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War Merchant
Opportunists, terrorists, and corrupt politics.
In a world of espionage, deception, betrayal, terrorism, and murder, Dydre uses the next assignment Zsigmond gives her—the deliverance of new technology to terrorists—to escape his merciless grip.
Dydre, a single mother, is caught up in a world she doesn’t want. Her boss Clayborne Zsigmond—a black market arms dealer—uses her six-year-old son as a pawn to keep her in line. Visitation is a reward for her obedient behavior.
Forced to deal with the worst terrorists and dictators around the world, she uses disguises and a deadly poison to give her an edge in dealing with those that want to kill her. To stay alive she has honed her skills that few could defeat.
When an opportunity occurs to break free from Zsigmond, she moves fast but the risks she takes puts her on the firing line when her plan goes deadly wrong, and success looks bleak. Those she thought she could trust betray her. Not only is her life in jeopardy but also her son's as she finds herself pitted against Zsigmond, his mercenaries, a double-crossing businessman, terrorists, the FBI, and a man from the Department of Defense.
In a world of espionage, deception, betrayal, terrorism, and murder, Dydre uses the next assignment Zsigmond gives her—the deliverance of new technology to terrorists—to escape his merciless grip.
Dydre, a single mother, is caught up in a world she doesn’t want. Her boss Clayborne Zsigmond—a black market arms dealer—uses her six-year-old son as a pawn to keep her in line. Visitation is a reward for her obedient behavior.
Forced to deal with the worst terrorists and dictators around the world, she uses disguises and a deadly poison to give her an edge in dealing with those that want to kill her. To stay alive she has honed her skills that few could defeat.
When an opportunity occurs to break free from Zsigmond, she moves fast but the risks she takes puts her on the firing line when her plan goes deadly wrong, and success looks bleak. Those she thought she could trust betray her. Not only is her life in jeopardy but also her son's as she finds herself pitted against Zsigmond, his mercenaries, a double-crossing businessman, terrorists, the FBI, and a man from the Department of Defense.
239 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Parker
5 books41 followersPatrick Parker brings a lifetime of authentic experience to his pulse-pounding suspense thrillers. A distinguished veteran of the US Army Field Artillery, he served across the globe in assignments spanning Italy, Germany, Panama, and the United States. Following his military career, Patrick dedicated another fifteen years to the defense industry, traveling extensively through Europe, the US, and England, further deepening his insights into global security and covert operations. Complementing his practical expertise, Patrick holds a master's degree in international relations, providing a formidable foundation for the complex geopolitical landscapes within his novels.
Inspired by masters of suspense like Ken Follett, Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Tom Clancy, Patrick Parker crafts fast-paced narratives designed to keep readers on the absolute edge of their seat, consistently delivering on his promise to make you wonder: "What was real and what was fiction?"
Dive into the high-stakes world of his Max Kenworth Suspense Thriller series, featuring former Delta Force officer and SOCOM nuclear weapons expert Max Kenworth. In Six Minutes Early, Kenworth races against time to recover stolen nuclear devices and thwart global terrorism. The action continues in Acts of Treason, where Kenworth navigates a perilous political coup, stolen nukes, and a personal vendetta amidst a US presidential campaign.
Explore the unique Dydre Rowyn Suspense Thriller, War Merchant, following a single mother forced into the deadly black market arms trade, fighting for her freedom and her son's life against ruthless adversaries. Or delve into the historical intrigue of Treasures of the Fourth Reich, a standalone thriller where a retired military officer and his art expert wife hunt for Nazi-looted art across Europe, determined to right the wrongs of history.
Now retired and residing in Texas, Patrick enjoys writing, astronomy, traveling, and honing his skills at the gun range. Immerse yourself in his authentic, adrenaline-fueled world today.
Inspired by masters of suspense like Ken Follett, Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Tom Clancy, Patrick Parker crafts fast-paced narratives designed to keep readers on the absolute edge of their seat, consistently delivering on his promise to make you wonder: "What was real and what was fiction?"
Dive into the high-stakes world of his Max Kenworth Suspense Thriller series, featuring former Delta Force officer and SOCOM nuclear weapons expert Max Kenworth. In Six Minutes Early, Kenworth races against time to recover stolen nuclear devices and thwart global terrorism. The action continues in Acts of Treason, where Kenworth navigates a perilous political coup, stolen nukes, and a personal vendetta amidst a US presidential campaign.
Explore the unique Dydre Rowyn Suspense Thriller, War Merchant, following a single mother forced into the deadly black market arms trade, fighting for her freedom and her son's life against ruthless adversaries. Or delve into the historical intrigue of Treasures of the Fourth Reich, a standalone thriller where a retired military officer and his art expert wife hunt for Nazi-looted art across Europe, determined to right the wrongs of history.
Now retired and residing in Texas, Patrick enjoys writing, astronomy, traveling, and honing his skills at the gun range. Immerse yourself in his authentic, adrenaline-fueled world today.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 13, 2019
Thanks to netgalley.com, author Patrick Parker and BooksGoSocial, for the advance ARC copy, for my honest review.
This is my first read from author Patrick Parker, the problem for me as I got into War Merchant has to do more with another authors character. While the stories have nothing in common.
It's just her female character is 100% badass, well schooled with just about any weapon be it guns, knives or some new type of weapon. She doesn't need to use her body, alcohol or a silly gimmick like a chapstick looking tube that has poison in it.
It's like the author makes her seem so tough, yet she has or he gives her a gimmick to eliminate people, way to predictable and comes across scared shitless just being by her boss Clay Zsigmond.
The author leaves me gob smacked that he killed off Mac verse keeping him alive, because he could have been used by Dydre in the storyline to help her get out of the clutches of Clay and rescue David.
The hard thing with this book at least for me, is the roller coaster ride the author takes the reader on with 'War Merchant'. One minute it's believable, unrealistic, the next it's predictable, way too easy and hurts the story.
Although Dydre is the main character, it's really the character's of Anthony, Alice and Hector are what kept me reading, liked all three of them and entertaining. I also thought have the story start about the Rnager devise verse focusing on Dydre would have been a better read.
This is my first read from author Patrick Parker, the problem for me as I got into War Merchant has to do more with another authors character. While the stories have nothing in common.
It's just her female character is 100% badass, well schooled with just about any weapon be it guns, knives or some new type of weapon. She doesn't need to use her body, alcohol or a silly gimmick like a chapstick looking tube that has poison in it.
It's like the author makes her seem so tough, yet she has or he gives her a gimmick to eliminate people, way to predictable and comes across scared shitless just being by her boss Clay Zsigmond.
The author leaves me gob smacked that he killed off Mac verse keeping him alive, because he could have been used by Dydre in the storyline to help her get out of the clutches of Clay and rescue David.
The hard thing with this book at least for me, is the roller coaster ride the author takes the reader on with 'War Merchant'. One minute it's believable, unrealistic, the next it's predictable, way too easy and hurts the story.
Although Dydre is the main character, it's really the character's of Anthony, Alice and Hector are what kept me reading, liked all three of them and entertaining. I also thought have the story start about the Rnager devise verse focusing on Dydre would have been a better read.
November 28, 2023
Reviewed by Ica Iova for Readers' Favorite
Clayborne Zsigmond is a dangerous, ruthless black market arms broker. Dydre Rowyn travels around the world, doing business on behalf of Clayborne Zsigmond. Occasionally, she uses other aliases, but of course, the people she does business with don’t care if those are her real names or even if there is a last name to go along with them. Dydre wants out, but double crossing Zsigmond could land her in a lot of trouble. It could mean a death sentence for her and her son. Nevertheless, when Zsigmond gives her a new assignment to deliver some new technology to terrorists, Dydre sees it as a way out and an opportunity to escape Zsigmond’s unforgiving grip.
Her plan goes sideways, and suddenly her life and her son’s life are in danger. Dydre finds herself having to fight not only against Zsigmond but terrorists, the FBI, and even the Defense Department. She uses an arsenal of skills, including her good looks, to stay alive and bring her plan to completion, but will she succeed or will one of her enemies catch up with her and make her pay for what they think she’s done?
War Merchant: A Novel of Suspense by Patrick Parker is a blend of military and historical fiction. From the first page to the last, War Merchant is a continuous suspenseful thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails because I just had to know what happens next. This intriguing story is set in the '90s. With interesting, believable characters, the story flows well, taking you on a roller-coaster ride. Greed, corrupt politics, and terrorism resonate very well with what goes on around the globe.
June 2, 2019
A fast paced plot involving international arms dealers lots of subterfuge and suspense. I found the book interesting and intriguing.
I liked the main character Dydre I found her to be a strong lead with a little bit of intrigue in her past to keep me interested.
*** Provided by Netgally ***
I liked the main character Dydre I found her to be a strong lead with a little bit of intrigue in her past to keep me interested.
*** Provided by Netgally ***
October 7, 2015
I discovered this book via Masquerade Mob Review Crew and received a copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is a mix of Suspense, Military. Political Intrigue, Government Law Enforcement, and Terrorism with possibly a touch of Historic Fiction
Dydre is a woman of many names and talents. Forced by a cruel man to do his bidding, she travels the world dealing with men whose moral integrity could be called into question. She does what she has to do in order to keep her son from harm. Will she succeed in escaping him or will the Fat Man terminate her for vengeance?
This story kept me reading. I had to know if Dydre was going to have a better life. I loved how Mr. Parker showed the different viewpoints. That of the Government Agents looking for her, Dydre's inner thoughts, and her bosses suspicious nature. I also loved that the story is set in the 1990s when hi-tech was a relatively new thing.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Suggestive Sexual Situations, and Adult Language.
This is a mix of Suspense, Military. Political Intrigue, Government Law Enforcement, and Terrorism with possibly a touch of Historic Fiction
Dydre is a woman of many names and talents. Forced by a cruel man to do his bidding, she travels the world dealing with men whose moral integrity could be called into question. She does what she has to do in order to keep her son from harm. Will she succeed in escaping him or will the Fat Man terminate her for vengeance?
This story kept me reading. I had to know if Dydre was going to have a better life. I loved how Mr. Parker showed the different viewpoints. That of the Government Agents looking for her, Dydre's inner thoughts, and her bosses suspicious nature. I also loved that the story is set in the 1990s when hi-tech was a relatively new thing.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Suggestive Sexual Situations, and Adult Language.
June 5, 2015
As a supporter of indie authors, I was delighted with Mr. Parker's novel, War Merchant. While not his debut novel, he has delivered an entertaining read of Intrigue and international espionage. The barebones plot could have been spiced up with better use of sensory phrasing to enhance the suspense.
As a character driven reader, I enjoyed his early characters, especially the two FBI investigators, Alice and Hector. I was disappointed when their unique personalities were sidelined and when returning in the ending, their interactions appeared restrained.
It was obvious to me that this author has gathered a good writing team as mentioned in the acknowledgments. I will definitely read future tales from Patrick's pen.
As a character driven reader, I enjoyed his early characters, especially the two FBI investigators, Alice and Hector. I was disappointed when their unique personalities were sidelined and when returning in the ending, their interactions appeared restrained.
It was obvious to me that this author has gathered a good writing team as mentioned in the acknowledgments. I will definitely read future tales from Patrick's pen.
October 15, 2015
I enjoyed the consistent flow of this book. It had a steady pace and was very concise with its story-telling. The book followed many characters, my favorite character being the main femme-fatale, Dydre! Parker wrote a very strong lead character with enough intrigue in her past and problems in her present to keep my interested. Her story was very well developed and that was part of what made the book complete as a whole, in my opinion.
Another thing I enjoyed very much was the military sub-genre that this book had. It wasn't a simple CIA agent novel, it had a lot more layers to it! I was very impressed. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants some suspenseful action. War Merchant will not disappoint!
Another thing I enjoyed very much was the military sub-genre that this book had. It wasn't a simple CIA agent novel, it had a lot more layers to it! I was very impressed. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants some suspenseful action. War Merchant will not disappoint!
June 3, 2024
I enjoy reading a good thriller and am always looking out for books by writers, that I’ve not read anything by before. When I came across War Merchant by Patrick Parker, I was particularly intrigued, as the main character Dydre, is a single mother who works for Clayborne Zsigmond, a particularly nasty black-market arms dealer, as both an assassin and a go-between, who deals with Zsigmond’s clients. Zsigmond uses Dydre’s six-year-old son, as a pawn to keep her in line. If Dydre has obediently carried out Zsigmond’s orders, then she is allowed to see her son, if she doesn’t obey Zsigmond’s orders, then she fears that harm will come to him.
Desperate to escape with her son from Zsigmond’s merciless grip, Dydre sees an opportunity to do so on her next assignment, which is the delivery of game changing new technology to a terrorist group. Unfortunately for Dydre, her last assassination has come to the attention of a very tenacious, female FBI agent who is soon on her trail. When the new technology that Dydre is to deliver to a terrorist group, also comes to the attention of the US Department of Defense and the businessman whose company made the technology decides to double-cross Dydre, she soon finds that not only is her own life in jeopardy but also her son's.
I’m not going to give anymore of the plot away but will say that it was an engrossing read which I thoroughly enjoyed, and which kept me turning the pages to the very last one. I can recommend War Merchant to anyone who likes a good thriller and will certainly be reading more of Patrick Parker’s novels.
Desperate to escape with her son from Zsigmond’s merciless grip, Dydre sees an opportunity to do so on her next assignment, which is the delivery of game changing new technology to a terrorist group. Unfortunately for Dydre, her last assassination has come to the attention of a very tenacious, female FBI agent who is soon on her trail. When the new technology that Dydre is to deliver to a terrorist group, also comes to the attention of the US Department of Defense and the businessman whose company made the technology decides to double-cross Dydre, she soon finds that not only is her own life in jeopardy but also her son's.
I’m not going to give anymore of the plot away but will say that it was an engrossing read which I thoroughly enjoyed, and which kept me turning the pages to the very last one. I can recommend War Merchant to anyone who likes a good thriller and will certainly be reading more of Patrick Parker’s novels.
January 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Relentless, Edge-of-Your-Seat Thriller!
Patrick Parker’s War Merchant is a masterclass in suspense and action. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intensity of Dydre Rowyn’s impossible situation, a mother forced to navigate a deadly global underworld while her young son’s life hangs in the balance. Parker’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology, high-stakes espionage, and heart-pounding action keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
Dydre is a protagonist who truly stands out. She’s resourceful, courageous, and flawed in the ways that make her feel real, someone you root for, even when she’s making impossible choices. The pacing is relentless, the stakes constantly escalate, and the twists are delivered with precision. Parker’s military insight and understanding of the defense industry make the story feel authentic, elevating it beyond a typical thriller.
Fans of Vince Flynn, Daniel Silva, and anyone who loves a suspense thriller with intricate plotting and a heroine who refuses to back down will be captivated. War Merchant is a ride full of tension, betrayal, and explosive action that will leave you breathless, and eagerly awaiting the next Dydre Rowyn adventure.
Highly recommended.
Patrick Parker’s War Merchant is a masterclass in suspense and action. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intensity of Dydre Rowyn’s impossible situation, a mother forced to navigate a deadly global underworld while her young son’s life hangs in the balance. Parker’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology, high-stakes espionage, and heart-pounding action keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
Dydre is a protagonist who truly stands out. She’s resourceful, courageous, and flawed in the ways that make her feel real, someone you root for, even when she’s making impossible choices. The pacing is relentless, the stakes constantly escalate, and the twists are delivered with precision. Parker’s military insight and understanding of the defense industry make the story feel authentic, elevating it beyond a typical thriller.
Fans of Vince Flynn, Daniel Silva, and anyone who loves a suspense thriller with intricate plotting and a heroine who refuses to back down will be captivated. War Merchant is a ride full of tension, betrayal, and explosive action that will leave you breathless, and eagerly awaiting the next Dydre Rowyn adventure.
Highly recommended.
May 9, 2019
Dydre works for an arms dealer, Clay and has a son who she dearly loves. Clay has David in a private school and controls Dydre using David. She deals with some of the worst terrorists but then she is not a pushover herself. Dydre tells Clay she needs $5 mil to buy some new tech gadgets which could be deadly in the wrong hands. She pays the owner of the company $3 mil and keeps the other two. This for her get away. Things do not go as she plans but lucky for her the US is watching and Anthony steps in to help. You have trouble keeping track of who is on which side.
July 1, 2019
A NetGalley book. An interesting look into the subterfuge involved in everyday arms dealing. No one or nation have any ethics when it comes to profiteering from this insidious trade as this story shows. The different players in this story were totally believable with suspense building all the time. Congratulations to Patrick Parker on an excellent told story.
August 15, 2025
The story is packed with heart-pounding moments, intricate deception, and dangerous encounters with terrorists, corrupt politicians, and shadowy government figures. The author skillfully balances relentless action with emotional depth, making you care as much about Dydre’s personal struggles as her deadly missions.
September 22, 2019
After having finished reading 'The Regret', I can think of only one word to describe the book ' brilliant'...
December 19, 2024
A good, exciting story... well-told... Pulled me in and kept me reading until the end.
September 11, 2025
A pulse-pounding thriller of espionage, betrayal, and survival, where a mother’s fight for freedom and her son’s life keeps you turning pages to the very end.
June 13, 2016
Fast moving interesting plot involving international arms suppliers and all the related intrigue and subterfuge that accompany such stories. I would have preferred more story telling, but that's me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews