Into the Gray Zone: A Pike Logan Novel

Pike Logan #19

by Brad Taylor

Pike Logan uncovers a geopolitical scheme that has spiraled out of control in India in this latest pulse-pounding thriller from New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor.

While on a routine security assessment in India, Taskforce operator Pike Logan foils an attempted attack on a meeting between the CIA and India’s intelligence service. Both government agencies believe it’s nothing more than a minor terrorist attack, but Pike suspects that something much more sinister is at play. After another terrorist operation at the Taj Mahal, he begins to believe that outside powers are attacking India in the gray zone between peace and war, leveraging terrorist groups for nothing more than economic gain. But the separatists conducting the operations have their own agenda.

After a massive slaughter and kidnapping of hostages during an elaborate Indian pre-wedding party, two global powers are destabilized, and only Pike Logan and his team can de-escalate the tension by rescuing the captives. What follows is a race against the clock that winds through the bustling markets of Old Delhi, the luxurious resorts of Goa, and the epic halls of the Taj Mahal. It will take everything that Logan and the taskforce have to foil an intricate plot that leaves countless lives in the balance.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Action, Mystery Thriller, Spy Thriller

480 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2025

About the author

Brad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.

He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall weak and lame with minimal interest.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Taylor sure writes some great books and Into the Gray Zone is no exception. I am so glad eveytime I get my hands on a thriller that is not your typical Mark1/mod 0. Taylor has a good eye for unusual events and places to put Pike and Jennifer and the rest of the Taskforce. This time they are going to India to support an American during his meeting there to make a deal. What could possibly go wrong? I was captivated by this story and some of the settings where great. The different characters and the events that they encounter is also something to enjoy. If you lover of thrillers out there still haven't found this author, I can only say that you need to do better. Go get some, and dig in. It will be worth it. I must thank Head of Zeus and Netgalley for letting me read this advance copy that will be released into the wild in late April 2025.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

Well, I think it's safe to say that I really, really enjoy this series. Watching the team grow together over the last several years, through their personal losses and the team wins, has been what makes this series so compelling. Pike and Jennifer's relationship makes this a unique entry in this particular genre because we have an FMC who actually pulls her weight and is considered an equal on the team. This is in a usual all male category. Plus, I love the way she adds to the team dynamic.

Why mention any of that? Well, because we have been delving into a story arc recently concerning Pike and his ability to deal with what he calls "the beast" and it is basically when he loses it and lets the rage take over. It is also something Shoshana has mentioned to him in the past. We have watched how he deals with people challenging his leadership - or at least when he takes constructive criticism and honest care and concern as a challenge and tends to get defensive - but he is growing as a character and is realizing that he has to be able to pull the rage back on his own. Anyway, I just like the way we are getting to see the team deal with some real life PTSD and emotional issues that arise from the things they do in the "day job"..

So this book takes us to India and a pretty unique situation dealing with some rare element mining operations and of course, China and the MSS. I enjoyed getting to see this new theater and the info on the social structure in India was definitely interesting.

In complete Pike style, things take off and as much as everyone begs Pike not to go "apes**t" things still go from 0 to 100 immediately and we find ourselves in a crazy climax.

As usual, I enjoyed this and once I started, I ended up finishing it in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on Apr 22, 2025.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pike, Jennifer and the rest of the Taskforce are heading to India to serve as security for the head of the CIA. He's meeting with a billionaire who is opening a mine for rare Earth minerals.

But the Chinese, who pretty much have a monopoly on those aren't too happy about letting anyone else in on the action.

Leads to a fun and thrilling ride as the team fights to spoil their plans.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting little story about this book. My mom and sister went to an author meet and greet at a local library and actually got a signed copy of this book. I have a few author signed books, but this is the first one I've had dedicated to direct family!! A big shout out to the author for coming to Ohio on his book tour. The book itself was great; a real page turner. Anyone who knows the author knows his Pike Logan character. This was the #19 book in that series and I recommend it to anyone following the author. A very good read and very enjoyable. I'm not giving away anything else; you'll just have to read it!!

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“While on a routine security assessment in India, Taskforce operator Pike Logan foils an attempted attack on a meeting between the CIA and India’s intelligence service. Both government agencies believe it’s nothing more than a minor terrorist attack, but Pike suspects that something much more sinister is at play. After another terrorist operation at the Taj Mahal, he begins to believe that outside powers are attacking India in the gray zone between peace and war, leveraging terrorist groups for nothing more than economic gain. But the separatists conducting the operations have their own agenda.”

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for a new series to get into, and Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series with its latest installment Into the Gray Zone lived up to the hype. This is the 19th book in the Pike Logan series, but as other readers have stated, can be read as a standalone. Drawing on interesting international current events, Into the Gray Zone is set in India and offers fast paced action, high stakes consequences, and a group of intriguing characters I look forward to reading more about. Every member of Pike's team originates in either intelligence or elite units, and operates a Special Ops unit known as Prometheus Project, or more simply the Taskforce. Jennifer, Pike, Knuckles, and Brett had great camaraderie as they took on a mission of epic proportions. I look forward to catching up on the earlier installments to gain a deeper understanding of the individual Taskforce members and their backstories before the next installment comes out. An addicting military political thriller that would make a fantastic series with the right cast!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a Brad Taylor book I always read the Authors Notes/Acknowledgements FIRST…the background information, scene set up and “world affairs” that I have forgotten definitely sets the stage for an insightful read. Pike and his team-Jennifer, Brett and Knuckles are on an “easy” mission to secure the meeting site in India for a CIA meeting and then things go awry-Chinese, radical fundamentalist, Garmin watches, drones, great action, the Indian mob and of course some twists and turns. Enjoy

[Colleen Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pike, Jennifer, Brett, Knuckles, Creed and the rest of the Task Force are sent on, what is supposed to be, a cushy assignment in India. But as usual, things quickly change and they are put to the test trying to determine who the bad guys are, and if there is anyone they can trust.
Great storyline, relevant to the current climate, but very, very, very wordy when it didn't need to be.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, but complicated (of necessity) story about Sikhism, a subject of which I was woefully ignorant. With layers of overlapping self-interest great powers compete for economic advantage (rare earth minerals in this case. With a religious minority being persecuted, plans to seize the media spotlight emerge with Chinese manipulation abetting and confounding their efforts.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Pike Logan books and one of the best of the more recent ones. This series continues to be under-read and underrated in the genre.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. I’m always looking forward when another one comes out. Good stories and good fun characters. Obviously it gets a little out there but overall a good read.

[Michael Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun spy/paramilitary story. Just relevant enough to make it feel real.
While I jumped into the "teams" exploits a number of books in, I never felt lost for not having read the previous novels. If you like the genre, you'll enjoy this author's work.

[Kelli Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an advance copy from NetGalley! I could not wait to get back into the world of the Taskforce with Pike and Jennifer. This time they headed to India and once again, I felt like the author gave me a personal tour of the country. Taylor gives you enough detail you can picture the scene he is creating. We follow Pike and crew through India, pulling threads on an alleged terrorist plot that turns into a hostage situation. I would love to see this series turned into a show for Netflix or Prime!

[Mike Worley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun installment as Pike and the team innocently end up on Omega sanction as they cross paths with a variety of Indian and later Chinese people.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had high hopes for this based on the high ratings. To say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. This book was waaaayyyy too long and just, well, boring. It never takes me over a month to finish a book, but here we are. This was my first Brad Taylor novel, and most likely my last.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a while since I've read a book by Brad Taylor...always enjoyed the Pike Logan series, but like another reviewer stated "I am beginning to feel like this series has hit is peak and is on its way back down...same story different location".
It was a good read....great cast of good and bad characters, ever twisting plot line, and there was plenty of action to keep you engaged.
Into the Gray Zone is a worthwhile read and can be read as a stand alone thriller.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC and I do recommend reading the book come April 22.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an advance copy from GOODREADS! I felt like the author gave me a personal tour of India. Taylor gives you enough detail you can picture the scene he is creating.
To my shame, I’ve missed a few of Brad Taylor's books, and that’s something I need to rectify as this is a well written and exciting series.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeding the insanity of online history revisionism, the Pizza has many alleged forebears and its origin probably could be traced to a stone oven in Mesopotamia, dissing early 20th century Chicago. Today, the pizza game (by revenue) in the US is dominated by Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's and Little Caesars. A quarter of a century ago, before they embraced Pizza The Hut, Pizza Hut and Domino's made up 25% of US chain pizza sales, fighting it out between each other. Known for innovating the pie game and trying to avoid the Noid, Pizza Hut launched another new product in '02 that landed somewhere between a pizza and a calzone. The P'Zone gave aficionados toasted parmesan crust joy until it was discontinued in 2011 and resurrected usually around March Madness and other sports related events. The sport is hunting America's enemies and Brad Taylor is back in full force, delivering an intrepid dive into the P'zone between war and peace. A world in chaos needs a hero like Pike Logan, fiction and IRL, to preserve America's military and technological superiority, and INTO THE GRAY ZONE works its way around some of the most pressing geopolitical issues and US adversaries--a thoroughly enthralling actioner that comes boiling out with shock and awe.

Facilitating archaeological work around the globe, wink wink, husband and wife team Pike Logan and Jennifer dub in for the author and his wife scouting the world for hotspots and cool locations to give this series its edge and foundation of realism. Still toiling under cover of Grolier Recovery Services (GRS), Pike (Neanderthal stuff) and Jennifer (egghead stuff) are in overt work to keep people alive and in reality taking national security threats off the board for Uncle Sam and giving him plausible deniability. The entire crew working GRS is Tier One, ofc, and INTO THE GRAY ZONE throws them a fossilized bone deep in the reaches of Hindustan, a cakewalk assignment with nary a chance for trouble. The fly in the ointment here is that Pike, the type of guy who'd rather have a new rifle than a Porsche, is seemingly and somewhat admittedly suffering from PTSD and looking for a reason to tear at the scab, to unleash the beast. What seems like a garden variety terror attack on civilians is just as good a trigger as any, turning the leader of this extra-legal force that operates under no US law into a race car in the red, a mushroom cloud laying m--well, the gist is pretty clear.

Ostensibly about the limbo between war and peace, INTO THE GRAY ZONE is more than Tolstoy's conjunction and fusion. For Brad Taylor and the intel world at large, it's somewhere in the middle of those two extremes, and much like Brad Thor's RISING TIGER (2022) appropriately set in India, a country of noticeable extremes. Taking center stage in this Pike Logan adventure is the Chinese MSS as the extreme bad guy trying to preserve China's monopoly on rare earth metal procurement and the Middle Kingdom competing with the United States, a topic that is grounded in solid realism and probably most accurate in detailing why current affairs recently heaped tariffs on China. In light of this authenticity, the narrative nonetheless at times reads like a video game directed experience that incrementally sends the reader deeper INTO THE GRAY ZONE. The bad thing about these kind of books and series is that the good guys always win 1000%, no errors, no slip-ups, no SNAFUs, no happenstance. Basically, the reader knows before they go in that there's gonna be a happy ending and someone might get a "flesh-wound" as Hollywood so aptly puts it. Only throwaway characters are sacrificed pawns. Be that as it may, thank the Gods of War that 'Bharat' Taylor is back, bringing a unique blend of humor, action, and a deft shoutout to ROCKY II among others. Featuring crafty lean-in action similar to THE MATRIX, CLIFFHANGER and DIE HARD, INTO THE GRAY ZONE is kind of like any of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE movies, just without the visually crazy Tom Cruise stunt work, though it gets pretty damn close. Head INTO THE GRAY ZONE, see Pike Logan uncork the rage and experience an ultra realistic thriller with a mission that at any time could go from Alpha to Omega and everything in between.




Many thanks to Brad Taylor, NetGalley and William Morrow/HarperCollins for the ARC.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In between peaceful cooperation and armed conflict lies the gray zone.

Most archaeological sites are found in areas that can be less than hospitable to those seeking to excavate them...sometimes they are right in the middle of regional conflicts, sometimes there are government officials looking for their palms to be greased, but whatever the reason the archaeologists often need facilitators to let them get to work. Enter a business called Grolier Recover Services headed by Logan Pike, a group which is more than capable enough to do whatever needs doing...although in reality that kind of work is just a cover for what they really do around the world. Every member of Pike's team comes from elite military and/or intelligence units, and when the US government needs something done that can't be accomplished through normal channels a unit known as Prometheus Project (or more simply the Taskforce) pays Pike and crew to do it. When the Grolier team gets tasked with heading to India to execute a basic site survey as a favor to the director of the CIA Pike doesn't like the idea...it sounds like a job the CIA should be able to handle themselves. But the wide scope of ongoing conflicts around the world and the immediate need for the work to be done make it a priority, so off the team heads to Goa to scout out the location for a proposed sub rosa meeting between Indian intelligence, the CIA and an Indian billionaire which it is hoped will lead to the excavation of rare earth minerals that the US desperately needs from sources other than the Chinese. It should be a walk in the park, they're told. But the meeting is not as secret as some would believe, and there are players already on the ground who are looking to interfere...a small group of Indian Sikh separatists, a criminal organization run by a Muslim kingpin and a man known as Mr. Chin. They are working together but may not share the same ultimate goals, and Pike and his team soon find themselves in the midst of a major attack during a party held for the billionaire's daughter. With dead bodies left behind, hostages taken, and a stand-off that is likely to end up with an increases body count Pike and crew must figure out who is behind the assault and rescue the hostages before the situation blows sky high.
This is the 19th book in the Pike Logan series...it can be read as a standalone, but those who have read earlier installments will have a deeper understanding of the different team members and their backstories. Here Pike and crew find themselves in the wrong place at the right time, and throw a wrench in the plans of those who seek to disrupt the top secret meeting. Pike is also struggling to control what he calls the beast, a reservoir of rage that when triggered results in Pike's lethality being unleashed in proportions far above what the situation requires. His teammate and lover Jennifer can sometimes act as a control for the beast getting out of hand, but it is becoming increasingly problematic. The plot is timely...US vs China with actions happening in "the gray zone", the search for alternate sources of rare earth minerals, and an explosive geopolitical arena. The story progresses at a quick and steady pace with lots of action and intrigue, and is populated by a group of characters with strong bonds who get the job done while indulging in a fair amount of good-natured trash talking. Its a great political/military thriller sure to please not only fans of the series but also readers of authors like Mark Greaney, Brad Thor and Vince Flynn. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to this gripping read in exchange for my honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m always amazed, not to say shocked, when I see that all books, I mean not a single one exception, I review on Goodreads are enjoyed an average rating above 4 stars. My questions here will be,
*is the site rigged, like has been said of many past elections in the US (from those not happy with the outcome, mind you 😂)
*if not, are most readers showing indulgence out of reverence for the author, considering the sum of good books they have written before? (I could understand, albeit not support, this being at play when it comes to some of my favorite authors, whom I’ve given low rating on latest production, such as Michael Connelly, James Lee Burke, or Jeffery Deaver…)
*or, and I desperately hope that’s not the rationale, it’s just because a new majority of readers are fast food like consuming book and lost all critical thinking and spirit?
Anyway, 2 stars tops for this latest Brad Taylor’s installment. The good is in the in depth research of geo environment, to which this author excels. I’ve spent myself 3 weeks in India from Mumbai to Agra and via Udaipur, I was lucky enough to enjoy what I qualify among the top 5 gastronomy, I stayed in fantastic hotels, I 100% concur on the quality of service, and I’ve been utterly impressed with the palace like feeling in all upper star resorts As we speak, I consider the Oberoi chain the very best hotel experience ever, and I’ve been in a few palaces all over the world, that include the George V in Paris, Carlton and MARTINEZ in Cannes, Shangri-la Bangkok, and many Ritz Carlton and St Regis here in the US, to name few.
I also experienced the extreme poverty, and the areas where working people are packed in narrow streets where it a miracle that rickshaws can find their way. I had a very clear view of if from the Mumbay Mosque, it was overwhelming and triggered our decision not to go and try and mingle, out of sheer fear.
So congrats for the research and that’s for the very good
The good is in the plot selection very up to date and the enlightenment on what is at stake and up in the gray/asymmetric warfare key to be aware of those days.
Having said that the really bad which would arguably have this book banned from production, where it not Brad Taylor, is a large order list, from all the chapters featuring the Chinese and the Sikhs, to the vacuity of TF team members except for Jenifer and Knukled, who has skin in the game. The 2 others, veep and blood are hardly there for rage show.
Lastly the dialogues, chain of command behavior, initiative taken, are super poor, at least 1/3rd of crappy dialog could/should have been cancelled.
Finally, unlike in Brad Thor’s books, the action itself is far from compelling.
So a waste of time read all in all.
Suggestion : get back to 250 pages max with action pack situation and suspense, I know yo7 can make it. Skip the TF.2 of you on a mission and back up from time to time in case of a need works better believe ne. Good luck

Zone3e

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pike and the gang get sent suddenly to Goa, once a Portuguese enclave in India. The CIA director is meeting secretly with an Indian counterpart and a powerful billionaire, wants an off the books group watching his back. .

The resort meeting is indeed targeted—but it seems that's not aimed at the CIA director. Sikh extremists are going after the billionaire, but behind them is a mysterious Chinese character. They want the money to advance their own cause, but what is Mr. Chin really after?

I continue to be reminded why this is a great series:

—Pike and Jennifer's relationship. She's evolved, from her unlikely beginning as a civilian bringing no tactical background to the table, into a highly capable operative. Their relationship took a while to blossom and longer to become public and then continue to marriage. As a gunslinger she's a now-happenin' modern woman, but remains traditional in serving as Pike's conscience urging him to be the best he can be. Pike values her advice highly but remains his own man. He doesn't slip toward being whipped.

—Pike's struggle with his own demons. He continues to battle "the beast", the rage emerging in combat which can go too far. Jennifer is the only one who can talk to him about it. He listens to her. Sometimes. I must admit, I want Pike's beast to emerge, when he's up against some particularly rotten piece of work or protecting those he loves. It's shrewd of Taylor to design Pike's PTSD as something often beneficial to his work. He's a demon in combat.

—Pike and Knuckles' relationship. The tough-guy buddies busting each other's oranges because it's what tough guys do when they love each other, is commonplace. But Taylor writes it particularly well. (i wonder if Knuckles' thing with Indian agent Nadia will go anywhere. I was waiting for Taylor to drop in some Easter egg involving Secretary of State Amanda Croft, who had a thing with Knuckles earlier. She's mentioned near the end, and Croft's soft spot for him has sometimes prodded her to color outside the lines when the Taskforce needed help. But it didn't materialize here.)

—The inside poop on ops and the way politics inevitably works in the background. Taylor probably saw plenty of this in Special Forces and things have the ring of truth, as Pike and the gang must stay a step ahead of Washington and the host country forces—and sometimes their own bosses—to make the plays they know they need to make. Pike of course exploits time zone differences and communications "problems" to do what he knows needs doing.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pike Logan is back in the 19th book in this series. The Taskforce as his paramilitary group is called is sent to India on what seems a job that does not require their special talents. But as one event after another happens, Pike realizes that there is more at stake than he expected. The initial assignment is to provide security for a meeting between an Indian billionaire, Riva Thakkar, the head of the CIA, and senior people from the RAW, India’s intelligence service. The discovery of a major source of rare earth minerals has the US and India negotiating, thereby reducing the US dependence on China. But China has other ideas, hiring a group of Sikh separatists to interfere (capture or kill Thakkar). Pike and company’s first hint that their skills are needed appear when they stumble upon an attack and stop the separatists. The Chinese press their minions to finish what they started, but the Sikhs have their own idea of what needs to be done to reach their goals. Pike and team seem to be a half-step behind but the out of the box thinking from Pike that fans of this series know keep the team close enough to disrupt and eventually overcome the odds. The title of the book - the Gray Zone - is where the world finds itself today -not all-out war but not peace either. And the Taskforce must work to keep it there.

An interesting diversion in location for most thriller books, Taylor does a good job of describing the environment of India - from the poorest neighborhoods to the Taj Mahal to the ultra rich citizens of the world’s most populous country. This edition doesn’t wait to get into the action, which is pretty much non-stop. Drawing from the current events regarding rare earth minerals, while still a book of fiction, the reader is exposed to the political situation and the desire of China to continue their stronghold on this very important economic and technological area - as well as the political divide of the various sects within India. Most of the books in the series can be read as standalone but having read many of them, reading in order allows you to see the development of Pike Logan and his Taskforce team. My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my review.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Taylor is one of my go to authors when I want a book that is filled with action and hard to put down. Into the Gray Zone takes place in India and deals with China’s attempt to control the supply of rare earth elements. Pike Logan and the Taskforce are assigned to provide security during a meeting in Goa between the head of the CIA, Riva Thakkar, an Indian billionaire, and RAW, India’s intelligence service. A source has been discovered in India and a mining arrangement with the U.S. is being negotiated. Mr. Chin, a Chinese agent, has hired several Sikh separatists to either capture or kill Thakkar to stop the deal. Pike and his wife Jennifer, a member of his team, stumble upon the men, preventing the attack. Plan B is a drone attack on Thakkar at the Taj Mahal as he and his guests celebrate his daughter’s wedding. The separatists have their own plan to use Chin’s resources to call attention to discrimination against the Sikhs. An attack on the Taj Mahal is a planned diversion while they attempt to kidnap Thakkar at a pre-wedding celebration. After Pike’s initial interference in Goa, Mr. Chin uses a Chinese team to attack the Taskforce. The attack fails, but calls Pike’s attention to China’s involvement, unaware of the death and destruction planned by the separatists.

While initially assigned to provide security at the meeting, Pike takes their actions far beyond their assignment. From Goa to Jaipur and finally Mumbai he is determined to stop the Chinese, while RAW and his own superiors doubt their involvement. Pike has a quick temper, which brings out the Beast when he is involved in an attack. It takes the calming influence of Jennifer to talk him down. His team works well together in action. There are also moments of humor that shows how well they relate to each other. Drone attacks, murder and chase scenes that take you from the poorest to the richest areas of India will keep you glued to the pages. I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this book.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – Into the Gray Zone – Brad Taylor
Unfortunately, my government affairs consulting work has kept me busy from my book reviews lately, but my latest read significantly made up for the cut back in my readings.

New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor’s latest novel, “Into the Gray Zone,” quite possibly is my favorite read so far this year.

While on a routine security assessment in India, Taskforce operator and main character, Pike Logan foils an attempted attack on a meeting between the US CIA and India’s intelligence service. Both government agencies believe it’s nothing more than a minor terrorist attack, but Logan suspects that something more sinister is at play.

After another terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal, Logan begins to believe that outside powers are attacking India in ‘the gray zone’ – between peace and war.

This tale shows how political gamesmanship operates deep in the shadows, where nothing is black and white, only shades of gray, thus the title, Into the Gray Zone.

Pike Logan and his team uncovers a geopolitical scheme that spiraled out of control in India, and they raced against the clock to de-escalate the tensions between two global powers – India and China.

This entire series – Pike Logan (short stories and novellas included) – has always been one of my favorite action thriller series – and Taylor’s admirable military experience and knowledgeable knowledge is the reason why. All his stories are authentic because of the excellent research and verification that he and his wife – conducts. I always feel the validity and the legitimacy of the story while reading – that’s what makes all his novels so “top-notch.”

Meticulous spy craft, high tension suspense, and hardcore military action made this action thriller - Book 19 - a five-star read.

Excellent read Colonel, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Zane Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Taylor’s 19th Pike Logan thriller, “Into the Gray Zone,” released in April 2025, is a real barn-burner. Pike, the Taskforce operator, is sent to India on a routine security mission for a CIA meet-up. However, things take a turn when he foils a terrorist hit, uncovering a deeper plot involving rare earth minerals and global power plays.

The book takes readers on a high-octane ride through Delhi markets and Goa resorts, blending gritty action with quiet loyalty. This compelling mix keeps me coming back for more, eager to dive into the next installment.

“Into the Gray Zone” is packed with action. Pike and his crew, including Jennifer and Knuckles, are entangled in shootouts, kidnapping schemes, and a wild Indian wedding that goes awry. Amidst all this chaos, they unravel a conspiracy that twists and turns like a country road. Taylor’s masterful storytelling immerses readers in the heat of the fight, and Pike’s sharp wit and unwavering faith in his team evoke a strong sense of family.

The story also has a profound soul. Pike relies on his gut instincts to prevent the world from tipping over, and this aspect of the narrative sparked my interest in the geopolitics of rare earth mining an a fascinating aspect of the world I didn’t expect to explore.

“Into the Gray Zone” concludes with a satisfying bang, leaving readers eager for more. It’s a thrilling tale that embodies heart and hustle, perfect for fans of gritty stories and those who stand tall. Taylor’s unwavering faith in his craft shines through in this standout novel, which honors freedom and loyalty. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, fierce, and authentic read, “Into the Gray Zone” is a gem worth grabbing and holding on to.

[Linda Naughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pike Logan is back in another action-packed military/political adventure. Focusing on the hybrid battles being fought in the "Gray Zone" between today's superpowers, it feels reminiscent of Cold War intrigue. With great characters, tense action, and lots of twists, it has all the high adventure one expects from a Pike Logan thriller.

Pike and the team are sent to India to provide security for a clandestine meeting between the CIA (whose usual assets are otherwise occupied) and an Indian billionaire. The CIA is hoping to nudge India into mining rare earth elements to break China’s monopoly. Like the prior book, it’s a plot-line so timely it’s almost prescient. It’s just one way that Brad Taylor’s experience and understanding of global politics and special operations elevates the series.

The mission sounds like a cakewalk, but as Brett points out, “If they wanted a walk in the park, they wouldn’t have asked for you.” So true! Before they know it, the team is embroiled in a kidnapping scheme where everything is not what it seems.

All in all, it was another great installment in an awesome series.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.

Extended review: https://www.selfrescuingprincesses.co...

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad Thor's latest in the Pike Logan series, Into the Gray Zone (2025)  starts with a rather confusing mix of events--Sikhs working for their cause, the Chinese plotting a kidnapping in pursuit of a rare earth mineral mining deal, and Pike Logan going into this lions den blind, thinking his and his team's job is to bodyguard a CIA official. As with all Pike Logan stories, it doesn’t take long for Pike to see that his protection duties are a lot more complicated than they at first seemed, in fact, than anyone on his side imagined. He could sit back because they probably won't affect his charge, but that's not Pike's nature. In his thinking, they impact his responsibilities and if he does nothing, the result will be catastrophic. It soon becomes obvious he must widen his original mandate (maybe the meaning of the title--enter the Gray Zone) which requires Pike's own unique ability to see around corners and do the impossible.

I enjoyed this book though even by the end, didn't quite accept why an American team was involved in international schemes. The CIA connection is there, but the affect on us tenuous, especially early in the book. Aside from that, this is a fast moving and clever story that kept me thinking and never slowed down.  Recommended for those who enjoy geopolitical thrillers with lots of complications and threads to be pulled.

[Squirrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

NFM at all. If any country's intel is as lame as presented for EVERY country in this story, there's almost no point in 'security' organizations.

This is basically an extended tangle of people believing others propaganda with no independent verification, people ignoring protection of and access to vital resources, etc. Paranoia plus fanaticism as tools for personal gain. Stretched out to fill over 500 pages.

Plus a 'billionaire' who doesn't recognize weaknesses in his own setups, or the sense hire someone who does. It's not hard to care anyway, its just boring, convoluted, dragged-out details.

This reads like the script for a comic-book-to-television series. The reader can almost hear the narrator's voice "Meanwhile, at the lair of ..." ... "and in the villain's car..." The long, drawn-out rationalizations and persuasions between various groups were more annoying than tension building, with the very scary truth of people without a clue or even a clear goal waving guns and explosives around, thinking 'violence' was the same as 'control' or 'power', missing that 'action' does not mean 'vision'.

For this reader, the first 7 pages of the "Acknowledgments" at the end was more interesting reading than the rest of the book.