Embedded

Dakota Judd #1

by John Lansing

Jailed Army Ranger Dakota Judd is offered a life-altering deal from Jean Steele, an ambitious and attractive Black FBI agent. Infiltrate a White Supremacist prison gang while he’s incarcerated, then embed himself into their militia on the outside. Become the eyes and ears of the FBI. If successful, his record will be expunged and he can live a normal life. If he fails, he’ll wind up dead.

Embedded, the first book in the new Dakota Judd thriller series, features John Lansing’s trademark propulsive, page-turning writing style, with a tough but sympathetic protagonist. Accompanying Dakota are two powerful women: Aunt Billie, his tough-as-nails wingman, a retired female detective who makes sure Dakota stays alive as he rotates back to civilian life where peril awaits, and Jean Steele, Dakota’s FBI handler, who must thwart her romantic impulses towards Dakota, as one false move can cost her a career in the male-dominated FBI.

Genres: Mystery

Unknown Binding

About the author

John Lansing is the author of six thrillers featuring Jack Bertolino—The Devil’s Necktie, Blond Cargo, Dead Is Dead, The Fourth Gunman, 25 To Life, and Mia, the prequel—as well as the true-crime non-fiction book Good Cop Bad Money, written with former NYPD Inspector Glen Morisano. Embedded is John’s first thriller in the Dakota Judd series. He’s been a writer and supervising producer on network television, and the co-executive producer of the ABC series Scoundrels, and co-wrote two MOWs for CBS.
The Devil’s Necktie is in development at Andria Litto’s Amuse Entertainment, with Barbara DeFina attached as a producer.

A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles. Find out more at www.johnlansing.com

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is quite a ride through the tunnels of white supremacy, dark money, political influence and clandestine activities. Dakota is a tenacious new hero. Toughened by military service and prison, he is a get the job done no matter the cost kind of guy. The action is nearly continuous and the body count high. Even though he is an amazingly tough guy, he has a moral code that rushes to put the bad guy out of commission but protect the innocent. I really like his aunt Billie, ex-cop and capable wingman. She could be the center of an exciting series herself.

This is a novel that takes us behind the scenes of news headlines into the undercover world of international activities sponsored by powerful people. I like Dakota as a hero and hope this novel is just the first of many featuring him.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Lansing has quickly become one of my favorites and this is the 1st book in his brand new Dakota Judd Thriller Series. I can always count on him to mention a whole slew of cars in his books😊

Dakota Judd, formerly an Army Ranger, is currently incarcerated. FBI Agent Jean Steele presents him with an offer that is difficult to refuse. Dakota's task involves infiltrating a white supremacist group, beginning within the prison walls and extending to the larger organization outside. In return for his cooperation, his criminal record will be cleared, and he will regain his freedom. However, if he fails he'll end up dead.

This book hooked me from the very first page! It was fast-paced, full of action, and had a whole lot of suspense. There was never a dull moment, and I was completely glued to the pages! The plot was compelling, and the MC, Dakota Judd, has definitely become a favorite! He's such an awesome character, and I'm so excited to see where his story goes! His Aunt Billie is his wing woman; she's a retired police detective and is a force! I also really liked Agent Steele. The attraction between Dakota and Agent Steele was forbidden, but it was definitely there, and I can't wait to see how that plays out! I will be highly anticipating the next book! If you're looking for a propulsive, high-stakes, incredibly entertaining read, this one's for you! I HIGHLY recommend it🩷

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting life-or-death thriller!

Embedded is the first book in author John Lansing’s riveting new series of thrillers featuring former U.S. Army Ranger Dakota Judd, and it completely earns its place among the best of the genre; I couldn’t put the book down. Former Ranger Dakota Judd had made a mistake in Afghanistan when he’d tried to stop his company commander from torturing a young Afghan teen for information by shattering his arm; he should have killed him. Now, years later, he’s serving the prison sentence that had been unfairly handed down and trying to stay ahead of the incarcerated would-be assassins after the bounty on his head. So, when Special Agent Jean Steele offers him a deal that would not only get him out early but expunge his record after his successful completion of an undercover operation within a dangerous White Supremacy-linked militia, he’s all in. Now it’s up to Judd and his handler to infiltrate and get the evidence needed to shut these guys down for good.

Dakota Judd is an interesting man of contrasts, always prepared and ready to prevail in a fight, yet retaining his need to protect those he loves and defend his principles no matter what. Plus, he likes cats. Blackfox, the organization he’s trying to get information from, is secretly the antithesis of everything he stands for. Some of his brothers-in-arms have found employment with Blackfox after their military service on the legitimate protection side, with no idea of the company’s real agenda. Judd’s is the Oscar-worthy acting job of the century, and his life depends on maintaining his masquerade. I loved that he is supported in his efforts by his canny and capable Aunt Billie, a retired Orange County detective.

The plot is high-octane from the start, fraught with tension, and gritty as they come, especially with the mayhem dealt by the low-level biker gang frontmen, the OC Wolf Pack, as they try to incite unrest and violence among the ethnic gangs of Los Angeles. The randomness of how they perpetrate their plan is gasp-inducing, and these are the people Judd must impress to get his foot in the door with Blackfox eventually. Jean Steele proves to be a cool head, controlled and calculating in planning and executing her plan. There is also a connection with Judd that teases with its forbidden potential throughout the book.

I recommend EMBEDDED to thriller readers, especially those who enjoy a suspenseful undercover operation that teeters on the edge of life or death and stories featuring former military protagonists.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Army Ranger Dakota Judd, unfairly jailed for injuring his commanding officer while preventing him from torturing a teenager during a mission, is offered a reprieve by FBI Agent Jean Steele. If he agrees to gain access to Blackfox, a white supremacist organisation in prison, and carry on in the outside group when he’s released. His brief is to gain as much information as he can for the FBI and his record will ultimately be erased.

If he fails it won’t matter one way or the other as he wouldn’t be alive to worry about it. I love the fact Dakota’s Aunt Billie, a retired detective and great character, not a woman to mess with or underestimate, is the perfect back up, always ready and willing to help him in any way she can.

Embedded is action packed and fast paced, with a multi layered plot involving influential and unscrupulous people pulling strings for their own ends. But they hadn’t reckoned on Dakota and Aunt Billie.

Embedded has all the ingredients….the twists this reader didn’t see coming, suspense, drama and tension, that make a book hard to put down. And I’m so glad Dakota is a character in his own right, with an individual background and personality, and not similar in any way to the main character of the author’s previous series, which I also loved. Look forward to the next instalment!

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embedded by John Lansing is very good. The book has all the right elements to make for a fascinating suspense thriller movie. It reminds me of my favorite crime thriller movie, Jason Bourne. In some ways, Dakota Judd is like Jason Bourne. A good guy, constantly fighting for his life, and somehow gets the girl. But in-between all of that there are obstacles, deadly and intimidating enough to convince Dakota to do a dangerous job all for his criminal record to be expunged. But that's the real kicker too, he didn't do any crimes and yet always being threatened. So many twists, amazing suspense building, good dialogue, and amazing characterization. There is also a bit of romance between Dakota and his FBI handler. John Lansing is talented in creating a a multiple plot scenario kind of read. That one that is explosive and can go in any direction at the slightest wind. Addictive, thrilling, and entertaining, Embedded is a trip readers won't be forgetting.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

Oh this was so good!
Why have I waited so long to read a book by John Lansing? I am so glad to get in on Book one of a new series. This book was fantastic. Thrilling, suspenseful, fun, and intense. Also, biker gang!! 😱😱😱 Need I say more? LOL

Wow, I loved Dakota! I think I have found my new book boyfriend! 💕😍 What a bad boy superhero he is! I can't wait to read another book with him. And oh my gosh, Dakota‘s aunt Billie! I freaking loved her! I wasn't sure about a few of the other characters. They all seemed questionable. It was meant to be that way. You don't know who you should trust. Except Dakota and Billie. I would trust them with my life!

The last 25%, wow! The whole book is great but that last quarter is amazing. Action, action, and more action, and a tiny touch of romance just to keep it interesting.

This book has all the elements. The recipe for success. I think I'm an instant fan.
Give this one a go, you won't regret it.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embedded by John Lansing is a book written by the author that features Dakota Judd, who is our MC and this is the first book in the newest thriller series featuring Dakota by the author. Dakota is in prison, serving a 7 year sentence, and looking at more time for a infraction that wasn't his fault, at the start of the book and is offered a deal by Jean, a very attractive FBI agent, asking Dakota to help the FBI infiltrate a gang. Specifically a white supremacist gang and get into their gang after he is released from prison. The author did a great job with writing a thriller that takes you inside prison and into a dangerous gang. And how a normal person even an army ranger would react in prison and how the person would accept and navigate. I really enjoyed the relationship between Jean and Dakota in this book and can not wait to see what Dakota does in an upcoming book and how his and Jean's relationship progresses in future books!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts



Embedded is written by John Lansing. This is book one in the Dakota Judd Thriller series. I’ve read this author before and he’s becoming one of my favorite thriller authors.

Dakota Judd, former Army Ranger is currently in jail. However FBI agent Jean Steele has a proposition for him. Infiltrate a white supremacist group and she will clear his record. However if they make him, he’ll leave in a body bag.

This book grabbed me in as soon as I started reading. I didn’t want to put it down. Dakota may be my favorite Lansing character and I’m thrilled for a new series. Heart pounding suspense, forbidden attraction, danger at every turn. This needs to go to the top of your TBR pile asap.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners In Crime Book Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Embedded" is a thrilling, fast-paced novel featuring a captivating cast of characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. The protagonist, Dakota Judd, is released from prison by the FBI on the condition that he infiltrates a militia group to have his criminal record expunged. The story is filled with excitement, adventure, and unexpected twists, leading to an ending that genuinely surprised me. "Embedded" is an excellent start to a new series, featuring a hero who is likable, engaging, and complex. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 5/5 stars

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Judd is my hero and a believable protagonist. The characters are convincing which made them feel real to me and the thrill of the chase certainly got my adrenaline running on high. The plot is brimming with plenty of twists and entertaining, intense action. The little bit of romance is just the right amount to keep the story light. The characters are what drove the story and this is just the beginning so I am excited to read more. Bring it on.

[Bret Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

He lost me in the first chapter with the characterization of Jan 6 as an insurrection.

[Dietrich Kalteis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embedded hooked me from the start and it never let up. It's a thriller brimming with unexpected twists, convincing characters and dialogue that rings true. And Lansing created one absolutely badass protagonist in his hero Dakota Judd.