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Upriver: The Linus Schag, NCIS, Thriller, Book 3
NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag is no stranger to violence and bloodshed, but when he’s sent to Iraq to take custody of two Navy SEALs suspected of murder, he finds himself thrust into a manmade inferno as coalition forces fight to free Northern Iraq from the Islamic extremist group called ISIS.
The explosion of an IED allows the SEALs, suspected of killing a fellow commando, to escape and flee up the Tigris River in a stolen Navy patrol boat. Schag pursues the SEALs in another boat assisted by an army criminal investigator, a vengeful Iraqi interpreter, and a hostile navy boat crew. Facing danger at each bend in the river, Schag and his companions endure ambushes, firefights, and friendly fire as he tries to discover the secret that lures the SEALs straight into the dark heart of an ISIS-made Hell on Earth.
The explosion of an IED allows the SEALs, suspected of killing a fellow commando, to escape and flee up the Tigris River in a stolen Navy patrol boat. Schag pursues the SEALs in another boat assisted by an army criminal investigator, a vengeful Iraqi interpreter, and a hostile navy boat crew. Facing danger at each bend in the river, Schag and his companions endure ambushes, firefights, and friendly fire as he tries to discover the secret that lures the SEALs straight into the dark heart of an ISIS-made Hell on Earth.
Audible Audio
Published August 25, 2023
9 people want to read
About the author
Martin Roy Hill
32 books87 followersMartin Roy Hill has led an eclectic life. Soldier, sailor, journalist . . . well, not a spy, but he has written about them.
Martin joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve when he was 19, the same year he sold his first published piece to Reader's Digest. He spent a total of 13 years as a Coastguardsman, in two tours, involved in small boat search and rescue, emergency medical response, port security, and maritime law enforcement.
In between those tours, he served in a counter-insurgency unit in the U.S. Navy Reserve. After a final stint of Coast Guard active duty following the 9/11 attacks, Martin was offered a commission as a medical service corps officer in a component of the California National Guard, where he trained combat medics for Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, Martin converted to the military police, retiring in 2016 as a major and executive officer of an MP unit.
Martin also served as a wilderness medic and operations sergeant with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Wilderness Search and Rescue Detail, where he was cross trained as a tactical (SWAT) medic. Martin also spent several years as a medic and security specialist with a federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team.
Martin received a bachelor's degree in journalism from CSU Dominguez Hills, and spent more than 20 years as a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines. His investigative reporting earned him numerous journalism honors, including two William Allen White Awards. His stories were included in three of the Investigative Reporters and Editors' annual compilations of the best investigative reporting. He also worked as a freelance correspondent for LIFE and Newsweek.
After serving on active duty following the 9/11 attacks, Martin switched careers, becoming a U.S. Navy analyst in combat casualty care. He left that position after 16 years and became a full-time writer and freelance editor.
Between his military, public safety, and journalism careers, Martin experienced many adventures. In the Coast Guard, he participated in dozens of rescues, chased Russian spy ships and smugglers, protected dignitaries, and once was nearly lost at sea in a storm. In the Navy, he was assigned to liaison with a USCG patrol boat during war games, and ended up participating in what at the time was the largest drug bust in U.S. history.
He's been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, and once followed a migrant trail from the U.S. into Mexico (at that country's request) to locate the remains of a woman who died along the trail so the smuggler leading her group could be prosecuted for her death. As a journalist, he covered disasters, air crashes, wild fires, as well as national and international leaders.
Martin's freelance credits include Reader's Digest, LIFE, Newsweek, Omni, American History, Writer’s Digest, Coast Guard Magazine, Retired Officer Magazine, The Compass, Aviation History, Mother Jones, the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion, and Travel sections, and many more. He was a lead contributor to the 1995 WWII anthology, "From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki: America at War," published by the Retired Officer Association, and a contributor to the 2013 American Civil War anthology "Gettysburg: Three Days that Saved the United States," published by I-5 Publishing.
Martin's background plays a significant role in his writing, which many reviewers have noted has a sense of realism not often found in fiction. His first book, DUTY, a collection of short stories centered around national service, was named the 2012 Best Short Story Anthology/Collection by the San Diego Book Awards Association. His Linus Schag, NCIS, thriller, The Butcher's Bill, received the 2017 Best Mystery/Suspense Award from the Best Independent Book Awards, the 2017 Clue Award for Best Suspense Thriller, the 2018 Silver Medal for Thrillers from the Readers Favorite Book Awards, and the 2018 Adult Fiction Award from the California Author Project.
Besides
Martin joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve when he was 19, the same year he sold his first published piece to Reader's Digest. He spent a total of 13 years as a Coastguardsman, in two tours, involved in small boat search and rescue, emergency medical response, port security, and maritime law enforcement.
In between those tours, he served in a counter-insurgency unit in the U.S. Navy Reserve. After a final stint of Coast Guard active duty following the 9/11 attacks, Martin was offered a commission as a medical service corps officer in a component of the California National Guard, where he trained combat medics for Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, Martin converted to the military police, retiring in 2016 as a major and executive officer of an MP unit.
Martin also served as a wilderness medic and operations sergeant with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Wilderness Search and Rescue Detail, where he was cross trained as a tactical (SWAT) medic. Martin also spent several years as a medic and security specialist with a federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team.
Martin received a bachelor's degree in journalism from CSU Dominguez Hills, and spent more than 20 years as a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines. His investigative reporting earned him numerous journalism honors, including two William Allen White Awards. His stories were included in three of the Investigative Reporters and Editors' annual compilations of the best investigative reporting. He also worked as a freelance correspondent for LIFE and Newsweek.
After serving on active duty following the 9/11 attacks, Martin switched careers, becoming a U.S. Navy analyst in combat casualty care. He left that position after 16 years and became a full-time writer and freelance editor.
Between his military, public safety, and journalism careers, Martin experienced many adventures. In the Coast Guard, he participated in dozens of rescues, chased Russian spy ships and smugglers, protected dignitaries, and once was nearly lost at sea in a storm. In the Navy, he was assigned to liaison with a USCG patrol boat during war games, and ended up participating in what at the time was the largest drug bust in U.S. history.
He's been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, and once followed a migrant trail from the U.S. into Mexico (at that country's request) to locate the remains of a woman who died along the trail so the smuggler leading her group could be prosecuted for her death. As a journalist, he covered disasters, air crashes, wild fires, as well as national and international leaders.
Martin's freelance credits include Reader's Digest, LIFE, Newsweek, Omni, American History, Writer’s Digest, Coast Guard Magazine, Retired Officer Magazine, The Compass, Aviation History, Mother Jones, the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion, and Travel sections, and many more. He was a lead contributor to the 1995 WWII anthology, "From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki: America at War," published by the Retired Officer Association, and a contributor to the 2013 American Civil War anthology "Gettysburg: Three Days that Saved the United States," published by I-5 Publishing.
Martin's background plays a significant role in his writing, which many reviewers have noted has a sense of realism not often found in fiction. His first book, DUTY, a collection of short stories centered around national service, was named the 2012 Best Short Story Anthology/Collection by the San Diego Book Awards Association. His Linus Schag, NCIS, thriller, The Butcher's Bill, received the 2017 Best Mystery/Suspense Award from the Best Independent Book Awards, the 2017 Clue Award for Best Suspense Thriller, the 2018 Silver Medal for Thrillers from the Readers Favorite Book Awards, and the 2018 Adult Fiction Award from the California Author Project.
Besides
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 20, 2022
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Upriver is book 3 in the Linus Schag, NCIS thriller series.
I think Linus was a little out of his depth in Upriver. He tended to take a back seat and wasn't in charge of the situation as he usually is. In fact he left his rifle unattended on the deck, not once but twice! Scag is sent to bring in two Navy SEALs suspected of murder but when the apprehension goes wrong and the prisoners escape Schag embarks on a long and dangerous pursuit along the Tigris River and straight into ISIS territory.
Upriver is as action packed as all Martin Roy Hill's novels whilst also rich in Hill's trademark humour. Told through the dual narrative of Sikes & Rankin (the escapees) and Linus Schag's team, we get to see the action and circumstances from both perspectives.
Hill includes a brief history of the Tigris River, the pressure on defence personnel due to relentless hours worked on tours of duty, mental breakdown and the dilemma of friendly fire.
The trip up the river following the escapees and surrounded by enemy fire in ISIS controlled areas was tension filled and action packed. And it wouldn't be a Schag thriller if there wasn't an explosion or two!
Hill once again showcases his extensive knowledge with all things afloat and his detailed descriptions were informative whilst still being suitable for a layperson.
If you are after a thriller that is timely, believable and rich in action Upriver is the book for you!!
*I received my copy from the author
Upriver is book 3 in the Linus Schag, NCIS thriller series.
I think Linus was a little out of his depth in Upriver. He tended to take a back seat and wasn't in charge of the situation as he usually is. In fact he left his rifle unattended on the deck, not once but twice! Scag is sent to bring in two Navy SEALs suspected of murder but when the apprehension goes wrong and the prisoners escape Schag embarks on a long and dangerous pursuit along the Tigris River and straight into ISIS territory.
Upriver is as action packed as all Martin Roy Hill's novels whilst also rich in Hill's trademark humour. Told through the dual narrative of Sikes & Rankin (the escapees) and Linus Schag's team, we get to see the action and circumstances from both perspectives.
Hill includes a brief history of the Tigris River, the pressure on defence personnel due to relentless hours worked on tours of duty, mental breakdown and the dilemma of friendly fire.
"His anger grew from the myriad of lies and deceits he discovered this war bred. Corrupt contractors, war-weary service members, innocent victims."
The trip up the river following the escapees and surrounded by enemy fire in ISIS controlled areas was tension filled and action packed. And it wouldn't be a Schag thriller if there wasn't an explosion or two!
Hill once again showcases his extensive knowledge with all things afloat and his detailed descriptions were informative whilst still being suitable for a layperson.
If you are after a thriller that is timely, believable and rich in action Upriver is the book for you!!
*I received my copy from the author
July 11, 2022
NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag is on the trail of two renegade Navy Seals who are looking to make a killing (in more ways than one) off the discovery of priceless antiquities discovered in Iraq during a mission. Schag and his team pursue the men up the Tigris River toward Mosul, an area contested by ISIS/Daesh. What sets this solid military thriller apart is the realistic depiction of the effect multiple deployments have on both the professional military and reservists who are called up to assist and train the shaky Iraqi government. While delivering on the action, Hill also shows us the terrible toll on civilians as well. Uncompromising and highly recommended!
January 12, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now let me tell you straight, this book, Upriver, comes in hot and does not ease up for a second. From the first pages, it throws you right into trouble and keeps its foot on the gas. It follows an NCIS agent named Linus who has already seen more violence than most folks ever will, but what he runs into in Iraq is on a whole other level.
Linus is sent in to take custody of two Navy SEALs accused of killing one of their own. Before he can even get things under control, an explosion tears everything apart. In the middle of the mess, those SEALs steal a patrol boat and take off up the Tigris River. From there, it turns into a mean chase full of gunfire, ambushes, bad calls, and danger waiting around every bend.
What really stood out to me is how rough and real this story feels. You can almost smell the smoke and fuel, and you can feel the tension sitting heavy on every page. This is not a clean or pretty story. It is loud, messy, and stressful, and half the time you are not sure who you can trust, even among people wearing the same uniform. The river itself feels like it has a mind of its own, just waiting to drag everyone down.
Linus makes a strong main character because he feels like a real person. He is stubborn, worn down, and determined, not some flashy hero. The side characters add a lot of pressure, especially the interpreter who has his own reasons for being there, and those reasons start to matter more as things spiral out of control.
This book reads fast and hard and keeps pushing you to turn the page even when you know you should stop. It is the kind of military thriller that does not pretend danger is simple or easy. If you like action, high tension, and tough choices, this one is well worth your time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 Catfish!
Now let me tell you straight, this book, Upriver, comes in hot and does not ease up for a second. From the first pages, it throws you right into trouble and keeps its foot on the gas. It follows an NCIS agent named Linus who has already seen more violence than most folks ever will, but what he runs into in Iraq is on a whole other level.
Linus is sent in to take custody of two Navy SEALs accused of killing one of their own. Before he can even get things under control, an explosion tears everything apart. In the middle of the mess, those SEALs steal a patrol boat and take off up the Tigris River. From there, it turns into a mean chase full of gunfire, ambushes, bad calls, and danger waiting around every bend.
What really stood out to me is how rough and real this story feels. You can almost smell the smoke and fuel, and you can feel the tension sitting heavy on every page. This is not a clean or pretty story. It is loud, messy, and stressful, and half the time you are not sure who you can trust, even among people wearing the same uniform. The river itself feels like it has a mind of its own, just waiting to drag everyone down.
Linus makes a strong main character because he feels like a real person. He is stubborn, worn down, and determined, not some flashy hero. The side characters add a lot of pressure, especially the interpreter who has his own reasons for being there, and those reasons start to matter more as things spiral out of control.
This book reads fast and hard and keeps pushing you to turn the page even when you know you should stop. It is the kind of military thriller that does not pretend danger is simple or easy. If you like action, high tension, and tough choices, this one is well worth your time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 Catfish!
August 10, 2022
This is a really good book and stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I felt like I was there with these men in the middle of this horrible conflict, and the author made me see how people can do really horrible things during a war. They're not necessarily purely evil people, but war can bring out the worst in anyone. If you read this book, you almost HAVE to have more empathy for veterans who have seen combat. The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is because it was slow reading, due to all of the acronyms and terminology (e.g. boat parts and weapons). I don't know how the author could have done that better because he certainly did explain each acronym and weapon as it first came up, but I still felt like I needed a reference sheet. So I'm not sure that's even fair, but it did make the reading more difficult for me. That being said, I am very glad I continued on, and I highly recommend the book. I haven't read others in this series, but I will do that now. Also, good to note that it's a standalone, so it was not necessary to have read previous books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2022
This is part of a series featuring Linus Schag (sounds like shag, the c is silent). He’s an agent for the NCIS, the internal law enforcement division of the US Navy. In this story he and his cohorts are chasing two Navy SEALs suspected of murder into an area of Iraq that is essentially at war. Needless to say, things are intense. The story has a lot of things at play to reach a resolution. Not only does Schag need to figure out where the escapees are likely to be headed beyond the obvious “upriver,” but they need to be careful to stay as under-the-radar as possible from enemy forces (ISIS in this case). The army crew tasked to assist him complicates things at times due to the normal competitiveness and friction between different branches of the US military. Then they have an Iraqi native accompanying them as a translator who makes some of their crew nervous and has goals of his own that also complicates things. The result is a unique story that keeps the reader guessing as to how or if things are going to work out.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
July 17, 2022
NCIS Special investigator Linus Schag’s latest mission is to head to northern Iraq to take custody of two Navy SEALs accused of the murder of an Army Green Beret.
What seems like the simplest of tasks is made a lot tougher when thanks to an ISIS (the local Islamic terrorist group) explosive device; the prisoner’s make their escape on a stolen Navy river boat and head off upriver.
Teaming up with a member of the Army CID, an unhelpful patrol boat crew and a shifty Iraqi interpreter, Schag sets off into hostile country to track down the fugitives and bring them to justice.
Why have the hunted due headed into territory infested with extremists rather then make a run for the border? Schag is about to find out
The author has written a nicely executed plot filled with interesting characters that, whilst heading towards the resolution of the main objective, has time to wander off on to sub-plots that complement the rest of the story.
Schag’s relationships with his hastily assembled crew are allowed to develop and grow throughout the book. In the beginning there is a degree of friction that comes with working with strangers especially in a combat zone.
Other related topics are covered sensitively by the author and he raises points on friendly fire, racism, mistrust and family commitments.
The story is fast paced and doesn’t get bogged down with all of the extraneous military detail that seems to happen in a lot of books of this type. We get what we need to know about the hardware to maintain the realistic feel without it getting distracting.
Just like real forays into war zones, nobody is ever safe and the author doesn’t allow the reader to get complacent about their favourite characters.
This is the third book in the Linus Schag NCIS Thriller series but is a perfectly self-contained story that does not require the reader to have any prior knowledge of the characters or the setting.
What I liked most about this was the pace of the plot, the interaction between the members of Schag’s team and also the portrayal of the escaped SEALs and their struggle to escape both Schag and the ISIS terrorists as they made their way upriver.
The sub-plot involving the Iraqi interpreter and the trip to Mosul was also a stand out feature for me that brought a further element of reality to the whole thing.
Overall this was hard to put down and difficult to fault. It’s given me a desire to go back and read books 1 and 2.
What seems like the simplest of tasks is made a lot tougher when thanks to an ISIS (the local Islamic terrorist group) explosive device; the prisoner’s make their escape on a stolen Navy river boat and head off upriver.
Teaming up with a member of the Army CID, an unhelpful patrol boat crew and a shifty Iraqi interpreter, Schag sets off into hostile country to track down the fugitives and bring them to justice.
Why have the hunted due headed into territory infested with extremists rather then make a run for the border? Schag is about to find out
The author has written a nicely executed plot filled with interesting characters that, whilst heading towards the resolution of the main objective, has time to wander off on to sub-plots that complement the rest of the story.
Schag’s relationships with his hastily assembled crew are allowed to develop and grow throughout the book. In the beginning there is a degree of friction that comes with working with strangers especially in a combat zone.
Other related topics are covered sensitively by the author and he raises points on friendly fire, racism, mistrust and family commitments.
The story is fast paced and doesn’t get bogged down with all of the extraneous military detail that seems to happen in a lot of books of this type. We get what we need to know about the hardware to maintain the realistic feel without it getting distracting.
Just like real forays into war zones, nobody is ever safe and the author doesn’t allow the reader to get complacent about their favourite characters.
This is the third book in the Linus Schag NCIS Thriller series but is a perfectly self-contained story that does not require the reader to have any prior knowledge of the characters or the setting.
What I liked most about this was the pace of the plot, the interaction between the members of Schag’s team and also the portrayal of the escaped SEALs and their struggle to escape both Schag and the ISIS terrorists as they made their way upriver.
The sub-plot involving the Iraqi interpreter and the trip to Mosul was also a stand out feature for me that brought a further element of reality to the whole thing.
Overall this was hard to put down and difficult to fault. It’s given me a desire to go back and read books 1 and 2.
December 24, 2022
I received this book from the author and the fine folks at storyoriginapp.com in return for an honest review.
I must admit that this was the first book that I had read by this author, Martin Roy Author, and I must admit that I really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Linus Schag, our NCIS protagonist, who is thrust into the manmade hades that combat between Coalition Forces and Daesh (ISIS) has continued to turn the nation of Iraq into.
Schag has found himself sent from his current assignment aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Halsey, to Forward Operating Base Maverick to investigate the remaining members of a combined special forces team, that consisted of two members each of the US Army Green Berets and US Navy Seals.
Following the return of the remaining members of this special forces team, another one of the members finds himself on the wrong end of a firearm, originally believed to be a suicide which was called into question due to gunpowder stippling on the opposite temple of the head. An investigation of the remaining two members ensues and the two members are transported from the FOB in an MRAP.
The explosion of an IED allows the SEALs, suspected of killing a fellow commando, to escape and flee up the Tigris River in a stolen Navy patrol boat. Schag pursues the SEALs in another boat assisted by an Army criminal investigator, a vengeful Iraqi interpreter, and a hostile Navy boat crew. Facing danger at each bend in the river, Schag and his companions endure ambushes, firefights, and friendly fire as he tries to discover the secret that lures the SEALs straight into the dark heart of an ISIS-made hell on earth.
As I had mentioned previously, this was my first book by this author but I would recommend him to any reader who is interested in reading military-themed action thrillers.
As such, I would rate this book a solid four stars out of a possible five.
As with all of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I must admit that this was the first book that I had read by this author, Martin Roy Author, and I must admit that I really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Linus Schag, our NCIS protagonist, who is thrust into the manmade hades that combat between Coalition Forces and Daesh (ISIS) has continued to turn the nation of Iraq into.
Schag has found himself sent from his current assignment aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Halsey, to Forward Operating Base Maverick to investigate the remaining members of a combined special forces team, that consisted of two members each of the US Army Green Berets and US Navy Seals.
Following the return of the remaining members of this special forces team, another one of the members finds himself on the wrong end of a firearm, originally believed to be a suicide which was called into question due to gunpowder stippling on the opposite temple of the head. An investigation of the remaining two members ensues and the two members are transported from the FOB in an MRAP.
The explosion of an IED allows the SEALs, suspected of killing a fellow commando, to escape and flee up the Tigris River in a stolen Navy patrol boat. Schag pursues the SEALs in another boat assisted by an Army criminal investigator, a vengeful Iraqi interpreter, and a hostile Navy boat crew. Facing danger at each bend in the river, Schag and his companions endure ambushes, firefights, and friendly fire as he tries to discover the secret that lures the SEALs straight into the dark heart of an ISIS-made hell on earth.
As I had mentioned previously, this was my first book by this author but I would recommend him to any reader who is interested in reading military-themed action thrillers.
As such, I would rate this book a solid four stars out of a possible five.
As with all of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
September 13, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Lin, an NCIS agent, landing and being picked up at the airport. He has come to transport two Seals that were charged with killing another soldier, a Green Beret. Lin arrives at the Camp and leaves the next day to transport his prisoners to Spain. Once left the camp, they encountered an IED that allowed the two prisoners to escape. Lin was knocked unconscious. After being cleared medically he and Stan, the CID agent LIn was working with began their search for the two who had stolen a boat and gone upriver.
Lin, Stan, Ramos and his crew began their quest. Follow them and see what obstacles they faced as they voyaged on the river. Learn what the enemy, ISIS, did to the country and what effect that had on their interpreter, Moody.
The ending is well worth it and brings the case to a close.
This story begins with Lin, an NCIS agent, landing and being picked up at the airport. He has come to transport two Seals that were charged with killing another soldier, a Green Beret. Lin arrives at the Camp and leaves the next day to transport his prisoners to Spain. Once left the camp, they encountered an IED that allowed the two prisoners to escape. Lin was knocked unconscious. After being cleared medically he and Stan, the CID agent LIn was working with began their search for the two who had stolen a boat and gone upriver.
Lin, Stan, Ramos and his crew began their quest. Follow them and see what obstacles they faced as they voyaged on the river. Learn what the enemy, ISIS, did to the country and what effect that had on their interpreter, Moody.
The ending is well worth it and brings the case to a close.
September 4, 2023
Audiobook: I was entertained by book three in "The Linus Schag, NCIS Thriller" series. I had to listen to the audiobook in one sitting as I was so absorbed into the story. NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag was sent to Iraq to escort two Navy Seals to trial. The two men were accused of murder. When circumstances enabled the two Navy Seals escape, NCIS Special Agent Schag had to follow their path to recapture them. The author's writing style combined truth and creativity in a well-balanced story that kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Brian Dullaghan's narration was fine, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
June 9, 2024
"Upriver" by Martin Roy Hill is an intense and gripping thriller that follows NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag into the perilous landscape of Iraq. Tasked with apprehending two Navy SEALs accused of murder, Schag’s mission quickly spirals into chaos as the suspects escape up the Tigris River. Hill masterfully captures the dangers of pursuing fugitives in a war-torn region, with ambushes, firefights, and the constant threat of ISIS adding to the tension. The novel's vivid descriptions and fast-paced action keep readers on the edge of their seats. A compelling read for fans of military and crime thrillers.
February 24, 2026
Upriver is a relentless, high-intensity military thriller that plunges readers straight into the chaos of modern warfare. Martin Roy Hill crafts a gripping pursuit narrative along the Tigris River, blending investigative tension with combat driven urgency. NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag is a steady and compelling anchor amid ambushes, divided loyalties, and shifting alliances. The layered moral questions surrounding the accused SEALs add depth beneath the action, making this more than just a battlefield chase it’s a story about truth, duty, and survival under extreme pressure.
June 25, 2022
***I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review***
Now THAT is how you write a military-based action thriller. Martin Roy Hill literally takes us up the Tigris River by way of NCIS agent Lin Schag, and does an amazing job of building up the characters, the environment, and the plot without going over the top. I'm probably going to end up reading the first two Lin Schag books just based off how good this story was!
Now THAT is how you write a military-based action thriller. Martin Roy Hill literally takes us up the Tigris River by way of NCIS agent Lin Schag, and does an amazing job of building up the characters, the environment, and the plot without going over the top. I'm probably going to end up reading the first two Lin Schag books just based off how good this story was!
September 16, 2023
Loved the narration of Brian Dullaghan
NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag was sent to Iraq to escort two Navy Seals to trial. The two men were accused of murder of an Army Green Beret. When the two Navy Seals escape, Linus is teamed up with a member of the Army CID, an unhelpful patrol boat crew and a shifty Iraqi interpreter. They all set off into hostile country to track down the fugitives and bring them to justice.
NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag was sent to Iraq to escort two Navy Seals to trial. The two men were accused of murder of an Army Green Beret. When the two Navy Seals escape, Linus is teamed up with a member of the Army CID, an unhelpful patrol boat crew and a shifty Iraqi interpreter. They all set off into hostile country to track down the fugitives and bring them to justice.
September 22, 2023
Well, in my humble opinion, a thriller it is not.
It's obvious that the author did a lot of research and that the topic of the war in Iraq is important to him, but this book is simply not a thriller.
There was not one point in the book where I felt on edge or curious about who did what and why.
This book is a history, educational book, but not a thriller.
The narrator did a good job.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's obvious that the author did a lot of research and that the topic of the war in Iraq is important to him, but this book is simply not a thriller.
There was not one point in the book where I felt on edge or curious about who did what and why.
This book is a history, educational book, but not a thriller.
The narrator did a good job.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
In the beginning, the book has a few military term and or items that you may not be used too. The book's first chapter start very fast paced however by the second chapter the book slows down but that is only so the reader can get background information. By the 5th chapter you will be hooked into the book and just dying to finish the book. I am a new reader to the Book series and I had no problem following the book. It’s a really great read and even though it’s not the longest book, it is packed full of actions. In some parts of the book you will be on the edge of your seat praying for the characters. Overall a good read, however since I’m more use to reading romance, it felt a little dry at some moments. Still a great book that you’ll definitely enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2022
Upriver (The Linus Schag, NCIS, Thrillers Book 3), my second read from author Martin Roy Hill, entertaining & enjoyable. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 29, 2022
A pulse-pounding adventure thriller reminiscent of Heart of Darkness or Apocalypse Now. An NCIS agent, commanding a reluctant crew and a mysterious Iraqi translator, pursues a pair of rogue Navy Seals up the Tigris River deep into the still-conflicted depths of Iraq. On the way is ambush, death, and tragedy.
Great action, great characters, and a compelling story. Couldn’t put it down.
Great action, great characters, and a compelling story. Couldn’t put it down.
January 22, 2025
I wasn't sure if this would be too far in the "military action" direction for me, but I ended up really enjoying the story.
I liked the characters and the emotional development, as well as the ending, and the self-reflection that Linus Schag was just beginning.
Certainly well worth a read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the characters and the emotional development, as well as the ending, and the self-reflection that Linus Schag was just beginning.
Certainly well worth a read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2023
An interesting take on rogue military during the Iraq crisis. Another in the enjoyable Linus Schag, NCIS series. Linus has to track renegade soldiers who are trying to recover stolen artifacts and sell them on the black market. A detective story with gun boats and machine guns. Fun read.
December 30, 2025
UPRIVER - This military story had a bit of an average Cozy genre feel, but I still found this quickly read story interesting. There are several good characters, good story lines, and the sadness that comes from wars. Hope and kindness still exist in this story. Source: BookSirens. 3*
CODENAME PARSIFAL - Distracted by the author's obvious dislike of and his comments made about General Patton made me have second thoughts about finishing this story. These comments aren't necessary since what happened does not belong in this story and the lack of the complete events reflects poorly on a general who was great at his job and did have the beliefs of his time and raising.
Yes, he and Teddy Roosevelt share the same traits that made it hard for Eisenhower to handle Patton during WWII, but Patton was right and just more direct and outspoken than his peers could handle. TR has nothing to do with this story; just used him as an example, but I did not clarify the similar actions of these two men since I assume I'm not the only person who studied or has knowledge of world history, which includes American.
Montgomery, along with the other Allied generals and politicians, did not like Eisenhower in sole charge of the Allied Forces so there was a lot of strife, especially with the French. I know this book is probably just entertainment but I lost interest in finishing, which is a shame since this is one of my preferred genres. Source: BookSirens. 3*
CODENAME PARSIFAL - Distracted by the author's obvious dislike of and his comments made about General Patton made me have second thoughts about finishing this story. These comments aren't necessary since what happened does not belong in this story and the lack of the complete events reflects poorly on a general who was great at his job and did have the beliefs of his time and raising.
Yes, he and Teddy Roosevelt share the same traits that made it hard for Eisenhower to handle Patton during WWII, but Patton was right and just more direct and outspoken than his peers could handle. TR has nothing to do with this story; just used him as an example, but I did not clarify the similar actions of these two men since I assume I'm not the only person who studied or has knowledge of world history, which includes American.
Montgomery, along with the other Allied generals and politicians, did not like Eisenhower in sole charge of the Allied Forces so there was a lot of strife, especially with the French. I know this book is probably just entertainment but I lost interest in finishing, which is a shame since this is one of my preferred genres. Source: BookSirens. 3*
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