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The unfired shot can be the most deadly.

Simon Strong was an expert marksman…a lifetime ago.

During his time with Shadow Company, his record was flawless - until he missed a crucial shot.

After that failed mission, Simon was done. He walked away from covert ops, and Shadow Company.

He thought he had left Shadow Company behind.
He was mistaken.

He may have been done with them, but they weren’t done with him.
Shadow Company never forgets and never forgives.

Now Cutter, an ex-Shadow Company Operative, has been tasked with eliminating Simon. Once Shadow Company, always Shadow Company.

There’s only one way to leave the organization - and it doesn’t involve breathing.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2025

282 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Orlando A. Sanchez

106 books590 followers
Orlando Sanchez has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends every weekend. An avid reader, his influences are too numerous to list here. Some of the most prominent are: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Lee Child, George Lucas, Andrew Vachss, and Barry Eisler to name a few in no particular order.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.

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5 stars
294 (74%)
4 stars
88 (22%)
3 stars
12 (3%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Todd.
2,230 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2025
Another excellent book with the terrible trio has a couple enemies from Simon's past come to haunt him.
Profile Image for Tawnya.
397 reviews58 followers
September 6, 2025
We finally get a bit more of Simon’s history with Shadow Company. In my mind they always seemed like an elite team with honor. Wow, was I wrong. Still, I’d like to see some of the early missions. How did Simon get picked? Are we ever going to meet any of his family? Speaking of family... I liked Monty’s aunt. All of the blathering early in the book was a bit over the top. The way she was built up you’d have thought she was going to fry Monty on the spot. There was some loss. I was happy to see we were finally back in New York. I should have known that was never going to end well.

I am so over Dira. I understand what Kali is doing. If Simon cannot defend himself, then he wasn’t worthy. What I don’t like is the idea that Kali would ever allow the likes of Dira to bear her mark.

We got some Erik. Then we got some ERIK. We need more of that.

I miss the old days when this was a series about a detective agency, one of who happens to be cursed alive and the other is a mage. Remember when Hades hired them to find Persephone. That was fun. Hades is always cool. A god here or there. Chi actually being in a book. Roxanne getting more than a passing reference to Haven. The boys deciding which restaurant to go to. Normal stuff. I think when Orlando stopped putting the character descriptions in the back of the books things started to change. Make no mistake, I still love them. Peaches alone will have me coming back.
680 reviews13 followers
August 20, 2025
Deadeye by Orlando Sanchez is amazing. I love this story. Love the term ‘Stochaster’ for a type of mage.
This series just keeps getting better. We follow Simon as he learns more about just who he is and what his powers are.
32 reviews
October 1, 2025
Simon past has reared it’s ugly head again but with alot of twists. Shadow company is determine to put strong down at this point it’s time for the destructive trio to pay headquarters a visit and blow it up. Monty past was also brought to the forefront but this time on his mother side. Always had this thought if Hecate would involve herself more using Monty like Kali with Simon only time will tell.

Dira went full blown psycho this time around although she always been crazy but the leaves skyrocketed. Of course we can’t just focus on one enemy since the grand council doing a team up of who can’t obliterate the terror trio first. At this point we can’t even say this to get back at Dex like this shit getting real deep and personal.

Several characters died in this book which honestly shocked me like the stakes really ramped. Even Simon was a lot more serious than usual but hey comes with the territory of death lurking at every corner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diane.
622 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2025
This story captivated me from the knock on the door at the start to the rescue mission excitement at the end. I don't know how the author does it, 28 books into a series, but the stories just keep getting better! We get more new characters, reappearance of an old nemesis, and some long awaited insight into Simon's backstory. One of the new twists that I especially enjoyed in this story were the quotes from the 'Deadeye Operations' manual at the start of each chapter. I' highlighted several of them. If you like urban fantasy with terrific dialog, likeable main characters, a hell hound (meat is life), tense action (oh my - that ending), and an excellent story; pick up this book! Better yet, if you haven't read this series yet, start with the first book, Tombyards & Butterflies, and strap in for a great ride.
Profile Image for Gail.
618 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
Finally caught up!

I didn't realise how many M & S books I'd not read 😮😮 and was shook.

So, I've made it my mission to catch up.

I come to this book, with my heart in my throat.

This book, OMG, talk about slamming me up against the wall and leaving me batter and blue.

We meet Monty's aunt, Brimo? The love she seems to have for him, when he didn't expect it.

Simon, becoming???

Several deaths over the last few books, accumulating with the executors finally coming out of the woodwork.

Yes, you left it right on a cliffhanger, you naughty author!!!

Peaches best be okay, or I'm not going to be happy.

Can't wait for book 29 😮😮😁😁
26 reviews
December 30, 2025
Just keeps getting better

I have been an avid reader of the Montague and Strong Detective Agency series from the beginning. Orlando is a master at character development, world building and story telling. Simon's development has been amazing to follow. This installment of the series is fast paced and gives the reader more insight into Simon's past. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of the series!
Profile Image for Wes Baird.
66 reviews
September 6, 2025
Amazing

Not your typical Montague and Strong story. In a great way. Fast paced, plenty of action. Felt our heroes could have done more. So many books making them more powerful just to be countered by some artifacts felt like a bit of a let down. But overall I liked the story.
Still can't believe he did that to Peaches! I may never forgive you for that!
79 reviews
September 9, 2025
Rip roaring fantasy book!

Absolutely everything about Monty, Strong and Peaches has me hooked. Familiar characters, deadly enemies (and friends), twisty turny plots, amazing plots, what a not to love? If your reading this and haven't bought a book yet! DO IT GODDAMN YOU you can thank me later 😉
27 reviews
September 13, 2025
Can't wait for the next chapter

All of the Montague and Strong books are very good reads. Great characters and they are constantly evolving which keeps it interesting. The drama and snarky humor just add to the enjoyment. Thank you Mr. Sanchez, may this story continue for many years.
Profile Image for Paige Guido.
197 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2025
Simon really comes to grips with his changes in this one. It was great, getting a lot more insight into him and how he came to be with Monty. And I definitely connected with the new female warrior character. IYKYK
311 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
Meat is Life!!

What a ride. This had me from the first page! No spoilers here but my fingernails are digging in and hanging on. The best yet but I say that about every book but this time its true!!
480 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
Another great story you can't put down!

Who knew that Simon was a former "Deadeye". And that makes for a whole other mess that happens in his life. Now who else wants to end his life? Make a list and it's gotten longer. Too many bad people are going out for blood.
Profile Image for Rachel.
975 reviews63 followers
September 2, 2025
A range of enemies!

Monty and Simon have gotten strong enough that their enemies have to gang up on them! Simon starts getting used to his new power level, and faces enemies from his past.
Profile Image for Alison  Claire Humphrey .
123 reviews
October 10, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant and Exciting

Absolutely brilliant and exciting. Great storyline with well thought out main characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Peaches still my favourite! Highly recommend.
697 reviews
August 25, 2025
More depth

We get to learn a bit more about Simon's past and all the intersections of who he is now. Some new interesting characters and a mind library!
3 reviews
August 25, 2025
Great Series

Well worth reading! I finished the Book in just a couple of sittings! Really keeps my interest and attention! Love the series!

Profile Image for Deborah.
3,843 reviews497 followers
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this one.
Here we find out more about Simon’s past.
Profile Image for Trevor.
1,447 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
The destructive trio are back, back at home they are attacked, as Simon's past comes back to bite him. Good story, with a nice final battle that sets up for the next installment.
14 reviews
August 30, 2025
Deadeye

Another great book.Liked background on Monty and Simon's life.Bad thing about the book is waiting for the next one is done


2 reviews
August 30, 2025
I thought Deadeye was great, I would say more but that would involve some spoilers. Eagerly waiting for the next book to see what happens next.
142 reviews
August 31, 2025
Terrific

Each book keeps getting better and better. Want a great read? This is the book you want. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Alexandra Dresel.
375 reviews
September 5, 2025
Wow what a rush !

The series keeps getting better and better, gritty and wild with a heavy dose of sarcasm and humour. Peaches is epic, a well written character.
5 reviews
September 21, 2025
Can't wait for next book again

Awesome as always, please hurry up with next book!!!!! Been loving this series, dont want it to end, ever please.
Profile Image for Allison.
260 reviews
October 29, 2025
Deadeye

A fun ride, as usual. I just can’t stay away from the terrible trio! Trying to be patient as I’m waiting for the next installment!
Profile Image for Kebaklgmail.com.
194 reviews
November 14, 2025
fantastic

Another grand adventure by Montague and strong only this time is there a death? I don’t like cliffhangers and this was a doozy! Great job Orlando!
Profile Image for Michael Torres.
45 reviews
December 25, 2025
Outdid yourself Sir

Lots of action packed in these pages!!! I just can’t get enough and I look forward to the next book!!!
186 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2025
The M&S series never fails to deliver

It’s seems that being the marked one, bond mate, etc for Simon does not include holidays, a mind mage appears to be next up and fortifications are required.
Nothing is ever achieved without a little pain and the team find out that there’s still plenty of questions to be asked.
Always enjoy the books in this series and eagerly await more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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