mr. Goldhammer. And, then there’s Marta.
I found myself laughing out loud, literally, while reading this tale. Some of the escapades James, Chloe, and Tyler find themselves in are described in such a farfetched, outlandish way they are hilarious. If you are looking for a whodunnit with a bit of a comical twist, give Goldhammer a try. This is the third book so I suspect you would get a greater sense of Mr. Flynn’s character if you were to read the other two books before this one, but it can certainly be read as a standalone. It’s quite entertaining.
James Flynn – Seemingly Mr. Flynn works for Her Majesty’s Secret Service using the “cover story” as a patient of City of Roses Psychiatric Institute. The antics of Mr. Flynn will keep you turning pages.
Chloe – Left the town where she grew up to move to Los Angeles, looking to pursue her dream of being an actress. She also wanted Goldhammer to pay for what he did to her.
Tyler – Chloe’s brother who moved to Los Angeles with her, looking to get into film making. He only wanted the best for Chloe.
Jenna – Tyler’s friend, a reporter for a small publication. Tyler and Chloe elicited her help to write Chloe’s story.
Sancho – An aide at the City of Roses Psychiatric Institute. Always looking out for Mr. Flynn.
Alessandra/Alessa – A retired actress who befriends James, after finding him on the beach by her home. Tired from their escapade but happy to have been out in the world again.
Goldhammer and his goons – The bad guys in this tale. Ohana and Black Star are hired hands for Mr. Goldhammer. And, then there’s Marta.
I found myself laughing out loud, literally, while reading this tale. Some of the escapades James, Chloe, and Tyler find themselves in are described in such a farfetched, outlandish way they are hilarious. If you are looking for a whodunnit with a bit of a comical twist, give Goldhammer a try. This is the third book so I suspect you would get a greater sense of Mr. Flynn’s character if you were to read the other two books before this one, but it can certainly be read as a standalone. It’s quite entertaining.
July 10, 2022
I read the other two books in this James Flynn series and enjoyed them very much. I was actually looking forward to Goldhammer, and it didn't disappoint.
This book is as much fun as the other two. James Flynn is a resident of a psychiatric hospital who believes he is a secret agent in "Her Majesty's Secret Service" and that the hospital is a base for operations. He stumbles into new missions requiring his particular set of skills and escapes his confinement to accomplish them.
There are familiar supporting characters along with new and delightful characters who provide color and contrast--and many laughs--as they assist James in his latest mission to save the world.
This is not a cartoonish adaptation of this idea. Its theme and the adventures are remarkably well crafted. This talented author has created a likeable character who is flawed in real life but brave enough in his fantasy life to take on the tough bad guys. You'll find yourself rooting for him every step of the way, which is a big part of the pleasure of this series.
This book is as much fun as the other two. James Flynn is a resident of a psychiatric hospital who believes he is a secret agent in "Her Majesty's Secret Service" and that the hospital is a base for operations. He stumbles into new missions requiring his particular set of skills and escapes his confinement to accomplish them.
There are familiar supporting characters along with new and delightful characters who provide color and contrast--and many laughs--as they assist James in his latest mission to save the world.
This is not a cartoonish adaptation of this idea. Its theme and the adventures are remarkably well crafted. This talented author has created a likeable character who is flawed in real life but brave enough in his fantasy life to take on the tough bad guys. You'll find yourself rooting for him every step of the way, which is a big part of the pleasure of this series.
October 20, 2025
3.75.
I liked it, it was much quicker than the other ones. Much more like the first one and quicker to get to its points. It also leans more into the " mentally deranged/ or not" dynamic with multiple people questioning our hero James Flynn. And he just as adroitly sidesteps those questions.
It plays with the Bond tropes by way of Saints Row the Third, Me Too, name puns and Bond himself. Surprisingly open minded for a red blooded/ possibly republican writing. It addresses sexism both modern and older school fairly well. It was a great recruitment for Las Vegas and Ceasars Palace.
Some of the scenes were choppy and seemed to drag on, while others were rushed. Some seemed gratuitous and went on for a bit too long for my liking.
Will I finish the series? Yep.
I liked it, it was much quicker than the other ones. Much more like the first one and quicker to get to its points. It also leans more into the " mentally deranged/ or not" dynamic with multiple people questioning our hero James Flynn. And he just as adroitly sidesteps those questions.
It plays with the Bond tropes by way of Saints Row the Third, Me Too, name puns and Bond himself. Surprisingly open minded for a red blooded/ possibly republican writing. It addresses sexism both modern and older school fairly well. It was a great recruitment for Las Vegas and Ceasars Palace.
Some of the scenes were choppy and seemed to drag on, while others were rushed. Some seemed gratuitous and went on for a bit too long for my liking.
Will I finish the series? Yep.
October 24, 2022
Storm Trooper Vibes
A retelling of the Harvey Weinstein story where evil tries to eliminate good. However, the good guy always seems to avoid death or even serious injury. Also, it is well documented that the good guy is institutionalized, but he has no problems breaking out or being let out after escaping. Also, it felt as though the author tried to use the names of famous people to make the book more relatable. Overall, it was unnecessary and annoying.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
A retelling of the Harvey Weinstein story where evil tries to eliminate good. However, the good guy always seems to avoid death or even serious injury. Also, it is well documented that the good guy is institutionalized, but he has no problems breaking out or being let out after escaping. Also, it felt as though the author tried to use the names of famous people to make the book more relatable. Overall, it was unnecessary and annoying.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 31, 2024
Same formula, but still laugh out loud.
If you have read any of the books in the series, then this will be no surprise to you.
That being said, even though you can predict what will happen, the enjoyment is in the way Harris Orkin makes it happen. That is the joy of this book and indeed the series.
If you have read any of the books in the series, then this will be no surprise to you.
That being said, even though you can predict what will happen, the enjoyment is in the way Harris Orkin makes it happen. That is the joy of this book and indeed the series.
December 29, 2024
Tilting at Windmills ‽ I think not!
James Flynn fights the good fight. His radar always finds the evil and dispenses justice. He is delusional as Don Quixote but he battles true evil. If you like James Bond novellas then you might be pleasantly surprised and enjoy this novel. Not as polished as Ian Flemmings works but as enjoyable. I continue to read the series.
James Flynn fights the good fight. His radar always finds the evil and dispenses justice. He is delusional as Don Quixote but he battles true evil. If you like James Bond novellas then you might be pleasantly surprised and enjoy this novel. Not as polished as Ian Flemmings works but as enjoyable. I continue to read the series.
April 6, 2025
The Ego of the Metaverse Meets the Id of the 47th
Transactional, exploitative Supervillain, buying his way to world domination with only a residential mental patient to foil his plans. Comedy thriller satisfies definition with genuine thrills and laugh out loud moments, tinged throughout with emotion.
Transactional, exploitative Supervillain, buying his way to world domination with only a residential mental patient to foil his plans. Comedy thriller satisfies definition with genuine thrills and laugh out loud moments, tinged throughout with emotion.
July 6, 2022
fun
Have read all in series. This one had a good plot but a bit too much detail and description on movie stars, etc. got a bit tedious and I skipped over those parts. But still a fun read and love the characters
Have read all in series. This one had a good plot but a bit too much detail and description on movie stars, etc. got a bit tedious and I skipped over those parts. But still a fun read and love the characters
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews