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Penumbra Division #3
The Triangle
The War Has Begun. The Weapons Haven't Been Found. And Now, the One Person Sent to Find Them Has Vanished.
October 2003. Six months after the Iraq War began, no weapons of mass destruction have been found. The CIA, desperate to avoid another intelligence blunder, quietly passes the hunt to the one unit that doesn't officially exist: Penumbra Division.
Jermaine Falls, the division's newest recruit, is sent in to find what no one else can. But when Falls disappears inside Baghdad's Red Zone, the mission shifts from locating weapons to finding one of their own.
John Bishop knows he should cut his losses. Falls knew the risks. But Bishop can't let this one go. With no room for failure, he turns to the only person capable of pulling off an off-the-books rescue under the noses of not just the enemy, but the CIA itself.
Lauren Rampling follows Falls's trail into the most dangerous territory on earth—a lawless war zone where insurgents, militias, and something much more sinister await. With a team of trusted mercenaries along for the ride, what she uncovers goes far beyond a missing operative—it's a secret that could send the already volatile conflict spiraling out of control.
Can Rampling survive long enough to bring her people home alive? And with Bishop and his best operative gone rogue, will the unsanctioned assignment be the one that finally destroys Penumbra Division from within?
If you live for the relentless espionage thrillers of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Daniel Silva, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor, then strap in for Sam Cogley's most explosive mission yet—THE TRIANGLE.
October 2003. Six months after the Iraq War began, no weapons of mass destruction have been found. The CIA, desperate to avoid another intelligence blunder, quietly passes the hunt to the one unit that doesn't officially exist: Penumbra Division.
Jermaine Falls, the division's newest recruit, is sent in to find what no one else can. But when Falls disappears inside Baghdad's Red Zone, the mission shifts from locating weapons to finding one of their own.
John Bishop knows he should cut his losses. Falls knew the risks. But Bishop can't let this one go. With no room for failure, he turns to the only person capable of pulling off an off-the-books rescue under the noses of not just the enemy, but the CIA itself.
Lauren Rampling follows Falls's trail into the most dangerous territory on earth—a lawless war zone where insurgents, militias, and something much more sinister await. With a team of trusted mercenaries along for the ride, what she uncovers goes far beyond a missing operative—it's a secret that could send the already volatile conflict spiraling out of control.
Can Rampling survive long enough to bring her people home alive? And with Bishop and his best operative gone rogue, will the unsanctioned assignment be the one that finally destroys Penumbra Division from within?
If you live for the relentless espionage thrillers of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Daniel Silva, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor, then strap in for Sam Cogley's most explosive mission yet—THE TRIANGLE.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Triangle
A Penumbra Division Thriller
By Sam Cogley
The hunt is on for something the world was told existed, buried beneath layers of misdirection and carefully crafted distraction. In a landscape where power players justify everything in the name of control, plausible deniability holds firm…until it doesn’t.
From the first page, the reader is dropped straight into the chaos. The tension doesn’t just build it coils tighter with every chapter. Cogley delivers relentless momentum, never letting the pressure ease.
Bishop is finally out from behind his smoke filled, windowless office, though the damage lingers. This time, he’s not observing he’s all in. The risks are real, the stakes higher than ever. Internal conflicts surface as battle lines are drawn, and pressure from above forces decisions that blur the line between authority and obsession.
Alliances form in the shadows. Plans are set in motion with fragile trust in the intelligence guiding them. Every move feels like a gamble. Through it all, acts of raw courage push to the forefront, cutting through the uncertainty.
This is a psychological thriller that doesn’t hold back. It pulls every lever. Strategy, suspense, and sacrifice driving toward an explosive crescendo. Professionals risk everything, not for glory, but to save lives.
And yet, on both sides, conviction fuels destruction. Each believes in their own version of truth, and that belief ignites chaos, relentless violence, wave after wave, leaving devastation in its wake.
Innocent lives are lost, women, children all casualties in the pursuit of power and greed. And with every loss comes retaliation, feeding an endless cycle of vengeance. It’s brutal, it’s tragic, and it makes one thing painfully clear: in a world like this, it’s no wonder everyone is chasing power.
Readers who appreciate writings from authors such as Jack Mars, Lee Child and Tom Clancy will definitely embrace Sam Cogley. I highly recommend The Triangle.
A Penumbra Division Thriller
By Sam Cogley
The hunt is on for something the world was told existed, buried beneath layers of misdirection and carefully crafted distraction. In a landscape where power players justify everything in the name of control, plausible deniability holds firm…until it doesn’t.
From the first page, the reader is dropped straight into the chaos. The tension doesn’t just build it coils tighter with every chapter. Cogley delivers relentless momentum, never letting the pressure ease.
Bishop is finally out from behind his smoke filled, windowless office, though the damage lingers. This time, he’s not observing he’s all in. The risks are real, the stakes higher than ever. Internal conflicts surface as battle lines are drawn, and pressure from above forces decisions that blur the line between authority and obsession.
Alliances form in the shadows. Plans are set in motion with fragile trust in the intelligence guiding them. Every move feels like a gamble. Through it all, acts of raw courage push to the forefront, cutting through the uncertainty.
This is a psychological thriller that doesn’t hold back. It pulls every lever. Strategy, suspense, and sacrifice driving toward an explosive crescendo. Professionals risk everything, not for glory, but to save lives.
And yet, on both sides, conviction fuels destruction. Each believes in their own version of truth, and that belief ignites chaos, relentless violence, wave after wave, leaving devastation in its wake.
Innocent lives are lost, women, children all casualties in the pursuit of power and greed. And with every loss comes retaliation, feeding an endless cycle of vengeance. It’s brutal, it’s tragic, and it makes one thing painfully clear: in a world like this, it’s no wonder everyone is chasing power.
Readers who appreciate writings from authors such as Jack Mars, Lee Child and Tom Clancy will definitely embrace Sam Cogley. I highly recommend The Triangle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Triangle, Sam Cogley's latest installment of the Penumbra Division thriller series is a tour-de-force that not only introduces us to a new main character in Jermaine Falls, but gives us an interesting but admittedly fictional back story in the search for WMDs and Saddam Hussein in the Iraq war.
While division head John Bishop's unorthodox manner brings results, he's constantly butting heads with the CIA's deputy director who oversees his operation. This leads to Bishop effectively running things with one hand tied behind his back, but he'll do whatever it takes to rescue Falls after faulty intelligence leads to his capture.
With Lauren Rampling, his like-minded operative who goes back out in the field, they might just have a chance to not only save Falls, who faces a cruel insurgent torture expert while behind bars, but in the end achieve a lot more than originally bargained for when this dangerous, unauthorized mission is all said and done.
Kudos to Cogley for adding in a compelling adventure surrounded with real-life history of went down in Iraq back in 2003. I'm really curious to see what's next for John Bishop and his growing cast of characters in the Penumbra Division series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While division head John Bishop's unorthodox manner brings results, he's constantly butting heads with the CIA's deputy director who oversees his operation. This leads to Bishop effectively running things with one hand tied behind his back, but he'll do whatever it takes to rescue Falls after faulty intelligence leads to his capture.
With Lauren Rampling, his like-minded operative who goes back out in the field, they might just have a chance to not only save Falls, who faces a cruel insurgent torture expert while behind bars, but in the end achieve a lot more than originally bargained for when this dangerous, unauthorized mission is all said and done.
Kudos to Cogley for adding in a compelling adventure surrounded with real-life history of went down in Iraq back in 2003. I'm really curious to see what's next for John Bishop and his growing cast of characters in the Penumbra Division series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2026
Off the books soldiers beating the odds in the Iran/Iraq war in 2003 - 4.5 stars
All independent mercenaries working for the CIA have to work on their own and deal with intelligence shortfalls. Trying to locate weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) was a top priority for the United States in 2003. Iraq had lured a skilled infiltrator (Jermaine Falls) into Bagdad. He was caught in a trap and put into a prison with other anti-Saddam Husain prisoners. While this novel admits that it is a work of fiction, it is easy to understand that the events on the ground leading up to Falls insertion into Iran and Falls capture seemed plausible. As the movies say, this was based on real events.
The Penumbra division was an off-the-books operation intended to gather information and fix problems that stymied both diplomacy and strong armies. Jermaine is a one-man army who is tortured by a master interrogator (Ali Haddad), fed unappetizing food, beaten and subjected to extreme intellectual cruelty. His resilience and ability to find innovative solutions to imprisonment were awe inspiring.
The story includes not only the horrible depravations but also the humanity of people trying to do the right thing which includes disobeying direct orders. Be prepared to accept extremes of behavior and moral compass.
All independent mercenaries working for the CIA have to work on their own and deal with intelligence shortfalls. Trying to locate weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) was a top priority for the United States in 2003. Iraq had lured a skilled infiltrator (Jermaine Falls) into Bagdad. He was caught in a trap and put into a prison with other anti-Saddam Husain prisoners. While this novel admits that it is a work of fiction, it is easy to understand that the events on the ground leading up to Falls insertion into Iran and Falls capture seemed plausible. As the movies say, this was based on real events.
The Penumbra division was an off-the-books operation intended to gather information and fix problems that stymied both diplomacy and strong armies. Jermaine is a one-man army who is tortured by a master interrogator (Ali Haddad), fed unappetizing food, beaten and subjected to extreme intellectual cruelty. His resilience and ability to find innovative solutions to imprisonment were awe inspiring.
The story includes not only the horrible depravations but also the humanity of people trying to do the right thing which includes disobeying direct orders. Be prepared to accept extremes of behavior and moral compass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
After the fall of Siam Hussain, there is a Jurassic push to find weapons of mass destruction. People were led astray with the belief that they existed only to be captured and use as pawns. The CIA is looking for fall guys for the lack of success in the operatives of the Penumbra Divisions were the easy scapegoats because they operated in the shadows. John Bishop was willing to loose his career to leave no man behind as a sacrificed offering. Desperation abounds! Laura Ramboling is determined to bring Jermaine Halls home. Bureaucracy doesn’t care. Laura lead to small team of operatives to free Jeremy and destroy those that take great pleasure in torturing others. This is quite the tale of military adventure in the post 911 Iraq with codes and US operators working together to bring an end to a regime that takes great pleasures and destroying others. The tail is well woven in the plot is intriguing and well developed character development excels in this novel and the action is non-stop and well written. This is a story of retribution and justice. Can Jeremiah survive? Can Laura and her operatives survive and bring justice to those that have escaped for so long? Pulse pounding novel that is absolutely worth your time to read..
May 21, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story portrays a period of the Iraq War where emphasis was placed on WMDs. In this story, Falls is on assignment to locate them for Penumbra Division. Following information he has received, he headed to the location where he was told they would be located. On arriving, he did not locate any and wound up being captured. It seems that his informant had laid a trap to capture him. Now normally he would be left out in the cold, however in this case, Bishop asked Rampling to see if she could find Falls. She was told that this mission wasn't ok but decided to do it anyway.
Follow Rampling as she ferrets out clues to locate him. Discover what she learned and how Falls was being treated while captured. Discover who supported Rampling in her attempt to free Falls and what happened when the attempt was made. Learn what repercussions were made against Bishop once it was discovered. Discover what the additional mission Rampling and her team embarked on and what sort of impact it had.
The story will definitely keep your interest and is well worth reading, don't miss out!
This story portrays a period of the Iraq War where emphasis was placed on WMDs. In this story, Falls is on assignment to locate them for Penumbra Division. Following information he has received, he headed to the location where he was told they would be located. On arriving, he did not locate any and wound up being captured. It seems that his informant had laid a trap to capture him. Now normally he would be left out in the cold, however in this case, Bishop asked Rampling to see if she could find Falls. She was told that this mission wasn't ok but decided to do it anyway.
Follow Rampling as she ferrets out clues to locate him. Discover what she learned and how Falls was being treated while captured. Discover who supported Rampling in her attempt to free Falls and what happened when the attempt was made. Learn what repercussions were made against Bishop once it was discovered. Discover what the additional mission Rampling and her team embarked on and what sort of impact it had.
The story will definitely keep your interest and is well worth reading, don't miss out!
Review of advance copy
Drama and suspense from the Prologue. The action is almost non-stop, and you're not prepared for what happens at any given moment. Quite the battle at the prison which led to a great rescue mission. Very busy book. Author Cogley definitely knows how to tell an exciting yarn. Quite engrossing.
Like the new character Jermaine Falls. Also gives us a little more of a look into characters we already know and love.
Did a little research of The Triangle where the book is set and a very very dangerous place. Made the book a little more interesting for me.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it is also a great third book in the series if you are following it. I would recommend you do so.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like the new character Jermaine Falls. Also gives us a little more of a look into characters we already know and love.
Did a little research of The Triangle where the book is set and a very very dangerous place. Made the book a little more interesting for me.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it is also a great third book in the series if you are following it. I would recommend you do so.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2026
Wow. Now I have to start by saying the Adam Knight series is one of my all time favorite series. But here we go. This series has a team vs one man, and oh my. While it was action packed, this series also gives us a lot more behind the scenes. Which makes the action more intense because you have more of an understanding of what failure means if the good guys can’t hhmm, handle their business. Ok no spoilers!! Get the book. You won’t be disappointed.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How exciting. This book takes you to the workings of the CIA and what some of their operatives go through. You will be taken on a rough journey of one operative who has been captured and some of their operatives unhuman things that are done to him. You will be amazed by the stamina of some people. Then you will also learn of the inner struggles of the leadership teams. You will be kept on your toes waiting to see what is next.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Found the book a great fast read, lots of characters, action and mayhem.
In Sam Cogley fashion this new series pulls you right into the middle of what is going on but leaves you with questions about what is next. This book and new series is perfect for someone that is looking for a good action adventure in their reads. This will not disappoint cannot wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Sam Cogley fashion this new series pulls you right into the middle of what is going on but leaves you with questions about what is next. This book and new series is perfect for someone that is looking for a good action adventure in their reads. This will not disappoint cannot wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well another fantastic page turner by Sam introducing another character Falls to the Penumbra family. Was a cracking read with several “what - no” moments throughout. Not going to lie - I’m glad the ending went the way I’d hoped it would.
Can’t wait for the next book to come from Sam and his team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can’t wait for the next book to come from Sam and his team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2026
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Again Bishop goes off the book on a mission to rescue a guy who got taken. Fall the operative was taken and Rampling and friends fight to get him free and save more lives in the process. A great series with enough action to keep you turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a none stop, high octane read. Sam's character development and storyline brings the words to life, leading the imagination in an action packed movie for the mind.
Sam gives Tom Clancy a run for his pen, so to speak.
Sam gives Tom Clancy a run for his pen, so to speak.
Read
May 1, 2026Mr. Cogley has another winner in this new tale of the Penumbra Division. Excitement galore. Intrigue & thrill and suspense around every corner. I recommend this book if you like thrillers & spy stories. Great read; hard to pot down once you start.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Sam has written a thrilling story based on History. While I did find some of the parts hard to read, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story or my reccomendation that it is a must read novel.
May 6, 2026
Another action-packed international thriller of the behind-the-scenes CIA division. Some old favorites are back and a new hero introduced.
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.
May 6, 2026
Set at the end of the Iraq war with the ongoing search for WMD and the CIA's hunt for them. It then has a off the books search for a captured CIA officer. A well written fast action thriller that I enjoyed.
May 4, 2026
This was an exceptional book. I couldn’t put it down I had to see what happened next.
Storyline and characters very good and plenty of action.
Well done Sam awaiting your next book.
Storyline and characters very good and plenty of action.
Well done Sam awaiting your next book.
May 8, 2026
A good story line / plot. Well written with good characters and plenty of action, what more could you need.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rampling gets pulled from her job as trainer for new recruits. One of her former trainee is in trouble and Bishop asks her to do an off the books assistance. This puts him in trouble as well.
I love that his stories are set in a real world situation (in this case, it's the Iraq war and they are scrambling to find evidence of WMDs and prime target leaders). It shows how the Iraq people used that blind sight of not being able to "justify" what was done to put us in bad light. They don't have the same viewpoint, so feel whatever means needed to get what they want are acceptable.
Hang on as Rampling gets some help on her mission but Bishop has a fine line to dance. Is he successful or will the new deputy director have his hide? Is their man rescued and what is the cost (successful or not)?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love that his stories are set in a real world situation (in this case, it's the Iraq war and they are scrambling to find evidence of WMDs and prime target leaders). It shows how the Iraq people used that blind sight of not being able to "justify" what was done to put us in bad light. They don't have the same viewpoint, so feel whatever means needed to get what they want are acceptable.
Hang on as Rampling gets some help on her mission but Bishop has a fine line to dance. Is he successful or will the new deputy director have his hide? Is their man rescued and what is the cost (successful or not)?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews