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Crush and Velocity: Two Karen Vail Novels
This thriller duology featuring FBI profiler Karen Vail "sizzles with nonstop action" (Publishers Weekly).
In FBI profiler Karen Vail's second adventure after the standout bestseller The 7th Victim, Vail finds herself in the Napa Valley, where a serial killer has been crushing his victims' windpipes and leaving their bodies in caves and vineyards. But when the Crush Killer learns that an FBI profiler has joined the Major Crimes Task Force, the newfound attention emboldens him, and he engages Vail in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Although a sudden break in the case helps her zero in on the identity of the killer, she senses that something isn't right. Will she figure it out before it's too late? In a rousing climax that has left readers breathless (and that Publishers Weekly termed "a shockeroo"), Vail must pick up the pieces--and the carnage left behind by the Crush Killer.
Velocity begins the moment Crush ends, with Vail having lost something dear to her and possessing a single-minded fixation on finding who was responsible--and making them pay. As the task force, reeling from their loss, attempts to regroup, Vail discovers that they had made vital mistakes on the Crush Killer case--errors that have had dire consequences. After being ordered to return to Washington, Vail enlists the services of a covert "black" government operative, Hector DeSantos, to assist her in tracking down those behind the evil she and her task force have been grappling with.
But what Vail and DeSantos learn places her in the crosshairs of criminals more dangerous than any she has ever faced. And along the way, startling revelations emerge that will forever change Karen Vail--as well as those close to her.
Researched meticulously with over three dozen experts in multiple disciplines and with government access that required clearance from a congressional subcommittee, Crush and Velocity take you behind closed doors into a world most people do not know exists.
Both Crush and Velocity were optioned by Hollywood, and Velocity was named one of the "Top 5 Best Books of the Year" by Library Journal.
In FBI profiler Karen Vail's second adventure after the standout bestseller The 7th Victim, Vail finds herself in the Napa Valley, where a serial killer has been crushing his victims' windpipes and leaving their bodies in caves and vineyards. But when the Crush Killer learns that an FBI profiler has joined the Major Crimes Task Force, the newfound attention emboldens him, and he engages Vail in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Although a sudden break in the case helps her zero in on the identity of the killer, she senses that something isn't right. Will she figure it out before it's too late? In a rousing climax that has left readers breathless (and that Publishers Weekly termed "a shockeroo"), Vail must pick up the pieces--and the carnage left behind by the Crush Killer.
Velocity begins the moment Crush ends, with Vail having lost something dear to her and possessing a single-minded fixation on finding who was responsible--and making them pay. As the task force, reeling from their loss, attempts to regroup, Vail discovers that they had made vital mistakes on the Crush Killer case--errors that have had dire consequences. After being ordered to return to Washington, Vail enlists the services of a covert "black" government operative, Hector DeSantos, to assist her in tracking down those behind the evil she and her task force have been grappling with.
But what Vail and DeSantos learn places her in the crosshairs of criminals more dangerous than any she has ever faced. And along the way, startling revelations emerge that will forever change Karen Vail--as well as those close to her.
Researched meticulously with over three dozen experts in multiple disciplines and with government access that required clearance from a congressional subcommittee, Crush and Velocity take you behind closed doors into a world most people do not know exists.
Both Crush and Velocity were optioned by Hollywood, and Velocity was named one of the "Top 5 Best Books of the Year" by Library Journal.
1040 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2013
55 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Alan Jacobson
33 books331 followersALAN JACOBSON is the USA Today bestselling author of a dozen critically acclaimed, award-winning thrillers. His 20 years of research and training with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, DEA, US Marshals Service, ATF, Scotland Yard, SWAT, and the US military bring unparalleled realism to his stories and characters—prompting the San Francisco Chronicle to write that “Alan Jacobson researches his books like a good newspaper reporter and then pushes the envelope into reality more thoroughly than the typical crime novel could ever allow.”
Jacobson's series protagonist, FBI profiler Karen Vail, has resonated with both female and male readers and inspired Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, and Michael Connelly to call Vail one of the most compelling heroes in suspense fiction. Likewise, his OPSIG Team Black series has been lauded by real-life Navy SEALs.
Jacobson’s thrillers have been published internationally and several have been optioned by Hollywood.
Web: www.AlanJacobson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/AlanJacobsonFans Instagram: alan.jacobson
Twitter: @JacobsonAlan
Jacobson's series protagonist, FBI profiler Karen Vail, has resonated with both female and male readers and inspired Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, and Michael Connelly to call Vail one of the most compelling heroes in suspense fiction. Likewise, his OPSIG Team Black series has been lauded by real-life Navy SEALs.
Jacobson’s thrillers have been published internationally and several have been optioned by Hollywood.
Web: www.AlanJacobson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/AlanJacobsonFans Instagram: alan.jacobson
Twitter: @JacobsonAlan
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 29, 2017
I think everyone should read the Karen Vail/Opsig Team Black Series. Love the sarcasm, back and forth banter and mystery. I love how they take you for a ride and you don't care about trying to solve it. You just want to keep reading and enjoy this badass ladies crazy life/job.
February 27, 2019
Something Missing?
A very good serial killer thriller, that turns out to be more original. However, the book started with a premise that it never came back to or completed. Mhmm.
A very good serial killer thriller, that turns out to be more original. However, the book started with a premise that it never came back to or completed. Mhmm.
March 25, 2019
Karen in action
Karen is stubborn. You always know what her reaction will be. No room for surprises. Thought this one was a bit drawn out.
Karen is stubborn. You always know what her reaction will be. No room for surprises. Thought this one was a bit drawn out.
November 14, 2014
I liked this book. Overall the author told a good story. Sometimes Karen's behavior is so over the top as to be eye roll inducing but this did not detract from my enjoyment too much.
The two interlinked plots involving a serial killer and drug cartel were well done. It certainly kept me turning the pages.
I really liked the character of Roxxann Dixon. I hope she becomes a recurring character in the series.
The two interlinked plots involving a serial killer and drug cartel were well done. It certainly kept me turning the pages.
I really liked the character of Roxxann Dixon. I hope she becomes a recurring character in the series.
August 1, 2015
Love his work
He's the most amazing author. His stories are so well thought out. I find myself thinking about the characters throughout the day. They seem THAT REAL!
He's the most amazing author. His stories are so well thought out. I find myself thinking about the characters throughout the day. They seem THAT REAL!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews