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When Cryptologist Alton Blackwell takes his girlfriend, FBI Agent Mallory Wilson, on a surprise trip to Italy, the couple expects the vacation of a lifetime, but their pleasure is short-lived. Intent on selling Vidulum Inc.’s proprietary technology to the highest bidder, a rogue employee of the high-tech company arranges a clandestine meeting at one of Rome’s most famous tourist attractions. Rather than collecting a huge payday, however, the company turncoat encounters a lethal surprise. When Alton and Mallory rush to assist the dying scientist, they find themselves pulled into the subsequent murder investigation.
Foreign and domestic agents, corporate spies, intellectual-property thieves, and shadowy underworld figures race to acquire the technical files stored on the dead employee’s missing cellphone and reap the billions of dollars and technological superiority now at stake.
Despite their efforts to leave the tragedy behind and continue their vacation, Alton and Mallory soon learn their own lives are in danger. They are left with no choice but to join forces with the Roman police in an effort to crack the case. While diving into the investigation, the discovery of another man in Mallory’s past disrupts Alton’s plan to move his relationship with her to a new level.
As they encounter unexpected twists at a breakneck pace, Alton and Mallory must summon all their intellectual powers to reveal the truth behind the Vidulum employee’s death and track down the missing technological plans before a life-threatening end game can be set in motion.
Foreign and domestic agents, corporate spies, intellectual-property thieves, and shadowy underworld figures race to acquire the technical files stored on the dead employee’s missing cellphone and reap the billions of dollars and technological superiority now at stake.
Despite their efforts to leave the tragedy behind and continue their vacation, Alton and Mallory soon learn their own lives are in danger. They are left with no choice but to join forces with the Roman police in an effort to crack the case. While diving into the investigation, the discovery of another man in Mallory’s past disrupts Alton’s plan to move his relationship with her to a new level.
As they encounter unexpected twists at a breakneck pace, Alton and Mallory must summon all their intellectual powers to reveal the truth behind the Vidulum employee’s death and track down the missing technological plans before a life-threatening end game can be set in motion.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2014
962 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Freeman
68 books80 followersThriller/mystery author Steve Freeman is a former member of the US Army's Signal Corps, a thirty-four-year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited every continent but Antarctica. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 4, 2018
Volume # 4, in the Blackwell Files
Although this book is part of a series it works quite well as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous books and I wasn’t lost or even thought that I had missed anything.
A simple blurb:
When Cryptologist Alton Blackwell and girlfriend, FBI Agent Mallory Wilson decide to take a trip to Italy for a nice romantic vacation their pleasure was soon squashed. While on a sightseeing tour the love birds witnessed a murder, turned out the victim was a rogue employee of a high tech company arranging to sell sensitive technology to a foreign country. They soon find themselves pulled into the murder investigation.
A few thoughts:
The story is interesting and intricately woven to keep us in suspense and involved for most of the book. We are kept on edge all through trying to figure who is the brain behind the conspiracy till the very end. The author has plotted his story leaving only drips of clues while we surf amongst the many players that crosses the protagonists’ path: Italian Inspector, the mafia, a mole in the police, killers for hire…etc. this is very well- done. This International intrigue is in most part a page-turner till you magically find out the whodunit…then the story changes into a mushy romance (one, definitely written by a man). “Havoc” is unrealistic and at times disconnected….Most characters are well developed but I couldn’t stand Mallory. Too often her depiction got on my nerves and I especially detested how she called Alton “Sweetie” after all he is a grown man not 8 years old....We have weak dialogue and the narrative could have used a good shove from time to time but in all this is a good story.
Although this book is part of a series it works quite well as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous books and I wasn’t lost or even thought that I had missed anything.
A simple blurb:
When Cryptologist Alton Blackwell and girlfriend, FBI Agent Mallory Wilson decide to take a trip to Italy for a nice romantic vacation their pleasure was soon squashed. While on a sightseeing tour the love birds witnessed a murder, turned out the victim was a rogue employee of a high tech company arranging to sell sensitive technology to a foreign country. They soon find themselves pulled into the murder investigation.
A few thoughts:
The story is interesting and intricately woven to keep us in suspense and involved for most of the book. We are kept on edge all through trying to figure who is the brain behind the conspiracy till the very end. The author has plotted his story leaving only drips of clues while we surf amongst the many players that crosses the protagonists’ path: Italian Inspector, the mafia, a mole in the police, killers for hire…etc. this is very well- done. This International intrigue is in most part a page-turner till you magically find out the whodunit…then the story changes into a mushy romance (one, definitely written by a man). “Havoc” is unrealistic and at times disconnected….Most characters are well developed but I couldn’t stand Mallory. Too often her depiction got on my nerves and I especially detested how she called Alton “Sweetie” after all he is a grown man not 8 years old....We have weak dialogue and the narrative could have used a good shove from time to time but in all this is a good story.
August 4, 2022
Nice to see a hero who isn't cocky who thinks the woman he loves deserves better. Alton Rockwell takes his love Mallory Wilson to Italy for a surprise vacation and end up in a murder mystery.
Freeman uses a literary device popularized by Rex Stout in his Nero Wolfe books. The conclusion of the mystery gathers all the suspects in one room while Blackwell clears of condemns each one.
Freeman uses a literary device popularized by Rex Stout in his Nero Wolfe books. The conclusion of the mystery gathers all the suspects in one room while Blackwell clears of condemns each one.
August 13, 2014
I was given this e-book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When the third book in the Blackwell Files series, T Wave, ended, Alton Blackwell and his girlfriend,FBI Agent Mallory Wilson, were about to embark on a vacation in Italy. As Havoc opens, the pair is on their way to their destination, excited to begin their romantic holiday.
As Blackwell-Wilson fans know, trouble seems to find our duo, and this “vacation” is no exception. They soon come up against murder, stolen computer files, and attempts on their lives while they assist the police in solving the crimes. There are plenty of suspects, and keeping the characters straight is quite complicated for a while. Who did what to whom, who is a hired gun, and who might be working for the good guys? Eventually, of course, Blackwell and Agent Wilson pool their skills and resources to come up with a plan and put all the puzzle pieces together. The Italian scenery and architectural sites make an interesting backdrop for this caper.
I can’t mention putting pieces together without mentioning how well Alton and Mallory fit as lovers. In the romantic setting of Italy, they finally seem to have put any doubts aside. They throw caution to the wind – between meetings with the police and avoiding assassins. As I have mentioned in reviews of earlier books in the series, I hope that Alton will overcome his insecurities about his relationship with Mallory and his perceived “handicap,” as she is obviously as smitten with him as he is with her.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel almost as much as Freeman’s first book, Nefarious. I was confused trying to keep the characters straight; although the plot was basically very simple, the number of potential enemies was mind-boggling at times. I did find it more engaging than either Ruthless or T Wave, perhaps because the scenario seemed more likely for our protagonists to become involved in. As usual, the book ends on a high note, and I think we can look forward to more adventures with Mallory and Alton.
I wish to thank Mr. Steven Freeman, for allowing me to read his clever, exciting new novel, Havoc.
4/5 stars
When the third book in the Blackwell Files series, T Wave, ended, Alton Blackwell and his girlfriend,FBI Agent Mallory Wilson, were about to embark on a vacation in Italy. As Havoc opens, the pair is on their way to their destination, excited to begin their romantic holiday.
As Blackwell-Wilson fans know, trouble seems to find our duo, and this “vacation” is no exception. They soon come up against murder, stolen computer files, and attempts on their lives while they assist the police in solving the crimes. There are plenty of suspects, and keeping the characters straight is quite complicated for a while. Who did what to whom, who is a hired gun, and who might be working for the good guys? Eventually, of course, Blackwell and Agent Wilson pool their skills and resources to come up with a plan and put all the puzzle pieces together. The Italian scenery and architectural sites make an interesting backdrop for this caper.
I can’t mention putting pieces together without mentioning how well Alton and Mallory fit as lovers. In the romantic setting of Italy, they finally seem to have put any doubts aside. They throw caution to the wind – between meetings with the police and avoiding assassins. As I have mentioned in reviews of earlier books in the series, I hope that Alton will overcome his insecurities about his relationship with Mallory and his perceived “handicap,” as she is obviously as smitten with him as he is with her.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel almost as much as Freeman’s first book, Nefarious. I was confused trying to keep the characters straight; although the plot was basically very simple, the number of potential enemies was mind-boggling at times. I did find it more engaging than either Ruthless or T Wave, perhaps because the scenario seemed more likely for our protagonists to become involved in. As usual, the book ends on a high note, and I think we can look forward to more adventures with Mallory and Alton.
I wish to thank Mr. Steven Freeman, for allowing me to read his clever, exciting new novel, Havoc.
4/5 stars
July 29, 2014
4.5 Stars
Stolen files, murder and another mystery mean Alton and Mallory's trip to Italy just went from vacation to working in solving another mystery and when they are targeted by assassins things get allot more personal for the couple. When files that could change the world are stolen and the seller is killed in Rome where Alton and Mallory find him they are thrust into another situation where they must figure out "who done it" before the files get into the hands of the wrong people.
Alton is determined to use this trip to see if Mallory could be happy with him, a cripple, for the long term. When he learns of a mysterious "Tom" who Mallory may have dated after Afganastan he becomes nervous about weather or not she actually sees a future with him. He's a bit insecure because of his injuries and what he can and can't do with Mallory at times, but he's learning who to trust her and it's so sweet seeing him doing everything he can for her.
As with the other books in this series this one is told from several POV's including Alton's, the people the files were stolen from, and the bad guys. You see not only what's going on with Alton and Mallory, but also how things are going from the other prospectives and what everyone is trying to do to get the missing files.
I enjoyed seeing more of Alton and Mallory story as they continue to grow and another great mystery we get to solve with them.
Stolen files, murder and another mystery mean Alton and Mallory's trip to Italy just went from vacation to working in solving another mystery and when they are targeted by assassins things get allot more personal for the couple. When files that could change the world are stolen and the seller is killed in Rome where Alton and Mallory find him they are thrust into another situation where they must figure out "who done it" before the files get into the hands of the wrong people.
Alton is determined to use this trip to see if Mallory could be happy with him, a cripple, for the long term. When he learns of a mysterious "Tom" who Mallory may have dated after Afganastan he becomes nervous about weather or not she actually sees a future with him. He's a bit insecure because of his injuries and what he can and can't do with Mallory at times, but he's learning who to trust her and it's so sweet seeing him doing everything he can for her.
As with the other books in this series this one is told from several POV's including Alton's, the people the files were stolen from, and the bad guys. You see not only what's going on with Alton and Mallory, but also how things are going from the other prospectives and what everyone is trying to do to get the missing files.
I enjoyed seeing more of Alton and Mallory story as they continue to grow and another great mystery we get to solve with them.
August 19, 2014
When Alton Blackwell - a cryptologist takes his girlfriend, an FBI Agent , Mallory Wilson, on a surprise trip to Italy, the couple expects a wonderful vacation. One filled with pleasure, excitement, etc. But that all changes when they become targeted by assassins. Stolen files and murder This is another mystery for them to solve.
The plot was awesome. I could follow the story as it was happening, from the moment they left for their vacation, when they were targeted, and throughtout the entire book. They are very strong characters. You can tell that Steven Freeman knows how to write a good thrilling mystery.
I felt bad that their vacation was shortened by having another mystery to solve but as with day to day life, that can happen One minute we are on vacation and the next minute our bosses are calling us back to work! Alton and Mallory make a great team and a great couple. Look forward to many more mysteries for them to solve.
This book rated 5 stars. I enjoyed it from front to the end. Was a good read.
The plot was awesome. I could follow the story as it was happening, from the moment they left for their vacation, when they were targeted, and throughtout the entire book. They are very strong characters. You can tell that Steven Freeman knows how to write a good thrilling mystery.
I felt bad that their vacation was shortened by having another mystery to solve but as with day to day life, that can happen One minute we are on vacation and the next minute our bosses are calling us back to work! Alton and Mallory make a great team and a great couple. Look forward to many more mysteries for them to solve.
This book rated 5 stars. I enjoyed it from front to the end. Was a good read.
May 10, 2015
An Ex Army officer and his FBI girlfriend are on a vacation in Italy when they happen on a shooting in the Coliseum. When the Officer runs to investigate his actions get them heavily involved in a case of murder and industrial espionage that puts their lives in danger as they assist the Italian Police.
July 25, 2014
My favorite so far! Mr. Freeman blends romance, suspense, and beautiful descriptions of Italy into a fast-paced mystery I didn't want to put down. Alton Blackwell and Mallory Wilson are a great team! Can't WAIT to read the next one!!!
September 4, 2017
Boring. Just boring. And the h insists on calling the H "sweetie" all through the book. What, are they like, eighteen??
And the book just refuses to end. The last 4 chapters are completely tacked on and unnecessary. And the H's angst? Laughable.
Give this one a miss.
And the book just refuses to end. The last 4 chapters are completely tacked on and unnecessary. And the H's angst? Laughable.
Give this one a miss.
September 5, 2014
Another absolutely wonderful book! Was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
August 28, 2020
It's not very often I find myself not enjoying a book but sadly this one fell into that category. The story itself wasn't all that bad, it could've been a good crime thriller with the theft of new software by shady and mysterious characters being hunted down by other shady and mysterious characters. But, it wasn't. The main characters of Alton Blackwell and Mallory Wilson were just too inspid, particularly given their supposed backgrounds. I did not connect with them at all and found them unrealistic and immature, which basically resulted in the rest of the story collapsing around them. I also found the idea that a police force would pull in and rely on two foreign tourists for so much of an investigation, aside from any proceedural, evidence and juristiction issues, no detective worth their salt should or would need to do this. Sadly, this book is just not for me.
June 18, 2018
A very good mystery.
Alton and Mallory just wanted a quiet vacation in Italy but it was anything but quiet. They met the Wells' en route and they suggested a very nice restaurant for Alton and Mallory to have dinner at. The night they decided to go there for dinner was the night of Duncan Wells murder in the Colosseum. Alton and Mallory ran into the Colosseum to see what happened when they saw three people running in different directions and Duncan lying dead. That was the end of their quiet vacation. People were determined to kill them. The killers thought that Alton and Mallory had what they were looking for. This is a very good book which I know you will enjoy.
Alton and Mallory just wanted a quiet vacation in Italy but it was anything but quiet. They met the Wells' en route and they suggested a very nice restaurant for Alton and Mallory to have dinner at. The night they decided to go there for dinner was the night of Duncan Wells murder in the Colosseum. Alton and Mallory ran into the Colosseum to see what happened when they saw three people running in different directions and Duncan lying dead. That was the end of their quiet vacation. People were determined to kill them. The killers thought that Alton and Mallory had what they were looking for. This is a very good book which I know you will enjoy.
May 15, 2019
Alton takes a very surprised Mallory for three weeks to Italy. Then he will have a new place to work and with running an office now in Washington, when they return. When he presented the idea, he was surprised how quickly the CEO thought it was a good idea. Sharing a cab with another couples as there hotels were close. Next day an outing , was disrupted by gunshots. They see a man on the ground, and it was the man they shared the taxi with. The inspector was going to put them in jail, too many coincidents , checking who they were. Ends up giving them a month temporary gun permit. Intriguing story of how this turns out.
June 26, 2018
This was a very easy and generally satisfying read. The Italian accents were, however, not well done and pretty inconsistent. And the lovebird stuff between Alton and Mallory got old, fast. Thje story itself was interesting, but I've no desire to explore other books in this series. Since I once lived in Rome, that was what attracted me to this book, but its sense of place was only minimally there.
December 20, 2018
What a Mess
Havoc is a good title. This is the first book I have read in the series and I loved it. The characters are amazing.An unassuming male hero and his FBI girlfriend and his abilities are surprising as they are revealed! The shear amount of characters causes some minor confusion. Connections between characters blurred a little so I was glad of the complete rundown of their actions at the end.
The story ending is amazing and worth added chapters after the case.
Havoc is a good title. This is the first book I have read in the series and I loved it. The characters are amazing.An unassuming male hero and his FBI girlfriend and his abilities are surprising as they are revealed! The shear amount of characters causes some minor confusion. Connections between characters blurred a little so I was glad of the complete rundown of their actions at the end.
The story ending is amazing and worth added chapters after the case.
February 14, 2020
Fast paced thriller. Written well and good pacing. Read this in one sitting. Haven't read the previous 3 books but i think this works well as a standalone book. A little bit of romance involved too. Stolen technology to be sold to the highest bidder. Murder ensues and the tech goes missing. In a race to find the tech a couple on holiday in Rome are drawn into the whole circus. They aren't an ordinary couple though. One is FBI and the other is a cryptologist ex army.
May 13, 2018
Suspense!
If you like suspense, this is the book for you. A well written book with good character development. The author has you drawn in from the beginning to the very of even though you know what the ending is going to be. A good book for a rainy day.
If you like suspense, this is the book for you. A well written book with good character development. The author has you drawn in from the beginning to the very of even though you know what the ending is going to be. A good book for a rainy day.
September 5, 2020
Havoc is a good story
Steven did a good job with this story. Plenty of action and many surprises kept it moving along? The descriptions of places and events made it easy to feel like you were also in the story. A happy ending is always a good thing.
Steven did a good job with this story. Plenty of action and many surprises kept it moving along? The descriptions of places and events made it easy to feel like you were also in the story. A happy ending is always a good thing.
September 8, 2020
I didn't care too much about this one, too many people, and even though the main premise was interesting, the whole story together was really confusing .
Also, I don't care much for the main couple.
Also, I don't care much for the main couple.
March 16, 2022
OK read
I enjoyed the story,but didn't appreciate the explicit sexual descriptions
. Those do not add anything to the murder mystery. I skip those parts. A good writer should not have to resort to this
I enjoyed the story,but didn't appreciate the explicit sexual descriptions
. Those do not add anything to the murder mystery. I skip those parts. A good writer should not have to resort to this
March 18, 2017
Perhaps I expected more at first, but was surprised by the twist towards the end.
May 15, 2018
A fun whodunit. Exciting.... Love the 2 main characters.
A little tame for me thus the 4 star review....
A little tame for me thus the 4 star review....
May 21, 2018
Continuous action
Interesting and quite plausible tale of industrial espionage, illicit sales and, naturally, a trail of violence and intrigue along the way. Easy fun read.
Interesting and quite plausible tale of industrial espionage, illicit sales and, naturally, a trail of violence and intrigue along the way. Easy fun read.
June 5, 2018
Good read
The book was great. I loved the connection between the main characters. Very interesting characters and a page turner plot.
The book was great. I loved the connection between the main characters. Very interesting characters and a page turner plot.
July 31, 2018
Held my interest until the end.
November 24, 2018
OK
Mundane mystery. Stilted dialogue. I skimmed through the book. Not my type of book. I was surprised with the ending.
Mundane mystery. Stilted dialogue. I skimmed through the book. Not my type of book. I was surprised with the ending.
June 14, 2019
So good! I want to check out the first three books in the series! Although I was able to read #4 without having read the first 3!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 18, 2020
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
July 1, 2020
Good read and filled with action.
July 2, 2020
A good read
This was an Interesting story with enough plot twists to make it interesting. I will read more novels from this author
This was an Interesting story with enough plot twists to make it interesting. I will read more novels from this author
July 7, 2020
Pleasant read
More of an action/adventure than a mystery. Interesting enough story to keep me reading but not edge-of-your-seat. A little heavy on the romance for my taste.
More of an action/adventure than a mystery. Interesting enough story to keep me reading but not edge-of-your-seat. A little heavy on the romance for my taste.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews