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Wolf Six #3
Target Echo
The BRAND NEW title in the gripping, high-octane Wolf Six series from Alex Shaw. A must-read for fans of James Swallow and Stephen Leather 💥📚 'No-one builds tension like Alex Shaw' - Humphrey Hawksley
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. A weapon for hire forged in the fires of conflict and tempered by experience. Known by both the underworld and international intelligence agencies, he works alone, guided only by the next mission and his unwavering commitment to his personal kill code.
So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akulov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty. Akulov had heard of the French intelligence operative Sophie Racine – her reputation and skills are world-class, but when her business becomes his problem, Wolf Six must quickly learn to work with others.
Thrust into a high-stakes partnership with Racine and an old comrade he believed was dead, Wolf Six must stop a deadly conspiracy to reignite a defunct Basque terrorist movement. The ‘explosive’ trail leads from the turbulent streets of Buenos Aires, via the Columbian cartels, to the elegant boulevards of Madrid.
Akulov and his allies must stop a new wave of terror attacks before countless innocent lives are lost…
Buckle up for an explosive read you won't be able to put down! 💥
Praise for Alex
‘Another excellent stripped-back, razor-edge thriller from Alex Shaw’ - New York Times bestselling author James Swallow
'Shaw knows how to write an action-packed thriller and his latest is no exception. Fans of Eisler, Greaney or Wood, craving their next fix of deadly assassin action should reach for Wolf Six, the first in an explosive, brand new series. It’s seriously good.' - Matt Hilton
'An action-packed page-turner, rounded out with doses of realpolitik and melancholy for what can be lost. I was gripped' - Antony Johnston
'Wolf Six is a stunning piece of work. No-one builds tension like Alex Shaw. In the field of high-stakes international intrigue, Shaw knows his stuff and is at the top of his game.' - Humphrey Hawksley
'Wolf Six keeps you raving for Akulov to escape the most harrowing situations and come out at the top when all odds are stacked against him. It’s bold, strong, and unforgiving in its violent nature and an unnerving mission to entertain you.' Kashif Hussain - Best Thriller Books
‘Compelling and authentic. An explosive new series with an uncompromising hero’ Tom Wood
‘Alex Shaw is one of the best thriller writers around!’ Stephen Leather
‘Alex Shaw is a master of the action thriller. Grabbed me from the first page and never let go’ Michael Ridpath
‘A perfect blend of spy fiction and political thriller’ Matt Lynn
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. A weapon for hire forged in the fires of conflict and tempered by experience. Known by both the underworld and international intelligence agencies, he works alone, guided only by the next mission and his unwavering commitment to his personal kill code.
So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akulov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty. Akulov had heard of the French intelligence operative Sophie Racine – her reputation and skills are world-class, but when her business becomes his problem, Wolf Six must quickly learn to work with others.
Thrust into a high-stakes partnership with Racine and an old comrade he believed was dead, Wolf Six must stop a deadly conspiracy to reignite a defunct Basque terrorist movement. The ‘explosive’ trail leads from the turbulent streets of Buenos Aires, via the Columbian cartels, to the elegant boulevards of Madrid.
Akulov and his allies must stop a new wave of terror attacks before countless innocent lives are lost…
Buckle up for an explosive read you won't be able to put down! 💥
Praise for Alex
‘Another excellent stripped-back, razor-edge thriller from Alex Shaw’ - New York Times bestselling author James Swallow
'Shaw knows how to write an action-packed thriller and his latest is no exception. Fans of Eisler, Greaney or Wood, craving their next fix of deadly assassin action should reach for Wolf Six, the first in an explosive, brand new series. It’s seriously good.' - Matt Hilton
'An action-packed page-turner, rounded out with doses of realpolitik and melancholy for what can be lost. I was gripped' - Antony Johnston
'Wolf Six is a stunning piece of work. No-one builds tension like Alex Shaw. In the field of high-stakes international intrigue, Shaw knows his stuff and is at the top of his game.' - Humphrey Hawksley
'Wolf Six keeps you raving for Akulov to escape the most harrowing situations and come out at the top when all odds are stacked against him. It’s bold, strong, and unforgiving in its violent nature and an unnerving mission to entertain you.' Kashif Hussain - Best Thriller Books
‘Compelling and authentic. An explosive new series with an uncompromising hero’ Tom Wood
‘Alex Shaw is one of the best thriller writers around!’ Stephen Leather
‘Alex Shaw is a master of the action thriller. Grabbed me from the first page and never let go’ Michael Ridpath
‘A perfect blend of spy fiction and political thriller’ Matt Lynn
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shaw
22 books160 followersALEX SHAW B.A.(Hons), P.G.C.E. spent the second half of the 1990s in Kyiv, Ukraine, teaching Drama and running his own business consultancy before being head-hunted for a division of Siemens. The next few years saw him doing business for the company across the former USSR, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 1, 2026
I love this book it’s a thriller and 3 book in A Wolf six Thiller..
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akulov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty. Akulov had heard of the French intelligence operative Sophie Racine – her reputation and skills are world-class, but when her business becomes his problem, Wolf Six must quickly learn to work with others.
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akulov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty. Akulov had heard of the French intelligence operative Sophie Racine – her reputation and skills are world-class, but when her business becomes his problem, Wolf Six must quickly learn to work with others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Target Echo by Alex Shaw is a thriller, full of shootouts as assassinations. There were points in the book where the reader wonders if there is any plot at all. Turns out, there was. Ruslan Akulov is a professional assassin known as Wolf Six. He had a reputation. He had once been part of a Russian squad known as the Wolfhounds. It had been a bad time in his life. He was Ukrainian. His handler/broker was a woman named Valentina Tishina. She always seemed to be able to find him. Always with a commission. He liked to relax in Dubai, the only place he ever felt safe. She always found him. He ran into a woman on a train. Always paranoid, was she after him? Then he saw armed men enter the carriage. She popped into action, so did she. He found out later they were after a French diplomat in the next carriage. She was a French agent tasked with protecting him.
They ran into one another again, this time on the same side, so complicated the reader must sort it out by reading the book. Ruslan is a good character, with a touch of humanity still alive and well deep inside him. Sophia Racine was as professional as he was, but on the “right” side of the law. It was a fast-paced, entertaining trip around the world, killing. Mostly bad guys. Mostly simple and clean kills. Violence, but not gore. As the story unfolded, the reader met more people, all killers, some working for legitimate organizations. It was an exciting read.
I was invited to read Target Echo by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #AlexShaw #TargetEcho
They ran into one another again, this time on the same side, so complicated the reader must sort it out by reading the book. Ruslan is a good character, with a touch of humanity still alive and well deep inside him. Sophia Racine was as professional as he was, but on the “right” side of the law. It was a fast-paced, entertaining trip around the world, killing. Mostly bad guys. Mostly simple and clean kills. Violence, but not gore. As the story unfolded, the reader met more people, all killers, some working for legitimate organizations. It was an exciting read.
I was invited to read Target Echo by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #AlexShaw #TargetEcho
January 30, 2026
This is the 3rd book in the Wolf Sx Thriller series. Wolf Six is notorious in some circles, where his skill as an assassin is second to none. He is a Ukrainian whose real name is Akulov. He is contacted by his operator for a new job, but when he arrives to assassinate the target, he is beaten to it by French DGSE agent Racine.
They decide to work together and then join with another Wolf to rescue his family and continue on their path of destruction. They will spend time in South America, as well as Spain. This job gets more and more dangerous, lives are on the line, and there is something else more sinister in the offering.
This is another brilliant book by this author. He blends special forces, shootouts, planning, secrets, agencies and a whole lot of firepower as the hunt for the targets progresses around the world. In amongst all of this, he finds the time to focus on the main characters, well, the ones that are on the right side. Although I wouldn't really want to get on the wrong or the right side of any of them!
The story flows at a fast rate, and there is hardly any let-up for the teams in play. With any book that involves intelligence or secret service agents, there is one thing that you can trust, and that is that not everyone shares the whole truth. It makes for interesting and exciting reading.
This is a book that is full of action, shootouts galore, and is a thriller that I absolutely adored, so I would definitely reomcmend it.
They decide to work together and then join with another Wolf to rescue his family and continue on their path of destruction. They will spend time in South America, as well as Spain. This job gets more and more dangerous, lives are on the line, and there is something else more sinister in the offering.
This is another brilliant book by this author. He blends special forces, shootouts, planning, secrets, agencies and a whole lot of firepower as the hunt for the targets progresses around the world. In amongst all of this, he finds the time to focus on the main characters, well, the ones that are on the right side. Although I wouldn't really want to get on the wrong or the right side of any of them!
The story flows at a fast rate, and there is hardly any let-up for the teams in play. With any book that involves intelligence or secret service agents, there is one thing that you can trust, and that is that not everyone shares the whole truth. It makes for interesting and exciting reading.
This is a book that is full of action, shootouts galore, and is a thriller that I absolutely adored, so I would definitely reomcmend it.
February 2, 2026
Target Echo by Alex Shaw is an all action thriller that races along at full speed and never really lets up.
From the opening pages, this story drops you straight into chaos. Ruslan Akulov, a hired assassin who usually works alone, finds himself in a situation where nothing goes to plan. When a job in Argentina goes sideways, he is forced into an uneasy partnership with French intelligence officer Sophie Racine. Watching two highly skilled professionals who are used to working solo learn to trust each other adds real tension and energy to the story.
The pacing is relentless, with action driving the plot forward across multiple locations. There is a constant sense of danger, but it never comes at the expense of character. Akulov in particular is well drawn, and I enjoyed seeing more depth beneath his ruthless exterior. Sophie Racine is a strong addition to the story, smart, capable, and more than able to hold her own alongside Wolf Six.
The plot kept me hooked right through to the end, blending assassins, espionage, and global threats into a fast moving and entertaining read. This is the kind of thriller where you tell yourself you will stop after one more chapter and suddenly realize you are far deeper in than planned.
A gripping, high octane read that fans of action thrillers will absolutely enjoy.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my review copy.
From the opening pages, this story drops you straight into chaos. Ruslan Akulov, a hired assassin who usually works alone, finds himself in a situation where nothing goes to plan. When a job in Argentina goes sideways, he is forced into an uneasy partnership with French intelligence officer Sophie Racine. Watching two highly skilled professionals who are used to working solo learn to trust each other adds real tension and energy to the story.
The pacing is relentless, with action driving the plot forward across multiple locations. There is a constant sense of danger, but it never comes at the expense of character. Akulov in particular is well drawn, and I enjoyed seeing more depth beneath his ruthless exterior. Sophie Racine is a strong addition to the story, smart, capable, and more than able to hold her own alongside Wolf Six.
The plot kept me hooked right through to the end, blending assassins, espionage, and global threats into a fast moving and entertaining read. This is the kind of thriller where you tell yourself you will stop after one more chapter and suddenly realize you are far deeper in than planned.
A gripping, high octane read that fans of action thrillers will absolutely enjoy.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, was once again on the hunt. A loner, Akulov was one of the best and when his contract in Argentina became chaos, with someone else there as well as him, he was shocked. But got the job done. When he met the notorious Sophie Racine, a French intelligence operative, a woman he'd heard of but never met, they formed an uneasy alliance. With a terrorist movement reigniting, Akulov and Racine needed to work together to stop what they knew was ahead. Rescuing a family after they were kidnapped, following from Buenos Aires, through Columbia and onto Madrid, the job was brutal, but it was one they'd finish and succeed at...
Target Echo is the 3rd in the Wolf Six series by Alex Shaw and oh my goodness, I'm enjoying this series! Full on, fast paced, action packed - entertainment galore! What a brilliant ride! Looking forward to #4 and catching up with Akulov once again! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Target Echo is the 3rd in the Wolf Six series by Alex Shaw and oh my goodness, I'm enjoying this series! Full on, fast paced, action packed - entertainment galore! What a brilliant ride! Looking forward to #4 and catching up with Akulov once again! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For one of the most feared assassins in the world, his contracts go wrong a lot but you know everything generally works out for him in the end. Target Echo is the third book in this series but they are very readable as standalone novels.
In Target Echo, we see Wolf Six team up with a former werewolf brother, a French DGSE operative and his 'friends' in the CIA as the fallout of the contract in Argentina brings them through Colombia and to Europe. The Basque region is not one that comes up often in media but I watched Hidden Assets over the holidays which is set between Ireland and Bilbao. So it was interesting to see it part of the book.
Target Echo is a fast paced thriller, lots of violence but not over the top on the gore. I was hoping for a spicy scene between Wolf and Sophie that never came but I guess that is unsurprising since even after everything with his handler, they are still not together. An enjoyable but quick read.
Thanks for the advance copy for review from Boldwood Books through Netgalley.
In Target Echo, we see Wolf Six team up with a former werewolf brother, a French DGSE operative and his 'friends' in the CIA as the fallout of the contract in Argentina brings them through Colombia and to Europe. The Basque region is not one that comes up often in media but I watched Hidden Assets over the holidays which is set between Ireland and Bilbao. So it was interesting to see it part of the book.
Target Echo is a fast paced thriller, lots of violence but not over the top on the gore. I was hoping for a spicy scene between Wolf and Sophie that never came but I guess that is unsurprising since even after everything with his handler, they are still not together. An enjoyable but quick read.
Thanks for the advance copy for review from Boldwood Books through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, Target Echo is a cracker of a read. Alex Shaw writes great thrillers with characters you just take to heart and root for. Here Akulov takes on a contract and sees someone from his past who he believed to be dead. The story is very well written and entertaining and I think the plot line is all too believeable in todays world. I love the different country settings and think the inclusion of one of this authors other characters really worked well here and makes this a very compelling read. There are many multi layered plot threads that grabbed and held my attention and kept me guessing. It is good to see another side to Akulov, he comes across as a little more human here - unlike his nickname - just as long as he doesnt let his guard down and get himself killed!
If you like thrillers that are full of suspense and tension then this is a perfect read for you and I'd recommend it. If you're new to this author and series though you need to read the previous books to know the character from the beginning. Really looking forward to the next book.
If you like thrillers that are full of suspense and tension then this is a perfect read for you and I'd recommend it. If you're new to this author and series though you need to read the previous books to know the character from the beginning. Really looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wolf Six #3
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. A weapon for hire forged in the fires of conflict and tempered by experience. Known by both the underworld and artificial intelligence agencies, he works alone, guided only by his next mission and his unwavering commitment to his personal kill code. So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akutov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty.
With a believable plot line, this is a well-written, thrilling and captivating read. It's also action-packed with strong, well-developed characters. The pace is fast in this intriguing story. There were assassins, terrorism and espionage. This boon can be read as a standalone.
Published 2nd February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AlexShaw for my ARC of #TargetEcho in exchange for an honest review.
Elite Ukrainian assassin Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a ghost. A weapon for hire forged in the fires of conflict and tempered by experience. Known by both the underworld and artificial intelligence agencies, he works alone, guided only by his next mission and his unwavering commitment to his personal kill code. So when a routine contract in Argentina turns from simple to chaotic in the squeeze of a trigger, Akutov is thrown into a complex web of deceit and dangerous tests of loyalty.
With a believable plot line, this is a well-written, thrilling and captivating read. It's also action-packed with strong, well-developed characters. The pace is fast in this intriguing story. There were assassins, terrorism and espionage. This boon can be read as a standalone.
Published 2nd February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AlexShaw for my ARC of #TargetEcho in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Akulov, known by reputation as Wolf Six, is a Ukrainian sniper/assassin trained with a group of others, known as the Wolf brotherhood, to kill on contract. His record is flawless and he is equally feared, respected and admired within the world's network of nefarious operatives and less than upright leaders.
When he accepts a job in Argentina and it ends up going off the rails a bit, he is thrown into a hunt for the remaining notorious family member who escaped alive. Meeting up with a brother Wolf, whom he believed was,dead, is an unexpected bonus to the job.
Riveting action and terrific characters who are so well defined they are standing right in front of you.
Shaw has produced another five gold star winner.
Ready for the next edition, please.
When he accepts a job in Argentina and it ends up going off the rails a bit, he is thrown into a hunt for the remaining notorious family member who escaped alive. Meeting up with a brother Wolf, whom he believed was,dead, is an unexpected bonus to the job.
Riveting action and terrific characters who are so well defined they are standing right in front of you.
Shaw has produced another five gold star winner.
Ready for the next edition, please.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wolf Six in another adventure. He is contracted to eliminate a South American drug Lord and gets recruited by a face from his past to eliminate further members of the gang. For a hard bitten assassin Wolf Six is strangely charismatic. The characters in this story are believable and likeable. Very much on the side of the assassins. Descriptive where it needs to be and just the right amount of description in the fighting scenes. I'm definitely addicted to a the Wolf Six stories as they are well written and, as is good in a.book, transport you into a different world. A lot of action in the book with the main characters flying between Venezuela and Argentina and Europe. With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️Spoiler Free Review✨️
Thanks to @netgalley @alexshawthrillerwriter & @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book in the #WolfSix series & I can truly say, with hand on heart, that this is the BEST one yet! It was, in a nutshell, WOW!
It had everything that I have come to expect in an international assassin story and I really loved the evolution of Ruslan Akulov & how we are starting to see glimmers of the man behind the assassin. This was fast paced, full of intrigue, corruption, & manipulation that flits from Dubai, America, Argentina, Colombia & Spain.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone, you won't be disappointed!
Thanks to @netgalley @alexshawthrillerwriter & @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book in the #WolfSix series & I can truly say, with hand on heart, that this is the BEST one yet! It was, in a nutshell, WOW!
It had everything that I have come to expect in an international assassin story and I really loved the evolution of Ruslan Akulov & how we are starting to see glimmers of the man behind the assassin. This was fast paced, full of intrigue, corruption, & manipulation that flits from Dubai, America, Argentina, Colombia & Spain.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone, you won't be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In the 3rd book in the Wolf Six series, Ukrainian Ruslan Akulov(aka Wolf Six) has to team up to stop a terrorist attack in Spain. First, he must help a former(supposedly dead) Werewolf rescue his wife and son. Plenty of action, cast of characters, with the help of Sophie Racine(French intelligence operative) and the CIA, it is a thrill ride to the finish. From Argentina to Spain, the bullets fly in this action-packed thriller.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of the book and is due out on Feb. 2, 2026.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of the book and is due out on Feb. 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Target Echo by Alex Shaw is the 3rd book in the Wolf Six series, but can be read a standalone. I have not read the previous books, but I could still enjoy this one. Target Echo is a fast-paced action thriller, involving assassins, espionage and terrorism. It started out on an intriguing note and the action didn't let down throughout the book. The terrorism part was a little murky in my opinion, but overall a good thriller.
I got the ARC from Boldwood Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from Boldwood Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The third book in the excellent series featuring Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, an independent assassin. The story grips you right from the start and is fast paced all the way through. Highly entertaining, well-written and a very quick read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is like a world tour! It bounces from location to location, defying travel times, airport delays and time zones. But packed in it's luggage is plenty of action, a few drug cartels, revenge and brotherhood. A zippy return to the world of Wolf Six and his latest escapade, with a few new friends and enemies to keep him on his toes. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
February 2, 2026
An all action thriller that races along at full speed. An hired assassin that usually works alone is forced to work with a French intelligence officer when thing don't go to plan. Well drawn characters and a plot that kept me hooked till the end. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews