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Deadly Driver
Bryce Winters risked his life often enough racing Formula One cars, but when his own country’s CIA put a gun to his head, he entered a dark and dangerous world - one filled with criminals, top secret assignments, and few friends, if any.
Follow this deadly driver on a path that takes him from the hills of Vermont to the most exciting cities and destinations around the world. His life is one of great contrast - of remarkable success on the track and incredible personal losses.
Bryce must turn the tables on the agency controlling him so he can chase a racing legend and an elusive woman who has secrets of her own. For listeners who follow Jason Bourne, enjoyed Ford Versus Ferrari, or who love books about family secrets, action, and international travel, this thriller ticks all of the boxes.
Follow this deadly driver on a path that takes him from the hills of Vermont to the most exciting cities and destinations around the world. His life is one of great contrast - of remarkable success on the track and incredible personal losses.
Bryce must turn the tables on the agency controlling him so he can chase a racing legend and an elusive woman who has secrets of her own. For listeners who follow Jason Bourne, enjoyed Ford Versus Ferrari, or who love books about family secrets, action, and international travel, this thriller ticks all of the boxes.
Audible Audio
Published April 16, 2021
About the author
J.K. Kelly
11 books45 followersJK's first novels, FOUND IN TIME and THE LOST PULSE, were recognized for their fast pacing, and, in reviewing the latter, THE REAL BOOK SPY, wrote, "A must-read for fans of Brad Taylor and Mark Greaney." International thrillers THE EXPORT and THE EXPORT’S REVENGE came next. “I worked with a great editor, Ryan Steck, on those novels, and I couldn’t be more proud of them." The autobiography of JK's life in motorsports was titled FUELIN' AROUND and became very popular with the racing crowd. Then, tapping into his auto racing knowledge and writing talents, JK produced the Formula One/CIA spy thriller DEADLY DRIVER to great reviews. His love of World War II warbirds and his passion for thrillers drove him to write THE LOST BIRD with the 'Deadly' sequel SWITCHBACK launching in 2024. In addition to writing thrillers, JK gave screenwriting a try, and as 2023 comes to a close, he has three feature film scripts in the hands of Hollywood producers at their request.
He lives in Media, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lisa, and continues a never-ending pursuit of the next adventure.
He lives in Media, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lisa, and continues a never-ending pursuit of the next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 28, 2021
Kelly’s spectacularly crafted latest plunges readers into a fully realized world of murder, conspiracy, and intrigue.
A celebrated Formula One race car driver, Bryce Winters thinks he has seen a lifetime of danger racing cars on race tracks. But when he is thrown into a treacherous world of murder and secret assignments by his own country’s CIA, securing his freedom becomes a deadly game of wit and murder. Bryce must tread carefully or risk losing everything he holds dear.
The narrative moves at a vigorous pace, and readers will find themselves acclimating to Bryce’s visceral world right from the start. The fast-moving plot, with deadly conspiracies, shocking revelations, brutal killings, sinister villains, and intrigue and revenge keep the pages flying.
The endearingly flawed protagonist, immersive details of car racing, and deadly battles both with the powerful enemies and inner turmoil make this a page-turner.
Highly recommended for lovers of fast-paced suspense thrillers.
A celebrated Formula One race car driver, Bryce Winters thinks he has seen a lifetime of danger racing cars on race tracks. But when he is thrown into a treacherous world of murder and secret assignments by his own country’s CIA, securing his freedom becomes a deadly game of wit and murder. Bryce must tread carefully or risk losing everything he holds dear.
The narrative moves at a vigorous pace, and readers will find themselves acclimating to Bryce’s visceral world right from the start. The fast-moving plot, with deadly conspiracies, shocking revelations, brutal killings, sinister villains, and intrigue and revenge keep the pages flying.
The endearingly flawed protagonist, immersive details of car racing, and deadly battles both with the powerful enemies and inner turmoil make this a page-turner.
Highly recommended for lovers of fast-paced suspense thrillers.
April 11, 2021
4.5 stars
Deadly Driver is indeed a deadly read about intriguing conspiracy plots, crimes that are covered so well and so many twisted stories and villains to uncover.
The writing is flawless and I find the pacing so high, I could barely take a break from everything that was happening. Just like our male character, Bryce, a formula one driver, his and his own family and friends’ life is at stake with every turn of the page in this race to the end line for finding the brains in the intricate spy web of lies and villainy minds.
I thought in many moments that everything will end in an enormous crash along the way but I’m happy that I was wrong.
Suspenseful, pulse racing story that I highly recommend.
Deadly Driver is indeed a deadly read about intriguing conspiracy plots, crimes that are covered so well and so many twisted stories and villains to uncover.
The writing is flawless and I find the pacing so high, I could barely take a break from everything that was happening. Just like our male character, Bryce, a formula one driver, his and his own family and friends’ life is at stake with every turn of the page in this race to the end line for finding the brains in the intricate spy web of lies and villainy minds.
I thought in many moments that everything will end in an enormous crash along the way but I’m happy that I was wrong.
Suspenseful, pulse racing story that I highly recommend.
August 6, 2021
wow! what a book. This is the second book I have read by this author and I loved it so much. This book was fast paced and the flow of the book was amazing. His writing is amazing and a real good page turner. I could not put it down and the ending was really good. This author is a real hidden gem his books are that good I can see them becoming films easily. independent publishing authors need so much help to get these books out to the wider public so please help him READ THIS BRILLIANTLY WROTE BOOK AND RECOMMEND IT TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
April 30, 2021
While sitting and reading this book, I felt like I needed to buckle up a seat belt. There is no pace car; the story is non-stop, full speed with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Behind the scenes and on the course the author keeps the plot and characters moving in a very entertaining story. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
April 25, 2021
My Thanks to NetGalley and publisher, J.K.Kelly Books, for the ARC.
What an excellent read this is! The author's phenomenal research transports the reader across the globe into the glitz and glamour of Formula One racing and all the wealth and luxury accompanying it. However, Bryce Winters, a one-time world champion, has a secret world of his own - one in which he, together with his friend Jack Madigan are being blackmailed into carrying out clandestine operations for the CIA, using their legitimate F1 travels across continents to gain access to their targets.
Bryce, the son of a policeman, was raised in New England by his father's twin brother Pete. Pete was a Marine and taught Bryce all he knew about fighting and killing. Both have no qualms about delivering appropriate justice in order to help people - but that philosophy can get them both into trouble. Bryce is desperate to get the CIA off his back. He planned to retire at the end of the season, thereby negating his travel advantages for the CIA's purposes: only he is offered the chance to renew his contract and the lure of another championship is too great - he has to come up with a plan to get both Jack and himself out of the CIA's claws.
The narrative moves seamlessly between past and present as we learn of Bryce's humble racing beginnings before coming under the wing of his mentor, billionaire Max Werner. Bryce can take or leave the high life - he's doing something which he enjoys and which he is very, very good at - he's a talented race driver. But as well as being immersed in the glamourous F1 locations we are able to follow Bryce during his "down-time" where he explores his own country as well as picturesque global locations and landmarks whilst, at times, he becomes introspective; questioning himself and the actions he has taken.
This is well-written, fast-paced and action-packed, with excellent characterisation and dialogue. Lots of twists and revelations - and shocks!
If you haven't read J.K.Kelly's previous two books entitled "The Export" and "The Export's Revenge" then I would urge you to do so because Matt Christopher - the star of those books -is mentioned in this one and there are several similarities running through the two series, I'm rather intrigued to find out whether, in the future, these two protagonists - Matt & Bryce - actually ever meet up!
Great one - thoroughly recommended.
What an excellent read this is! The author's phenomenal research transports the reader across the globe into the glitz and glamour of Formula One racing and all the wealth and luxury accompanying it. However, Bryce Winters, a one-time world champion, has a secret world of his own - one in which he, together with his friend Jack Madigan are being blackmailed into carrying out clandestine operations for the CIA, using their legitimate F1 travels across continents to gain access to their targets.
Bryce, the son of a policeman, was raised in New England by his father's twin brother Pete. Pete was a Marine and taught Bryce all he knew about fighting and killing. Both have no qualms about delivering appropriate justice in order to help people - but that philosophy can get them both into trouble. Bryce is desperate to get the CIA off his back. He planned to retire at the end of the season, thereby negating his travel advantages for the CIA's purposes: only he is offered the chance to renew his contract and the lure of another championship is too great - he has to come up with a plan to get both Jack and himself out of the CIA's claws.
The narrative moves seamlessly between past and present as we learn of Bryce's humble racing beginnings before coming under the wing of his mentor, billionaire Max Werner. Bryce can take or leave the high life - he's doing something which he enjoys and which he is very, very good at - he's a talented race driver. But as well as being immersed in the glamourous F1 locations we are able to follow Bryce during his "down-time" where he explores his own country as well as picturesque global locations and landmarks whilst, at times, he becomes introspective; questioning himself and the actions he has taken.
This is well-written, fast-paced and action-packed, with excellent characterisation and dialogue. Lots of twists and revelations - and shocks!
If you haven't read J.K.Kelly's previous two books entitled "The Export" and "The Export's Revenge" then I would urge you to do so because Matt Christopher - the star of those books -is mentioned in this one and there are several similarities running through the two series, I'm rather intrigued to find out whether, in the future, these two protagonists - Matt & Bryce - actually ever meet up!
Great one - thoroughly recommended.
July 18, 2021
Author J.K. Kelly (https://jkkelly.com) published the novel “Deadly Driver” in 2021. The author has thus far published six books. I was able to interview Mr. Kelly in September of 2019. You can read that interview here.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence. The story is set in contemporary times at locations all around the world.
The primary character is Bryce Winters a world-class Formula One driver. He has a darker side as a CIA operative. He didn’t want to be a spy, but they had evidence against him. He had little choice but to comply.
His celebrity status from F1 racing gets him near many powerful people. This lets him make hits for the CIA without drawing too much attention to himself. He is willing to serve his country, but not while under the CIA’s thumb. He struggles to find a way to leave them behind. He travels around the world from one Formula One race to another. Beyond his work for the CIA, he faces danger from racing and those associated with it.
I enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 265-page thriller. The book reminds me a lot of Flemings’s ‘James Bond’ thrillers. The main character is repeatedly ending up in trouble. He also falls into bed with beautiful women and dispatches his foes. The Winters character is far from a hero wearing the white hat. While he repeatedly comes to the aid of damsels in distress, he is ruthless. Author Kelly mixes his interest in racing with writing thrillers in this novel. This is the fifth book by Kelly that I have read. They are consistently enjoyable, though a little rough around the edges. They are an entertaining and fun read! The selected cover art is engaging and has the feel of the story. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence. The story is set in contemporary times at locations all around the world.
The primary character is Bryce Winters a world-class Formula One driver. He has a darker side as a CIA operative. He didn’t want to be a spy, but they had evidence against him. He had little choice but to comply.
His celebrity status from F1 racing gets him near many powerful people. This lets him make hits for the CIA without drawing too much attention to himself. He is willing to serve his country, but not while under the CIA’s thumb. He struggles to find a way to leave them behind. He travels around the world from one Formula One race to another. Beyond his work for the CIA, he faces danger from racing and those associated with it.
I enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 265-page thriller. The book reminds me a lot of Flemings’s ‘James Bond’ thrillers. The main character is repeatedly ending up in trouble. He also falls into bed with beautiful women and dispatches his foes. The Winters character is far from a hero wearing the white hat. While he repeatedly comes to the aid of damsels in distress, he is ruthless. Author Kelly mixes his interest in racing with writing thrillers in this novel. This is the fifth book by Kelly that I have read. They are consistently enjoyable, though a little rough around the edges. They are an entertaining and fun read! The selected cover art is engaging and has the feel of the story. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
July 3, 2022
DNF 60%
I really thought I was going to like this book. A few chapters in, it was slow, but I thought things would pick up. I have no emotionally attachment to any of the characters, despite what I'm assuming is supposed to be their "deep and sorrowful" background. The description of racing is nice, but there's so much fluff and seemingly repetition that the book become too boring. The past/present timeline was ok, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it, and the whole timeline in general seems off.
I really wish the premise of this book was executed better.
I really thought I was going to like this book. A few chapters in, it was slow, but I thought things would pick up. I have no emotionally attachment to any of the characters, despite what I'm assuming is supposed to be their "deep and sorrowful" background. The description of racing is nice, but there's so much fluff and seemingly repetition that the book become too boring. The past/present timeline was ok, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it, and the whole timeline in general seems off.
I really wish the premise of this book was executed better.
May 19, 2021
I made it 20% through, but could not finish this book. The teaser that I saw about the book seemed interesting, but there was nothing that hooked me early once I started reading, nothing that made me wonder what was coming next. I also could not get engaged with the main character.
September 26, 2021
Love thrillers and this one is at the top.
June 22, 2022
Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for next one!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews