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The Specialists #1
Mr. Whisper
12 hours, 43 minutes
Four brilliant investigators combine forces to outwit an insidious master of online mind control in a gripping thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Final Equinox.
Investigator Sloan McPherson finds a frightened vagrant suffering from amnesia living in a Florida swamp—then learns he disappeared from Oregon when he was a teenager. To find out how he ended up three thousand miles from home thirty years later, Sloan enlists the help of two brilliant colleagues.
FBI agent Jessica Blackwood and scientist Theo Cray have already made an alarming connection. A female classmate of the Everglades drifter disappeared at the same time, and their high school journals reveal ties to an enigmatic figure they both called Mr. Whisper. Under his influence they did as they were told. The case is also attracting the attention of corporate security expert Brad Trasker, whose trail is leading to the dark heart of a master manipulator.
Jessica, Theo, Sloan, and Brad must now bring their unique skills to the table to take down a diabolical adversary. Unless Mr. Whisper’s decades-long control of the vulnerable is too powerful and far-reaching to stop.
Four brilliant investigators combine forces to outwit an insidious master of online mind control in a gripping thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Final Equinox.
Investigator Sloan McPherson finds a frightened vagrant suffering from amnesia living in a Florida swamp—then learns he disappeared from Oregon when he was a teenager. To find out how he ended up three thousand miles from home thirty years later, Sloan enlists the help of two brilliant colleagues.
FBI agent Jessica Blackwood and scientist Theo Cray have already made an alarming connection. A female classmate of the Everglades drifter disappeared at the same time, and their high school journals reveal ties to an enigmatic figure they both called Mr. Whisper. Under his influence they did as they were told. The case is also attracting the attention of corporate security expert Brad Trasker, whose trail is leading to the dark heart of a master manipulator.
Jessica, Theo, Sloan, and Brad must now bring their unique skills to the table to take down a diabolical adversary. Unless Mr. Whisper’s decades-long control of the vulnerable is too powerful and far-reaching to stop.
13 pages, Audiobook
First published March 1, 2025
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March 4, 2025
Combining protagonists from multiple series, Andrew Mayne has created a spin-off series that will delight his followers.
Mr. Whisper
brings together Investigator Sloan McPherson with the Underwater Investigation Unit, former FBI Agent Jessica Blackwood, scientist Dr. Theo Cray, and corporate security expert and former counterintelligence operative Brad Trasker in a riveting thriller.
Sloan finds a vagrant suffering from amnesia living in a Florida swamp. After some investigation, she learns he disappeared thirty years ago from Oregon when he was a teenager. Meanwhile, Jessica and Theo have made a connection to another teenager who disappeared from the same town around the same time. Both kept journals and referred to a figure they called Mr. Whisper. The case is also getting attention from Brad, whose research is leading him to a manipulator of one of his company’s employees. Can the four identify and find this adversary or will they come under his control?
Sloan has good reflexes, amazing instincts, and doesn’t shirk responsibility. She also has a discerning sense of justice and determination that makes it easy for readers to get behind. She’s impulsive, blunt, and improvises which can lead to taking risks. Jessica has a charismatic intensity, but tries to stay out of the spotlight. She’s curious and empathetic, making her a good interviewer. Theo cares deeply, but has a reputation for being aloof. He has a clinical inquisitiveness and is practical, but tends to either be blunt and overshare or obtuse and withholding everything. Brad is proactive, a skilled liar, and has a great memory.
The first chapter hooked me and kept me in suspense. The story leaves readers hanging for details of the aftermath each time it shifts focus and locale. The plot is multi-layered and has twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. While the story moves from location to location and investigator to investigator, they finally join forces to track down Mr. Whisper. This serpentine approach may slow the pace for some readers. Most of this book is about the investigation with the main action scenes at the end of the novel. Mayne is an exceptional storyteller who provides readers with gripping scenes, even without the usual action throughout the book. My biggest quibble is one part of the final scene that I wanted more closure on, but that may be the thread for the beginning of the next novel.
Some of the plot twists were harder to see than others and made for a more intense novel. However, I did guess who the antagonist was relatively early in the story. The book is moving and suspenseful. Additional themes woven into the story include protecting the vulnerable, science at all costs, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining and engaging book has great characterization, a thought-provoking premise, and an intriguing mystery. Those who enjoy the author’s other series will likely enjoy this start to a spin-off series. I am looking forward to the next book.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 1, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.37 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Sloan finds a vagrant suffering from amnesia living in a Florida swamp. After some investigation, she learns he disappeared thirty years ago from Oregon when he was a teenager. Meanwhile, Jessica and Theo have made a connection to another teenager who disappeared from the same town around the same time. Both kept journals and referred to a figure they called Mr. Whisper. The case is also getting attention from Brad, whose research is leading him to a manipulator of one of his company’s employees. Can the four identify and find this adversary or will they come under his control?
Sloan has good reflexes, amazing instincts, and doesn’t shirk responsibility. She also has a discerning sense of justice and determination that makes it easy for readers to get behind. She’s impulsive, blunt, and improvises which can lead to taking risks. Jessica has a charismatic intensity, but tries to stay out of the spotlight. She’s curious and empathetic, making her a good interviewer. Theo cares deeply, but has a reputation for being aloof. He has a clinical inquisitiveness and is practical, but tends to either be blunt and overshare or obtuse and withholding everything. Brad is proactive, a skilled liar, and has a great memory.
The first chapter hooked me and kept me in suspense. The story leaves readers hanging for details of the aftermath each time it shifts focus and locale. The plot is multi-layered and has twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. While the story moves from location to location and investigator to investigator, they finally join forces to track down Mr. Whisper. This serpentine approach may slow the pace for some readers. Most of this book is about the investigation with the main action scenes at the end of the novel. Mayne is an exceptional storyteller who provides readers with gripping scenes, even without the usual action throughout the book. My biggest quibble is one part of the final scene that I wanted more closure on, but that may be the thread for the beginning of the next novel.
Some of the plot twists were harder to see than others and made for a more intense novel. However, I did guess who the antagonist was relatively early in the story. The book is moving and suspenseful. Additional themes woven into the story include protecting the vulnerable, science at all costs, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining and engaging book has great characterization, a thought-provoking premise, and an intriguing mystery. Those who enjoy the author’s other series will likely enjoy this start to a spin-off series. I am looking forward to the next book.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 1, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.37 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
February 9, 2025
The promotional materials describe “Mr. Whisper” as a “gripping thriller." Unfortunately, it is neither. Cerebral? Yes. Gripping and/or thrilling? No.
It begins well. The characters are initially interesting, and the mystery is intriguing. But the story soon becomes mired in two investigations where not all that much happens. There’s very little danger. I was never on the edge of my seat. The story is well written and some of the ideas and technical details are thought-provoking.
But gripping? I struggled to finish.
It begins well. The characters are initially interesting, and the mystery is intriguing. But the story soon becomes mired in two investigations where not all that much happens. There’s very little danger. I was never on the edge of my seat. The story is well written and some of the ideas and technical details are thought-provoking.
But gripping? I struggled to finish.
March 30, 2025
Andrew Mayne has developed a number of great series that have kept my attention from start to finish. This book is his first attempt to pluck all the protagonists from those collections and roll them into a single book. Mayne is able to create a number of storylines, dealing with each protagonist, and massage them into a single, larger case that is sure to keep the reader's attention. Brilliant in its delivery and stunning in how Mayne is able to meld everything together, this is a series debut not to be missed by anyone who has loved any or all of the collections previously.
A school shooter has a plan and all the ammunition that he needs, including support by a voice in his head, called Mr. Whisper. Even if it does not go as planned, there is a definite relationship between the shooter and Mr. Whisper, for future events as well. When headlines share the foiled shooting, Investigator Sloan McPherson shakes her head across the country in Florida, just before she is sent on a mission about a Moss Man. Sloan uses her skills as a police diver to begin an investigation, finding a vagrant in a Florida swamp whose amnesia makes their interactions quite off-putting. It is only when Sloan learns that the man disappeared in his teens while living in Oregon that she takes notice. Sloan cannot piece it together herself, forcing her to reach out to two colleagues who might be able to make sense of it all.
When they hear from Sloan McPherson, FBI Agent Jessica Blackwell and scientist Theo Cray have already been following a lead of their own. Blackwell and Cray had been following up on a report of a female classmate of the vagrant who disappeared around the same time. Unbeknownst to any of the three, the connection between the two teens missing at the time is knowledge of a mysterious Mr. Whisper. Who could this person be and how does it connect between the two disappearances years ago? It would seem as though the teens were working on forced suggestion and this Mr. Whisper is pulling the strings. It is only when corporate security expert Brad Trasker gets involved that the others are sure there is a major concern that cannot be ignored.
Trasker has been working an angle trying to solve the Mr. Whisper case through the guise of someone influencing those within the company with which he is employed. Company secrets are being leaked and Trasker cannot stand idly by, but the only lead is some vague mention of Mr. Whisper. When Sloan McPherson, Jessica Blackwell, and Theo Cray all come together with different mentions of Mr. Whisper, Trasker can no longer think this is a spoof. All four will have to pool their knowledge and resources to get to the heart of the matter, then crack the code, which is sure to provide answers for everyone involved. Mayne delivers a stunning story that kept me eager to read late into the night.
This is one of those books about which I have always wondered; a popular author with a number of stellar series mashing the storylines together or combining their protagonists into a single novel. Andrew Mayne delivered so successfully that it had me basking in all that was on offer. The narrative is comprehensive and sometimes a tad complex—if the reader is not used to juggling multiple multi-faceted storylines at once—but also easy to synthesise for the attentive reader. Told through the eyes of all four protagonists, Mayne builds the story effectively for the reader to enjoy. Strong characters, protagonists and others alike, work well and keep the reader eager to learn more. The backstories of the four protagonists from their respective series are present, as well as further development. As with many other Mayne stories, the plot points are sharp and leave the surprises to pile up for the reader to digest. My only suggestion is that the reader would find more enjoyment from this series debut by having read all four previous collections. Though not necessary, it takes this book (and likely the new series) to another level!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a great start to a new angle on previous series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A school shooter has a plan and all the ammunition that he needs, including support by a voice in his head, called Mr. Whisper. Even if it does not go as planned, there is a definite relationship between the shooter and Mr. Whisper, for future events as well. When headlines share the foiled shooting, Investigator Sloan McPherson shakes her head across the country in Florida, just before she is sent on a mission about a Moss Man. Sloan uses her skills as a police diver to begin an investigation, finding a vagrant in a Florida swamp whose amnesia makes their interactions quite off-putting. It is only when Sloan learns that the man disappeared in his teens while living in Oregon that she takes notice. Sloan cannot piece it together herself, forcing her to reach out to two colleagues who might be able to make sense of it all.
When they hear from Sloan McPherson, FBI Agent Jessica Blackwell and scientist Theo Cray have already been following a lead of their own. Blackwell and Cray had been following up on a report of a female classmate of the vagrant who disappeared around the same time. Unbeknownst to any of the three, the connection between the two teens missing at the time is knowledge of a mysterious Mr. Whisper. Who could this person be and how does it connect between the two disappearances years ago? It would seem as though the teens were working on forced suggestion and this Mr. Whisper is pulling the strings. It is only when corporate security expert Brad Trasker gets involved that the others are sure there is a major concern that cannot be ignored.
Trasker has been working an angle trying to solve the Mr. Whisper case through the guise of someone influencing those within the company with which he is employed. Company secrets are being leaked and Trasker cannot stand idly by, but the only lead is some vague mention of Mr. Whisper. When Sloan McPherson, Jessica Blackwell, and Theo Cray all come together with different mentions of Mr. Whisper, Trasker can no longer think this is a spoof. All four will have to pool their knowledge and resources to get to the heart of the matter, then crack the code, which is sure to provide answers for everyone involved. Mayne delivers a stunning story that kept me eager to read late into the night.
This is one of those books about which I have always wondered; a popular author with a number of stellar series mashing the storylines together or combining their protagonists into a single novel. Andrew Mayne delivered so successfully that it had me basking in all that was on offer. The narrative is comprehensive and sometimes a tad complex—if the reader is not used to juggling multiple multi-faceted storylines at once—but also easy to synthesise for the attentive reader. Told through the eyes of all four protagonists, Mayne builds the story effectively for the reader to enjoy. Strong characters, protagonists and others alike, work well and keep the reader eager to learn more. The backstories of the four protagonists from their respective series are present, as well as further development. As with many other Mayne stories, the plot points are sharp and leave the surprises to pile up for the reader to digest. My only suggestion is that the reader would find more enjoyment from this series debut by having read all four previous collections. Though not necessary, it takes this book (and likely the new series) to another level!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a great start to a new angle on previous series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 11, 2025
A missing person's case. A mysterious mind-controlling entity. Four investigators. A disappointing read.
Mr. Whisper: A Thriller is a mystery thriller novel and the first instalment in the The Specialists series by Andrew Mayne.
Mr. Whisper follows four investigators as they band together to try and discover the truth behind why a missing teenager was found in a Floridian swamp thirty years after his disappearance. Sloan, Jessica, Theo and Brad must combine their knowledge and experience to try and find out what happened, and understand who Mr. Whisper is and what his motives are. They uncover connections and secrets that lead them to a staggering discovery.
Sadly, I struggled with this book. I picked this book because the premise seemed that it had great potential. I've been trying to delve deeper into the thriller and/or mystery genre, so figured I would Mr. Whisper a try. The opening chapter was great, and I had high expectations but as the chapters went by I found myself getting confused and in turn I couldn't really enjoy this book.
I didn't realise that these characters had their own separate stories that led up to this series, so I really went into this blind and I'm not surprised I struggled to follow along. It felt like there was far too much going on, including the introduction of characters and the actual investigations itself.
There was a lack of character development and whatever information we got felt rushed or sprung upon us abruptly. I am also unsure whether AI has been used in this book, but it definitely felt off somehow. I would have not picked this book up had I known AI was used in it.
The plot, despite its flaws, had high intensity and suspense and as a reader you wanted to keep following the story just to see what happens, but there is another book in this series, therefore you don't get a resolution.
I will not be going forward with this series.
I received a copy of this book via Amazon's First Reads Programme.
Mr. Whisper: A Thriller is a mystery thriller novel and the first instalment in the The Specialists series by Andrew Mayne.
Mr. Whisper follows four investigators as they band together to try and discover the truth behind why a missing teenager was found in a Floridian swamp thirty years after his disappearance. Sloan, Jessica, Theo and Brad must combine their knowledge and experience to try and find out what happened, and understand who Mr. Whisper is and what his motives are. They uncover connections and secrets that lead them to a staggering discovery.
Sadly, I struggled with this book. I picked this book because the premise seemed that it had great potential. I've been trying to delve deeper into the thriller and/or mystery genre, so figured I would Mr. Whisper a try. The opening chapter was great, and I had high expectations but as the chapters went by I found myself getting confused and in turn I couldn't really enjoy this book.
I didn't realise that these characters had their own separate stories that led up to this series, so I really went into this blind and I'm not surprised I struggled to follow along. It felt like there was far too much going on, including the introduction of characters and the actual investigations itself.
There was a lack of character development and whatever information we got felt rushed or sprung upon us abruptly. I am also unsure whether AI has been used in this book, but it definitely felt off somehow. I would have not picked this book up had I known AI was used in it.
The plot, despite its flaws, had high intensity and suspense and as a reader you wanted to keep following the story just to see what happens, but there is another book in this series, therefore you don't get a resolution.
I will not be going forward with this series.
I received a copy of this book via Amazon's First Reads Programme.
February 6, 2025
Simply couldn’t get into this book, although I stuck it out about 3/4 of the way through, thinking it would improve. Lots of “subplots” and a ton of characters, which simply ended up as confusing rather than interesting.
The hand signals between partners struck me as ridiculous, as unless they were using actual sign language (and frankly even then!) there’s no way they could have an entire conversation without being noticed.
The story dragged and seemed to go in circles several times, and even though I started skimming sections halfway through, I still gave up before I got to the end.
The hand signals between partners struck me as ridiculous, as unless they were using actual sign language (and frankly even then!) there’s no way they could have an entire conversation without being noticed.
The story dragged and seemed to go in circles several times, and even though I started skimming sections halfway through, I still gave up before I got to the end.
May 4, 2025
I had a visceral feeling when I got to the end of the book as I literally wanted to throw it at the wall.... so if the author wanted a certain reaction, he certainly got it from me, essentially there were too many loose ends for me. For a lot of the book, I was confused about the lack of character development, even though they tell you how brilliant they are, but I now realise that there are separate prior series that introduce the main characters which I probably needed to have read first. The pacing is off in that the last probably 10% of the book is where it draws it together, sort of. However, I did like the concept of the book concerning mind control and finding the illusive perpetrator. It was probably enough for me to read some of the prior series, particularly Sloane, but my to be read list is huge, and this book is not a big enough push to lure me in that direction. It's a big fat sit on the fence, maybe from me.
February 3, 2025
This was my Amazon first read for February. Having previously read the author's work and enjoying it, I thought I had picked well. There are a lot of characters and I found it hard to keep up with them, there's also a lot of jargon. I found myself glazing over more than once. Hopefully the next book will be simpler.
February 21, 2025
Thrillinv
Andrew Mayne writes so well with intelligence in the world of science.
Thrilling and exciting story. Missing children whom have been brain washed in a way that's amazing and original.
Detectives putting their lives at risk to solve this puzzle along with a Dr. involved with science.
I highly recommend this book.
Andrew Mayne writes so well with intelligence in the world of science.
Thrilling and exciting story. Missing children whom have been brain washed in a way that's amazing and original.
Detectives putting their lives at risk to solve this puzzle along with a Dr. involved with science.
I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2025
Mr. Whisper by Andrew Mayne delivers a tense, fast-paced thriller, uniting investigator Sloan McPherson, FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, and scientist Theo Cray to hunt a shadowy figure with eerie mind-control abilities. The plot is gripping, though the large ensemble cast can divide attention, limiting deeper character development, and the pacing occasionally feels rushed. Still, the clever twists and sharp character dynamics make it a thrilling read for fans of psychological suspense and high-stakes crime drama.
March 24, 2025
This is ambitious! I’ve met all of these characters in their respective series—except for one—and it’s a complex setup that requires some background knowledge. Mayne does a relatively good job of bringing readers up to speed, offering small reflections on each character’s past. However, this book is best suited for those already familiar with the characters; otherwise, the backstory can feel distracting from the plot itself.
I’ve read almost all of Mayne’s detective books, and while this one has plenty of the elements I’ve enjoyed in his previous work, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The resolution felt underwhelming, and it remained frustratingly unclear how the antagonist managed to pull everything off—we don’t get a satisfying explanation. The book also could have been stronger with just a few more chapters to wrap up the multiple cases introduced throughout the story. Instead, many threads are left hanging, which is disappointing, especially since we become invested in the young adults involved but never get closure on their outcomes.
Overall, I may continue the series if Mayne writes more of these crossover-style books. I like his characters and still find his work worth reading, even if this one didn’t land in my top five.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book, as well as an ALC
I’ve read almost all of Mayne’s detective books, and while this one has plenty of the elements I’ve enjoyed in his previous work, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The resolution felt underwhelming, and it remained frustratingly unclear how the antagonist managed to pull everything off—we don’t get a satisfying explanation. The book also could have been stronger with just a few more chapters to wrap up the multiple cases introduced throughout the story. Instead, many threads are left hanging, which is disappointing, especially since we become invested in the young adults involved but never get closure on their outcomes.
Overall, I may continue the series if Mayne writes more of these crossover-style books. I like his characters and still find his work worth reading, even if this one didn’t land in my top five.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book, as well as an ALC
March 6, 2025
4.6 ✨
Absolutely fucking brilliant. Many gold stars.
Absolutely fucking brilliant. Many gold stars.
April 23, 2025
A homeless man is recovered in the Everglades turns out to be someone who's been missing for over 30 years. Three separate groups of investigators, following separate cases wind up heading to the same destination.
Decent story, but didn't hook me enough to continue with the series
Decent story, but didn't hook me enough to continue with the series
February 8, 2025
Got this as my Amazon first read for February. Have enjoyed other Andrew Mayne books but found this really disjointed. It also ended very abruptly. Not sure putting the 4 of them together works for me.
February 3, 2025
Best contemporary science fiction writer
I like his fiction best as it is rooted in contemporary science or something not too far in future. I have read all his books, and this he has brought together all his characters together. I hope more from the quad-Theo, Sloane, Jessica, and Brad , coming in future.
I like his fiction best as it is rooted in contemporary science or something not too far in future. I have read all his books, and this he has brought together all his characters together. I hope more from the quad-Theo, Sloane, Jessica, and Brad , coming in future.
February 16, 2025
I took this book as my first reads selection this month and what a waste. The characters, the storyline and everything about this I felt personally were terrible. The book could have been halved in length and to call it a thriller or gripping are pushing things too far. It certainly wouldn’t make me want to rush to pick up another of the author’s books in the future.
March 25, 2025
all of my fav characters in one book!? yes please.
this book has so much going on and you actually just need to listen to it bc a review won’t do it alone , lol. loved the narrators and the technological aspects of this book. can’t wait for the follow up!
this book has so much going on and you actually just need to listen to it bc a review won’t do it alone , lol. loved the narrators and the technological aspects of this book. can’t wait for the follow up!
May 5, 2025
An aborted school shooting, Moss Man, and amnesia all come together in a conspiracy.
I was hoping the Moss Man was real.
All in all, a bit long, but a fairly effective conspiracy thriller, except that everybody except the in crowd are a bunch of troglodytes.
I was hoping the Moss Man was real.
All in all, a bit long, but a fairly effective conspiracy thriller, except that everybody except the in crowd are a bunch of troglodytes.
May 9, 2025
4 stars
I guessed the Mr.Whisper, so 4 stars.
Happy Reading!!
I guessed the Mr.Whisper, so 4 stars.
Happy Reading!!
February 25, 2025
I selected this as an Amazon First Read because it sounded intriguing and had an Oregon connection (where I live). Probably well done for what it is, just not my cup of tea. It’s gripping and kept me turning the pages, but by the end, it left me cold. Too much of it is improbable and too much I simply could not understand or follow. I’m sure fans of this genre will love it. It was just not a good choice for me.
March 1, 2025
I bought this "thriller" on the basis of multiple good reviews but I found it very difficult to complete! The story involves four people all investigating together into why a missing teenager turned up in a Florida swamp half a lifetime later. Jessica, Theo, Sloan and Brad indulge in endless discussion on psychology and sociology generally, and on the identity and motives of Mr Whisper. This is all revealed and explained in the last 10% of the book, but I found this section particularly drawn-out and uninteresting.
I found it difficult to follow because of the strange names, not only of the investigators but other characters, and there is a lot of jargon. The story takes the form of relentless dialog interspersed with narrative and background snippets which mainly exist to justify the actions, beliefs or behaviours of various of the characters. However the characters don't have any personality, they don't seem to relate, and the dialog often takes the form of American cinema exchanges between men comprising statements from one met by curt rejoinders from the other that are intended to be funny. Think back to 1960s westerns and you get the feel.
Because the style is of dialog going on for several pages at a time, the story actually moves very slowly, and any danger is relatively mild, except for a single explosion, and predictable, despite which the characters walk into the danger and have to be rescued.
If there are any twists, I didn't spot them, and the ending where everything is wrapped up is dreadfully slow, corny and highly unlikely. The dialog between the villain and captors is particularly unlikely to ever occur, certainly not in the prolonged discourses into motive and achievement. Again this is very reminiscent of American TV detective series, or perhaps Agatha Christie, where confession is part of the wind-down.
Despite the large numbers of 5 star reviews, I really cannot recommend this book, and I won't be buying anything more by this author.
I found it difficult to follow because of the strange names, not only of the investigators but other characters, and there is a lot of jargon. The story takes the form of relentless dialog interspersed with narrative and background snippets which mainly exist to justify the actions, beliefs or behaviours of various of the characters. However the characters don't have any personality, they don't seem to relate, and the dialog often takes the form of American cinema exchanges between men comprising statements from one met by curt rejoinders from the other that are intended to be funny. Think back to 1960s westerns and you get the feel.
Because the style is of dialog going on for several pages at a time, the story actually moves very slowly, and any danger is relatively mild, except for a single explosion, and predictable, despite which the characters walk into the danger and have to be rescued.
If there are any twists, I didn't spot them, and the ending where everything is wrapped up is dreadfully slow, corny and highly unlikely. The dialog between the villain and captors is particularly unlikely to ever occur, certainly not in the prolonged discourses into motive and achievement. Again this is very reminiscent of American TV detective series, or perhaps Agatha Christie, where confession is part of the wind-down.
Despite the large numbers of 5 star reviews, I really cannot recommend this book, and I won't be buying anything more by this author.
February 12, 2025
My prime first and I wish I picked another. Gripping thriller is a stretch. A failed school shooter and a miss man who had no idea who is become the center of the plot but Theo and Jessica need to find the person pulling the strings. I should have give this book up but made it through and the ending is not satisfying.
August 5, 2025
Let me see if I can describe this...
This is a combo of a techno thriller, mystery, science fictiony, modern day police like procedural. All 4 main characters probably have an IQ that ranges in the billions and would make normal people look like they have an IQ of a turnip. These are some pretty smart and savvy people. This is an interesting book when it comes to Sci-fi and AI stuff...but, yes there is a but here, I was a bit dissappointed in the action part of this thriller. There seems to be a whole lotta talking and discussing, but very little action. The beginning and end were entertaining, however the middle part of the book felt like a lecture. I read another book by this same author that was the same way. I'll read the 2nd one to this book and if I find it's the same way, I may not continue with this author. There really needs to be some middle action other than dialogue.
This is a combo of a techno thriller, mystery, science fictiony, modern day police like procedural. All 4 main characters probably have an IQ that ranges in the billions and would make normal people look like they have an IQ of a turnip. These are some pretty smart and savvy people. This is an interesting book when it comes to Sci-fi and AI stuff...but, yes there is a but here, I was a bit dissappointed in the action part of this thriller. There seems to be a whole lotta talking and discussing, but very little action. The beginning and end were entertaining, however the middle part of the book felt like a lecture. I read another book by this same author that was the same way. I'll read the 2nd one to this book and if I find it's the same way, I may not continue with this author. There really needs to be some middle action other than dialogue.
March 9, 2025
I've enjoyed Andrew Mayne's previous underwater excursions, but in this outing found that unit to have been diluted by the addition of other "specialists" recruited to solve a mystery. It didn't hold up as well as the others I've read by Mayne.
February 8, 2025
Not really sure how it ends, but a great ride
As always, the author delved into cutting edge technology taken a step beyond, and this time brings together several of my favorite main characters. So i guess the ending is similar to the Jack London book referred to throughout... in my imagination. Since a lot of great books end that way, maybe I should give this a 5, but i think some of my questions should have been answered.
As always, the author delved into cutting edge technology taken a step beyond, and this time brings together several of my favorite main characters. So i guess the ending is similar to the Jack London book referred to throughout... in my imagination. Since a lot of great books end that way, maybe I should give this a 5, but i think some of my questions should have been answered.
April 2, 2025
I sorry to say that I found this book more confusing than thrilling, it jumped all over and there were too many characters for me and none who I found interesting.
Sadly not for me.
Sadly not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Like watching the Daytona 500
I have read some other works - probably older - that I REALLY ENJOYED - so I tried this one too.
I enjoyed the unlikely heroes and slowly unraveling stories. This was a long time ago, though, and I'm unable to remember the book titles or the names of the main characters. Anyway, the character of Theo Cray seems kinda familiar.
Long story short, this work rambled relentlessly on through interview after interview until I finally gave up and just read the last few chapters, where's at least some action. It was like watching the Daytona 500 - expecting thrills but having to sit through hours of droning engines before the last 10 minutes of thrills!
My advice: Leave this one alone
I have read some other works - probably older - that I REALLY ENJOYED - so I tried this one too.
I enjoyed the unlikely heroes and slowly unraveling stories. This was a long time ago, though, and I'm unable to remember the book titles or the names of the main characters. Anyway, the character of Theo Cray seems kinda familiar.
Long story short, this work rambled relentlessly on through interview after interview until I finally gave up and just read the last few chapters, where's at least some action. It was like watching the Daytona 500 - expecting thrills but having to sit through hours of droning engines before the last 10 minutes of thrills!
My advice: Leave this one alone
June 12, 2025
Mr whisper was pretty good, all the characters were likable and worked well together. I will need to get some of the other individual characters stories and look forward to the next mashup
April 16, 2025
This book made me feel like I was on drugs. I wish I was.
March 14, 2025
2.75 Stars ⭐️
I thought at the beginning of this book that this was a "new to me" author, but I realized that I had actually read a book or two from him in the past. I think, though, that I liked the other books a lot more than I liked this book. I'm not sure what it was, but I could not ever really fall into this story.
The entire book felt extremely one dimensional. The plot line itself, well, it was unbelievably contrived and if you put ANY thought to it - not very plausible....at all. Now, don't get me wrong. The whole premise in the thriller genre is being able to put aside a certain amount of believability to be able to enjoy whatever craziness is occurring in these stories. I have no problem with that. THIS story though, I just could not wrap my head around it. And I felt like it was really never sufficiently explained or defined. There wasn't the amount of depth or filling to create the foundation as a springboard for the events that occur.
And the way the investigative team went about finding all of the additional people - suspects to interview, victims, etc.....there was just not enough believability for me to see ANY type of path that got them there. And that doesn't even say anything about the actual "bad guy". Seriously????
Once the reveal occurs, it was a serious let down for me because it just didn't make sense. I couldn't connect the dots in my head - because events had been occurring for almost 30 years or so (don't quote me on that, I don't remember exactly, but it was a long time) and I just couldn't see it happening - neither in the way they explained, or in any way that made sense.
Who knows, maybe it was just me. It has been known to happen. Maybe I was just not in a receiving mode that day.....you never know. Oh, and don't get me started with the fact that the book just basically.....ends. Yes, I understand the latest trend seems to be every author leaving cliffhangers to get you to keep moving on with the series, but this wasn't even that. It just ended. I seriously had to go back and see if I missed a chapter or something....not cool. Not cool at all.
Will I continue with the next book in the series? No, I think I'm going to stop while I'm ahead.
I thought at the beginning of this book that this was a "new to me" author, but I realized that I had actually read a book or two from him in the past. I think, though, that I liked the other books a lot more than I liked this book. I'm not sure what it was, but I could not ever really fall into this story.
The entire book felt extremely one dimensional. The plot line itself, well, it was unbelievably contrived and if you put ANY thought to it - not very plausible....at all. Now, don't get me wrong. The whole premise in the thriller genre is being able to put aside a certain amount of believability to be able to enjoy whatever craziness is occurring in these stories. I have no problem with that. THIS story though, I just could not wrap my head around it. And I felt like it was really never sufficiently explained or defined. There wasn't the amount of depth or filling to create the foundation as a springboard for the events that occur.
And the way the investigative team went about finding all of the additional people - suspects to interview, victims, etc.....there was just not enough believability for me to see ANY type of path that got them there. And that doesn't even say anything about the actual "bad guy". Seriously????
Once the reveal occurs, it was a serious let down for me because it just didn't make sense. I couldn't connect the dots in my head - because events had been occurring for almost 30 years or so (don't quote me on that, I don't remember exactly, but it was a long time) and I just couldn't see it happening - neither in the way they explained, or in any way that made sense.
Who knows, maybe it was just me. It has been known to happen. Maybe I was just not in a receiving mode that day.....you never know. Oh, and don't get me started with the fact that the book just basically.....ends. Yes, I understand the latest trend seems to be every author leaving cliffhangers to get you to keep moving on with the series, but this wasn't even that. It just ended. I seriously had to go back and see if I missed a chapter or something....not cool. Not cool at all.
Will I continue with the next book in the series? No, I think I'm going to stop while I'm ahead.
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