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The Strongbox Chronicles #2
The Firebird Deception: The Strongbox Chronicles, Book 2
Agent Alisha MacAleer has put the past behind her as best she can, but her trust in the CIA is no longer what it was...and the Agency's faith in Alisha is fractured, too.
When a mission goes sideways—again—thanks to her ex-lover Frank Reichart, Alisha's loyalties are called into question. Furious to learn that brilliant but treacherous Brandon Parker is back developing the next generation of his sophisticated artificial intelligences, assigned to desk duty, and sure that there are answers that only she can get to, Alisha is left with an impossible choice.
She can follow orders, or she can strike out on her own to uncover Brandon's intentions, Reichart's secrets, and the hidden mastermind behind the game she's been drawn into—a mastermind whose identity she suspects, but could never guess.
With no support, no resources, and no safety net, Alisha must believe that honor can survive a trial by fire….
When a mission goes sideways—again—thanks to her ex-lover Frank Reichart, Alisha's loyalties are called into question. Furious to learn that brilliant but treacherous Brandon Parker is back developing the next generation of his sophisticated artificial intelligences, assigned to desk duty, and sure that there are answers that only she can get to, Alisha is left with an impossible choice.
She can follow orders, or she can strike out on her own to uncover Brandon's intentions, Reichart's secrets, and the hidden mastermind behind the game she's been drawn into—a mastermind whose identity she suspects, but could never guess.
With no support, no resources, and no safety net, Alisha must believe that honor can survive a trial by fire….
Audible Audio
Published May 8, 2023
14 people are currently reading
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About the author
C.E. Murphy
98 books1,790 followersCE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 3, 2020
The fact that Silhouette originally published these books back in the day continues to boggle my mind. The closest description I can draw for these books is that they kind of strike me as female Jack Ryan novels, except with a lot less military jargon and they pass the Bechdel test. Originally published over 10 years ago, the themes of questioning those in power and one’s place in a large, powerful organization are more relevant than ever. Talk about a wild mismatch between content and publishing house.
October 14, 2025
A fun trilogy, the second one was a little repetitive.
December 31, 2023
The Firebird Deception by C. E. Murphy was so much better than the first book! At least it was easy to follow the journey. The fact that you don't know who to believe gives extra suspense and guessing. This was fun as well! So many parts made me laugh loud 🤣
November 21, 2019
I'm a longtime fan of Ms Murphy's, and as one of her Patreon patrons, I was lucky enough to get to beta-read a copy of this book.
Firebird is the second book in the series, so I should mention that I haven't read Book 1 but that that didn't stop me enjoying this one. There are references to events that happened previously, but I didn't have any issues following them or figuring out how they fit in with events in this book.
Basically, the book is a fun spy action story with vibe that's somewhere between the Alias, Nikita and Covert Affairs TV shows with just a leeetle of the Mr & Mrs Smith movie thrown in for good measure. Alisha is my kind of ubercompetent CIA agent, and I really enjoy following her adventures trying to a/ get back the black box she's meant to retrieve at at the beginning of the book, and b/ figure out who - if anyone - she can trust as she does.
The plot's a fairly simple one, albeit with a few twists and turns in it along the way -some that I was expecting, and a couple that pleasantly surprised me. Also, the many and varied pop culture references I've come to expect (and never fail to love) in Ms Murphy's work literally made me laugh out loud a few times.
So yes, if you're looking for a light-hearted read featuring a kickass female CIA agent protagonist along with some fun banter and geek culture in-jokes, I definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Firebird is the second book in the series, so I should mention that I haven't read Book 1 but that that didn't stop me enjoying this one. There are references to events that happened previously, but I didn't have any issues following them or figuring out how they fit in with events in this book.
Basically, the book is a fun spy action story with vibe that's somewhere between the Alias, Nikita and Covert Affairs TV shows with just a leeetle of the Mr & Mrs Smith movie thrown in for good measure. Alisha is my kind of ubercompetent CIA agent, and I really enjoy following her adventures trying to a/ get back the black box she's meant to retrieve at at the beginning of the book, and b/ figure out who - if anyone - she can trust as she does.
The plot's a fairly simple one, albeit with a few twists and turns in it along the way -some that I was expecting, and a couple that pleasantly surprised me. Also, the many and varied pop culture references I've come to expect (and never fail to love) in Ms Murphy's work literally made me laugh out loud a few times.
So yes, if you're looking for a light-hearted read featuring a kickass female CIA agent protagonist along with some fun banter and geek culture in-jokes, I definitely recommend giving this one a go.
August 8, 2020
Ali gets the shock of her life
I liked this book better than the first because at least my questions got answered and I wasn't left hanging. The first book just did not feel complete at all. Ali gets a huge shock in this book along with some answers. She even finds it a few answers about Richard. I think Phoenix should have been brought in for general information and principle.
I liked this book better than the first because at least my questions got answered and I wasn't left hanging. The first book just did not feel complete at all. Ali gets a huge shock in this book along with some answers. She even finds it a few answers about Richard. I think Phoenix should have been brought in for general information and principle.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews