Shadow Strike: A Pike Logan Novel

Pike Logan #20

by Brad Taylor, Rich Orlow (Narrator)

Run Time = 13 hours & 36 minutes

❋Voiced by an Earphones Award–winning narrator, this New York Times bestseller comes from “one of today’s premier authors” (Associated Press) — who is “laying claim to being the American John le Carré” (The Providence Journal)! When a renowned assassin escapes from prison, only Pike Logan can track him down. But the stakes are high: His team’s failure could spell global catastrophe.

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 before: 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.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Espionage, Action

Audible Audio

First published April 21, 2026

About the author

Brad 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.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, this is a yawn in comparison to earlier stories.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts off innocently enough, with Pike and crew running the desk jockeys through a simulated field exercise. But the Ghost, a Palestinian assassin Pike captured in a previous book escapes custody setting off an exciting series of events to recapture him.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Easter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Shadow Strike," the Ghost, the terrorist with a conscience, returns, and Brad Taylor wastes no time throwing Pike, Jennifer, and the rest of the Task Force into the fire. Alongside the ever‑capable Mossad duo Aaron and Shoshana, they race to unravel the Ghost’s three‑pronged Iranian operation targeting both the United States and Israel...From South America to the Middle East to Washington, D.C., the team chases leads, crashes into danger, and dismantles the plot with Taylor’s signature blend of tactical precision and character‑driven tension. The pacing never lets up. The plot threads stretch across continents without a single lag, and the character interplay flows with the kind of chemistry that makes this series so addictive...Taylor's signature tight writing, relentless momentum, and globe‑spanning stakes make this entry a blast from start to finish.

[Julie Wakefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Taylor does it again. Keeping the full cast of characters involved in great ways and still doing his own thing his own way.

Now he is not a lone wolf but he has a great team plus nearby partners to help.

Down to the bottom of the world to help prevent triple headed disaster.

[Milan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex story involving multiple locations, multiple personalities, and many conflicting scenarios, all being held together brilliantly by Brad Taylor’s ability to keep it all focused and very readable. 4.5 for this effort.

[Scott Degraff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book Brad Taylor can write!!

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Everything this type of spy action thriller should be. Easily the best Taskforce book to date. I love when an author is so in his bag that he's still cranking out great material 20 books into a series. I don't say that lightly. When I read the first book in the series years ago I soft dnfed it once and later completed it on my second try with mixed feelings. I decided to keep going and the books and the writing have only become better with time. This may be the best in the genre right now even over the James Reece series and the Gray Man. This was an expansive, high-stakes, globe-trotting story with a complex plot that makes full use of the entire cast of characters Mr. Taylor has created. It's not just about one quasi-superhero main character in this series. It's a whole team with different skills and personalities working together. If you like the Gray Man, Mitch Rap, James Reece, etc. you're doing yourself a disservice if you haven't read this series.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Strike is the 20th full length adventure with Pike Logan and his band of brothers. Brad Taylor found an interesting set up for this book. A jailbreak turns into a deadly hunt all the way to the southern parts of south America. Once again Pike has to endure the politics from the ones that approves the missions for the Taskforce. I found the middle part a bit slow but overall the book is another good read from this author. There was some great twists along the way and I found it interesting to see what the Ghost had to struggle with, since he had missed ten years of technological advances. For fans of good thrillers Brads books are always a safe bet.

[Colleen Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the entire Pike Logan/Taskforce series, but this one is by far my favorite. Bringing back beloved characters from earlier books (Aaron and Shoshanna, and The Ghost!). High adventure as massive attacks are planned in multiple locations around the globe...Pike, Knuckles, Veep, Jennifer, and the entire group are tasked with their largest assignment yet. It will take all of them to prevent several catastrophes and save lives. The ending isn't what I expected, it was better!

[Vince McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensively researched and timely. The realism is enhanced for me when characters show up at real, obscure places around the DC metro area that I’ve just recently been to myself. Based on the authors notes, it would seem that the same level of attention to detail is paid to all of the international set pieces.

[Steven Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

hate to say it, but just “Meh”

Unfortunately, Mr. Taylor has become pretty redundant in his writing. I hate to have to only give it 3 stars, but I really had to slog through this one. It was just a bit repetitive, and very predictable. But perhaps most unfortunate, it was lacking in the whole “action”- part of the genre…no exciting follows/gun fights, no high speed scenes with operators, etc. So none of the stuff that’s made Pike & the gang so enjoyable to read in the past. Honestly feels like he had to churn out another installment just to meet his publishers deadlines/expectations. This seems to happen to the greats- Greaney comes to me immediately.
An old bad guy resurfaces, the team track him down, and prevent a repetitive attack-scenario. Hope the next one is better.

[Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explanation Needed

Having read this entire series, I was surprised at how bad the beginning of this book is. A ridiculously named sheriff, a high value prisoner who gets to live in an apartment? Then, after plodding through that, the book began to pick up. Taylor’s acknowledgment at the end offers some explanation - he had finished a book that was then outdated by current events. So, he had to scramble to shoehorn new plot points. While I always appreciate his service to our country, this book really suffered.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with book twenty of the Pike Logan series is objectively insane behavior, but in my defense, nobody stopped me. So there I am, dropped directly into this fully operational murder dad cinematic universe where everyone has fifteen years of shared trauma and emotionally repressed chemistry, and I’m just trying to keep up while helicopters explode over Argentina. And honestly? Kind of iconic.

Shadow Strike wastes absolutely no time. The Ghost, who sounds less like an assassin and more like the world’s most dangerous underground DJ, escapes custody almost immediately and suddenly Pike and his team are sprinting across continents trying to stop an assassination plot that keeps unfolding into increasingly worse news. Every ten minutes somebody uncovers another layer and the collective vibe becomes, “Oh cool, so the situation is actually MORE apocalyptic than before.”

This audiobook moves like your friend aggressively recapping an entire season of 24 after two espresso martinis. There is no air. There is no rest. At one point they’re tracking terror cells through South America, dodging political fallout, coordinating with Mossad, and trying to stop multiple attacks at once, and meanwhile I’m folding laundry thinking, “I need these people to maybe sit down and drink a Gatorade.”

Pike Logan himself is deeply funny to me because he has the exact energy of a man who has not unclenched his jaw since 2007. He’s hyper competent in that very specific thriller-hero way where he can identify seven weapons blindfolded but absolutely cannot process one human emotion without internally combusting. Every authority figure tells him not to do something and he reacts like a raccoon being sprayed with a hose. The man simply does not believe rules apply if he’s technically saving the world, and unfortunately he keeps being right about it.

What surprised me most was how much I loved the team dynamics. This book could so easily disappear into Tactical Guy Soup where everyone is just growling acronyms at each other for fourteen hours, but the relationships actually carry the whole thing. Jennifer especially has this exhausted, hyper-capable patience that feels less “action hero wife” and more “woman one email away from driving into the ocean.” Every time Pike starts operating on instinct and caffeine, you can practically hear her deciding whether murder is worth the paperwork.

Then Aaron and Shoshana show up and suddenly the audiobook gets dangerously close to stealing the entire book out from under Pike. Their chemistry with the Taskforce team is so lived-in and chaotic that half the time it feels like watching old coworkers reunite during an active hostage crisis. Which, honestly, is probably exactly what this is. There’s this underlying affection between all of them that gives the story actual emotional weight beneath all the explosions and geopolitical panic.

And Rich Orlow absolutely understood the assignment narrating this thing. That man sounds like he’s personally declassified information against his will. Some thriller narrators attack every sentence like they’re auditioning to become the voice of a truck commercial, but Orlow knows when to lean into tension and when to let the quieter moments land. He also somehow keeps an enormous cast of military operators, politicians, assassins, and intelligence agents distinct without making anybody sound cartoonish, which honestly deserves federal recognition.

The funniest part is this book is SO serious about the geopolitical stakes while also fully embracing “what if one exhausted guy had to personally stop the collapse of international stability AGAIN.” At some point you just have to accept Pike Logan is the only man standing between civilization and absolute chaos because apparently every government agency collectively said, “Let’s give the emotionally burdened operator with boundary issues another impossible task. What’s the worst that could happen?”

And because I came in twenty books late like a gremlin with no survival instincts, there were definitely moments where longtime fans probably had emotional reactions I couldn’t fully access yet. Characters would reference old missions and betrayals with this heavy shared history while I nodded along like I’d absolutely been there the whole time. But weirdly, it made me more invested instead of less. You can feel the history pressing against every interaction, especially between Pike and The Ghost, and it gives the whole chase this personal edge that keeps the action from feeling hollow.

Four stars easily. This thing is relentless, smart, genuinely tense, and somehow still manages to sneak in emotional beats between all the tactical chaos. It felt like binge-watching Jack Ryan, Sicario, and Mission: Impossible while your funny friend kept yelling “THIS MAN NEEDS A NAP” every twenty minutes.

Whodunity Award: For Sending One Emotionally Exhausted Man To Personally Fight Every International Crisis Like The World’s Most Traumatized Frequent Flyer

And huge thanks to HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for the ALC, because nothing says “great listening experience” quite like hearing global catastrophe narrated by a man who sounds qualified to override nuclear launch codes.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to the end of a seven year run that ranged from tender beginnings in the UK punk scene in 1977 to the anything goes mid-eighties, THE POLICE released their fourth studio album in as many years in '81 to stellar success, easily achieving gold and platinum status in major markets. Inspired by Arthur Koestler's onerous THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE about the behavioral concepts about the mind-body relationship, GHOST IN THE MACHINE is more pop fluff that perfectly fit into the decade defining UK pop bonanza and in modern parlance evokes concepts of rogue actors or glitches in THE MATRIX when things don't go as planned. Returning in SHADOW STRIKE, America's #1 problem eliminator must face just that; a ruthless rogue terrorist thought to be on ice, roaming free and set out among the sheep in the heartland of America. Spanning three continents and a diabolical scheme to eradicate the United States and her closest ally, the Ghost is Pike Logan's public enemy number one. A timely yarn ripped from today's headlines, SHADOW STRIKE is fast-paced, intelligent, and thoroughly captivating. Featuring thrilling non-stop action, intrigue, and the brutal realities of international strife, SHADOW STRIKE lands amidst personal stakes and global repercussions. The Ghost is real and on the warpath; Pike Logan is America's best defense.

Teeter-tottering between China, Russia and Iran as the most oppressive and imminent threat to security of the western world, SHADOW STRIKE Ouijaed on the Islamic Republic and most notorious rabble rouser of the Fertile Crescent. Deep in Uncle Sam's vast arsenal to protect Lady Liberty, secreted to the off-the-books shadows is the realm of Pike Logan, the finest man-hunting organization on earth. Following an interdiction that feels like ANOTHER 48 HRS and NOWHERE TO RUN, the most dangerous of tango assassins is loose in America and possibly the world, sprung from US custody and with a major bone to pick. Wielded as a weapon by a cabal of disgruntled Iranians tired of taking a beating at the hands of the IDF, the Ghost is now in Pike Logan's merry marauders' backyard. With shades of DAY OF THE JACKAL, the book that sends an assassin after French leader Leclerc and not the Bruce Willis movie, the Ghost is a known unknown, highly skilled in the deadly arts and with a deep burning hate for the West. The Task Force is on the case and off leash, willing to chase the Ghost to the end of the world. And they do.

The twentieth entry in the series, SHADOW STRIKE is a well plotted and multilayered approach to the good old Persian mantra that's been echoing across the Atlantic since 1978. This time, however, the Iranians are using Nino Brown & Gordon Gecko's words and ideologies to help their planning efforts and their SHADOW STRIKE group achieve their goals. Greed will pit countrymen against countrymen, it's the American way. Despite the swift action, modern tech, and load-out gear lists, SHADOW STRIKE veers into quicksand with the constant paper pushers vs operators, oversight committee vs knuckledragger polemics. The message was probably well received a few books ago and the ensuing fake drama and vapid emotional hang-ups are wearing thin. Moreover, there are phrases and words like 'warpath', bed-down, and punching holes in the sky that are used way too often by too many different characters who should theoretically have differing vocabularies and manners of speaking. Boldly asserting that motion doesn't equal progress, SHADOW STRIKE moves at a good clip and in all cardinal directions. The action is fierce and flashy, given that the evil-doers wanna kill as many people as possible and Pike Logan and gang do the Pike Logan way of solving problems. Dotted with incredible locations, chases a-plenty, and a dazzling derby-of-destruction plot, SHADOW STRIKE is a fresh take on a well-used formula and pulls it off. Entertaining, electric and plausible, SHDOW STRIKE is a formidable thriller and wicked fun.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author to me of popular series. Another hero to save the world. PIKE LOGAN and team, working with Mossad, must stop Iranian regiime plot and the Ghost that will cause global fallout. (Not my usual genre) Did you know Hell’s Angels have chapters globally? The other ways and means might be fictional, but close enough to truth of so many secrets the public never will know. It is an example of what could happen.
America is referred to as THE GREAT SATAN. Isreal as LITTLE SATAN. There are endless conspiracy theories and endless conspiracies in play at any given time in reality, large and small scale. We want to believe someone can defeat evil, so we read about those who can.
A timely contemeporary story with a suitably complicated plot. For this story, fiction is close to reality.

—A vacatoning couple, driving late at night to their RV campsite, stops to help a man lying in the desert dirt next to a pickup engulfed in fire. The man dies of gunshots. Vacationing Good Samaritan phoned dead man’s business card number per the dying man’s urgent request. This sets off a series of events. By the humorous chapter three, I was hooked.

-ABDUL RAHAM, the Ghost, paid assassain, Palistine Muslim, 10 years in American secret prison, escapes to focus on his goal of destroying Isreal. Hezbollah and Iran had ticked him off with failure to do it. MARLEY, secret US prison warden was transfering Abdul to another prison in America. (I rather liked the Ghost aside from his personsal mission.) —Pike’s “Terrorist Room” was robbed of only the computer among other items to be used for a Training session only; now Pike and team are tracking computer until they find it; he involves his wife Amena and adopted daughter Jennifer. Computer has been sold to a mystery man they try to follow. —Pike figures the Ghost is in Mexico. The real action will begin in Argentinia where the Ghost believes he is intended to be by his presumed resucuers, the IRGC. (Iran Revolulationary Guards). The QUDS have a mission for the Ghost. They have an ambitious, intricric plan. Do you believe it could work?

Read 432 pages of fast-paced action for how one minor event sets off multiple dangerous events, and how just one man’s single-minded hate-focus can set off a bloody global war. Realistic writing because author has authentic background.

[Vicki Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the Taskforce is in the midst of a stimulated training field exercise for recruitment, a Palestinian assassin known as “TheGhost” escapes from custody. His capture by the Task Force had been the focus of an earlier book. Shadow Strike is Book 20 of 20 books in the Taskforce series. Pike Logan, leader of the Task Force, his wife Jennifer, their adopted daughter Amena, and his team, which includes Knuckles and Jeep, are all featured once again in this book and Mossad agents Aaron and Shoshana are back as well. The setting takes place in the Middle East, Washington, D. C. , South America and the Antarctic as “The Ghost” escapes through Mexico to Argentina. The search for the Ghost leads through the Triple Frontier where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet, to Iguazu Falls on the border and to the streets of Buenos Aires. Abdul Raham, after 10 years imprisoned in a U. S. black site, escapes during an ambush by a motorcycle gang while being transferred to another prison. The gang give him over to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Their plan includes the assassination of the Israeli Prime Minister, a terrorist attack in Washington, D. C. and the release of a dirty bomb in the West Bank, all intended to start a global war involving the United States, the West Bank and Iran. As usual, the theme is terrorism. Will Pike and Shoshana be able to save the Israeli Prime Minister of State and the American Secretary of State, both of whom are at a diplomatic celebration in Argentina. ? Will the team be able to recapture the Ghost? Pike’s team is a secret counter-terrorist unit created by presidential decree to work outside American law. They work under deep cover and report to the National Security Council and are supposed to only work outside the U. S. Pike is always coloring outside the lines, however, and he is as determined as ever to do as needed, where needed. Always competent, he is also always impatient and lacking emotional depth. This title is, as are the other titles in the series, suspenseful, tense, action packed, and fast-paced, There is lots of technology included in the mission. The theme involves geopolitics but is very readable with great repeating characters who have warm, caring relationships. This can be read as a standalone book but reading the prior books in the series will give the reader a better understanding of the characters and their histories and Enemy of Mine will offer the details of the first time Pike Logan and his team brought the Ghost to justice. It’s a great series, this a great addition and well worth reading. I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for an advance copy of Shadow Strike. This is my honest review of Brad Taylor’s book.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review - Shadow Strike - Brad Taylor
Thriller author Brad Taylor has done it again. I’ve read a lot of military and political thrillers, but what keeps bringing me back to Brad Taylor’s books is his ability to combine authenticity, action, suspense, and characters I genuinely care about. “Shadow Strike” - book 20 in the Pike Logan series, delivers all of that—and then turns up the intensity.

Pike Logan is at the center of the story, and once again, he proves why he is such a compelling protagonist. He’s tough, experienced, and willing to make difficult decisions when the stakes couldn’t be higher. But what I appreciate most is that Taylor doesn’t portray Logan as an invincible superhero. He is human, he carries the weight of his decisions, and his loyalty to his paramilitary team is always evident. And that team, the Taskforce, is a major reason this book works so well.

And Pike’s partner, Jennifer Cahill continues to be an important and compelling character as well, bringing intelligence, determination, and emotional depth to the story. The supporting members of the Taskforce also have an opportunity to shine. Their individual personalities, skills, loyalty, and relationships make them feel like real people rather than characters simply filling supporting roles.

Then there’s Shoshana - one of my favorite Brad Taylor supporting characters ever! She may be one of the most memorable characters in the book. A Mossad contract assassin and longtime ally of Pike’s, Shoshana is dangerous, impulsive, fiercely loyal, and completely unpredictable. What makes her especially interesting is the contrast between her lethal abilities and her almost childlike innocence. She can walk into a scene and immediately take it over. Fascinating, dangerous, quirky, and unforgettable, Shoshana adds another dimension to an already outstanding cast.

When the action starts—and believe me, there is plenty of it—you care about what happens to these characters.

Taylor’s military knowledge is on full display in this story. The operational details feel authentic without slowing the story, while the action sequences puts you right in the middle of the mission. Lots of twists, surprises, danger, and constant tension keep me turning the pages.

What I especially enjoy about Taylor’s writing is that the action serves a larger story. The decisions Logan and his team make have consequences, and that gives the suspense real weight.

Shadow Strike is the kind of thriller that makes you say, “Just one more chapter,” only to realize you’ve been reading for an hour already.

Fast-paced, intelligent, authentic, and packed with characters who make you care about the outcome, Shadow Strike is a definite must-read.

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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...

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Strike is a gripping and expertly crafted geopolitical thriller that delivers relentless action while maintaining the strategic depth readers have come to expect from Brad Taylor. Drawing on his experience as a former Special Forces officer, Taylor creates an authentic and high-stakes narrative where intelligence operations, international politics, and military precision blend seamlessly into an unforgettable reading experience.

Pike Logan once again proves why he remains one of the most compelling protagonists in modern espionage fiction. His determination, tactical expertise, and ability to adapt under extreme pressure make every mission feel believable and emotionally engaging. The return of the Ghost adds another layer of tension, creating a personal rivalry that elevates the suspense beyond a conventional action thriller.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its global scope. From Argentina's Triple Frontier and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls to the streets of Buenos Aires and the remote landscapes of Ushuaia, every setting feels vivid and purposeful. These locations become more than backdrops; they actively shape the pursuit and increase the sense of urgency as Pike and his team race against time to prevent an international catastrophe.

Taylor also excels at balancing explosive action with political complexity. The novel explores the fragile nature of global security, shifting alliances, and the far-reaching consequences of covert operations without slowing the momentum. Every twist feels earned, and the escalating stakes keep readers invested until the final pages.

Shadow Strike is an outstanding addition to the Pike Logan series, combining authentic military detail, compelling characters, and nonstop suspense. Brad Taylor has once again delivered a fast-paced, intelligent thriller that will satisfy longtime fans while welcoming new readers into one of the strongest espionage series being published today.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Shadow Strike, Brad Taylor delivers a high-stakes espionage thriller that brings together international intrigue, deadly rivalries, and a race to prevent a catastrophe with global consequences. As the twentieth installment in the Pike Logan series, the novel places its central character against a familiar but formidable adversary, creating a conflict in which personal history and international security become inseparable.

The story begins with an audacious assassination plot orchestrated by rogue Iranian regime officials. Their plan centers on Abdul Rahman, known as the Ghost, a highly skilled assassin whose escape during a prison transfer sets the operation in motion. With the Israeli prime minister targeted, Pike Logan becomes the obvious choice to pursue the man he has stopped before.

What makes the premise especially compelling is the way the mission expands beyond a straightforward manhunt. Working alongside Mossad agents, Pike and his team follow a trail through Argentina, from the dramatic Iguazu Falls and the Triple Frontier to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, the remote settlement known as the End of the World. These varied settings give the pursuit an international scale while reinforcing the urgency of the investigation.

The rivalry between Pike and the Ghost provides the story with a strong personal core. Their history adds another layer of tension to an already dangerous operation, while the possibility of a wider attack raises the stakes far beyond the fate of a single individual. The threat to the global balance of power also connects the action to the consequences of political decisions and covert operations.

Taylor's background as a former special forces officer lends an additional point of interest to a thriller built around tactical expertise, intelligence work, and international security. The premise combines relentless action with a complex conspiracy, giving readers several reasons to remain invested in the unfolding pursuit.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and scary read! Especially since the author used to be Special Ops… so he has a really good idea about all that goes on!

That being said, Pike Logan and Company are back with a crazy fiasco that hinges on unbelievable! As his team is running practice drills they get a call… for a real problem… and his daughter is dragged into the mix as well.

I can tell you that his wife was not one bit happy with that. 😳

But, from here they go on to all the REAL dilemmas that follow. Each one seemingly worse than the last. And Pike realizes that this is all stemming from a guy he tracked down and put behind bars a long time ago. Ghost. So what’s going on?

And the more we find out, the crazier the stakes get!

Multiple countries and continents. Multiple agencies. Multiple casualties. And lots of non-stop action.

This will definitely keep you on your toes!

And, be sure to listen to the authors note at the end. My mouth was hanging open when he revealed all of that!! 😮😮😮

#ShadowStrike by @BradTaylor and narrated perfectly by @RichOrlow.

This one has already been released, so please look 👀 for it on shelves now!

4 1/2 insane, crazy, special-ops, non-stop stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫… happily rounded up to 5!

Of note: This is part of a series, but you do not need to read them in order to enjoy this one!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarperAudioAdult and @William!orrisPublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.