What do you think?
Rate this book
Bob Danforth #1
Evil Deeds
Evil Deeds is the first book in the Danforth Saga, which includes Terror Cell, The Nostradamus Secret, The Lone Wolf Agenda, & Death Ship. In this 5-book series, the reader can follow the lives of Bob & Liz Danforth, and of their son, Michael, from 1971 through present day. Evil Deeds begins on a sunny spring day in 1971 in a quiet Athenian suburb. Bob & Liz Danforth’s morning begins just like every other Breakfast together, Bob roughhousing with Michael. Then Bob leaves for his U.S. Army unit and the nightmare begins, two-year-old Michael is kidnapped. So begins a decades-long journey that takes the Danforth family from Michael’s kidnapping and Bob and Liz’s efforts to rescue him, to Bob’s forced separation from the Army because of his unauthorized entry into Bulgaria, to his recruitment by the CIA, to Michael’s commissioning in the Army, to Michael’s capture by a Serb SPETSNAZ team in Macedonia, and to Michael’s eventual marriage to the daughter of the man who kidnapped him as a child. It is the stops along the journey that weave an intricate series of heart-stopping events built around complex, often diabolical characters. The reader experiences CIA espionage during the Balkans War, attempted assassinations in the United States, and the grisly exploits of a psychopathic killer. This is a new release of a previously published edition.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2011
342 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Badal
31 books135 followers"Joe Badal has had a varied and successful career. After 6 years as a decorated commissioned Army officer, having served in Vietnam and Greece, he had a long banking and finance career. He has had 18 suspense novels published: 4 stand-alones (The Pythagorean Solution, Shell Game, Ultimate Betrayal, and Payback); 7 books in the Danforth Saga (Evil Deeds, Terror Cell, The Nostradamus Secret,The Lone Wolf Agenda, Death Ship, Sins of the Fathers, and The Carnevale Conspiracy); 4 books in the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files (Borderline, Dark Angel, Natural Causes, and Everything To Lose); and 3 books in the Curtis Chronicles (The Motive, Obsessed, and Justice).
He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author and has received numerous awards, including being recognized as "One of The 50 Best Writers You Should Be Reading." He is a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year and has received multiple Gold Medals from the Military Writers Society of America. He was named Write of the year by the Military Writers Society of America in 2021. His books have received Finalist honors in the International Book Awards contest and in the Eric Hoffer Awards.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Finance and Business Administration, is a graduate of the Stanford University Law School's Director College, and of the Defense Language Institute, West Coast.
Joe has also written dozens of articles that have been published in a variety of business magazines and trade journals, and is a frequent speaker at business and writers’ events. His blog, Everyday Heroes, highlights individuals just like you who are confronted with a challenge and rise to the occasion."
He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author and has received numerous awards, including being recognized as "One of The 50 Best Writers You Should Be Reading." He is a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year and has received multiple Gold Medals from the Military Writers Society of America. He was named Write of the year by the Military Writers Society of America in 2021. His books have received Finalist honors in the International Book Awards contest and in the Eric Hoffer Awards.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Finance and Business Administration, is a graduate of the Stanford University Law School's Director College, and of the Defense Language Institute, West Coast.
Joe has also written dozens of articles that have been published in a variety of business magazines and trade journals, and is a frequent speaker at business and writers’ events. His blog, Everyday Heroes, highlights individuals just like you who are confronted with a challenge and rise to the occasion."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 17, 2013
This book was action packed from the very beginning. It was heart wrenching to follow the Danforth's through the kidnapping of their young son. Then watching the consequences of actions taken play out over the years. This series is now a must read!
September 30, 2013
Great characters, nonstop adventure, exciting and action packed from cover to cover.
January 22, 2015
I loved the action in this book. Unfortunately, it was hard to follow, detailless, and at times, void of emotion. A part of the problem and a personal pet peeve to me is that there was a lot of head hopping. Another problem is the shortness of chapters. With so many reading breaks, I found it hard to continue reading.
One thing that did make it easy to continue reading were the characters. The Danforths and Radkos were naive and I found that refreshing. Unfortunately, I found them to also have unrealistic emotions at one point and then be emotionless zombies the next. Also, other minor characters would come and go so quickly, I really wondered what was the point of them. Plus, with the head hopping, we would be in these minor characters point of view. In one case, we were in their view for a single paragraph. Again, what was the point?
I'm not completely sold on the plot. Really, this is 4 short stories based on the same people. I doubt you would ever see this complete plot in real life. I can believe the 4 parts as separate plots happening to separate families, just not all together.
Last thing I want to say is that the grammar and spelling were pretty good. There were a few minor mistakes, but I've seen worse in professionally edited novels. I can see why people rated this book so high with it's action. I guess we live in an ADD world that finds head hopping acceptable. I really want to give this book a 1 star, but I think that is unfair to the action.
One thing that did make it easy to continue reading were the characters. The Danforths and Radkos were naive and I found that refreshing. Unfortunately, I found them to also have unrealistic emotions at one point and then be emotionless zombies the next. Also, other minor characters would come and go so quickly, I really wondered what was the point of them. Plus, with the head hopping, we would be in these minor characters point of view. In one case, we were in their view for a single paragraph. Again, what was the point?
I'm not completely sold on the plot. Really, this is 4 short stories based on the same people. I doubt you would ever see this complete plot in real life. I can believe the 4 parts as separate plots happening to separate families, just not all together.
Last thing I want to say is that the grammar and spelling were pretty good. There were a few minor mistakes, but I've seen worse in professionally edited novels. I can see why people rated this book so high with it's action. I guess we live in an ADD world that finds head hopping acceptable. I really want to give this book a 1 star, but I think that is unfair to the action.
November 16, 2011
Evil Deeds is a first class action/adventure thriller. While the action is fast-paced and there’s lots of it, it is leavened by well done development of interesting and engaging characters and spiced with plenty of suspense. The depictions of military hardware from the 1990s will appeal especially to military fiction buffs, but there is plenty to please fans of more general, personal thrillers, including a revenge motif.
June 6, 2015
With The Love of Your Family With You, You can accomplish Anything.
Wow, what a potent story. Brave characters, slimy characters, and then you have your pus sack characters. This story is full of love, hope, and disparities. Twists and turns galore. Out of one tight spot and into another. Normally I do not read military stories but something grabbed me from the first reviews. Looking forward to reading volumes 2 and 3. Great work Mr. Badal
Wow, what a potent story. Brave characters, slimy characters, and then you have your pus sack characters. This story is full of love, hope, and disparities. Twists and turns galore. Out of one tight spot and into another. Normally I do not read military stories but something grabbed me from the first reviews. Looking forward to reading volumes 2 and 3. Great work Mr. Badal
October 2, 2013
I wasn't sure this book was for me within the first chapter or so. However, I never put a book down once I begin. I was thankful as this turned out to be a five star read, in my opinion! Very well written, very interesting characters and a very good story-line. I will add the Danforth series to my upcoming reads
August 5, 2015
Absolutely fantastic thriller by Joseph Badal! An adventurous, exciting, and unique story. Well researched, Badal gives his story a level of authenticity not usually found in commercial stories. Set during the conflict in The Balkans, Badal weaves an intriguing tale that will keep you turning the pages! I look forward to the rest of his books!
February 27, 2017
Evil Deeds in countries in Middle East
This is a book you cannot put down. Nadal has written a page Turner. This involves men in the Army who served their country when it was not popular to serve. There was kidnapping, torture, and all that accompanies war. Read this book for excitement and satisfaction.
This is a book you cannot put down. Nadal has written a page Turner. This involves men in the Army who served their country when it was not popular to serve. There was kidnapping, torture, and all that accompanies war. Read this book for excitement and satisfaction.
March 11, 2015
Evil Deeds, the beginning of the Danforth Saga.
This book was offered in the rental library, and it sounded good so I picked it as my March choice. It was such a good book that I have already purchased the second in the series. I can't wait to learn more about the Danforths.
This book was offered in the rental library, and it sounded good so I picked it as my March choice. It was such a good book that I have already purchased the second in the series. I can't wait to learn more about the Danforths.
April 2, 2015
I enjoyed it well enough
Well written, fast paced.... maybe a little far fetched but what novel isn't? Ill read the next Danforth novel and probably the one after that. I was entertained and so the book met my objectives!
Well written, fast paced.... maybe a little far fetched but what novel isn't? Ill read the next Danforth novel and probably the one after that. I was entertained and so the book met my objectives!
June 9, 2015
Very interesting andwell-written book very exciting and thrilling book. It is hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of saga part 2 I would recommend this book to anyone who likes excitement and action in a well written book
August 6, 2015
An action packed thriller for military operations .
This book was very multifaceted and fast moving, with lots of twists and turns . Lots of the characters find out that they are distant relatives and we're very surprised.
This book was very multifaceted and fast moving, with lots of twists and turns . Lots of the characters find out that they are distant relatives and we're very surprised.
February 5, 2016
No Vince Flynn
Seemed like the author was trying very had to have a 1950's style dialog in 1990's. "Get on the horn" indeed. Maybe just not my style of preferred writing because the story line wasn't bad. Unlikely that I'll try another of his works.
Seemed like the author was trying very had to have a 1950's style dialog in 1990's. "Get on the horn" indeed. Maybe just not my style of preferred writing because the story line wasn't bad. Unlikely that I'll try another of his works.
April 17, 2016
Great beginning
This is a good start to a new series of books. It kept my attention throughout the story. The subject matter was intriguing throughout the book. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
This is a good start to a new series of books. It kept my attention throughout the story. The subject matter was intriguing throughout the book. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
March 14, 2017
A fast pace storyline, made up for the thin character development.
A fast pace story that covers about 20 years of a military_ CIA family. There a lot of action,evil villains and of course love.
A fast pace story that covers about 20 years of a military_ CIA family. There a lot of action,evil villains and of course love.
November 24, 2017
Good Read
Lots of twists, and storyline is entirely plausible. Loved all the underlying plot lines and how it all came together. The book left me wanting to read the next one. I have found a new author to read!
Lots of twists, and storyline is entirely plausible. Loved all the underlying plot lines and how it all came together. The book left me wanting to read the next one. I have found a new author to read!
March 12, 2018
Fast paced incredible story of survival
Told in astonishing detail. A family's story of survival and extreme hardship, emotional as well as physical. Sins and suffering of the sinners and their families. Believable military and wartime details. Great read.
Told in astonishing detail. A family's story of survival and extreme hardship, emotional as well as physical. Sins and suffering of the sinners and their families. Believable military and wartime details. Great read.
September 17, 2013
very good story
September 26, 2013
4.5 for this one, it is a real page turner.
December 9, 2013
Starts off with a bang and keeps you on a wild ride until the very end. CIA/Spy Thriller
January 22, 2014
It was a great read from start to finish, could not put it down closer to the end. I would definitely recommend this author.
Read
March 22, 2015Great read
Little slow to start, but picked up quickly. Moving on to book #2. Hope it is as good as this one.
Little slow to start, but picked up quickly. Moving on to book #2. Hope it is as good as this one.
March 24, 2015
This was a great read
I like this author and this the first time I have read his books. This is another example of his great story telling talent
I like this author and this the first time I have read his books. This is another example of his great story telling talent
August 28, 2015
This book has it all.
Great read. Nicely paced. Mystery, romance, intrigue, politics. Will definitely read the rest of the series and probably the other books by this author.
Great read. Nicely paced. Mystery, romance, intrigue, politics. Will definitely read the rest of the series and probably the other books by this author.
December 28, 2015
Good story!
Good Story, good plot, good character development. Recommend to anyone who likes a good action adventure book. Looking forward to reading more of Mr Badals books.
Good Story, good plot, good character development. Recommend to anyone who likes a good action adventure book. Looking forward to reading more of Mr Badals books.
November 30, 2016
This book was well written and kept my attention. This showcased how small the world really is and that revenge is not the answer.
December 29, 2016
Exciting military thriller
I do not usually read military novels so this was an unexpected pleasure which I did not think would occur.
I do not usually read military novels so this was an unexpected pleasure which I did not think would occur.
February 16, 2017
Wanting
Wanted to read more, and more...400 and some pages. Good book. Can not wait to read another one of Danforth's books
Wanted to read more, and more...400 and some pages. Good book. Can not wait to read another one of Danforth's books
November 4, 2017
Very good
An excellent start to a series that I will continue to follow. Four stars because I found the story line predictable in many cases, but the book was and enjoyable read.
An excellent start to a series that I will continue to follow. Four stars because I found the story line predictable in many cases, but the book was and enjoyable read.
November 9, 2017
Wasn't sure about this book but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. That is the reason I have awarded it five stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews