Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Incident #1-4

The Incident: Season One - A Sam Jameson Espionage and Suspense Thriller, Episodes 1-4

Rate this book
Where do you run when even the good guys want you dead?

Special Agent Sam Jameson is having a bad week. People are trying to kill her.

That would be business as usual in the counterespionage world, except that it’s the good guys who have her in the crosshairs.

Why are the DC Metro police trying to kidnap her? Do her bosses at Homeland want her in a body bag, too?

And why does everyone she talks to seem to end up in the morgue?

Will a ruthless mercenary, a hapless American traitor, and a dead man’s cryptic clue hold the key to Sam’s survival? As the noose tightens around her neck, Sam must uncover a brutal and deadly conspiracy before she becomes its next victim.

Interview with author Lars Emmerich

Q - So, what makes the Special Agent Sam Jameson series special?

A - It's a mix of things, really. When I set out to write these books, I wanted to create something that mirrored exactly the kind of books I like to read. My top picks are usually espionage and private detective novels, any of the thousands of thrillers and mysteries best sellers, and, of course, books featuring classic pulp heroes. I also like heroes with problems and villains who are frighteningly human, maybe a little too much like us.

The Sam Jameson books are a mix of these genres. The series focuses on the mystery and thriller / espionage genre overall, with a couple of themes borrowed from financial thrillers thrown in for good measure, a healthy dose of the stuff that makes political thrillers great, and a serial killer novel or two to keep things interesting. Why such a mixing of themes? Because life isn't monolithic and book genres are arbitrary. There's murder in spy novels and there's espionage in political conspiracy thrillers.

Overall, the Sam Jameson series is designed to keep you turning the pages. I've done my best to make sure there's never a dull moment, and I think Sam's chutzpah and attitude makes for good entertainment. But I'm probably a little biased.

Q - What order should I read the books in?

A - I’ve written the series so you can read the books in any order, and all the story threads will tie up nicely by the time you're finished. The Incident is a standalone story, and it occurs before the Devolution series. If you do want to read them in order, I'd suggest the following sequence:

- The Incident Season 1
- The Incident Season 2
- Devolution
- Meltdown
- Mindscrew
- Balls Deep (A Peter Kittredge espionage and suspense thriller)

Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?

A - Because the Sam Jameson series is a fast, fun thrill-ride that never lets up! Each of the books has hit the top ten bestsellers list on Kindle for Women Sleuths, and each have been featured on Amazon's Thrillers 100 Must Reads list - which is no mean feat.

Ultimately, readers who enjoy a blazing pace, characters with depth and distinctive voices, and a plot that twists and turns all the way to the end will enjoy this series.

602 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2014

756 people are currently reading
329 people want to read

About the author

Lars Emmerich

48 books93 followers
You know that feeling when a story gives you goosebumps? I love that feeling.

And the one where you read something that puts a lump in your throat and smoke in your eyes? I love that one too.

And the feeling that you know what's going to happen next, only to find out to your absolute delight that you couldn't have been more wrong? I love that feeling too.

I love reading stories that move me and challenge my assumptions and teach me something. I love the way a great author lures me in and takes me along for a fantastic ride.

I also love to write stories. It's how I spend my days and a good share of my nights, too. I'm on a quest to write the perfect story full of perfect sentences. I don't know if I'm anywhere close, but I enjoy the gentle struggle.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
255 (44%)
4 stars
168 (29%)
3 stars
86 (14%)
2 stars
46 (7%)
1 star
24 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,010 reviews21 followers
June 27, 2020
too cliche.
too much happening at once.
steamy/crude sex references.
but it does move at a quick pace with short chapters & lots of action.
Profile Image for Thia.
26 reviews
December 25, 2019
A two star is more than it deserves

Book starts out with a scene that draws you into reading to find out what happened, this is a semi common method to get you to read further, with the answer to be reviled in a few chapters, maybe even halfway thru the book, and then the action continues from there. This book/author never reviles the situation that caused initial scene in the whole book, wanting to sell another book, or maybe two to three more books, before finding out. I’m not falling for that. If author wanted me to purchase a second book, a new event should have been initiated...
Profile Image for Robert W. Bock.
69 reviews
September 9, 2022
The best thing about this book is that it is a real page-turner. The book is about America's rapacious hunger for oil, and its' morally corrupt strategies to steal oil from South American countries.

The book is disappointing in the portrayal of the primary character.
Sam Jameson and her boyfriend are written as super heros in physical skills, motives, morals and sexuality.
The supporting cast of characters are somewhat more broadly developed, and more realistic in their abilities, skills and motives.

I must say, I did not like the cynical characterization of the United States as an evil empire with no moral compass whatsoever. According to Mr. Emmerich, the only decent, upright players are Ms. Jameson, her trusty assistant, Dan, and her super-hero boyfriend.
Everyone else are morally corrupt: The Washington DC Metro police department, the CIA, the FBI, Homeland Security, and members of Congress.

I will not be following up with the additional sequels in the Sam Jameson series.
1,477 reviews25 followers
December 12, 2018
The Incident. Lars Emmerich

Homeland Special Agent Sam Jameson is facing a serious dilemma. People are trying to kill her. Metro police officers, a government assassin working for a clandestine group, Venezuelan assassin's who are opposed to America interests imposing their influence in their country and even possibly her employer, Homeland Security. She has a reputation for being stubborn, outspoken and will not back off to anyone including her superiors. Her greatest strength? She's Damn good at her job and can be ruthless if she feels betrayed. This is an excellent read! Non stop action! Enjoyed immensely!
Profile Image for Irene.
1,553 reviews
November 11, 2022
Ghosts and Spooky Spies. Not for me but certainly, there is an audience.

This story did not hold my interest, even though the book is well written. I guess spying is not held to the same standard as other international espionage. I would have been more interested if Cyber Terrorism was included. I dislike stories where there is a corrupt or traitor within the ranks, especially if the underlying story is filled with needless sex. Most of these Agents go unnoticed and seldom is thier trauma addressed. The author could have written a great story using actual recent events and not spend time on a misguided sexual affair between spies.
Profile Image for Leonardo Rodriguez.
7 reviews
July 7, 2017
Unstoppable action and excellent mind-gripping narrative. You'll love it!

Most thrillers tend to fall under a general category of cheap frills and stereotypical characters, but Lars Emmerich is far from a typical non-stop writer of quality novels. There's plenty of humour and deep insights in his works, and the pace and edition of the whole structure will keep you glue to your tablet or paperback. If you are a fan of Barry Eisler's work, you cannot go wrong with Emmerich's oeuvre. FIVE STARS!
101 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Incident and then some

Superb edge of your seat thriller writing. Main character is a ballsy career law enforcement officer who's love interest adds another twist to the plot. Add in the CIA and their dubious practices with a hint of Venezualian death squads and a dash of mercenary home grown corruption and you have a heady mix of terror, grit and suspense. Finishing this instalment with a stunning bombshell just make s you want to keep reading.
12 reviews
December 27, 2016
This is a Winner!

You will find yourself holding your breath and not being able to put the book down or turn off your pad! A story about a very gutsy woman who is on a mission.

This author has got a winner here, for sure. One cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Ian Howe.
Author 2 books
June 7, 2017
A good story even though I thought it gave too many pages to the other characters and not Sam. The other thing I didn't like was the ending, it didn't end, and only then I realised it was a part one of a series, I hate that. If I missed the point it was a part one, it's my fault, but if it wasn't advertised as such, it should have been. I wont be bothering to read the other parts now.
474 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2017
Excellent Book

This author is so creative with the introduction of Sam and Brock how their love and their ability to work together. Sam knows her stuff and is not afarid to go after the bad guys. Looking forward t reading the next book. This author keeps you unable to put down book
19 reviews
January 30, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I did not. Didn't help that that it just ends leaving everything up in the air and you have to read book 2 to continue. They were nice enough to say you could get it for free using a link they provided. But it isn't a secure link and my browser warned me to NOT proceed. Since I did not enjoy the book all that much, I stopped there.
Profile Image for Sandra Sanders.
68 reviews
April 8, 2020
Exciting and Varied

I chose this rating because this is a fast paced and exciting novel. But the characters are not engaging. I loved the Bond thrillers when they came out, and it took a few books for the characters to develop. One of the reasons I believe, was that the rapid adaptation to film extended characters beyond the books.
58 reviews
November 30, 2021
The Incident

I really like all of the characters. The story at first actually thru to almost th err end was a bit hohum to me. The Pace got so much better when El Jerga had Sam and her end was nigh. I like this ending. I am looking forward to the second book in this triligy.
2,956 reviews
January 5, 2018
A very well-written and fast-paced beginning to a series. The protagonists are likeable and believable, the story-line interesting and I'm looking forward to reading more. I rate this one 4.7 stars.
6 reviews
January 15, 2018
Hard to get into

I kept reading because I was positive I could really get into the action of this “ thriller”. It never happened. I was disappointed that the book didn’t end, but rather led into Book 2, which I won’t be reading.
52 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2018
I wish I had known it was a serial story before I read it. I gave it 4 stars because it didn't end but it was a good spy thriller. You have to read the next book ( or possibly more) for a conclusion. I don't mind series books since generally they are complete but this one was not.
3 reviews
May 25, 2020
Don’t bother with this one.

Giving up reading this book. I thought it would be a good espionage / spy novel but the gay lover stuff makes me want to puke. Do writers believe that they need to include that to sell?
It gets -2 stars
Profile Image for Sam.
257 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2022
Very good action packed storyline. However, it was a little too long in getting to the climax. Sam Jameson’s character has lot of potential, but she really needs a few more supportive characters to help her.
Profile Image for Muriel Otto.
4 reviews
May 4, 2017
Couldn't out it down

Great story. I found it little hard to keep the characters straight, and I didn't like the ending. It doesn't end, it's a teaser for the next book
Profile Image for Pam.
85 reviews17 followers
August 10, 2017
Kept me engaged. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Espionage and intrigue what more do you need. Likable characters and a great plot. Can't wait to read next book in series.
57 reviews
June 9, 2018
Sam’s journey

The story continues with the Homeland Security expert following many tracts but never quite getting enough answers to solve her dilemma(s)
Profile Image for John Vonhof.
123 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2019
Loved the book. Lots of action and suspense. Reading it made me buy the next book in the series. Good writing, good plot, and good characters.
3 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2019
This book really captured my interest and kept me going thru the next books!!!!!!
2 reviews
April 30, 2020
Good read

Nice easy fast paced read,good characters,good plot,all round Goodreads.look forward to seeing what the future holds for the new hero
Profile Image for Karla Thompson.
373 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2020
New to me author! Love his characters. Sam is awesome and reminds me somewhat of Sherlock. Good adventures. Great story and action scenes! Yup, I bought more.
2 reviews
January 21, 2022
Finally got to the end!

Way too long! Each incident drawn out for twenty pages that could have been written in five. Unrealistic and boring!
16 reviews
February 3, 2022
Suspense Galore

What a way to end a book!!!!! Time to order follow up book. Cannot wait to start reading. It was great.
Profile Image for MelindaDeanna.
8 reviews
January 19, 2023
This is not my usual choice genre but I am a sap for strong girl characters, I had to try. Or maybe it was Lars' selling appeal. No matter, Lars Emmerich is a fantastic writer. This book, in my opinion, had no dead (pardon the pun) spots in it. Sam is a character who can win your heart fast. She has male friends who would die for her, and nearly do in some cases. The fight scenes are really well written. They draw you in so well. You actually feel like you are doing the fighting. I can't wait to start the next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.