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Jake Fonko #4
Fonko in the Sun: Grand Cayman/Grenada 1983
A bloody bank robbery. A barroom shootout. A headlong flight out of Castro's Cuba. Three aerial dogfights. A chopper crash in a Jamaican jungle.
And that's just the first day of Jake Fonko's latest adventure.
Hired for a routine delivery job, Jake finds himself stranded in the Caribbean with secret documents from the BCCI -- the notorious "Bank of Crooks and Criminals." Mafia families, drug cartels, scamsters, terrorists and corrupt politicians, not to mention the CIA and the KGB, all want those documents, and Jake quickly gets a crash course in international financial management. That is, he learns how the World's Worst People manage their finances.
Using wits and weaponry to stay a step ahead of his pursuers, Jake ricochets from one tropical paradise to the next.
No passport, no backup. Suffocating surveillance. Danger lurking in every shadow.
How ever will Jake Fonko pull this one out of the fire?
Follow Jake's frantic scramble through the emerald chain of Caribbean sun-drenched isles - Grand Cayman, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St. Barts, Martinique, Mustique and Grenada - as he tries to survive his latest caper.
And that's just the first day of Jake Fonko's latest adventure.
Hired for a routine delivery job, Jake finds himself stranded in the Caribbean with secret documents from the BCCI -- the notorious "Bank of Crooks and Criminals." Mafia families, drug cartels, scamsters, terrorists and corrupt politicians, not to mention the CIA and the KGB, all want those documents, and Jake quickly gets a crash course in international financial management. That is, he learns how the World's Worst People manage their finances.
Using wits and weaponry to stay a step ahead of his pursuers, Jake ricochets from one tropical paradise to the next.
No passport, no backup. Suffocating surveillance. Danger lurking in every shadow.
How ever will Jake Fonko pull this one out of the fire?
Follow Jake's frantic scramble through the emerald chain of Caribbean sun-drenched isles - Grand Cayman, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St. Barts, Martinique, Mustique and Grenada - as he tries to survive his latest caper.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2014
253 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
B. Hesse Pflingger
16 books15 followersB. Hesse Pflingger, PhD, is a professor of contemporary history at California State University, Cucamonga.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 3, 2017
I got this for free on Book Bub.
This is a very well written book and for, I assume, a self-published book impressive I didn’t find any errors. I appreciate good writing and this book was better written than most books I’ve read. There were some endearing parts and the author conveyed his first-person narrative pretty realistically. For writing, there were some cliché usage for which I would encourage author to find a more effective alternative.
The story is basically a chase story which Fonko is being pursued from one Caribbean Island to another. It was a moderately interesting tale although after a while I got tired of the endless pursuit. This book should actually be classified as historical fiction as it uses real events from the 1980’s. I’m not a particular fan of historical fiction and so this was not a plus, at least for me. There were however a number of issues with the story that didn’t make sense to me. First his island choices; he moved away from islands that were better suited to get back to the USA for reasons I could not understand. Second, he could really have ended the chase in a manner similar to the way he eventually did many times earlier, so I found much of drama pointless. I also found some of the descriptions of people to be pretty heartless and that made me kind of dislike Fonko. In general, I don’t think the author made Fonko very sympathetic or likeable. Fonko is also a hot shot ex-CIA agent, who is almost a super hero who everyone seems to know and adore. I did not find his persona very accessible.
Take away: Well written and very readable book. The story is somewhat enjoyable historical fiction, the main character a little nauseating.
This is a very well written book and for, I assume, a self-published book impressive I didn’t find any errors. I appreciate good writing and this book was better written than most books I’ve read. There were some endearing parts and the author conveyed his first-person narrative pretty realistically. For writing, there were some cliché usage for which I would encourage author to find a more effective alternative.
The story is basically a chase story which Fonko is being pursued from one Caribbean Island to another. It was a moderately interesting tale although after a while I got tired of the endless pursuit. This book should actually be classified as historical fiction as it uses real events from the 1980’s. I’m not a particular fan of historical fiction and so this was not a plus, at least for me. There were however a number of issues with the story that didn’t make sense to me. First his island choices; he moved away from islands that were better suited to get back to the USA for reasons I could not understand. Second, he could really have ended the chase in a manner similar to the way he eventually did many times earlier, so I found much of drama pointless. I also found some of the descriptions of people to be pretty heartless and that made me kind of dislike Fonko. In general, I don’t think the author made Fonko very sympathetic or likeable. Fonko is also a hot shot ex-CIA agent, who is almost a super hero who everyone seems to know and adore. I did not find his persona very accessible.
Take away: Well written and very readable book. The story is somewhat enjoyable historical fiction, the main character a little nauseating.
February 19, 2017
This came up as a freebie on iBooks and claimed that as a fan of Ian Fleming and Clive Cussler, I would love it!
Unfortunately the first issue I came across was the formatting of the book...for some reason I was required to flip from left to right rather than right to left. I don't know whether this was intentional or a serious problem, but it put me right off.
I did attempt a couple of pages but it is written in first person (I very rarely enjoy anything written in first person) and the language was therefore rather...basic. Yes, I am a fan of Ian Fleming (to a certain extent) and very much so a fan of Clive Cussler's 'Dirk Pitt' series...and this was nothing like them.
I do so hate when people try to compare themselves to the greats.
Unfortunately the first issue I came across was the formatting of the book...for some reason I was required to flip from left to right rather than right to left. I don't know whether this was intentional or a serious problem, but it put me right off.
I did attempt a couple of pages but it is written in first person (I very rarely enjoy anything written in first person) and the language was therefore rather...basic. Yes, I am a fan of Ian Fleming (to a certain extent) and very much so a fan of Clive Cussler's 'Dirk Pitt' series...and this was nothing like them.
I do so hate when people try to compare themselves to the greats.
December 14, 2019
Interesting characters, easy going reading, funny, kind of historical and a few flaws included. The ledger books didn’t make it out the helicopter, they were missing when Jake grabbed it, second I guess Driffter took them but never got mentioned again, the bank stuff got into the KGB and the CIA ..... how is this possible? Getting off Cuba was a bit dramatic, Grenada never had a Russian Embassy and the airport the cubans were building was named Point Salines International and changed name twenty years later to Maurice Bishop International ...........whatever, just want to mention it.
February 12, 2019
First time reader of Fonko
This is the first Fonko book I have read. It was a wild ride across islands, water, and into and out of trouble. Strange friendships are in place to make things work. Once again, I should not start a series on book 4, as I needed a bit more background.
This is the first Fonko book I have read. It was a wild ride across islands, water, and into and out of trouble. Strange friendships are in place to make things work. Once again, I should not start a series on book 4, as I needed a bit more background.
January 6, 2022
I think I like it
Well, the character of Jake Fonko is certainly creative. And he is one lucky individual. Then again, when up against such monumental inept bad guys maybe luck has nothing to do with it. It’s such an outsized story that I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. The absurdity of some situations were a bit too, well, absurd. I do know I don’t like the name Jake Fonko. But I’ll read another.
Well, the character of Jake Fonko is certainly creative. And he is one lucky individual. Then again, when up against such monumental inept bad guys maybe luck has nothing to do with it. It’s such an outsized story that I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. The absurdity of some situations were a bit too, well, absurd. I do know I don’t like the name Jake Fonko. But I’ll read another.
August 7, 2017
A good time.
I found the Jake Fondo series to be a fun and adventurous read. I look forward forward to reading the rest of the series and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fun read.
I found the Jake Fondo series to be a fun and adventurous read. I look forward forward to reading the rest of the series and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fun read.
July 18, 2017
I love the Fonko series. In this one Fonko who is an ex army ranger is in the Carribian. He is hired to do a job and winds up in a helicopter fire fight, and from there more fun and escapades begin. This book is fun, fast moving and he is such a lovable character. I look forward to the next one.
April 29, 2018
It was a fun read!
I enjoyed the book. It was interspersed with twists that seemed to lighten the plot, but kept true to the story line. It's interesting when authors weave true historical events into their novels.
I enjoyed the book. It was interspersed with twists that seemed to lighten the plot, but kept true to the story line. It's interesting when authors weave true historical events into their novels.
January 29, 2019
Not a bad book to while away a few hours on the train. Liked the main character and the style of writing was fairly easy to follow.
Got as a freebie but one of the better ones I've read.
Won't be rushing out to get any more of this series though.
Got as a freebie but one of the better ones I've read.
Won't be rushing out to get any more of this series though.
June 30, 2020
Wild Tale!
Wow, Jake was moving so fast in this one you needed to take notes to keep up! No way to get bored, you had to hang to keep from getting dropped overboard. If You like nonstop action this for you!
Wow, Jake was moving so fast in this one you needed to take notes to keep up! No way to get bored, you had to hang to keep from getting dropped overboard. If You like nonstop action this for you!
October 27, 2018
Adventure/thriller across the Caribbean.
July 12, 2020
A mindless adventure chase story with a very thin plot. If you want a book to read on the beach and not have to think too hard, this is it.
March 12, 2017
Fonko fun
Fast paced thriller that you keep on reading. One scrape after another befallen our hero, but he has the ingenuity to keep going that makes a fascinating read as you hop around the Caribbean
Fast paced thriller that you keep on reading. One scrape after another befallen our hero, but he has the ingenuity to keep going that makes a fascinating read as you hop around the Caribbean
March 6, 2017
Very flat. Seemed at times that I was reading someone's RPG adventure, jumping from one one dimensional npc to another.
March 4, 2017
A Post-Cold-War-Era Zelig
Jake Fonko, adventurer and freelance undercover operative, manages to collide and carom through international events, unintentionally embellishing his reputation as a master spy.
Jake Fonko, adventurer and freelance undercover operative, manages to collide and carom through international events, unintentionally embellishing his reputation as a master spy.
February 27, 2017
I gave this book a 4 rating because it held my interest all the way through . Plus the fact that it was comical in parts..
The only thing I disliked was the very long paragraph s and long chapters. I would have preferred more breaks. But the book was very good and I look forward to to reading more of his work s.
The only thing I disliked was the very long paragraph s and long chapters. I would have preferred more breaks. But the book was very good and I look forward to to reading more of his work s.
February 27, 2017
It was kind of good but i did not enjoy it to much.
February 28, 2017
I like first person narration so this story fit me. The character development wasn't the greatest, in that only the main character seemed to have any personality. Everyone else just came off as one dimensional stage dressing. The scenes were well painted and the action was non-stop. For a super spy with lots of history and experience, the main character is very inept and constantly relying on friends or friends of friends or simple luck to keep him alive. Summed up, I will say that the story was good, but not great.
March 1, 2017
Good read!
Very detailed but keeps high interest.
I would recommend to serious readers. Have not read any of the other series at this time.
Very detailed but keeps high interest.
I would recommend to serious readers. Have not read any of the other series at this time.
April 13, 2017
Fonko in the Sun
Very good read,enjoyed it immensely. Tales of the Islands are always good. Now will move on to the other books in the series.
Very good read,enjoyed it immensely. Tales of the Islands are always good. Now will move on to the other books in the series.
February 25, 2017
An entertaining read filled with travel, adventure, and danger culminating with the American military mission in Grenada. Maybe a little far-flung but definitely entertaining!
February 25, 2017
Movie material
Really enjoyed the story. At first I was not sure I would continue, but it kept me interested enough to read all the way through.
Really enjoyed the story. At first I was not sure I would continue, but it kept me interested enough to read all the way through.
February 4, 2017
busy busy run rabbit run
having been in the navy and cruised the caribbean, I visited some of the ports. brought back memories. language was slightly rough, but it is all rough now. good read. ending was not quite what I wanted, but everything considered...it fit. one place the author referred to a chopper as a cessna. no big deal. he was descriptive about other aircraft . mp
having been in the navy and cruised the caribbean, I visited some of the ports. brought back memories. language was slightly rough, but it is all rough now. good read. ending was not quite what I wanted, but everything considered...it fit. one place the author referred to a chopper as a cessna. no big deal. he was descriptive about other aircraft . mp
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January 22, 2016GREAT FUN
March 22, 2017
Love! this series
Author is cool! Takes real happenings in history and weaves them into so damn cool stories. Worth your time even if you have to pay for the books.
Author is cool! Takes real happenings in history and weaves them into so damn cool stories. Worth your time even if you have to pay for the books.
March 28, 2017
Good beach read
This book was a fun little romp, where the protagonist has a fun vacation and tries to convince us he's afraid for his life. The character is amiable, and the adventure is fun and mostly engaging. The only major flaw is that the opposition forces are remarkably vague given the specificity of the MacGuffin.
This book was a fun little romp, where the protagonist has a fun vacation and tries to convince us he's afraid for his life. The character is amiable, and the adventure is fun and mostly engaging. The only major flaw is that the opposition forces are remarkably vague given the specificity of the MacGuffin.
March 31, 2017
What a Romp
Another jolly jape, this time in the Caribbean. Definitely, a Fonko escapade not to be missed.
An international man of mystery rivaling Fleming, Le Carre and Ludlum.
Laughed all the way.
Another jolly jape, this time in the Caribbean. Definitely, a Fonko escapade not to be missed.
An international man of mystery rivaling Fleming, Le Carre and Ludlum.
Laughed all the way.
April 16, 2017
The beginning first person narrative sounded like he was on drugs and changed to more interaction with shallow character's who helped Fonko keep pushing the plot up and downhill. It is a plot paced novel with no character development. It's like having a rubber ball you bounce as a kid without any reason other then it is passing the time.
I read it in bits and pieces with the same interest I would have for an old TV drama during a boring period, and having a place to park my attention. I noticed as we got into the fast paced plot movement it became repetitious with no outstanding villains.
At the end where the author goes into explaining all the criticism it sounded like a neighbor whose dog pooped on my doorstep. Clean it up, got to go.
I write and read first person narrative. If it is plot driven, the central character should reveal some dimension to his person. Fonko was the same throughout making this a silly quick and ultimately boring read.
I read it in bits and pieces with the same interest I would have for an old TV drama during a boring period, and having a place to park my attention. I noticed as we got into the fast paced plot movement it became repetitious with no outstanding villains.
At the end where the author goes into explaining all the criticism it sounded like a neighbor whose dog pooped on my doorstep. Clean it up, got to go.
I write and read first person narrative. If it is plot driven, the central character should reveal some dimension to his person. Fonko was the same throughout making this a silly quick and ultimately boring read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews