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Masters CIA Thriller #2
The Masters' Key
Clint Masters returns from the pit of disaster . . .
With his allies at the CIA, Clint battles a mysterious new threat targeting his company and the citizens of Boston who now live in fear. Under a gag order from his last confrontation, Clint can’t reveal the truth about the tragedies.
In spite of city-wide panic, Clint sees the terror attacks as personal. And he learns that not everyone at the CIA wants to catch the killer. With public suspicion at redline, Clint must fight to survive.
But can Clint capture the elusive and ruthless maniac? Or will he become the next victim?
An espionage and suspense thriller with a techno bent, THE MASTERS’ KEY is set in Boston and DC.
Readers can get a book free here: eepurl.com/bgYxET ~ Just clip and paste into your browser
The Masters CIA Thriller Series: RECOMMENDED READING ORDER:
3 LIES
THE MASTERS’ KEY
DEAD STORM
Interview with the Author:
Q: What does Helen Hanson bring to the thriller genre?
HH — Heart-skipping pace, life-critical stakes, and broody, looming danger wrapped in a twenty-first century skin. We live in a time when technology surrounds us. The kid down the street has instant access to information unfathomable a century ago. Consequently crime had gone digital, online, and victims rarely see what hit them.
Because of my background, I present the technology employed by my characters in a fluent way to readers. They say I write about techno topics in a way that makes them enjoyable. I don’t burden the prose with jargon. Most readers want to know what kind of gun is fired, not how to field strip it.
Q: Tell us about your characters.
HH — My characters are unique beings, each requiring a different spark to light the fire. I explore their sparks.
I create believable characters with realistic dialogue engaged in page-flipping action. I like to watch ordinary people find the extraordinary in themselves when facing adversity. No one is surprised when Jason Bourne takes out a detachment of Marines, but we can’t say that about waitress Maggie Fender.
My protagonists don’t possess the Special Forces skills of a super spy. They stumble into dangerous situations and use technology to advance their position even if it isn’t strictly legal. The stakes have to be worthy of a fight.
Plus, they’re witty people who possess veins of humor. As in life, it punctuates disaster.
Q: Where do your thrillers take place?
HH — The action in my thrillers takes place in a variety of locations around the globe. So far, we’ve landed in: Russia, Boston, San Francisco, Pakistan, Washington D.C., Santa Cruz, Venezuela, Half Moon Bay, and Mongolia. Since the characters across my novels exist in the same story world, they often appear in other works, though the current titles are not a single series.
Q: Do you write your thrillers in series?
HH — At the request of my readers, I have. The sequel to 3 LIES is now out and called THE MASTERS’ KEY, with a third volume on deck. After that, I’ll expand from DARK POOL and OCEAN OF FEAR because those characters are bound to find new adventures. With an FBI agent, a hacker, and a robotics expert in the lineup, they offer continuous fodder for action and suspense.
With his allies at the CIA, Clint battles a mysterious new threat targeting his company and the citizens of Boston who now live in fear. Under a gag order from his last confrontation, Clint can’t reveal the truth about the tragedies.
In spite of city-wide panic, Clint sees the terror attacks as personal. And he learns that not everyone at the CIA wants to catch the killer. With public suspicion at redline, Clint must fight to survive.
But can Clint capture the elusive and ruthless maniac? Or will he become the next victim?
An espionage and suspense thriller with a techno bent, THE MASTERS’ KEY is set in Boston and DC.
Readers can get a book free here: eepurl.com/bgYxET ~ Just clip and paste into your browser
The Masters CIA Thriller Series: RECOMMENDED READING ORDER:
3 LIES
THE MASTERS’ KEY
DEAD STORM
Interview with the Author:
Q: What does Helen Hanson bring to the thriller genre?
HH — Heart-skipping pace, life-critical stakes, and broody, looming danger wrapped in a twenty-first century skin. We live in a time when technology surrounds us. The kid down the street has instant access to information unfathomable a century ago. Consequently crime had gone digital, online, and victims rarely see what hit them.
Because of my background, I present the technology employed by my characters in a fluent way to readers. They say I write about techno topics in a way that makes them enjoyable. I don’t burden the prose with jargon. Most readers want to know what kind of gun is fired, not how to field strip it.
Q: Tell us about your characters.
HH — My characters are unique beings, each requiring a different spark to light the fire. I explore their sparks.
I create believable characters with realistic dialogue engaged in page-flipping action. I like to watch ordinary people find the extraordinary in themselves when facing adversity. No one is surprised when Jason Bourne takes out a detachment of Marines, but we can’t say that about waitress Maggie Fender.
My protagonists don’t possess the Special Forces skills of a super spy. They stumble into dangerous situations and use technology to advance their position even if it isn’t strictly legal. The stakes have to be worthy of a fight.
Plus, they’re witty people who possess veins of humor. As in life, it punctuates disaster.
Q: Where do your thrillers take place?
HH — The action in my thrillers takes place in a variety of locations around the globe. So far, we’ve landed in: Russia, Boston, San Francisco, Pakistan, Washington D.C., Santa Cruz, Venezuela, Half Moon Bay, and Mongolia. Since the characters across my novels exist in the same story world, they often appear in other works, though the current titles are not a single series.
Q: Do you write your thrillers in series?
HH — At the request of my readers, I have. The sequel to 3 LIES is now out and called THE MASTERS’ KEY, with a third volume on deck. After that, I’ll expand from DARK POOL and OCEAN OF FEAR because those characters are bound to find new adventures. With an FBI agent, a hacker, and a robotics expert in the lineup, they offer continuous fodder for action and suspense.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2015
67 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hanson
24 books207 followersBestselling author Helen Hanson writes thrillers about desperate people with a high-tech bent. Hackers. The CIA. Industry titans. Guys on sailboats. Mobsters. Their personal maelstroms pit them against unrelenting forces willing to kill. Throughout the journey, they try to find some truth, a little humor, and their humanity — from either end of the trigger.
While Helen writes about the power hungry, she genuinely mistrusts anyone who wants to rule the world.
Helen directed operations for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, video games, software, and computers. Her reluctant education behind the redwood curtain culminated in a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrated studies in Computer Science. She also learned to play a mean game of hacky sack.
She is a licensed private pilot with a ticket for single-engine aircraft. Helen and her husband spent their first anniversary with their flight instructor studying for the FAA practical. If you were a passenger on a 737 trying to land at SJC in 1995, she sends her most sincere apologies. Really.
Born in fly-over country, Helen has lived on both coasts, near both borders, and at several locations in between. She lettered in tennis, worked as a machinist, and saw the Clash at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium sometime in the eighties. She currently lives amid the bricks of Texas with her husband, son, and a dog that composes music with squeaky toys.
If you enjoy her books, please consider writing a review. If you don’t, please be kind.
For a FREE Thriller, visit HelenHanson.com
While Helen writes about the power hungry, she genuinely mistrusts anyone who wants to rule the world.
Helen directed operations for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, video games, software, and computers. Her reluctant education behind the redwood curtain culminated in a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrated studies in Computer Science. She also learned to play a mean game of hacky sack.
She is a licensed private pilot with a ticket for single-engine aircraft. Helen and her husband spent their first anniversary with their flight instructor studying for the FAA practical. If you were a passenger on a 737 trying to land at SJC in 1995, she sends her most sincere apologies. Really.
Born in fly-over country, Helen has lived on both coasts, near both borders, and at several locations in between. She lettered in tennis, worked as a machinist, and saw the Clash at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium sometime in the eighties. She currently lives amid the bricks of Texas with her husband, son, and a dog that composes music with squeaky toys.
If you enjoy her books, please consider writing a review. If you don’t, please be kind.
For a FREE Thriller, visit HelenHanson.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 18, 2017
I love conspiracies and political thrillers. The Master’s Key by Helen Hanson is filled with over the top suspense.
Technological terrorism that is terrifying to even think about.
We have betrayal, computer attacks, revenge, malice, and so much more.
The characters run the gamut. From good to bad: the evil bitch that’s pissed she didn’t get her way, the greedy partner, the CEO whose demands cross the line, the sick woman who’s heart is pure and the man who loves her.
The Masters’ Key is very frightening…filled with the technological implications and disasters that can occur when a psycho has you in his sights. I love trying to figure out characters motivations, but this psychos thoughts are so far past my understanding. Would anyone be safe, anywhere, if he wanted to get to you? I don’t think so.
I would like to reach into my Kindle, grab him around the throat, and…
Action packed. The tension level is off the charts, as I see the bad guys in every shadow, around every corner, and behind every door.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Masters’ Key by Helen Hanson.
To see more visit fundinmental
Technological terrorism that is terrifying to even think about.
We have betrayal, computer attacks, revenge, malice, and so much more.
The characters run the gamut. From good to bad: the evil bitch that’s pissed she didn’t get her way, the greedy partner, the CEO whose demands cross the line, the sick woman who’s heart is pure and the man who loves her.
The Masters’ Key is very frightening…filled with the technological implications and disasters that can occur when a psycho has you in his sights. I love trying to figure out characters motivations, but this psychos thoughts are so far past my understanding. Would anyone be safe, anywhere, if he wanted to get to you? I don’t think so.
I would like to reach into my Kindle, grab him around the throat, and…
Action packed. The tension level is off the charts, as I see the bad guys in every shadow, around every corner, and behind every door.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Masters’ Key by Helen Hanson.
To see more visit fundinmental
March 17, 2015
Just finished reading this book and really enjoyed it. Interesting characters and a good mix of action held my interest. Like the first book in this series, this gets added to my read again collection.
July 19, 2015
Fantastic sequel to 3 Lies. Building on the previous story, things just kept getting more convoluted and yet not. All the story lines make sense and tie back together. I love, or hate, the characters, as appropriate. They totally pull me into their world where I struggle along side them, trying to figure out the next move. I feel like I know and maybe worked with them. Character behavior is spot on. Computer technical info is correct and explained within the story so it doesn't bog things down. And the government bureaucracy, yep, I worked with them, oh wait, I'm not allowed to remember that. ;-)
I'm really looking forward to book 3 in the Master's series.
I'm really looking forward to book 3 in the Master's series.
June 12, 2015
Compelling adventure
This book was as exciting as Book 1 in the series. Couldn't put it down. Loved the way the characters all had there own story and their connection. Some of the action was a little bit surreal but I loved it.. Keep the stories coming. Can't wait for #3
Pat McDonald
This book was as exciting as Book 1 in the series. Couldn't put it down. Loved the way the characters all had there own story and their connection. Some of the action was a little bit surreal but I loved it.. Keep the stories coming. Can't wait for #3
Pat McDonald
April 17, 2015
Excellent book! Looking forward to the next in the series. The characters are so likeable, the villain so easy to hate; his crimes awful to get through. I'm eager for the next round.
December 27, 2015
Love this author even more! I'm hooked. She just keeps you guessing and can't stop until the end.
December 21, 2024
Excellent follow up!
All Clint wants is to keep his girlfriend safe, but he also has to protect his company and those that work there. After being betrayed by his business partner, Clint is back to being in charge. He soon realizes that someone wants to sabotage his life and they don't care who gets hurt along the way.
All Clint wants is to keep his girlfriend safe, but he also has to protect his company and those that work there. After being betrayed by his business partner, Clint is back to being in charge. He soon realizes that someone wants to sabotage his life and they don't care who gets hurt along the way.
August 26, 2020
Surprisingly entertaining even the tech stuff
Good characters, fast action and nothing too gory. Unusual domestic spy stories. Different from usual as well written characters fully involved both men and women. Surprisingly modern and non sexist.
Good characters, fast action and nothing too gory. Unusual domestic spy stories. Different from usual as well written characters fully involved both men and women. Surprisingly modern and non sexist.
May 19, 2022
Wowza!
This excellent series by Helen Hanson won't let you put it down!! I didn't even want to take the time after Book 1 to write a review...I just wanted to keep reading.
Precise editing, concise script, and a unique way with words has made me a fan!
On to book 3!
This excellent series by Helen Hanson won't let you put it down!! I didn't even want to take the time after Book 1 to write a review...I just wanted to keep reading.
Precise editing, concise script, and a unique way with words has made me a fan!
On to book 3!
March 25, 2019
Could have been a 5 star plus
Pretty intense story line. Would have really enjoyed it if it weren't for frequent foul language. Just my opinion of course.
Pretty intense story line. Would have really enjoyed it if it weren't for frequent foul language. Just my opinion of course.
August 10, 2016
"Clint, Beth, and Todd are at it again..."
Because this is the second book in a series, I would say if you have not read the first book (3 Lies), go and do that prior to indulging in this book. I think you will gain much more context and better be able to understand the book; it will be more enjoyable. The author does give the reader some back story details that helps, but I would say the author provides just enough to help which may not be clear enough to people jumping right into this book. Even some of the key components of the story, such as CatSat and what it is/does are not as well described as I would have hoped had I not read the first book. I believe the author assumes the reader will have read the earlier material.
I had previous reviewed “3 Lies” which is the first book in this thriller series by Helen Hanson, and I have to say I enjoyed the second book more than the first. Both were well written and overall exciting, but book 2 was more enjoyable for me. The author provided me with a review copy of the first book prior to me reviewing Masters’ Key so I would have a better idea of the characters and events leading up to this book in the series.
This book in this series was more suspenseful and technically filled than the first. This book seemed bigger because of the multiple locations that story covers compared to the first. It was more a techno-thriller with much more detail showing the difficulty of a society reliant upon always connected devices such as transportation, banking, and communications. The author tells a good story having flow and timing. There were points of build-up, climax, and release which I found more involved from the first book. For people who enjoy pets in their stories, the author continues to have dogs as her animal of choice. Her Amazon bio says she is a lover of dogs, and it shows in this story as with the first. This book also has a pet cat for cat lovers.
I did want to say the author uses vulgar language lightly throughout the book, I say this for those wanting to be aware. There is also mention or use of things such as prostitution, drugs, and alcohol if you have concern or wondering if this is a series is for younger readers; I would say it is for adult or more mature teens.
Although the book contained more technology, and much of it is currently implemented or has the potential of being implemented within a few years, other technology I felt required me to suspend belief to accept. This by no means takes away from the story, but for others deeply involved in either the security industry or technology in general, just remember this is a book and not real-life, so enjoy the ride and adventure which author take you. Use or discussion of such things as the deep web, Bitcoin, TOR, and DDoS attacks are all great items in any techno-thriller I enjoy. I will say that even if you do not understand these technologies, the author does a good job of describing them at a high-level for non-technical readers.
The narration of this book, I listened and am reviewing the Audiobook version, was done by the same person as the first book; Patrick Nolan. Patrick narrated this book similarly to the first book in the series. I had some difficulty with a male narrator being able to easily voice multiple female characters; not an easy task. He used very breathy voices for female characters and it just was difficult for me at times to tell characters apart.
I felt his narration was improved in this book because it seemed he was better able to express the characters and scenes of action. There was a slight volume issue or patch to the audio near the end of the book. This slight glitch seemed to stick out quite a bit as the rest of the book was consistent
Disclaimer: This book was provided to the reviewer by the author, narrator, publisher at no charge in exchange for a non-bias review.
Because this is the second book in a series, I would say if you have not read the first book (3 Lies), go and do that prior to indulging in this book. I think you will gain much more context and better be able to understand the book; it will be more enjoyable. The author does give the reader some back story details that helps, but I would say the author provides just enough to help which may not be clear enough to people jumping right into this book. Even some of the key components of the story, such as CatSat and what it is/does are not as well described as I would have hoped had I not read the first book. I believe the author assumes the reader will have read the earlier material.
I had previous reviewed “3 Lies” which is the first book in this thriller series by Helen Hanson, and I have to say I enjoyed the second book more than the first. Both were well written and overall exciting, but book 2 was more enjoyable for me. The author provided me with a review copy of the first book prior to me reviewing Masters’ Key so I would have a better idea of the characters and events leading up to this book in the series.
This book in this series was more suspenseful and technically filled than the first. This book seemed bigger because of the multiple locations that story covers compared to the first. It was more a techno-thriller with much more detail showing the difficulty of a society reliant upon always connected devices such as transportation, banking, and communications. The author tells a good story having flow and timing. There were points of build-up, climax, and release which I found more involved from the first book. For people who enjoy pets in their stories, the author continues to have dogs as her animal of choice. Her Amazon bio says she is a lover of dogs, and it shows in this story as with the first. This book also has a pet cat for cat lovers.
I did want to say the author uses vulgar language lightly throughout the book, I say this for those wanting to be aware. There is also mention or use of things such as prostitution, drugs, and alcohol if you have concern or wondering if this is a series is for younger readers; I would say it is for adult or more mature teens.
Although the book contained more technology, and much of it is currently implemented or has the potential of being implemented within a few years, other technology I felt required me to suspend belief to accept. This by no means takes away from the story, but for others deeply involved in either the security industry or technology in general, just remember this is a book and not real-life, so enjoy the ride and adventure which author take you. Use or discussion of such things as the deep web, Bitcoin, TOR, and DDoS attacks are all great items in any techno-thriller I enjoy. I will say that even if you do not understand these technologies, the author does a good job of describing them at a high-level for non-technical readers.
The narration of this book, I listened and am reviewing the Audiobook version, was done by the same person as the first book; Patrick Nolan. Patrick narrated this book similarly to the first book in the series. I had some difficulty with a male narrator being able to easily voice multiple female characters; not an easy task. He used very breathy voices for female characters and it just was difficult for me at times to tell characters apart.
I felt his narration was improved in this book because it seemed he was better able to express the characters and scenes of action. There was a slight volume issue or patch to the audio near the end of the book. This slight glitch seemed to stick out quite a bit as the rest of the book was consistent
Disclaimer: This book was provided to the reviewer by the author, narrator, publisher at no charge in exchange for a non-bias review.
March 1, 2017
I am so enjoying this series & can't wait to read the next Masters series
September 8, 2016
""...without any evidence of a problem""
Ms. Hanson's books are always guaranteed to thrill, and The Master's Key is certainly no exception. The second in the series, it can still be enjoyed as a stand alone novel although knowledge of the preceding book, 3 Lies, definitely adds depth in understanding the animosity between Clint and his ex partner, Todd. Vindictively, Todd sets out to destroy his old friend's company by breaking the trust needed to sustain it; and so Boston comes under cyber attack, forcing Clint to travel the world searching for Todd to stop him.
Well written, exciting and with excellent characterisations, The Master's Key also enjoys detailed explanation about the computer world and it's workings which even a technical illiterate like myself can follow - all in an easy, fascinating way. Never boring, but it can be scary! Fortunately, there is also humour to lighten the sometimes terrifying possibilities.
The narration by Patrick Nolan is also mostly good, well paced, clear and with distinctive dialogue. Unfortunately, his accents, and in particular the British one, leads a lot to be desired, reminding me of Dick Van Dyke's dreadful attempts in Mary Poppins. Very annoying for me, a Brit, but should not offend listeners from other countries.
My thanks to the author, narrator or publisher of The Master's Key from whom I received a complimentary copy of this book, via Audiobook Boom, in exchange for an honest review. And I can honestly recommend this book to all enjoying well written thrillers with excitement, human interest and terrific description
Ms. Hanson's books are always guaranteed to thrill, and The Master's Key is certainly no exception. The second in the series, it can still be enjoyed as a stand alone novel although knowledge of the preceding book, 3 Lies, definitely adds depth in understanding the animosity between Clint and his ex partner, Todd. Vindictively, Todd sets out to destroy his old friend's company by breaking the trust needed to sustain it; and so Boston comes under cyber attack, forcing Clint to travel the world searching for Todd to stop him.
Well written, exciting and with excellent characterisations, The Master's Key also enjoys detailed explanation about the computer world and it's workings which even a technical illiterate like myself can follow - all in an easy, fascinating way. Never boring, but it can be scary! Fortunately, there is also humour to lighten the sometimes terrifying possibilities.
The narration by Patrick Nolan is also mostly good, well paced, clear and with distinctive dialogue. Unfortunately, his accents, and in particular the British one, leads a lot to be desired, reminding me of Dick Van Dyke's dreadful attempts in Mary Poppins. Very annoying for me, a Brit, but should not offend listeners from other countries.
My thanks to the author, narrator or publisher of The Master's Key from whom I received a complimentary copy of this book, via Audiobook Boom, in exchange for an honest review. And I can honestly recommend this book to all enjoying well written thrillers with excitement, human interest and terrific description
December 24, 2016
The Masters' Key: Masters CIA Thriller, Book 2
: Helen Hanson
This is book 2 in the Clint Masters series. Be sure to listen to or read "3 Lies" before plunging into this one. You will appreciate the beginning of the story. We see familiar characters and meet new ones as well. The suspense and intrigue will keep the listener on edge. We see romance, and the finale to other relationships. Who is responsible for the sabotage against Clint's company. We are still trying to guess who is good and who is evil.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Patrick Nolan adds a little extra spice to this story.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
Read
October 10, 2016Another good book by a new (to me) author! I loved the character development, the story line, with its unexpected twists. I'll be reading more by Helen Hanson and was happy I got to read more about the same, main characters!
January 12, 2020
It was a slow start, but Helen Hansen does it again. What a great tale well wrapped.
November 14, 2016
Riveting
It took me a while to get into the plot, but once the clues against Clint began piling up, the action took off. I look forward to reading the last one in the series.
It took me a while to get into the plot, but once the clues against Clint began piling up, the action took off. I look forward to reading the last one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews