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Jonathan Grave #6
End Game
"If you like Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, you'll love John Gilstrap."--Gayle Lynds"My favorite tough guy hero is back." --Jeffery Deaver
"One of the finest thriller writers on the planet." --Tess Gerritsen
Assassins have eliminated a Chechen scientist who's been working as a double agent for the U.S. government. The feds know who to Jonathan Grave and his elite rescue team. Their find the dead man's teenage son, who's on the run--and off the grid--with crucial information that must not fall into the wrong hands. There's one the boy's bodyguard is a security specialist with unusual talents, and she's not giving up without a fight. Only by bringing them both back alive can Grave expose the traitor in the highest levels of power--and prevent an all-out nuclear war.
Praise for John Gilstrap
"Gilstrap pushes every thriller button."--San Francisco Chronicle
"A great hero, a really exciting series."--Joseph Finder
"When you pick up a Gilstrap novel, one thing is always true--you are going to be entertained at a high rate of speed."--Suspense Magazine
"One of the finest thriller writers on the planet." --Tess Gerritsen
Assassins have eliminated a Chechen scientist who's been working as a double agent for the U.S. government. The feds know who to Jonathan Grave and his elite rescue team. Their find the dead man's teenage son, who's on the run--and off the grid--with crucial information that must not fall into the wrong hands. There's one the boy's bodyguard is a security specialist with unusual talents, and she's not giving up without a fight. Only by bringing them both back alive can Grave expose the traitor in the highest levels of power--and prevent an all-out nuclear war.
Praise for John Gilstrap
"Gilstrap pushes every thriller button."--San Francisco Chronicle
"A great hero, a really exciting series."--Joseph Finder
"When you pick up a Gilstrap novel, one thing is always true--you are going to be entertained at a high rate of speed."--Suspense Magazine
MP3 CD
First published June 24, 2014
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About the author
John Gilstrap
77 books1,202 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 9, 2015
Jonathan Grave and Boxers are recruited by a young FBI agent to find a 14-year son of spies and his female bodyguard, after the parents are attacked in front of him. He is given a code, but not told its significance, and becomes a pawn in a dangerous game, where the two of them are being sought by dofferent factions with different agendas. Grace and Boxers track them down, with Venice's able help, and end up in the slums of Detroit, where they ally themselves with a local gang leader. Still liking this series.
Note: The e-book version I read was terrible because there was no extra space when the storyline changed. That's really lame.
Note: The e-book version I read was terrible because there was no extra space when the storyline changed. That's really lame.
September 17, 2020
Different feel, same outstanding story. Is Jolaine a potential for future stories? Graham was a great character. A kid put is horrific danger, torture actually. The group was slimmed down and the operation more compact. And it was just so very good.
August 16, 2017
I love John Graves! Having said that, I have some issues with this particular novel in the series.
Not once did Scorpion meet with Wolfie to clarify his concerns about Maryanne. Things were not adding up, yet Wolfie was not in the scenario at all. That didn't make sense. Wolfie's minion had far too much autonomy, and that was not realistic. Also, the plot did not develop Sarah very well. What was her motivation? Why put Graham in harm's way? Furthermore, how did the terrorists find the Doctor and Sarah? Not only was that not explained, we never knew which group was responsible. I think that was the most difficult aspect: two groups of bad guys were confusing and not know until the very end was too late. Finally, the resolution was fine for Graham, but nothing about his bodyguard. Nothing about outcome of Maryanne. Nothing about the politician who was involved. Way too many loose ends.
Not once did Scorpion meet with Wolfie to clarify his concerns about Maryanne. Things were not adding up, yet Wolfie was not in the scenario at all. That didn't make sense. Wolfie's minion had far too much autonomy, and that was not realistic. Also, the plot did not develop Sarah very well. What was her motivation? Why put Graham in harm's way? Furthermore, how did the terrorists find the Doctor and Sarah? Not only was that not explained, we never knew which group was responsible. I think that was the most difficult aspect: two groups of bad guys were confusing and not know until the very end was too late. Finally, the resolution was fine for Graham, but nothing about his bodyguard. Nothing about outcome of Maryanne. Nothing about the politician who was involved. Way too many loose ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
This had to be the most confusing and convoluted story by John Gilstrap. I finished it but was wishing the end would come sooner so I wouldn’t have to say DNF. What a lousy #6. There were some good ideas, good parts that saved it from being a 1 star…
February 11, 2020
You know, these three not so friendly allies are looking for a code or two. Not just any code or codes, but the kind which can potentially destroy half the planet. In this case, to destroy Russia or somewhere like Bumphuckusland (friendly #1). And by the Chechens/Nakh peoples (friendly #2). Who will save the day?? Of course the good ole USA (friendly #3).
From Moscow to Detroit--Russian thugs, Chechen terrorists, and Detroit gang bangers. Now there's a setting. A fast, fun and not so friendly ride through this story's 6 main character's. And since you asked, yes, all bad-asses in their own way, especially JG.
From Moscow to Detroit--Russian thugs, Chechen terrorists, and Detroit gang bangers. Now there's a setting. A fast, fun and not so friendly ride through this story's 6 main character's. And since you asked, yes, all bad-asses in their own way, especially JG.
October 14, 2014
Jonathan Grave aka Digger aka Scorpion and avenging angel of the baddies is back...
The new rescue mission is to find a teenager and his lady bodyguard before they are captured by the baddies…see Graham Mitchell, 14 year old son of murdered scientists holds a secret that could cause the end of the world!!!!
Russian mob, FBI, CIA, Chechnyan rebels, mad scientists, double agents, torture, murder…….follow the fleeing duo ….and the Security Solutions team hot on their trail as well…..lucky for Jolaine & Graham they have the avenging angel and savior on their side !!!
Fast paced, action packed, twists and turns and many surprises, despite the fact that the plot was a bit confusing at times.
The ending was something I was not expecting……but then it involves one of my least favorite characters in this series.
Can’t wait to see where the author will take it from there in the next book...
He's now become one of my fav action heroes..... And Boxers, Venice (pronounced 've-nee-chay') and characters we have become familiar with and some interesting new ones which I look forward to seeing more of.
The new rescue mission is to find a teenager and his lady bodyguard before they are captured by the baddies…see Graham Mitchell, 14 year old son of murdered scientists holds a secret that could cause the end of the world!!!!
Russian mob, FBI, CIA, Chechnyan rebels, mad scientists, double agents, torture, murder…….follow the fleeing duo ….and the Security Solutions team hot on their trail as well…..lucky for Jolaine & Graham they have the avenging angel and savior on their side !!!
Fast paced, action packed, twists and turns and many surprises, despite the fact that the plot was a bit confusing at times.
The ending was something I was not expecting……but then it involves one of my least favorite characters in this series.
Can’t wait to see where the author will take it from there in the next book...
November 6, 2024
Explosive
I'm shocked at how quickly this went south, and continued that direction for the PC 1. Action and danger are the main attractions. PC 2 is trying to keep Graham safe, ends up putting her life in danger. I had a knot in my stomach the entire story.
I'm shocked at how quickly this went south, and continued that direction for the PC 1. Action and danger are the main attractions. PC 2 is trying to keep Graham safe, ends up putting her life in danger. I had a knot in my stomach the entire story.
September 4, 2022
Awesome series! 4.5 stars!
October 24, 2023
John Gilstrap & Jonathan Graves keep getting better & better. This one is an exciting page turner that is hard to put down.
May 15, 2017
Another good rescue performed by none other than Jonathan Grave (Scorpion) and his team mate Boxers (Big Guy) and of course not without a whole lot of shooting going on and dead bodies piling up. A teenage boy has his hands full when his double agent parents decide to give him the true launch codes of the US 'freakin' missiles! Poor kid. If someone isn't chasing him for the codes, there is someone chasing him to shut him up before giving the codes to the bad guys - and Jonathan and Boxers are smack in the middle of yet another form of betrayal within the FBI.
Another good read but I see a 'cookie cutter' pattern here. Jonathan Grave and his friends, Boxer and Venice do pretty much the same thing over and over again. A rescue, surveillance technologies, eye in the sky, plenty of guns, and a rescue gone all wrong only to be righted again by Graves and his team. Starting to get a little boring now.
For lack of anything better to read, or rather, while I am waiting for new released books from my favorite authors, this series seems to be the one I am gravitating to.
Another good read but I see a 'cookie cutter' pattern here. Jonathan Grave and his friends, Boxer and Venice do pretty much the same thing over and over again. A rescue, surveillance technologies, eye in the sky, plenty of guns, and a rescue gone all wrong only to be righted again by Graves and his team. Starting to get a little boring now.
For lack of anything better to read, or rather, while I am waiting for new released books from my favorite authors, this series seems to be the one I am gravitating to.
September 3, 2014
This is a rock 'n roll thrill ride not for the feint of heart. A young boy is caught in the crossfire between Russian hit squads and ruthless Chechen rebels. But when hostage rescue specialist Johnathan Grave is brought in, its not entirely clear which side he is playing on.
The body count starts on page one, and doesn't let up until the climactic scene. Be prepared. When you get to the last 150 pages, make sure your calendar is clear. The story hits the after-burners, and you won't want to stop until the book is done.
The body count starts on page one, and doesn't let up until the climactic scene. Be prepared. When you get to the last 150 pages, make sure your calendar is clear. The story hits the after-burners, and you won't want to stop until the book is done.
March 19, 2015
I have read hundreds of books in this genre. It's not uncommon for the stories to end abruptly, but this one looks like the author was paid to deliver 300 pages and once he reached this target, he wrapped it up with little or no thought to providing his readers with closure. Spoiler: For example, the author devotes one sentence in the eplogue to the character's outcome and virtually no more than that for other key persons. I felt short-changed; plus I am certain I am not alone in that view. Other than that, the read is pager turner and written well enough.
October 28, 2014
Surprised, Scary, Angry, Disappointed
Not with this book! But the story really tied me in knots! There was a lot of the unknown when not knowing could be fatal. And when a kid is involved the stakes are too high to be wrong. What a terrifying story of betrayal! Never underestimate a person's ability to betray (or the human spirit's instinct to overcome it).
K Agle 10-28-14
Not with this book! But the story really tied me in knots! There was a lot of the unknown when not knowing could be fatal. And when a kid is involved the stakes are too high to be wrong. What a terrifying story of betrayal! Never underestimate a person's ability to betray (or the human spirit's instinct to overcome it).
K Agle 10-28-14
January 30, 2021
I have read End Game by John Gilstrap. Yes I'm back reading this series, I have to catch up with Scorpion and The Big Guy before the next one is published. This one was really good, I liked the plot and the humor. I think the dialogue is one of my favorite parts in the series.
July 12, 2014
Fast pace, man's kind of book but I enjoyed it also. Lots of action and gadgets.
December 9, 2014
My only fear is this series coming to an end. I have heard there is going to be another book. I cant wait!!!!
March 26, 2021
I recently finished listening to End Game by John Gilstrap and narrated by Basil Sands. This seems to be book six of the Jonathan Grave series.
I didn't initially realize this was part of a series, however, since it does appear to be I must remind readers that is often hard to review books later in a series without having some spoilers. If you want to avoid spoilers I suggest skipping to the conclusion.
This book starts off with the hired servant, a young woman who is secretly the bodyguard of a young boy, stumbling upon the boys parents letting a dying man into the house. Within a minute or two a full firefight has broken out.
Maryann, the bodyguard, saves Graham and his mother Sarah. She is not really aware of why this happening, which seems strange for a bodyguard. At Sarah's instruction she takes his mother to a secret hospital. Shortly before they must leave her there Graham's mother makes him read a code which she then destroys. He cannot help but remember as he has a perfect memory.
The story evolves from there with a manhunt going on for the boy and his bodyguard and the hostage rescue team headed by Scorpion out to save them from their many enemies. It is unclear why the mother would want to put her son in this kind of danger.
A couple of uncomfortable scenes worth noting are when the bodyguard and the boy stay in a hotel and are harrased by the police, supposedly seeking sexual misconduct. The scene is doubled down on when in a later scene the bodyguard broaches the subject of the boy fantasizing about her and he assures her he is young and has stamina. These scenes seemed unnecessary and creepy, even if nothing more came of them within the story.
The narrator, Basil Sands, is a bit of a mixed bag. When not doing voices he sounds like a bored clerk in a dead end government job. When doing voices, however, he delivers tons of emotion and nice enunciation.
Conclusion: This is a decent political thriller if you are willing to overlook the creepy scenes as well as a number of weaknesses in the story. It isn't a great political thriller though. I would only suggest listening to this one if it's on sale.
I didn't initially realize this was part of a series, however, since it does appear to be I must remind readers that is often hard to review books later in a series without having some spoilers. If you want to avoid spoilers I suggest skipping to the conclusion.
This book starts off with the hired servant, a young woman who is secretly the bodyguard of a young boy, stumbling upon the boys parents letting a dying man into the house. Within a minute or two a full firefight has broken out.
Maryann, the bodyguard, saves Graham and his mother Sarah. She is not really aware of why this happening, which seems strange for a bodyguard. At Sarah's instruction she takes his mother to a secret hospital. Shortly before they must leave her there Graham's mother makes him read a code which she then destroys. He cannot help but remember as he has a perfect memory.
The story evolves from there with a manhunt going on for the boy and his bodyguard and the hostage rescue team headed by Scorpion out to save them from their many enemies. It is unclear why the mother would want to put her son in this kind of danger.
A couple of uncomfortable scenes worth noting are when the bodyguard and the boy stay in a hotel and are harrased by the police, supposedly seeking sexual misconduct. The scene is doubled down on when in a later scene the bodyguard broaches the subject of the boy fantasizing about her and he assures her he is young and has stamina. These scenes seemed unnecessary and creepy, even if nothing more came of them within the story.
The narrator, Basil Sands, is a bit of a mixed bag. When not doing voices he sounds like a bored clerk in a dead end government job. When doing voices, however, he delivers tons of emotion and nice enunciation.
Conclusion: This is a decent political thriller if you are willing to overlook the creepy scenes as well as a number of weaknesses in the story. It isn't a great political thriller though. I would only suggest listening to this one if it's on sale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
A Jeffery Deaver quote on the cover pretty much summarizes the Jonathan Grave series - "My favorite tough guy hero is back."
For those who may not know, Jonathan "Digger" Graves is a former Special Forces guy who through a totally unbelievable series of events in his past is now richer than Midas and has decided to turn his talents to rescuing kidnap victims. He along with his best friend "Big Guy" Boxer and their super-hacker mission control "Mother Hen" take on missions that are outside normal channels of government, the law and quite often credulity. But then that's why we read this escapist fare - isn't it?
A couple of things are beginning to wear thin in Gilstrap's books. "Mother Hen" is the code name for a super smart woman named Venice - but at least once or twice in every book, Gilstrap takes pains to maintain the name is pronouced "ven NEESH eh" - seems stupid to me. Why name a character with a common name then take pains to make it uncommon?
Also - apparently nobody in the world can match Graves and Big Guy "Boxer" in terms of speed, lethality and cunning. Two against twelve? no problem Two against six well trained, well armed adversaries - Digger and Boxer come out without a scratch.
All that said, Gilstrap still manages to weave an original, engaging, entertaining tale. An easy, page turning read that is perfect for summer entertainment.
For those who may not know, Jonathan "Digger" Graves is a former Special Forces guy who through a totally unbelievable series of events in his past is now richer than Midas and has decided to turn his talents to rescuing kidnap victims. He along with his best friend "Big Guy" Boxer and their super-hacker mission control "Mother Hen" take on missions that are outside normal channels of government, the law and quite often credulity. But then that's why we read this escapist fare - isn't it?
A couple of things are beginning to wear thin in Gilstrap's books. "Mother Hen" is the code name for a super smart woman named Venice - but at least once or twice in every book, Gilstrap takes pains to maintain the name is pronouced "ven NEESH eh" - seems stupid to me. Why name a character with a common name then take pains to make it uncommon?
Also - apparently nobody in the world can match Graves and Big Guy "Boxer" in terms of speed, lethality and cunning. Two against twelve? no problem Two against six well trained, well armed adversaries - Digger and Boxer come out without a scratch.
All that said, Gilstrap still manages to weave an original, engaging, entertaining tale. An easy, page turning read that is perfect for summer entertainment.
September 12, 2017
End Game strays a little from the usual Jonathan Grave story--people are kidnapped and Grave rescues them. This book...well, this book strays from that. I probably shouldn't say more for fear of giving away a part of the plot. Other than that point, the book falls in line with the previous ones in the series. If you've read those, you know what is going to happen...you just don't know the 'how' and that is the fun part.
I will say that I found myself doing something I've never done before, while reading--skipping over the more technical details and the mental conversations of people who were not Jonathan. Maybe, I've read so many of the author's books that I know the specific details of the weapons and explosives used that the information is redundant. I'm sure I would not have done that had End Game been the first or second book I had read.
I give End Game 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys action books with a good character who has good character. My one gripe is the language. While it is not littered throughout the book, I feel 50% of it is not necessary. I can't knock off a star for it, because I knew what was to come.
One more gripe (maybe a side note): I wish Jolaine would have had a greater role. I felt drawn into her character from the beginning.
I will say that I found myself doing something I've never done before, while reading--skipping over the more technical details and the mental conversations of people who were not Jonathan. Maybe, I've read so many of the author's books that I know the specific details of the weapons and explosives used that the information is redundant. I'm sure I would not have done that had End Game been the first or second book I had read.
I give End Game 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys action books with a good character who has good character. My one gripe is the language. While it is not littered throughout the book, I feel 50% of it is not necessary. I can't knock off a star for it, because I knew what was to come.
One more gripe (maybe a side note): I wish Jolaine would have had a greater role. I felt drawn into her character from the beginning.
February 3, 2025
Didn't want to write a review because this would be my very first one and I haven't read that many books, I don't wanna come across as picky or an expert when I'm clearly not, but I got to start somewhere and someday, so, here I go.
I think the building up was interesting, especially since pretty much the whole story happens in less than 48 hours. It surprised me when I realized I had already read a hundred pages from (SPOILERS AHEAD) Jolaine and Graham having an awkward conversation in the car to being both kidnapped by two different groups after being separated. Jonathan is pretty cool, not your typical superhuman secret agent and I think that works great! But the ending was so underwhelming, it almost made me wonder if the last real pages had been ripped without me noticing. It was just so fast, with many loose ends. I understand that this book is part of a series (I didn't knew about it until I was halfway through and I started searching a bit more about the author and the book itself), but still, it should answer the questions this book generates in the same work.
Anyway, it was an entertaining read.
I think the building up was interesting, especially since pretty much the whole story happens in less than 48 hours. It surprised me when I realized I had already read a hundred pages from (SPOILERS AHEAD) Jolaine and Graham having an awkward conversation in the car to being both kidnapped by two different groups after being separated. Jonathan is pretty cool, not your typical superhuman secret agent and I think that works great! But the ending was so underwhelming, it almost made me wonder if the last real pages had been ripped without me noticing. It was just so fast, with many loose ends. I understand that this book is part of a series (I didn't knew about it until I was halfway through and I started searching a bit more about the author and the book itself), but still, it should answer the questions this book generates in the same work.
Anyway, it was an entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
This was a pretty convoluted plot. There were double agents and I think triple agents, bad guys and bad guys who were also on the good guys side, and good guys and our heroes . A Chechen scientist and his wife are attacked and assassinated. The family had hired a female body guard for their teen age son. The mom gives her son a code to memorize. He has no idea what it means and the body guard and does not either. Many people are after them. They do not know why and they have no plan. Boxer and Scorpion are hired to get the boy. I really liked the boy, Graham and Jolaine.. they had good chemistry together. I liked the neighborhood family at the end who helped out.... Mom was awesome. Not sure I buy into the whole Russian team parachuting into a Detroit neighborhood and no one is going to be any the wiser.
May 29, 2019
Here we go again with Johnathan and his team on a mission to save another young man in a life or death situation. We see the teenage boy, Graham, lose everything he knows and ends up in a terrible situation, which becomes worse and worse. His bodyguard, a highly trained woman, and he get separated. Watch and see how it all resolves. Well written but, again, I have a lot of trouble"watching" a boys trauma which stuck with me long after the book as over. I have very little knowledge of pistols, riffles or the like. Types are mentioned here and there while I read. Frankly, I didn't want to have to look up the types, but I gave them a thought or two as my reading slowed down. I think the specifics are helpful for an avid marksman or a movie director.
September 13, 2024
“Assassins have eliminated a Chechen scientist who's been working as a double agent for the U.S. government. The feds know who to call: Jonathan Grave and his elite rescue team. Their mission: find the dead man's teenage son, who's on the run--and off the grid--with crucial information that must not fall into the wrong hands. There's one problem: the boy's bodyguard is a security specialist with unusual talents, and she's not giving up without a fight. Only by bringing them both back alive can Grave expose the traitor in the highest levels of power--and prevent an all-out nuclear war.”
August 12, 2020
Graham is the 14 year old son of a pair of Chechen immigrants. When his father is murdered and his mother is also shot, Jolaine his bodyguard gets he and his mother to a doctor. The doctor gives Jolaine the keys to his car and tells her to get the boy out of there.
Graham's mother had given him a code to memorize and now the Chechens and Russians are both after him. Dig is approached and hired by Wolverine's supposed protege to recover Jolaine and the boy.
Graham's mother had given him a code to memorize and now the Chechens and Russians are both after him. Dig is approached and hired by Wolverine's supposed protege to recover Jolaine and the boy.
May 3, 2021
John Gilstrap weaves a complex story with many moving parts like no other. A teenage boy on the run with his bodyguard. His parents killed by Chechen terrorists. Elements of our own government also want the boy dead. Jonathan Graves chases down the truth and the "precious cargo" through his steadfast determination and lethal skills. Being "on the side of the angels" also helps. Another great thriller by John Gilstrap. You will enjoy it!
May 21, 2022
Another harrowing suspenseful novel
I cannot get enough of this series. Although not necessary to read in order, like any series the characters and their relationships evolve. As a native Detroiter who used to work at a nonprofit in the 48205 zipcode, I bristled at the description of the city stereotypes. I did appreciate the fictional depiction of the family who helped Scorpion and Big Guy in the description of their home and of the intact family.
I’m off to find the next one.
I cannot get enough of this series. Although not necessary to read in order, like any series the characters and their relationships evolve. As a native Detroiter who used to work at a nonprofit in the 48205 zipcode, I bristled at the description of the city stereotypes. I did appreciate the fictional depiction of the family who helped Scorpion and Big Guy in the description of their home and of the intact family.
I’m off to find the next one.
September 27, 2022
Another enjoyable Jonathan Grave novel, filled with all the usual stuff that makes this series work - gunfights, evil foreign enemies, double crosses from government agencies, etc. Yeah it's not exactly rocket science but I have to say this is a fun series. End Game falls right into the middle quality wise for this series so far. It's not bad, but not as strong as some earlier books either. Moving on to Book 7!
May 17, 2022
John Gilstrap's Jonathan Graves series just keeps getting better and better. If you like non-stop action thrillers with lots of gunfights and high tech, military techniques then this is the series for you. This can certainly be read as a stand alone but I strongly recommend the entire series so you might as well start with book 1, No Mercy, so you can follow the development of the characters. Highly Recommended
September 17, 2024
John Gilstrap has become one of my favorite writers. I especially like the books about Victoria Emerson!
A lot was going on and I'm glad I was able to borrow the Kindle book for free as well as the Audible book.
I usually listen to books to go to sleep. This book had a lot of violence so I had to stop it and listen to something else.
A lot was going on and I'm glad I was able to borrow the Kindle book for free as well as the Audible book.
I usually listen to books to go to sleep. This book had a lot of violence so I had to stop it and listen to something else.
December 11, 2024
I liked it overall but there were parts that I skimmed and skipped because I don’t need those images in my head. There was one conversation between Jolaine and Graham that was completely implausible. I can’t imagine why Gilstrap thought he should include it. I really liked the interaction with Lebron and family.
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