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Penumbra Division Thrillers #2
Cold Fire
The World Changed on 9/11. Now, One Operative Will Change the Way it Fights Back.
February 2002. The War on Terror rages, and Lauren Rampling has become America's most lethal assassin. Operating under John Bishop in the CIA's newest and most classified unit—Penumbra Division—she's spent months systematically eliminating Al-Qaeda's leadership one bullet at a time.
But while Rampling hunts terrorists in the field, Bishop wages his own war in the corridors of Langley. The new CIA Director views Penumbra Division as a dangerous relic, and with the Patriot Act freshly signed into law, the battle lines are drawn over a chilling How much power should we give those we trust to protect us?
When intelligence surfaces that Osama Bin Laden escaped Afghanistan before American boots hit the ground, Rampling is thrust into the hunt of a lifetime. The trail leads from one continent to the next, where she discovers the world's most wanted man isn't just running—he's orchestrating something that will make 9/11 look like a warning shot.
Every step forward brings Rampling closer to a devastating the enemy isn't just planning another attack on American soil—they're preparing to bring the war home in ways that will redefine terror itself.
Can one operative prevent a catastrophe that will change civilization as we know it? And can Bishop prove Penumbra Division’s worth before Washington pulls the plug?
If you're addicted to the heart-stopping action of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Daniel Silva, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor, then brace yourself for Sam Cogley's explosive follow-up—COLD FIRE.
February 2002. The War on Terror rages, and Lauren Rampling has become America's most lethal assassin. Operating under John Bishop in the CIA's newest and most classified unit—Penumbra Division—she's spent months systematically eliminating Al-Qaeda's leadership one bullet at a time.
But while Rampling hunts terrorists in the field, Bishop wages his own war in the corridors of Langley. The new CIA Director views Penumbra Division as a dangerous relic, and with the Patriot Act freshly signed into law, the battle lines are drawn over a chilling How much power should we give those we trust to protect us?
When intelligence surfaces that Osama Bin Laden escaped Afghanistan before American boots hit the ground, Rampling is thrust into the hunt of a lifetime. The trail leads from one continent to the next, where she discovers the world's most wanted man isn't just running—he's orchestrating something that will make 9/11 look like a warning shot.
Every step forward brings Rampling closer to a devastating the enemy isn't just planning another attack on American soil—they're preparing to bring the war home in ways that will redefine terror itself.
Can one operative prevent a catastrophe that will change civilization as we know it? And can Bishop prove Penumbra Division’s worth before Washington pulls the plug?
If you're addicted to the heart-stopping action of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Daniel Silva, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor, then brace yourself for Sam Cogley's explosive follow-up—COLD FIRE.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2025
50 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 18, 2025
Couldn't put it down
I'm always delighted when I get a new book from Sam. I know the story will be engaging, fast pace, and keep me on my toes from the first chapter to the last.
This 2nd installment of the Penumbra Division adds another layer to the series. Giving us a glimpse of the future of the department and how it might eventually tie with Adam Knight.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
I'm always delighted when I get a new book from Sam. I know the story will be engaging, fast pace, and keep me on my toes from the first chapter to the last.
This 2nd installment of the Penumbra Division adds another layer to the series. Giving us a glimpse of the future of the department and how it might eventually tie with Adam Knight.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
November 1, 2025
Book Review: Cold Fire by Sam Cogley
There’s nothing predictable about Cold Fire. Sam Cogley lures readers down one path, only to pull the ground out from beneath them, revealing something far darker lurking below.
Who’s right, who’s wrong? In Cold Fire, everyone believes in their cause, their God, their truth. And yet, as history proves over and over, there are no real winners only death and devastation.
From the first page, Cold Fire doesn’t just grab your attention…it demands it. Reflections of past tragedies collide with heart-pounding present-day action. Every scene pulses with tension, each chapter leaving you breathless and wanting more. When did it begin? When will it end? Maybe never because the future often looks a lot like the past, just with different players and slightly altered rules.
Cogley’s world is one of stark contrasts. Mirrors reflect not vanity but haunting memories of destruction left behind. He explores the clash between youth and age, reckless ambition against hard earned wisdom. In Cold Fire, dismissing experience comes at a deadly price.
Then comes lust, the downfall of even the strongest. Desire exposes every weakness, every flaw, reminding us that passion can ignite either ecstasy or ruin.
And, of course, money. The ultimate motivator. In Cogley’s universe, it’s not just a means, it’s a weapon. Whether in the hands of protectors or manipulators, money drives agendas, twists loyalties, and blurs the line between good and evil.
A high-stakes manhunt tears through a war scarred land. The chase is fierce, the suspense electric, the danger palpable. Every second counts, and time becomes a luxury no one can afford. The characters are the best at what they do…skilled, fearless, and ruthless when needed. Their mission? Impossible. Their determination? Unshakable. The cost? Everything.
No deed good or bad goes unpunished. Cogley makes sure of that.
Once again, his heroine faces the impossible: racing against time, battling bureaucratic egos, and fighting to stop a catastrophe on the brink of explosion. The pace is unrelenting. The tension, unbearable. The result, unforgettable.
As the final chase unfolds, morality and vengeance collide in a breathtaking crescendo. In one haunting image, an “iron bird” streaks across the sky, carrying not the gift of life but the seed of destruction.
Sam Cogley stands proudly among masters of modern thrillers, Tom Clancy, Lee Child, and Jack Mars. Cold Fire delivers everything fans crave: sharp writing, explosive action, and an ending that refuses to let go.
In the end, the message is clear: the game never truly ends. One mission’s finish line is the next one’s starting gun.
It doesn’t stop.
It can’t stop.
It will never stop.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s nothing predictable about Cold Fire. Sam Cogley lures readers down one path, only to pull the ground out from beneath them, revealing something far darker lurking below.
Who’s right, who’s wrong? In Cold Fire, everyone believes in their cause, their God, their truth. And yet, as history proves over and over, there are no real winners only death and devastation.
From the first page, Cold Fire doesn’t just grab your attention…it demands it. Reflections of past tragedies collide with heart-pounding present-day action. Every scene pulses with tension, each chapter leaving you breathless and wanting more. When did it begin? When will it end? Maybe never because the future often looks a lot like the past, just with different players and slightly altered rules.
Cogley’s world is one of stark contrasts. Mirrors reflect not vanity but haunting memories of destruction left behind. He explores the clash between youth and age, reckless ambition against hard earned wisdom. In Cold Fire, dismissing experience comes at a deadly price.
Then comes lust, the downfall of even the strongest. Desire exposes every weakness, every flaw, reminding us that passion can ignite either ecstasy or ruin.
And, of course, money. The ultimate motivator. In Cogley’s universe, it’s not just a means, it’s a weapon. Whether in the hands of protectors or manipulators, money drives agendas, twists loyalties, and blurs the line between good and evil.
A high-stakes manhunt tears through a war scarred land. The chase is fierce, the suspense electric, the danger palpable. Every second counts, and time becomes a luxury no one can afford. The characters are the best at what they do…skilled, fearless, and ruthless when needed. Their mission? Impossible. Their determination? Unshakable. The cost? Everything.
No deed good or bad goes unpunished. Cogley makes sure of that.
Once again, his heroine faces the impossible: racing against time, battling bureaucratic egos, and fighting to stop a catastrophe on the brink of explosion. The pace is unrelenting. The tension, unbearable. The result, unforgettable.
As the final chase unfolds, morality and vengeance collide in a breathtaking crescendo. In one haunting image, an “iron bird” streaks across the sky, carrying not the gift of life but the seed of destruction.
Sam Cogley stands proudly among masters of modern thrillers, Tom Clancy, Lee Child, and Jack Mars. Cold Fire delivers everything fans crave: sharp writing, explosive action, and an ending that refuses to let go.
In the end, the message is clear: the game never truly ends. One mission’s finish line is the next one’s starting gun.
It doesn’t stop.
It can’t stop.
It will never stop.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Rampling in the field on a mission in Germany to eliminate or capture backers of Osama Bin Laden's 9/11 attack. After completing that mission, she is sent on another one to find Osama Bin Laden. She is directed to go to Kiev where she would meet with a contact of Bishop, her boss, who would provide info on who to find to get information on Osama's location. At her meeting she is given a name who transported a container which might have contained Osama. She winds up going undercover to get him to give her the details. She learns that the container that he transported was loaded onto another truck and by a lucky guess, she discovered where the container last ended up. She then was headed to Chechnya where the container was located. In Chechnya she had help and found the container and it was empty. It was found radioactive and she figured out that the container wasn't for Osama, but instead a nuclear weapon. This discovery now changed everything.
Read and follow Rampling's journey from when she was in Germany until she landed in America. Learn of the immense effort that once the discovery was made to locate the bomb finally believing that it was in the U.S.A. Find out what Stellar Wind was and how it played a role.
The action is immense and the ending is well worth the read. Don't miss out!
This story begins with Rampling in the field on a mission in Germany to eliminate or capture backers of Osama Bin Laden's 9/11 attack. After completing that mission, she is sent on another one to find Osama Bin Laden. She is directed to go to Kiev where she would meet with a contact of Bishop, her boss, who would provide info on who to find to get information on Osama's location. At her meeting she is given a name who transported a container which might have contained Osama. She winds up going undercover to get him to give her the details. She learns that the container that he transported was loaded onto another truck and by a lucky guess, she discovered where the container last ended up. She then was headed to Chechnya where the container was located. In Chechnya she had help and found the container and it was empty. It was found radioactive and she figured out that the container wasn't for Osama, but instead a nuclear weapon. This discovery now changed everything.
Read and follow Rampling's journey from when she was in Germany until she landed in America. Learn of the immense effort that once the discovery was made to locate the bomb finally believing that it was in the U.S.A. Find out what Stellar Wind was and how it played a role.
The action is immense and the ending is well worth the read. Don't miss out!
November 19, 2025
Follow up to 9-1-1 attack finds new threats but not bin Laden - 5 stars
In 2002 following the attack on the World Trade Center (9-11-2001), the Taliban leaders still had plans to humiliate the United States. A shadowy undercover agency run by the CIA had an experience asset, Lauren Rampling, who was asked to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. At the time, no intelligence agents had any idea where bin Laden was hiding.
"Cold Fire" highlights the types of effort expended to try to locate bin Laden using contacts in Europe and Asia. While bin Laden remained elusive, Ms. Rampling found a smuggling operation which had a link to the Taliban as well as human trafficking of Russian Federation women.
Working as the eyes on the ground, she found unscrupulous people who were willing to accept money for illegal purposes. A one-woman army, Ms. Rampling managed to take down a well-financed and well-guarded smuggler, crossed major international boarders, formed short term partnerships, and countered the weakening Taliban militants.
When it came to stopping a terrifying operation on US soil, Ms. Rampling was able to see what major security organizations had missed. She was the only person thought to be capable enough to deal with a catastrophic threat. She was the brains and the prime mover to block a nasty group of terrorists. This story was quite exciting and made the strong female lead credible. This book is strongly recommended.
In 2002 following the attack on the World Trade Center (9-11-2001), the Taliban leaders still had plans to humiliate the United States. A shadowy undercover agency run by the CIA had an experience asset, Lauren Rampling, who was asked to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. At the time, no intelligence agents had any idea where bin Laden was hiding.
"Cold Fire" highlights the types of effort expended to try to locate bin Laden using contacts in Europe and Asia. While bin Laden remained elusive, Ms. Rampling found a smuggling operation which had a link to the Taliban as well as human trafficking of Russian Federation women.
Working as the eyes on the ground, she found unscrupulous people who were willing to accept money for illegal purposes. A one-woman army, Ms. Rampling managed to take down a well-financed and well-guarded smuggler, crossed major international boarders, formed short term partnerships, and countered the weakening Taliban militants.
When it came to stopping a terrifying operation on US soil, Ms. Rampling was able to see what major security organizations had missed. She was the only person thought to be capable enough to deal with a catastrophic threat. She was the brains and the prime mover to block a nasty group of terrorists. This story was quite exciting and made the strong female lead credible. This book is strongly recommended.
November 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the Penumbra Division origin story in Shadow Operative, the first book in the series. So, I was happy to have the privilege of previewing Cold Fire, with the refreshing introduction of a female, kick-ass operative in Lauren Rampling.
As she follows the trail of a possible Bin Laden relocation, she quickly realizes there's something much more insidious and dangerous at play. With plenty of non-stop action, in a plot that moves in many directions all at once, along with bad guys you'll love to hate, this volume has it all to keep you riveted as the pages fly by.
Will Rampling have to sacrifice herself to avoid a major catastrophe? You'll have to dive in to see. I can guarantee, you won't be disappointed with Cold Fire!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As she follows the trail of a possible Bin Laden relocation, she quickly realizes there's something much more insidious and dangerous at play. With plenty of non-stop action, in a plot that moves in many directions all at once, along with bad guys you'll love to hate, this volume has it all to keep you riveted as the pages fly by.
Will Rampling have to sacrifice herself to avoid a major catastrophe? You'll have to dive in to see. I can guarantee, you won't be disappointed with Cold Fire!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
Lauren Rampling is a lethal operative of the CIA and is hunting Al-Qaeda after 9/11. She is tasked with finding Osama bin Laden and traces through Europe, trying to find this hideous terrorist. Bishop is back as her boss, but is on tenuous grounds with the new elite at the CIA. Sometimes old dogs do not need to learn new tricks. Rampling thinks she has a lead on Osama bin Laden via a shipping container being shipped across Europe and ends up in the United States. We go from a hunt for a master terrorist to a weapon of mass destruction. Can Laura track down this weapon? Can she stop another 9/11 type of attack? Who do you trust inside the beltway machinations? The race is on and the story line is intriguing and the characters are exceptional. The fabric of this storyline is well woven and captivating right to the very last page.
November 2, 2025
This is a good story and an interesting book in the new series. It's great when I get my hands on a new Sam Cogley book as I know it will be good. That's true here. I must say though that I am not usually a fan of having the protagonist as a female as authors have them doing things that, to me, are not just possible. Happy to say this is an exception and the author has her as a believable and likable character.
Story line is feasible, especially in today's world climate. Great finale. Talk about suspense.
The book ends well, and you can see the setting up for the way things are going to go if you follow the series.
Good read. Worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story line is feasible, especially in today's world climate. Great finale. Talk about suspense.
The book ends well, and you can see the setting up for the way things are going to go if you follow the series.
Good read. Worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2025
Sam Cogley’s books are fast-paced, thrilling and engaging!
My first ever review for an author!!
“Cold Fire” - The beginning pages held my attention as I got to know the main character. It’s rare to read about a female mercenary, so I was committed to find out how the story would unfold. Without giving the plots away, the reader is taken through several plots twists and turns; introduced to interesting characters along the way; and given actions and consequences to ponder in regard to the reader’s value-system. A thoroughly enjoyable read which lead me to wanting more stories in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My first ever review for an author!!
“Cold Fire” - The beginning pages held my attention as I got to know the main character. It’s rare to read about a female mercenary, so I was committed to find out how the story would unfold. Without giving the plots away, the reader is taken through several plots twists and turns; introduced to interesting characters along the way; and given actions and consequences to ponder in regard to the reader’s value-system. A thoroughly enjoyable read which lead me to wanting more stories in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
Bishop is supposed to have complete control of Penumbra Division. Instead he his being subjected to a director that wants to approve every step he takes. in addition, there isn't funding that was promised. The new director wants to use the electronic intelligence instead of human intelligence.
He gets permission to send Lauren Rawlings after Ben Laden but it is obvious that he is being setup to fail. Instead she finds something that will rival 9/11.
Things get rather wild and the ending is a big surprise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He gets permission to send Lauren Rawlings after Ben Laden but it is obvious that he is being setup to fail. Instead she finds something that will rival 9/11.
Things get rather wild and the ending is a big surprise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
I have read a few of this authors books and this one was up there with the best of them - it was a fast paced exciting rollercoaster ride of a story. I love how this book brings Penumbra into being whilst using a storyline that every reader will remember where they were on the day this happened.
Characters were believable and it was also good that the main character was female. C’mon the girls…..
Can’t wait for the next edition to be available to read. Thanks Sam
Characters were believable and it was also good that the main character was female. C’mon the girls…..
Can’t wait for the next edition to be available to read. Thanks Sam
November 14, 2025
This is a great spy story. Pitting old against new. Let’s hear it for the old ways! Our heroine follows bread crumbs and goes in new directions. Story moves right along. I would recommend this book to spy lovers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2025
Lauren Rawlings works for an off-the-books CIA division. The hunt for the master minds of 9/11 including Ben Laden are her targets. This hunt takes an unexpected twist and she helps save millions from a nuclear attack.
There are many twists and an surprising ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are many twists and an surprising ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2025
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Lauren is brought in by Bishop to carry out a mission which turns into something different but has action to keep your interest. A great spy story keeping my attention throughout the story. It was fast paced and plenty going on. A great series to read.
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and once started reading found it hard to put down. A well written story surrounding a plot that is all too probable these days. Good characters and plenty of action keeps the reader engaged.
November 14, 2025
Great read. Mr. Cogley has done a great job with this Penumbra Dvision Book 2. Cold Fire will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what comes next. No spoiler here ... read it for yourself; you won't regret it.
November 15, 2025
Once again Sam has written a riveting novel. He keeps you on the edge of your seat during the whole story, which makes it hard to put down. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
Cold Fire was a fun surprise — fast, tense, and totally kept me flipping pages. Sam Cogley brought the suspense without overdoing it. I was into it the whole way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
This story is very well written I really enjoyed reading this storyline this is a really great novel to own I very much enjoyed this book a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2025
Excellent spy story. I couldn’t put the book down so had to read into the night.
Good storyline with good believable characters and plenty of action.
Please carry on producing these excellent books.
Good storyline with good believable characters and plenty of action.
Please carry on producing these excellent books.
November 17, 2025
Innovative plot, solid heroine, well-written novel by a fine author. Very interesting step back in time, following factual terrorist attacks.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews