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Nathan McBride #5
Contract to Kill
When Toby Haynes witnesses a double murder—and suspects his boss, Tanner Mason, as the perpetrator of the crime—he does the only thing he can think he calls in Nathan McBride.
CIA special ops veteran McBride and his partner, Harvey Fontana, respond to their friend’s plea. As they launch a covert investigation into Mason, the security chief for one of the nation’s leading private military contractors, they discover that not everything is as it appears. Mason and his inner circle are leading a top-secret operation to tackle a wave of crime plaguing the US-Mexican border, and the murder may have been part of their complicated strategy—or part of a more menacing agenda. Soon McBride and Fontana find themselves engaged in a deadly game. With a powerful politician behind it all, stopping Mason could mean joining a secret war—with truly global stakes.
CIA special ops veteran McBride and his partner, Harvey Fontana, respond to their friend’s plea. As they launch a covert investigation into Mason, the security chief for one of the nation’s leading private military contractors, they discover that not everything is as it appears. Mason and his inner circle are leading a top-secret operation to tackle a wave of crime plaguing the US-Mexican border, and the murder may have been part of their complicated strategy—or part of a more menacing agenda. Soon McBride and Fontana find themselves engaged in a deadly game. With a powerful politician behind it all, stopping Mason could mean joining a secret war—with truly global stakes.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
935 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Peterson
15 books539 followersAndrew Peterson is the internationally bestselling author of the Nathan McBride series. Born and raised in San Diego, California, he attended La Jolla High School before enrolling at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture.
An excellent marksman, he holds the classification of Master in the NRA’s High Power Rifle ranking system. His familiarity with weapons and dedication to research has resulted in many speaking engagements ranging from craft workshops to ATF canine demonstrations.
Andrew began writing fiction in 1990 and sold a short story, Mr. Haggarty’s Stop, to San Diego Writers Monthly in October, 1992. After attending his first writer’s conference in 2005, where he met Ridley Pearson, he became serious about writing the Nathan McBride stories.
FIRST TO KILL (FTK) is Andrew’s debut thriller which features Nathan McBride, the brutally effective, trained Marine scout sniper and former CIA operations officer. FTK was originally published in 2008 by Dorchester Publishing as a mass market paperback. Early in January 2011, Andrew signed with Thomas and Mercer. Then in 2012, FTK was re-released in trade paperback, eBook, and audiobook editions. FTK has been translated into six languages.
Andrew had the privilege of attending Operation Thriller II, a 2011 USO tour to Afghanistan where he personally thanked our troops for their service. He traveled with fellow authors Sandra Brown, Kathy Reichs, Clive Cussler and Mark Bowden. He considers the USO tour one of the highlights of his life. To date, Andrew has donated over 3,000 books to our troops serving overseas and to our wounded warriors recovering in Naval and Army hospitals worldwide.
When he’s not writing the popular Nathan McBride series, Andrew enjoys scuba diving, target shooting, flying helicopters, hiking and camping, and an occasional (and questionable) round of golf. Andrew and his wife, Carla, live in Monterey County, California with their two Giant Schnauzers.
An excellent marksman, he holds the classification of Master in the NRA’s High Power Rifle ranking system. His familiarity with weapons and dedication to research has resulted in many speaking engagements ranging from craft workshops to ATF canine demonstrations.
Andrew began writing fiction in 1990 and sold a short story, Mr. Haggarty’s Stop, to San Diego Writers Monthly in October, 1992. After attending his first writer’s conference in 2005, where he met Ridley Pearson, he became serious about writing the Nathan McBride stories.
FIRST TO KILL (FTK) is Andrew’s debut thriller which features Nathan McBride, the brutally effective, trained Marine scout sniper and former CIA operations officer. FTK was originally published in 2008 by Dorchester Publishing as a mass market paperback. Early in January 2011, Andrew signed with Thomas and Mercer. Then in 2012, FTK was re-released in trade paperback, eBook, and audiobook editions. FTK has been translated into six languages.
Andrew had the privilege of attending Operation Thriller II, a 2011 USO tour to Afghanistan where he personally thanked our troops for their service. He traveled with fellow authors Sandra Brown, Kathy Reichs, Clive Cussler and Mark Bowden. He considers the USO tour one of the highlights of his life. To date, Andrew has donated over 3,000 books to our troops serving overseas and to our wounded warriors recovering in Naval and Army hospitals worldwide.
When he’s not writing the popular Nathan McBride series, Andrew enjoys scuba diving, target shooting, flying helicopters, hiking and camping, and an occasional (and questionable) round of golf. Andrew and his wife, Carla, live in Monterey County, California with their two Giant Schnauzers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 8, 2018
Nathan McBride, a special ops guy, and a bit of a whiner, is called in when an acquaintance witnesses a murder. The perpetrator belongs to a big private contractor, tasked with doing something about the border situation.
McBride gets involved, has a tiff with his father, and eventually stops the bad guys.
Not bad.
McBride gets involved, has a tiff with his father, and eventually stops the bad guys.
Not bad.
August 14, 2015
Great Summer read
The Nathan McBride series is fast moving and action packed.Peterson is on a par with Lee Child. Recommend this series to devotees of the thriller gendre.
The Nathan McBride series is fast moving and action packed.Peterson is on a par with Lee Child. Recommend this series to devotees of the thriller gendre.
August 29, 2015
First off, I want to say: Bravo, Andrew Peterson...one more burst. Make it close.
Now, back to my review - There’s always lots of action when Nathan McBride is involved, and he has a great sidekick who can almost do the impossible. There’s a lot under the rug of this novel.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I Saw the Light - A True Story of a Near-Death Experience
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost - A True Story of Ghostly Encounters
Forever in My Heart - A True Story of Coincidence and Destiny
The Rain Snake: A Children's Color Illustrated Book of the miracles of prayer and love
Now, back to my review - There’s always lots of action when Nathan McBride is involved, and he has a great sidekick who can almost do the impossible. There’s a lot under the rug of this novel.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I Saw the Light - A True Story of a Near-Death Experience
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost - A True Story of Ghostly Encounters
Forever in My Heart - A True Story of Coincidence and Destiny
The Rain Snake: A Children's Color Illustrated Book of the miracles of prayer and love
December 31, 2018
The plot for this story is launched by a character who was at best peripheral way back in book number one. For fans of the series, they will likely recognize the character soon after reading. It's interesting to see the author have fun with an old throwaway character, then use him to such great effect in this book. Where things go from there is a massive shift in scale as a new, large-scale military contractor is pulled into the story for the first time. And thanks to the politics of the situation, McBride's father plays a big role for the first time.
This series continues to impress me. The characters continue to evolve and the proverbial pages fly by.
This series continues to impress me. The characters continue to evolve and the proverbial pages fly by.
January 12, 2018
When Toby Haynes witnesses a double murder and he suspects his boss Tanner Mason
as the perpetrator of the crime he can think of only one thing to do, he calls his friend
Nathon McBride. CIA's special ops veteran operator and his partner Harvey Fontana.
They respond to his plea and begin a covert investigation into Mason the security chief
for one of the nations leading private military contractors. Mason and his inner circle
are leading a top secret operation to tackle a wave of crime plaguing the US-Mexican
border and the murder may have been a part of their strategy or part of a more menacing
agenda. McBride and Fontana find themselves in a deadly game with a powerful politician
behind it all and stopping Mason could mean joining a secret war. This is book 5 in the
Nathan McBride series and it's jammed packed with action. I liked it better than #4 and
I rated it at 5.
as the perpetrator of the crime he can think of only one thing to do, he calls his friend
Nathon McBride. CIA's special ops veteran operator and his partner Harvey Fontana.
They respond to his plea and begin a covert investigation into Mason the security chief
for one of the nations leading private military contractors. Mason and his inner circle
are leading a top secret operation to tackle a wave of crime plaguing the US-Mexican
border and the murder may have been a part of their strategy or part of a more menacing
agenda. McBride and Fontana find themselves in a deadly game with a powerful politician
behind it all and stopping Mason could mean joining a secret war. This is book 5 in the
Nathan McBride series and it's jammed packed with action. I liked it better than #4 and
I rated it at 5.
August 22, 2015
The book opens up in a war zone (Afghanistan) against the Taliban, Tanner Mason; a private military contractor is leading the raid. Then the story switches to modern day San Diego, California, as Nathan McBride answers a call from a friend Toby Haynes. Toby accuses Tanner of murder. Nathan and his partner Harvey Fontana start to investigate. Boy oh Boy the action begins and never stops.
Peterson is an excellent writer and even though this is book five the quality has not let up. Peterson displays his superior knowledge of all aspects of fighting combatants, weaponry and strategy. The plot twists and turns and the book entertain an interesting mix of characters. I enjoyed this action packed story. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dick Hill narrated the story.
Peterson is an excellent writer and even though this is book five the quality has not let up. Peterson displays his superior knowledge of all aspects of fighting combatants, weaponry and strategy. The plot twists and turns and the book entertain an interesting mix of characters. I enjoyed this action packed story. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dick Hill narrated the story.
September 17, 2016
I say the same thing every time....Peterson needs more play. He is an excellent writer and McBride is a great character. I really like this series.
McBride is a retired Marine/ Black ops soldier who know owns his own business with his old spotter. The two make a great team and even though they are retired and getting older, they just can not give up the thrill. McBride is a more stable version of Jack Reacher, trouble seems to always find him.
This is a great book, and I am ok with a long set up and long dialogue. I think it only makes the action scenes more realistic. Start from book one, and enjoy. It is a great series.
McBride is a retired Marine/ Black ops soldier who know owns his own business with his old spotter. The two make a great team and even though they are retired and getting older, they just can not give up the thrill. McBride is a more stable version of Jack Reacher, trouble seems to always find him.
This is a great book, and I am ok with a long set up and long dialogue. I think it only makes the action scenes more realistic. Start from book one, and enjoy. It is a great series.
October 14, 2015
As I feared, Nathan has become too Christian for me. The writing gets murky around Nathan's relationship with Holly in a inane way. I liked the first novel best and should've stopped there. 2.5 stars for good action.
October 10, 2019
This book is the last Nathan McBride fiasco for me. This one had an inkling of potential but played out to absurdity. At the 95% completion mark, I stopped reading as McBride's 85 year old man was manning the turret of a speeding Humvee in a desert shootout. Zero food for thought.
June 5, 2016
I devoured this! Not my favorite Nathan McBride. Too much talking in places and not enough action, but it's a minor quibble. If you like high action thrillers, look no further.
November 12, 2018
While I liked this book, there were a couple of things that struck me as a little off.
Early on in the book, one of the characters observes someone he works with acting suspiciously and follows him. Fair enough, that I can understand. However, when he then observes this guy then commit a crime and that he is armed, that would be when I call the police and leave it to them. I don't know if this is an American thing or general distrust of the police, maybe even just trying to show that the character has a strong sense of justice, but it seemed a little too convenient to the plot that he kept investigating on his own.
Second, there seems to be a little too much praise for the villain, whose chief crime is that he wants to kill criminals and take their money. It seems to be hinted at that if it weren't for the last part - the taking of their money - that he could be a hero. The hero of the book himself seems quite alright with his desire to deliberately murder people that he perceives to have done wrong.
Finally, there seems to be a highly confected rift between Nathan and his girlfriend Holly which seemed poorly explained and almost completely unnecessary.
It may seem with these criticisms that I didn't enjoy the book. This is untrue, I enjoyed it a lot. There are many good parts of it, the pace is good, the author changes points of view very well and his characters are, largely, realistic. There is a lot that it good about this book, it is just a little disappointing that a very good book is, in my opinion, a little marred by these points.
Early on in the book, one of the characters observes someone he works with acting suspiciously and follows him. Fair enough, that I can understand. However, when he then observes this guy then commit a crime and that he is armed, that would be when I call the police and leave it to them. I don't know if this is an American thing or general distrust of the police, maybe even just trying to show that the character has a strong sense of justice, but it seemed a little too convenient to the plot that he kept investigating on his own.
Second, there seems to be a little too much praise for the villain, whose chief crime is that he wants to kill criminals and take their money. It seems to be hinted at that if it weren't for the last part - the taking of their money - that he could be a hero. The hero of the book himself seems quite alright with his desire to deliberately murder people that he perceives to have done wrong.
Finally, there seems to be a highly confected rift between Nathan and his girlfriend Holly which seemed poorly explained and almost completely unnecessary.
It may seem with these criticisms that I didn't enjoy the book. This is untrue, I enjoyed it a lot. There are many good parts of it, the pace is good, the author changes points of view very well and his characters are, largely, realistic. There is a lot that it good about this book, it is just a little disappointing that a very good book is, in my opinion, a little marred by these points.
January 21, 2018
Andrew Peterson's protagonist in the series, Nathan McBride, is damaged but functional. In "Contract to Kill," McBride, the operative who bears the facial scars of an intense weeks-long bout of torture in the Nicaraguan jungle that nearly took his life, meets with another in his line of work who doesn't quite have his moral compass. The life taints those who immerse themselves in its dark side. The decisions that many take for granted, like not killing people for random things, become less clear. The gulf widens between good and bad. McBride crosses paths with an independent security contractor, a guy who's seen it all, and he witnesses the aftermath of one of his hits. This doesn't sit well with McBride, and he's forced to react. And the guy he faces is much like himself, just one who took that extra step into choosing personal gain over human life. Peterson humanizes McBride and takes the reader along with his thought processes, drags him into the horrible dreams McBride faces nightly and also explains why it his this former agent believes he must continue to help people. It's the right thing to do. But frequently it appears McBride doesn't have a chance in hell of getting out of the mess he gets himself into.
July 1, 2019
This book follows in the action packed footsteps of the Nathan McBride series. In this book Nathan and Harv come together to help out a former acquaintance who witnessed his bosses commit a murder. Like the previous books in this series, the author spends a lot of time describing action scenes, while the character development is rather light. It’s pretty clear that these are action/adventure books, and not character studies. This is fine with me as it makes here books a fun, quick and light read for me. I’m not going to speak of what happens in the book so as not to spoil it for anyone. I do very much enjoy this series and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
August 22, 2018
This book has all the action you would expect from this series and then some. Tanner Mason is a security chief for a high level private military company and instrumental in organizing a program the government would like to carry out off the books. Actually not a bad guy for a bad guy. He is careful not to kill innocents on his missions. His problem is his love of money, which leads to actions which end up involving Nathan and Harv. Throw in some S. Koreans and a Mexican cartel and you have the makings of a really good story. we even get more from Stone McBride, Nathan's father and US Senator.
September 14, 2018
Another great story by Andrew Peterson.
Interesting story that kept me riveted, with a surprise outcome I won't reveal. As a layperson with no gun
experience nor military, it was easy to fo!low with just enough characters to make it interesting. You gotta love Nathan who seems more human than. Mitch Rapp. I think I only have one more to read in this series and I am .exhausted hearing about all the constant maneuvering and thinking and planning and Plan B's Nathan and crew did. I give it a 4 1/2!!
Interesting story that kept me riveted, with a surprise outcome I won't reveal. As a layperson with no gun
experience nor military, it was easy to fo!low with just enough characters to make it interesting. You gotta love Nathan who seems more human than. Mitch Rapp. I think I only have one more to read in this series and I am .exhausted hearing about all the constant maneuvering and thinking and planning and Plan B's Nathan and crew did. I give it a 4 1/2!!
November 22, 2017
This features Nathan McBride, former sniper, and his partner Harvey Fontana, both former Marines and members of the CIA. Their mission is to apprehend three private military contractors who are planning to rob from a vicious Mexican cartel leader. There are many dead bodies, lots of twists and turns, and non-stop action. It was interesting to see how they set up their operations. Characters are well developed and it was a thriller from beginning to end.
December 27, 2017
Enjoyable read, keeps you wanting to read longer
I understand men (especially military men) drop the "F" bomb, however that is one word unnecessary in any context. Intelligent people don't use it and it never adds to a statement in a way that improves as sentence or situation. That said, its repeated use did fit the situation.
The author keeps me in suspense and I hate putting his books down. I'm in the battles and waiting to hear bullets whizzing by me.
I understand men (especially military men) drop the "F" bomb, however that is one word unnecessary in any context. Intelligent people don't use it and it never adds to a statement in a way that improves as sentence or situation. That said, its repeated use did fit the situation.
The author keeps me in suspense and I hate putting his books down. I'm in the battles and waiting to hear bullets whizzing by me.
May 22, 2017
A gripping fast moving thriller
A former marine witnesses a murder on his way to his nightshift and recognises the murderer. Horrified, he rings his old friend Nathan McBride who rushes over to assist him. But all goes horribly wrong when the murderer discovers that our man was in the area, and may have seen what happened. Nail biting stuff.
June Finnigan - Writer
A former marine witnesses a murder on his way to his nightshift and recognises the murderer. Horrified, he rings his old friend Nathan McBride who rushes over to assist him. But all goes horribly wrong when the murderer discovers that our man was in the area, and may have seen what happened. Nail biting stuff.
June Finnigan - Writer
November 2, 2017
Contract
I must have missed the reason this was the title but it was still a great novel. I find it hard to believe I'm about to read the last book. I hope Mr Peterson writes more because Nathan and Harv are awesome. I even have my husband reading them. He's a veteran and he's enjoying them immensely. Mr. Peterson is a great author!
I must have missed the reason this was the title but it was still a great novel. I find it hard to believe I'm about to read the last book. I hope Mr Peterson writes more because Nathan and Harv are awesome. I even have my husband reading them. He's a veteran and he's enjoying them immensely. Mr. Peterson is a great author!
January 27, 2018
Nat and Harv are called into action again by an old friend. Things become dicey when they realize his friend is mixed up with a mercenary who has gone rouge. Nat's dad becomes a hero. I won't ruin it for you but it was something out of a movie script! The only thing I will say with this series is Peterson puts more detail about guns and ammunition than most people care to know about.
August 7, 2018
New Challenges & New Possibilities, more coming also.
Deals in action & suspense; also the moral & legal questions of war on organized crime & terror. Some good wisdom to consider. Also the how's & why's of government & business corruption. Shows the value of True Statesmen & the Warriors they support. Lessons sorely needed in Today's World.
Deals in action & suspense; also the moral & legal questions of war on organized crime & terror. Some good wisdom to consider. Also the how's & why's of government & business corruption. Shows the value of True Statesmen & the Warriors they support. Lessons sorely needed in Today's World.
November 21, 2018
A better book than option to kill. Better plot but a bit unbelievable that a united States senator would get involved, you can look forward to that one.... Anyway think Andrew has redeemed himself in my opinion with this book. Liked the way he wasn't scared to kill off some old friends of Nathan's (but none of the important ones of course).
April 7, 2020
Andrew Peterson continues his series of Nathan McBride books with more unstoppable action and intrigue with a plot you’ll find very difficult to ever figure out. This one had me totally fooled until the last page. On to the next in Peterson’s next beguiling series as it happens to be right in the heart of the ‘Corona Virus’ shut-in of 2020. Great reading for a time of quarantine.
July 26, 2020
Wow!
An absolute masterpiece! In today's anti-law enforcement and military environment, I'm glad to see Mr. Peterson celebrate those that protect our freedoms. A thrill ride from beginning to the end. It's not often a work of fiction can tear as me up! I'm a confirmed Nathan McBride groupie! Well done sir!
An absolute masterpiece! In today's anti-law enforcement and military environment, I'm glad to see Mr. Peterson celebrate those that protect our freedoms. A thrill ride from beginning to the end. It's not often a work of fiction can tear as me up! I'm a confirmed Nathan McBride groupie! Well done sir!
July 14, 2021
My wife and I have always said, “San Diego seems like the perfect place to live.”. After reading the McBride novels, I am no longer sure that is true.
A LOT of challenges take place around SD in these stories.
BTW, how long does it take to fly from Washington DC to the west coast? (asking for a friend)
A LOT of challenges take place around SD in these stories.
BTW, how long does it take to fly from Washington DC to the west coast? (asking for a friend)
June 8, 2017
Contract to Kill
I will say the same thing I said last book I love this series. This is a very exciting series. I love that you are kept in suspense until the very end. This is an outstanding series.
I will say the same thing I said last book I love this series. This is a very exciting series. I love that you are kept in suspense until the very end. This is an outstanding series.
September 26, 2017
Another winner.
Action packed and thought provoking. I didn't think it could be possible for each book in a series to be as good as or better than the previous one but it has happened with this series. Now on to number six and more late nights.
Action packed and thought provoking. I didn't think it could be possible for each book in a series to be as good as or better than the previous one but it has happened with this series. Now on to number six and more late nights.
October 6, 2017
It's ok
This book has the same cadence as the others, but it just didn't capture my attention as well. The spiritual moment was a bit too much. I liked the book but it wasn't as good as before.
This book has the same cadence as the others, but it just didn't capture my attention as well. The spiritual moment was a bit too much. I liked the book but it wasn't as good as before.
October 31, 2017
Another Hit!
I loved the satisfying ending and the exciting beginning and heart pounding action-filled middle. Thank you, Andrew Peterson, for making these exciting books affordable so I can enjoy all of Nathan McBride series!
I loved the satisfying ending and the exciting beginning and heart pounding action-filled middle. Thank you, Andrew Peterson, for making these exciting books affordable so I can enjoy all of Nathan McBride series!
November 17, 2017
Very interesting. Great tactical story within the storyline
Very interesting story and understanding of the men and women that provide a land of liberty. I believe there is too much trashy language--totally unnecessary in an otherwise good novel.
Very interesting story and understanding of the men and women that provide a land of liberty. I believe there is too much trashy language--totally unnecessary in an otherwise good novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews