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Pike Logan #20
Shadow Strike: A Pike Logan Novel – A Pulse-Pounding Espionage Thriller on a Global Manhunt for a Deadly Assassin
New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor is back with a dynamic political thriller featuring Pike Logan as he goes head-to-head with an old enemy—and renowned assassin.
After its proxies are devastated and its offensive capability pummeled in the latest war in the middle east, a rogue group of Iranian regime officials create a brazen plot to strike back at their hated enemies once and for all. They envision a series of operational dominos culminating in a devastating attack, and the first step is the assassination of the Israeli prime minister. And there’s only one assassin with the skills to pull it Abdul Rahman, known in the shadows as the Ghost.
When a routine prison transfer is ambushed, the Ghost escapes and is given the assignment. The only Operator who can hunt him down is the man who stopped him Pike Logan.
Pike and his team soon learn that the mission involves something bigger than just the escape of his old enemy. Working with Mossad agents, the pursuit leads the Taskforce to Argentina. They work to unravel the scope of the attack, and the chase leads them through the tempestuous waterfalls of Iguazu and the Triple Frontier, to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, and the tiny village of Ushuaia at the “End of the World”.
As the team races against the clock, Pike learns the stakes are much greater than a single life – the consequences extend into the heartland of America itself. The Ghost may hold the key to an escalation that will upend the worldwide balance of power, and if Pike fails, the fallout won’t just be personal – it’ll be global.
After its proxies are devastated and its offensive capability pummeled in the latest war in the middle east, a rogue group of Iranian regime officials create a brazen plot to strike back at their hated enemies once and for all. They envision a series of operational dominos culminating in a devastating attack, and the first step is the assassination of the Israeli prime minister. And there’s only one assassin with the skills to pull it Abdul Rahman, known in the shadows as the Ghost.
When a routine prison transfer is ambushed, the Ghost escapes and is given the assignment. The only Operator who can hunt him down is the man who stopped him Pike Logan.
Pike and his team soon learn that the mission involves something bigger than just the escape of his old enemy. Working with Mossad agents, the pursuit leads the Taskforce to Argentina. They work to unravel the scope of the attack, and the chase leads them through the tempestuous waterfalls of Iguazu and the Triple Frontier, to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, and the tiny village of Ushuaia at the “End of the World”.
As the team races against the clock, Pike learns the stakes are much greater than a single life – the consequences extend into the heartland of America itself. The Ghost may hold the key to an escalation that will upend the worldwide balance of power, and if Pike fails, the fallout won’t just be personal – it’ll be global.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
658 people are currently reading
5450 people want to read
About the author
Brad Taylor
50 books2,588 followersBrad 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 3, 2026
There will never be a more engaging "special ops," outfit
than the beloved Task Force. Pike, Jennifer and the team
are a well oiled machine. I used to think that Pike should
not have to deal with the Oversight Committee but it's
clear that while the OC keeps him reigned in, the OC
can get in the way...
This story takes us on several interesting missions,
which showcases the talented people attached to
the Task Force. With just one loose end, we now
must wait for the next book!
My thanks to William Morrow Publishing via
NetGalley, for the download copy of the
book for review purposes.
than the beloved Task Force. Pike, Jennifer and the team
are a well oiled machine. I used to think that Pike should
not have to deal with the Oversight Committee but it's
clear that while the OC keeps him reigned in, the OC
can get in the way...
This story takes us on several interesting missions,
which showcases the talented people attached to
the Task Force. With just one loose end, we now
must wait for the next book!
My thanks to William Morrow Publishing via
NetGalley, for the download copy of the
book for review purposes.
January 25, 2026
Shadow Strike might just be my new favorite Pike Logan novel. The whole crew is back—sharp, vibrant, and as engaging as ever—and we even get the return of past favorites Aaron and Shoshana, along with The Ghost. The writing is tight, the pacing relentless, and the plot threads stretch across three continents without a single dull moment. No spoilers here, but I’ll just say this: I really loved the ending, and you’ll have to read it yourself to understand why.
May 3, 2026
I don't know if I have read others in this series. This one grabbed my attention as some of it takes place in Argentina and that is a country and place I have some deep connections to.
Working to get The Ghost, travels take Logan to South American. Chasing The Ghost has been a ongoing task from what I could gather. Additionally, there are other imminent threats to Washington DC.
This is a fast-paced, save the world thriller. (that is what I call them). In the same line with Reacher and other badass save the world characters!
I may go back and start at the beginning, I have not decided. However, based on this one, I am tempted.
Thank you NetGalley for the audioARC.
Working to get The Ghost, travels take Logan to South American. Chasing The Ghost has been a ongoing task from what I could gather. Additionally, there are other imminent threats to Washington DC.
This is a fast-paced, save the world thriller. (that is what I call them). In the same line with Reacher and other badass save the world characters!
I may go back and start at the beginning, I have not decided. However, based on this one, I am tempted.
Thank you NetGalley for the audioARC.
November 24, 2025
Review: Lowgun Pyke,.....er, Pike Logan, snaking his way into the hearts of those that live vicariously. All of these thriller millertary novelists with the contrived yet manly reversable naming conventions. I like my own "Radthor McGunny". You could nick him with "Rad" or "Thor". "Gunny". "Gun Hammer".......
Well let's take a look and see if this is the same run of the mill story line as the others. You know, big black and possibly gay sidekick, betrayal, deep covert insertions (MEOW!) within a world spanning conspiracy. Throw in a psychopath or two, especially one that is hotter than a popcorn fart and thickly layer every page with acronyms. The ever present ramped up author Bio has all the bullshjt bingo buzzwords like: Taylor-Brad (Tay, Brado, Lor-man, Rador?), Delta Force Colonel Spec ops Citadel Professor, Extra super irregular combat war planning director with a masters in Hwong Jau Fu defense. Cause nothing sells books faster than credentials, am I right?
Did this suck a big dick? No. It was way better than Chad Robichows Tang soo Do MMA / Harvard trained SEAL special ops Force Recon marine "Riptide" novel. This was a down to earth story with knowledgable delivery and good movement. The first part of the novel with the fake ops training was boring as fuk, and I almost shjt canned the whole thing. Once they hit the road with real focus, the entertainment value ramps up. McGunny is your typically driven douche but beneath that killing machine beats a heart so soft you could sleep on it. "Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to".... Yeah the emotionally driven MC wears a bit thin, but it works for the masses. There were some research fails. Most notably calling Caiman, "alligators". The other big fail is a fight scene with a pistols barrel being wrenched around and going off. If your hand is gripping the slide on a semi auto, it will fire once but will fail to reload. I still do not understand how all these "Delta Operators" turned writer, know jack shjt about firearms. Makes you wonder who is really writing these novels.
Is Radthor McGunny the guy for you? Sure. The story line he rides is well worn but remains interesting with the varied characters and constant scene/POV shifting.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.5/5
Well let's take a look and see if this is the same run of the mill story line as the others. You know, big black and possibly gay sidekick, betrayal, deep covert insertions (MEOW!) within a world spanning conspiracy. Throw in a psychopath or two, especially one that is hotter than a popcorn fart and thickly layer every page with acronyms. The ever present ramped up author Bio has all the bullshjt bingo buzzwords like: Taylor-Brad (Tay, Brado, Lor-man, Rador?), Delta Force Colonel Spec ops Citadel Professor, Extra super irregular combat war planning director with a masters in Hwong Jau Fu defense. Cause nothing sells books faster than credentials, am I right?
Did this suck a big dick? No. It was way better than Chad Robichows Tang soo Do MMA / Harvard trained SEAL special ops Force Recon marine "Riptide" novel. This was a down to earth story with knowledgable delivery and good movement. The first part of the novel with the fake ops training was boring as fuk, and I almost shjt canned the whole thing. Once they hit the road with real focus, the entertainment value ramps up. McGunny is your typically driven douche but beneath that killing machine beats a heart so soft you could sleep on it. "Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to".... Yeah the emotionally driven MC wears a bit thin, but it works for the masses. There were some research fails. Most notably calling Caiman, "alligators". The other big fail is a fight scene with a pistols barrel being wrenched around and going off. If your hand is gripping the slide on a semi auto, it will fire once but will fail to reload. I still do not understand how all these "Delta Operators" turned writer, know jack shjt about firearms. Makes you wonder who is really writing these novels.
Is Radthor McGunny the guy for you? Sure. The story line he rides is well worn but remains interesting with the varied characters and constant scene/POV shifting.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An old enemy is on the loose, plotting a cataclysmic event
Ten years ago Pike Logan captured the notorious assassin known as the Ghost who ever since has been locked up in a black site prison inside the US. After all that time one would think that the Ghost has become resigned to his fate, but one would be gravely mistaken. He has patiently awaited the opportunity to alert his old handlers to where he is so that an escape could be arranged, and just such an opportunity has arrived. As (bad) luck would have it the IRGC has within its ranks a group that, angered by the many setbacks that their own forces and their proxies have suffered at the hand of their hated enemies the US and Israel, have concocted an horrific plan to exact revenge. The Ghost is the perfect person to execute their plot, and they help him to escape custody. Now Pike and his fellow off-the-books elite squad members, known as Taskforce,
must hunt down this dangerous enemy, and it soon becomes clear that they are in a race against time. Can they track him down and bring him back into custody before he can execute a series of assassinations and attacks that could ignite a global war?
In this, the 20th installment of author Brad Taylor's Pike Logan series, readers will find what they have come to expect: high stakes geopolitical situations, detailed tactical operations and non-stop action. Readers of the series are likely to enjoy the reappearance of the Ghost and the cat-and-mouse game that ensues when the Taskforce operators try to run him to ground. The plot is certainly timely, with forces within Iran battered but defiant, and Pike is his usual color-outside-the-lines self. The book can be read as a standalone, but longtime readers will have a better sense of the overall story arc. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this latest outing, as will readers of Brad Thor, Jack Carr and Vince Flynn. All in all, it is a solid addition to the series, and I thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.
Ten years ago Pike Logan captured the notorious assassin known as the Ghost who ever since has been locked up in a black site prison inside the US. After all that time one would think that the Ghost has become resigned to his fate, but one would be gravely mistaken. He has patiently awaited the opportunity to alert his old handlers to where he is so that an escape could be arranged, and just such an opportunity has arrived. As (bad) luck would have it the IRGC has within its ranks a group that, angered by the many setbacks that their own forces and their proxies have suffered at the hand of their hated enemies the US and Israel, have concocted an horrific plan to exact revenge. The Ghost is the perfect person to execute their plot, and they help him to escape custody. Now Pike and his fellow off-the-books elite squad members, known as Taskforce,
must hunt down this dangerous enemy, and it soon becomes clear that they are in a race against time. Can they track him down and bring him back into custody before he can execute a series of assassinations and attacks that could ignite a global war?
In this, the 20th installment of author Brad Taylor's Pike Logan series, readers will find what they have come to expect: high stakes geopolitical situations, detailed tactical operations and non-stop action. Readers of the series are likely to enjoy the reappearance of the Ghost and the cat-and-mouse game that ensues when the Taskforce operators try to run him to ground. The plot is certainly timely, with forces within Iran battered but defiant, and Pike is his usual color-outside-the-lines self. The book can be read as a standalone, but longtime readers will have a better sense of the overall story arc. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this latest outing, as will readers of Brad Thor, Jack Carr and Vince Flynn. All in all, it is a solid addition to the series, and I thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2026
The Ghost, Abdul Rahman, was one of the world’s deadliest assassins until his capture ten years ago by Pike Logan and the Task Force. Brad Taylor brings the Ghost back in Shadow Strike, an edge of your seat political thriller. The world has changed in those ten years, but the Ghost has skills that are needed by a rogue group of Iranian officials whose plans would throw the world into chaos. During a prison transfer the Ghost is freed and smuggled out of the country. In Iguazu he meets with conspirators who are planning the assassination of the Israeli Prime Miister as he attends a memorial celebration with the American Secretary of State in Buenos Aires. Pike Logan and his team are on the Ghost’s trail, unaware of the planned assassination. This is just the first stage in a three pronged attack. The assassination is to be followed by a terrorist attack in Washington, DC and the release of a dirty bomb in the West Bank. When the Task Force arrives in Iguazu, Pike and his wife Jennifer encounter Shoshanna and Aaron, Israeli agents that they have worked with in the past. They have been on a mission of their own, which has now crossed with the hunt for the Ghost. Time is running out and when Pike and Shoshanna track the Ghost to the ceremony things go very wrong. It is a race to save the VIPs and stop the attacks in Washington and Israel.
This is the twentieth book on the series. Taylor’s story is filled with constant action and storylines that are relevant to today’s political atmosphere. Pike Logan’s missions are controlled by the Oversight Council, but he frequently pushes their boundaries when he feels the situation warrants it. Jennifer is often his voice of reason when she feels he is pushing too far. Taylor sometimes breaks the tension with humorous interaction between his characters, but from start to finish he will keep you turning the pages and looking forward to Pike Logan’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for providing this book.
This is the twentieth book on the series. Taylor’s story is filled with constant action and storylines that are relevant to today’s political atmosphere. Pike Logan’s missions are controlled by the Oversight Council, but he frequently pushes their boundaries when he feels the situation warrants it. Jennifer is often his voice of reason when she feels he is pushing too far. Taylor sometimes breaks the tension with humorous interaction between his characters, but from start to finish he will keep you turning the pages and looking forward to Pike Logan’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for providing this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shadow Strike by Brad Taylor is a highly recommended political/action thriller. This is the 20th book in the series featuring Pike Logan.
The Ghost, or Abdul Rahman, escapes when a routine prisoner transfer is ambushed. Pike Logan and his team are called in to find the Ghost but the mission quickly escalates into something bigger than just an escaped prisoner. It is determined that a rogue group of Iranian regime officials want him to assassination the Israeli prime minister. The team tracks the Ghost from his escape through Mexico to Argentina, where they have good intel about the plan and the world-wide wide scope of it.
As expected the action is non-stop and covers a lot of territory as they race against the clock to stop the attacks planned. The plot is compelling and full of geopolitical intrigue and maneuvers. Admittedly, I haven't read every book in this series, but I was still able to follow the action and the various characters so I think it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel for anyone looking for a action-packed thriller. Those following the series will know all the characters. Those new to the series won't see a lot of character development here, but should still be able to distinguish all the individual characters from each other.
There was one drawback for me, one that Brad Taylor himself marginally addressed in the afterword when he wrote about real life events resulted in the novel requiring earlier editing. With current events now, way-past the margin available for editing, you will have to set even more disbelief aside than would normally be required.
Shadow Strike is highly recommended for fans of the series and those who like political/action thrillers. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
The Ghost, or Abdul Rahman, escapes when a routine prisoner transfer is ambushed. Pike Logan and his team are called in to find the Ghost but the mission quickly escalates into something bigger than just an escaped prisoner. It is determined that a rogue group of Iranian regime officials want him to assassination the Israeli prime minister. The team tracks the Ghost from his escape through Mexico to Argentina, where they have good intel about the plan and the world-wide wide scope of it.
As expected the action is non-stop and covers a lot of territory as they race against the clock to stop the attacks planned. The plot is compelling and full of geopolitical intrigue and maneuvers. Admittedly, I haven't read every book in this series, but I was still able to follow the action and the various characters so I think it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel for anyone looking for a action-packed thriller. Those following the series will know all the characters. Those new to the series won't see a lot of character development here, but should still be able to distinguish all the individual characters from each other.
There was one drawback for me, one that Brad Taylor himself marginally addressed in the afterword when he wrote about real life events resulted in the novel requiring earlier editing. With current events now, way-past the margin available for editing, you will have to set even more disbelief aside than would normally be required.
Shadow Strike is highly recommended for fans of the series and those who like political/action thrillers. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of the things I most like about this series is the dynamic between the members of Pike's team. They are all amazing and work extremely well together. Add to this Pike's adaptive daughter Amina, and you have such a great example of found family.
I also really enjoy every time we get involvement from Shoshana and Aoron. I love her behavior - its so quirky yet so believable. For as tough as she actually is - there is such a quality of innocence in her portrayal.
This book started off with a character that Pike originally captured - The Ghost - escaping while he was being transferred. This sets off a series of events that leads the Team to investigating a potential terrorist attack in Argentina. In the end it is not just one attack, it is 3.
As usual, this book had non-stop action as the team moved from place to place - always a step behind The Ghost. There is a plot, put together by the Commander of Iran's Kuds Force, to assassinate the Prime Minister of Israel and they helped The Ghost escape for a reason.
There were parts of this book that DID cross over the line of reasonable believability for me (I know, I know, this is fiction). BUT, it still has to be somewhat believable. The event(s) that pushed it over the line for me was the way that the main event (close to the end of the book) occurred, all the way to the end of the book. I REALLY had a hard time with that one. This is a world that I really enjoy though, so I decided to just go with it and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 21, 2026.
I also really enjoy every time we get involvement from Shoshana and Aoron. I love her behavior - its so quirky yet so believable. For as tough as she actually is - there is such a quality of innocence in her portrayal.
This book started off with a character that Pike originally captured - The Ghost - escaping while he was being transferred. This sets off a series of events that leads the Team to investigating a potential terrorist attack in Argentina. In the end it is not just one attack, it is 3.
As usual, this book had non-stop action as the team moved from place to place - always a step behind The Ghost. There is a plot, put together by the Commander of Iran's Kuds Force, to assassinate the Prime Minister of Israel and they helped The Ghost escape for a reason.
There were parts of this book that DID cross over the line of reasonable believability for me (I know, I know, this is fiction). BUT, it still has to be somewhat believable. The event(s) that pushed it over the line for me was the way that the main event (close to the end of the book) occurred, all the way to the end of the book. I REALLY had a hard time with that one. This is a world that I really enjoy though, so I decided to just go with it and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 21, 2026.
May 4, 2026
An action packed ride across multiple countries! This was my first in this series and I can’t wait to check out more.
This book delivers with a great cast of characters.
After its proxies are devastated and its offensive capability pummeled in the latest war in the middle east, a rogue group of Iranian regime officials create a brazen plot to strike back at their hated enemies once and for all. They envision a series of operational dominos culminating in a devastating attack, and the first step is the assassination of the Israeli prime minister. And there’s only one assassin with the skills to pull it Abdul Rahman, known in the shadows as the Ghost.
When a routine prison transfer is ambushed, the Ghost escapes and is given the assignment. The only Operator who can hunt him down is the man who stopped him Pike Logan.
Pike and his team soon learn that the mission involves something bigger than just the escape of his old enemy. Working with Mossad agents, the pursuit leads the Taskforce to Argentina. They work to unravel the scope of the attack, and the chase leads them through the tempestuous waterfalls of Iguazu and the Triple Frontier, to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, and the tiny village of Ushuaia at the “End of the World”.
As the team races against the clock, Pike learns the stakes are much greater than a single life – the consequences extend into the heartland of America itself. The Ghost may hold the key to an escalation that will upend the worldwide balance of power, and if Pike fails, the fallout won’t just be personal – it’ll be global
This book delivers with a great cast of characters.
After its proxies are devastated and its offensive capability pummeled in the latest war in the middle east, a rogue group of Iranian regime officials create a brazen plot to strike back at their hated enemies once and for all. They envision a series of operational dominos culminating in a devastating attack, and the first step is the assassination of the Israeli prime minister. And there’s only one assassin with the skills to pull it Abdul Rahman, known in the shadows as the Ghost.
When a routine prison transfer is ambushed, the Ghost escapes and is given the assignment. The only Operator who can hunt him down is the man who stopped him Pike Logan.
Pike and his team soon learn that the mission involves something bigger than just the escape of his old enemy. Working with Mossad agents, the pursuit leads the Taskforce to Argentina. They work to unravel the scope of the attack, and the chase leads them through the tempestuous waterfalls of Iguazu and the Triple Frontier, to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, and the tiny village of Ushuaia at the “End of the World”.
As the team races against the clock, Pike learns the stakes are much greater than a single life – the consequences extend into the heartland of America itself. The Ghost may hold the key to an escalation that will upend the worldwide balance of power, and if Pike fails, the fallout won’t just be personal – it’ll be global
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Brad Taylor's Shadow Strike (William Morrow 2026), 20th in the Pike Logan series, is another well written, well plotted Pike-and-special-forces-squad story. This time, Pike, Jennifer, and the squad begin what appears as a fairly benign task--to recapture a criminal they already captured who escaped (called the Ghost). It quickly escalates to a major world threat and a much bigger issue when Pike realizes his sometimes Mossad partners, Shahana and Allan, are hunting the same criminal. As usual, the story is clever with lots of real-life worries and decisions sometimes absent in other geopolitical thriller.
What didn’t I like that lost it a star? One, Pike at times didn’t seem focused on the goal, too worried about the approval of the group's bosses. I get that’s the storyline, the angst of suits vs doers, but it annoyed me more than usual. In this book more than others, it sapped the energy giving chases more of stutter start-and-stop pace as the group debated the moral intricacies of a plan and the rights of the criminals. Second--a small thing--the book opened using Pike and Jennifer's adopted fifteen-year-old daughter Amina in a squad bad-guy chase. I get that in her former Middle East homeland , she was a pickpocket, but no credibility was laid for her credentials to do this as part of a specially-trained and authorized team.
Oh well. Tell me if I'm being too picky.
Overall a 4/5. It lives up to the series goals and kept me reading.
What didn’t I like that lost it a star? One, Pike at times didn’t seem focused on the goal, too worried about the approval of the group's bosses. I get that’s the storyline, the angst of suits vs doers, but it annoyed me more than usual. In this book more than others, it sapped the energy giving chases more of stutter start-and-stop pace as the group debated the moral intricacies of a plan and the rights of the criminals. Second--a small thing--the book opened using Pike and Jennifer's adopted fifteen-year-old daughter Amina in a squad bad-guy chase. I get that in her former Middle East homeland , she was a pickpocket, but no credibility was laid for her credentials to do this as part of a specially-trained and authorized team.
Oh well. Tell me if I'm being too picky.
Overall a 4/5. It lives up to the series goals and kept me reading.
May 2, 2026
Iran is at it again having been embarrassed in the latest conflict in the Middle East. Some rogue officials decide develop a plan to regain their “respectability” by initiating a series of actions to get back at their mortal enemies - Israel and the United States. Step one will be the assassination of the Israeli prime minister, and the only person who can accomplish this is Abdul Rahman, known as the Ghost, who is in prison thanks to an earlier Taskforce operation. When Pike Logan discovers that the Ghost is free, he quickly realizes that something bad is about to happen. And this apparently is part of a multi-step operation to cause havoc in Iran’s enemies. Pike and company head to Argentina where the attack apparently will begin, but quickly discover that there is also an operation in the pipeline in the U.S. (where the Taskforce is not supposed to operate).
Book #20 in Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series, and he is not slowing down. Pike and his team feel like old friends as they navigate a complex world problem while trying to work within the complexities of dealing with federal bureaucracy. This book moves at breakneck speed with plenty of twists and turns and a fair share of unexpected events. And while Iran is always a good enemy in any thriller, this book is even more timely with the conflicts the world faces today. Good timing and good writing Mr. Taylor. My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
Book #20 in Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series, and he is not slowing down. Pike and his team feel like old friends as they navigate a complex world problem while trying to work within the complexities of dealing with federal bureaucracy. This book moves at breakneck speed with plenty of twists and turns and a fair share of unexpected events. And while Iran is always a good enemy in any thriller, this book is even more timely with the conflicts the world faces today. Good timing and good writing Mr. Taylor. My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
April 24, 2026
For those looking for an outstanding thriller, this reviewer highly recommends Brad Taylor’s 20th book featuring the indomitable Pike Logan. Logan‘s mission is as real as today’s news. A terrorist has escaped, and Logan and his team are ordered to find him, a man who calls himself the Ghost. Logan and his team find out that the ghost is or has been tasked with killing a high Israeli official. This exciting thriller follows Logan and his cadre around the world, from Mexico to Argentina, where they discover that the plan formulated by the ghost is even more perilous than first expected. Shadow Strike is a thriller author in the vein of Mark Greaney and the late Tom Clancy. There are many moving parts in this exciting novel, featuring multiple characters, both good and bad. My recommendation would be to read at least some of the backlist and get familiar with Pike Logan and his comrades; this is Taylor’s 20th book, and by now he’s able to write a novel that stands on its own. Shadow Strike can definitely be read as a standalone or for the ambitious as part of the long backlist, as mentioned previously. Do yourself a favor, take this weekend, pick up a few of Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan adventures, and see what it’s like to be in the shoes of someone on the hunt as well as someone who is being hunted.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first book of this series, and I really enjoyed it.
Plot summary: Pike and his special services Taskforce team discover that the Ghost, whom they put away in prison years ago, has been broken out. They track him to Argentina, where the Israeli prime minister is coming for a ceremony. Together with Israeli operatives Aaron and Shoshana, they try to figure out what's being planned, who's involved, and how to stop it before it's too late.
This was literally nonstop action, with wonderful detailing about how these special forces use technology and smarts to track the bad guys. It's clear the author, who's been part of the Delta Force, knows the drill intricately.
There's a complex storyline featuring Iran's Pasdaran, Hezbollah, and two fentanyl traffickers from Texas. But it's easy to follow.
The one gripe I have is that the action is a little too nonstop. I would have appreciated some more relationship and character building to draw me in more emotionally. Could be because this is the 20th in the series, many readers already have this information. This can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brad Taylor, and William Morrow for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Plot summary: Pike and his special services Taskforce team discover that the Ghost, whom they put away in prison years ago, has been broken out. They track him to Argentina, where the Israeli prime minister is coming for a ceremony. Together with Israeli operatives Aaron and Shoshana, they try to figure out what's being planned, who's involved, and how to stop it before it's too late.
This was literally nonstop action, with wonderful detailing about how these special forces use technology and smarts to track the bad guys. It's clear the author, who's been part of the Delta Force, knows the drill intricately.
There's a complex storyline featuring Iran's Pasdaran, Hezbollah, and two fentanyl traffickers from Texas. But it's easy to follow.
The one gripe I have is that the action is a little too nonstop. I would have appreciated some more relationship and character building to draw me in more emotionally. Could be because this is the 20th in the series, many readers already have this information. This can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brad Taylor, and William Morrow for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Shadow Strike comes in hot from the jump and keeps getting better and more intense as the pages fly by, watching a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game unfold with dire consequences hanging in the balance. This is Brad Taylor at the height of his literary powers, delivering a masterfully crafted story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The 20th installment of the Pike Logan series has everything long-time fans, and thriller fans in general, could ever ask for. Audacious and timely plot lines. Well-developed characters. High-octane action sequences with explosions of violence. Strategic thinking from both sides trying to outwit one another. Technology deployed in innovative ways. Enemy misdirection. Pike and his Taskforce team taking risks and defying orders. A reunion with a couple of fan favorite characters. And a race to the finish with a thrilling conclusion. All coming together brilliantly in a way that makes you hold your breath while you desperately read at increasing speeds to find out how things will end.
Shadow Strike comes in hot from the jump and keeps getting better and more intense as the pages fly by, watching a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game unfold with dire consequences hanging in the balance. This is Brad Taylor at the height of his literary powers, delivering a masterfully crafted story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The 20th installment of the Pike Logan series has everything long-time fans, and thriller fans in general, could ever ask for. Audacious and timely plot lines. Well-developed characters. High-octane action sequences with explosions of violence. Strategic thinking from both sides trying to outwit one another. Technology deployed in innovative ways. Enemy misdirection. Pike and his Taskforce team taking risks and defying orders. A reunion with a couple of fan favorite characters. And a race to the finish with a thrilling conclusion. All coming together brilliantly in a way that makes you hold your breath while you desperately read at increasing speeds to find out how things will end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I completed the next installment of the Pike Logan saga, Shadow Strike, by Brad Taylor, and this story doesn’t disappoint. It follows Ghost, a highly trained assassin, held in a prison that Pike helped to put him in. Even behind bars, he’s able to make contact with some people who organize his escape. Pike and his team are initially requested to hunt him, due to their previous history, but along the way, they uncover a terrorist plot that could not only affect America, but the world. With the help of some allies, they must split up to find out the plan and put a stop to it before time runs out.
Brad Taylor continues his master class of keeping readers engaged with his stories. He displays the distinct personalities of his characters and how they coexist in his books. The storyline is clever and well-thought-out, allowing the reader to take on more than one mission. This is not my first time reading a Brad Taylor novel, but I enjoy it each time and highly recommend it to anyone looking not only for a single story but for a series packed with action and suspense.
Thank you Netgalley, Brad Taylor and William Morrow for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Brad Taylor continues his master class of keeping readers engaged with his stories. He displays the distinct personalities of his characters and how they coexist in his books. The storyline is clever and well-thought-out, allowing the reader to take on more than one mission. This is not my first time reading a Brad Taylor novel, but I enjoy it each time and highly recommend it to anyone looking not only for a single story but for a series packed with action and suspense.
Thank you Netgalley, Brad Taylor and William Morrow for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The 20th(!!) book in the Pike Logan series doesn’t disappoint, bringing back one of Pike’s most formidable enemies. I loved The Ghost in both of his prior appearances. He is a complex antagonist with his own motivations and moral code, and I like the way that he and Pike/Jennifer have developed a kind of mutual respect for each other. The Ghost is a worthy opponent for the team, working hard to stay one step ahead of them.
The plot is well-crafted, with Taylor’s usual blend of plausible geopolitics, cutting-edge technology, and exotic locations. Ghost and his team have set up a three-pronged attack spanning multiple continents. While the audacious scope of their operation raises the stakes considerably, thwarting three separate attacks is a lot for one story. But the central cat-and-mouse game between Pike and The Ghost makes it all worth it. Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
The plot is well-crafted, with Taylor’s usual blend of plausible geopolitics, cutting-edge technology, and exotic locations. Ghost and his team have set up a three-pronged attack spanning multiple continents. While the audacious scope of their operation raises the stakes considerably, thwarting three separate attacks is a lot for one story. But the central cat-and-mouse game between Pike and The Ghost makes it all worth it. Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
February 23, 2026
The task force is back, along with Aaron and Shoshanna... and the Ghost! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advance read.. I was so excited for this next installment and was not disappointed. Taylor does an amazing job at taking you with him on these adventures, it makes it easy to visualize exactly what is happening. (Netflix, when are you putting Pike & Jennifer on the list of books made into series???)
This time around we are in Argentina, Buenos Aires and the "end of the world" Ushuaia (who knew?) We start with the Ghost, who gets an assist on his jailbreak by... a motorcycle gang. When Pike begins the hunt for the Ghost, he learns the escape is just the beginning of a multilayered attack on Israel and the US.
Although we all know Pike will save the world, I have enjoyed making the trip with him and the task force each time. The relationships between the characters have grown with the series and reading this felt like catching up with old friends. This one ended with a "new thread to pull" - already looking forward to the next adventure.
This time around we are in Argentina, Buenos Aires and the "end of the world" Ushuaia (who knew?) We start with the Ghost, who gets an assist on his jailbreak by... a motorcycle gang. When Pike begins the hunt for the Ghost, he learns the escape is just the beginning of a multilayered attack on Israel and the US.
Although we all know Pike will save the world, I have enjoyed making the trip with him and the task force each time. The relationships between the characters have grown with the series and reading this felt like catching up with old friends. This one ended with a "new thread to pull" - already looking forward to the next adventure.
April 21, 2026
Shadow Strike is an excellent political thriller about the threat Iran poses to the world. There is just no way the author could have known the current situation though there is one scene near the end that gives a glimpse of it. So when reading this, set it in your mind in late 2025 and buckle up as Pike and team hunt down an old adversary and find themselves in the middle of multiple terrorist attack plots.
There is only one scene that pulled me a bit out of the story and made me wonder if the targets of an attack would willingly trust a stranger. Otherwise, it was a fantastic ride through several South American countries with a bunch of folks who don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese.
I love this series and enjoyed this book. Fans of this author and genre will too.
Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is only one scene that pulled me a bit out of the story and made me wonder if the targets of an attack would willingly trust a stranger. Otherwise, it was a fantastic ride through several South American countries with a bunch of folks who don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese.
I love this series and enjoyed this book. Fans of this author and genre will too.
Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 23, 2026
Book #20 in the Pike Logan series. The Taskforce is back in action with all of its members in place to chase an old foe with a new mission. Many Iranian military officials refuse to stand down from their latest operations. They have revenge planned, starting with the jailbreak of the Ghost. The Ghost has been tasked to assassinate the Israeli Prime Minister. Pike's team caught him ten years ago; now they must stop him before he can complete his orders. But the Taskforce will find its mission has a much larger goal than just stopping the Ghost.
This series is one of my favorites. If it were a television series, I'd set the Tivo and never miss it. Brad Thor's military background adds an authentic element to the series that keeps the story focused and pushing forward. The team meshes together as a real military team would. Each book is an excellent read, but as a whole, the series works well when read in order.
This series is one of my favorites. If it were a television series, I'd set the Tivo and never miss it. Brad Thor's military background adds an authentic element to the series that keeps the story focused and pushing forward. The team meshes together as a real military team would. Each book is an excellent read, but as a whole, the series works well when read in order.
May 5, 2026
An action-packed thriller! An Iranian splinter group gets "The Ghost" out of Guantanamo in exchange for his leading an operation targeting the U.S. and Israel. Pike Logan and team are called in to find the Ghost and stop whatever he is planning before it is too late. Lots of cool tactical gear and investigative chops are demonstrated by Logan, his team, and the Mossad agents who are also working the case. The story takes us from Cuba to Mexico, Argentina, Iguazu Falls in Brazil, a small heliport in Antarctica, and Washington, D.C. The audiobook feels right out of the headlines - in fact, the author has an interesting note at the end explaining the changes he felt he had to make to the story as world and Middle East events made the truth wilder than his fiction. 4.4 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarperAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #ShadowStrike for review purposes. It is currently available.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarperAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #ShadowStrike for review purposes. It is currently available.
May 6, 2026
A fast paced and exciting adventure in this novel although it is the 20th in the series it can be read as a standalone. Pike Logan is at it again: he and his team are sent to recapture the escaped terrorist that they had originally captured years ago. When the terrorist, known as the Ghost.escapes during an ambush while being transferred to a new holding cell, its all hands on deck for Pike and his team. The Ghost, an assassin previously caught by Pike, has, with the assistance of an unwitting teen, coordinated an escape from confinement. This sets off a series of events and happenings that only Pike and his team can resolve. Add in Aaron and Shoshana and it is quite the ride. A true thriller, action packed, current plot with scary implications, Middle East, Mossad, Special Forces, Argentina and a few twists and turns. If you like CIA type reads, this is a fun one featuring a quite rogue version Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is only the third book I've read in this series but one thing is clear - Pike Logan knows what he and his team are capable of and he has no problem bucking authority to get the bad guy. I love the dynamics between the members of the team and their interactions with the two Mossad characters.
This story is multi-layered and starts off with the escape of the Ghost while he's being transferred from one prison to another. It doesn't take long before he finds himself in Argentina and tasked with a mission by the Iranians. And while the Taskforce isn't supposed to operate in the US, they are tasked with finding the Ghost.
There is plenty of action and danger throughout the story, politics, multiple locations, betrayal, humor, and so much more as Pike, his team, and Mossad race against time to stop the planned assassination and other destruction.
This story is multi-layered and starts off with the escape of the Ghost while he's being transferred from one prison to another. It doesn't take long before he finds himself in Argentina and tasked with a mission by the Iranians. And while the Taskforce isn't supposed to operate in the US, they are tasked with finding the Ghost.
There is plenty of action and danger throughout the story, politics, multiple locations, betrayal, humor, and so much more as Pike, his team, and Mossad race against time to stop the planned assassination and other destruction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shadow Strike is an extremely powerful story about covert operations in an attempt to capture a known criminal who has escaped from prison and is fleeing from the authorities with the assistance of several associates who have like minded goals. Despite the beginnings in the United States, the novel quickly takes us through Mexico, Argentina and Brazil on its way to a doomsday scenario involving Pike Logan and the US Secretary of State and the Prime Minister of Israel. It is exciting reading although, in my humble opinion, tends to be a little too lengthy.
I thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
I thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Talk about "torn from the headlines." This thriller is so close to actual world events that is nearly prescient. This is the 20th book Brad Taylor's Pike Logan series but it is the first one I've read. Not sure how I missed the first nineteen books. Fully developed characters, intricate storylines, and a well paced plot made this unputdownable. Told from multiple perspectives including the bad guys and the good guys I was really flipping the pages to see how it all came together. I can't wait to dig into the entire series and read it from the beginning. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy.
April 29, 2026
Brad Taylor's plotlines seems nearly prescient at times. Knowing this novel's plot was nearly finished before August of 2025, the functional centerpiece of the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran and its proxies has untold relevance today. What he has done, though, is center that overarching geopolitical conflict around Pike Logan's personal hunt for the Ghost after his escape from Taskforce custody. The best thriller writers today combine the grand scheme with an intensely personal set of stakes for the main character, and Taylor has once more proved himself worthy of every accolade.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shadow Strike was a really good story about Pike & the gang trying to re-capture the Ghost? The storyline quickly unfolds as they chase the Ghost from the U.S. to South America and the plot thickens. Not 1, but 3 possible terrorist plots. Great cast of characters, including the usual Taskforce team and the former Mossad duo of Shoshana & Aaron. Not enough action(gunfights)in this book for me, but the pace gets intense, and I really enjoyed the tic-tok final sequence.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC and it will be available on April 21, 2026.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC and it will be available on April 21, 2026.
March 4, 2026
I look forward to the new Taskforce (Pike Logan) novel each year and somehow Brad Taylor always seems to deliver with a great addition to the series. The gang is back and “The Ghost” has escaped imprisonment and we are off to Argentina; throw in Aaron and Shoshanna and we have a great plot that is eerily to close for comfort which pulls you in and doesn’t let up. You won’t want to miss this new addition to the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brad Taylor, and William Morrow for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brad Taylor, and William Morrow for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 20 and Brad Taylor still hasn't missed. Shadow Strike kept me up way too late, exactly what you want from a thriller.
The setup is amazing: a rogue group of Iranian officials hires a legendary assassin known as the Ghost to take out the Israeli prime minister, and Pike Logan is the only one who can stop him. The plot feels ripped from today's headlines, the action spans multiple continents, and Taylor's real special ops background gives everything that authenticity you just can't fake.
If you're a Pike Logan fan, this one absolutely delivers. Don't miss it.
The setup is amazing: a rogue group of Iranian officials hires a legendary assassin known as the Ghost to take out the Israeli prime minister, and Pike Logan is the only one who can stop him. The plot feels ripped from today's headlines, the action spans multiple continents, and Taylor's real special ops background gives everything that authenticity you just can't fake.
If you're a Pike Logan fan, this one absolutely delivers. Don't miss it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.
Fast paced, filled with non-stop action and high stakes. As usual, there are several story lines that, initially, may seem confusing. At the end, it all knits together in a satisfactory manner.
The Ghost, an assassin previously caught by Pike, has, with the assistance of an unwitting teen, coordinated an escape from confinement. This sets off a series of events and happenings that only Pike and his team can resolve. Add in Aaron and Shoshana and it is quite the ride.
I highly recommend not only this 20th installment, but the entire series. It is one that I will grab with every new book.
Fast paced, filled with non-stop action and high stakes. As usual, there are several story lines that, initially, may seem confusing. At the end, it all knits together in a satisfactory manner.
The Ghost, an assassin previously caught by Pike, has, with the assistance of an unwitting teen, coordinated an escape from confinement. This sets off a series of events and happenings that only Pike and his team can resolve. Add in Aaron and Shoshana and it is quite the ride.
I highly recommend not only this 20th installment, but the entire series. It is one that I will grab with every new book.
May 1, 2026
I have loved Pike Logan since his first book and this book is no different. This book as with the others is an action packed read that had me hooked from page one. Pike and his team work with Aaron and Shoshana to stop the latest attempt on the world as we know it. There were the usual nail biting moments as well as the usual banter between the characters and problem solving that leaves me hooked to see what happens next.
I have loved this series since book one and I look forward to seeing what happens on the next adventure of Pike and his team.
I have loved this series since book one and I look forward to seeing what happens on the next adventure of Pike and his team.
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