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Shadow Strike
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2026
About the author
Aiden Bailey
24 books99 followersAiden Bailey is an international bestselling thriller author from Australia. Formerly an engineer, he built a career marketing multi-national technology, engineering, and construction companies. His various roles have included corporate communications with the Australian Submarine Corporation, technical writing for several defence contractors, engineering on an outback petroleum pipeline, a magazine editor and art director, and engineering proposal writer for the Royal Australian Air Force’s surveillance and intelligence gathering aircraft and drone enabling works. Aiden has travelled widely in six continents and his experiences are the basis of many of his stories.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 31, 2026
I read Shadow Strike cover to cover in two days. Then I had to sit with it a bit.
If you are reading the reviews, you already know about the dual time lines, action packed scenes, lots of geographies traveled, what that Russian villain did to Mark Pierce, and the Trigger Man’s character - how he thinks and responds. For this reader, it was about revelation. A LOT of revelation!
I can’t be the only reader who thinks Aiden Bailey’s development of his characters, the paces he puts them through, the geographies, the story lines, and his scary villains are off the charts great! And his travel to Japan really paid off in authenticity; word descriptions that have you seeing in real time what the Trigger Man sees.
There was a paragraph in Shadow Strike unlike any I recall reading anywhere in this series:
“The late afternoon sun, an orb of shimmering gold, hung low over the Chou-ku district of Osaka, casting the immense stone walls of Osaka Castle into sharp, jagged relief. The granite blocks - some the size of small houses - were reflected in the still waters of the moat and the fortified walls encircling the fortress that had once been home to mighty samurai.”
I could close my eyes and see the author’s words come to life! Pause, peace and poetry weren’t expected — it’s usually holding your breath as you turn pages! Thank you Aiden Bailey for that bit of respite!
This author has made this one best in series! You won’t be disappointed choosing this book. After, you’ll want to read each book that came before in this Trigger Man’s series.
If you are reading the reviews, you already know about the dual time lines, action packed scenes, lots of geographies traveled, what that Russian villain did to Mark Pierce, and the Trigger Man’s character - how he thinks and responds. For this reader, it was about revelation. A LOT of revelation!
I can’t be the only reader who thinks Aiden Bailey’s development of his characters, the paces he puts them through, the geographies, the story lines, and his scary villains are off the charts great! And his travel to Japan really paid off in authenticity; word descriptions that have you seeing in real time what the Trigger Man sees.
There was a paragraph in Shadow Strike unlike any I recall reading anywhere in this series:
“The late afternoon sun, an orb of shimmering gold, hung low over the Chou-ku district of Osaka, casting the immense stone walls of Osaka Castle into sharp, jagged relief. The granite blocks - some the size of small houses - were reflected in the still waters of the moat and the fortified walls encircling the fortress that had once been home to mighty samurai.”
I could close my eyes and see the author’s words come to life! Pause, peace and poetry weren’t expected — it’s usually holding your breath as you turn pages! Thank you Aiden Bailey for that bit of respite!
This author has made this one best in series! You won’t be disappointed choosing this book. After, you’ll want to read each book that came before in this Trigger Man’s series.
May 31, 2026
This was an interesting read. I was a little confused in the beginning, but I was able to figure it out. This book had a lot of suspense, and perceived danger. Not as much action as I’m used t, but still a good read. This book was more of a prequel than a continuation of 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.
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May 30, 2026Trigger man is once again skirting the edge of death in his latest mission and with a target on his back the action is tenfold. Book 8 is full of the things I've come to expect of the trigger man stories there's intriguing suspense, close calls, secret agendas and murder. If action Is what you want action is what you'll definitely get in this series.
June 11, 2026
best yet!
I am now dying to see what happens next. So good! Trigger man is up there with Bourne and the American assassin.
I am now dying to see what happens next. So good! Trigger man is up there with Bourne and the American assassin.
June 21, 2026
excellent read
Non stop action from start to finish and a real good read. The trigger man is a great hero. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Non stop action from start to finish and a real good read. The trigger man is a great hero. Looking forward to the next book in the series
June 9, 2026
American, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and North Korean intelligence agencies all working to recover a Chinese misfired missile. Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Who is working for whom? Can teammates be trusted? An intriguing story about the history of an American agent and his relationship with a Russian agent and his emotional conflicts of doing his job. Aiden Bailey does a great job of making this, the 8th book in the series stand alone for those who have missed the first seven, but I think reading the first seven is an opportunity not to be missed.
June 4, 2026
"Shadow Strike" dives into the Trigger Man's past, revealing a backstory that ties everything together. Aiden Bailey once again delivers a fast-paced, high-caliber action thriller—deep, dark, and intense. An incredible story that’s as gripping as it is satisfying.
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.
June 6, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a story where the past meets the presents. It begins with Pierce in Malaysia trying to rescue someone who wants to defect. After spotting the defector and before he can get to her, she is shot. Pierce gives chase and as he gets close to the killer, he discovers that it is someone from his past. Failing this mission he returns back to the states awaiting his next mission. Not long after Pierce and his whole team are sent to Japan where they are to assist with locating a hypersonic missile that China fired and which landed somewhere in Japanese waters. In addition they were to locate another Chinese defector to try and narrow down where the missile went down. They finally located the defector and again before they could get to him, he was taken and later killed by the same person that killed the first one.
This story tells of Pierce's initial role in the CIA 6 1/2 years earlier. It explains the major role that he spent several years doing. The story then switches between the current period and the period six years earlier.
This story is well done and will keep you on pins and needles as the mission in Japan progresses. Discover what Pierce's mission 6 years earlier was, who the individual that Pierce recognized and how that person's influence developed Pierce as well as how everything worked out in the end. This is definitely a book worth reading, don't miss out!
This is a story where the past meets the presents. It begins with Pierce in Malaysia trying to rescue someone who wants to defect. After spotting the defector and before he can get to her, she is shot. Pierce gives chase and as he gets close to the killer, he discovers that it is someone from his past. Failing this mission he returns back to the states awaiting his next mission. Not long after Pierce and his whole team are sent to Japan where they are to assist with locating a hypersonic missile that China fired and which landed somewhere in Japanese waters. In addition they were to locate another Chinese defector to try and narrow down where the missile went down. They finally located the defector and again before they could get to him, he was taken and later killed by the same person that killed the first one.
This story tells of Pierce's initial role in the CIA 6 1/2 years earlier. It explains the major role that he spent several years doing. The story then switches between the current period and the period six years earlier.
This story is well done and will keep you on pins and needles as the mission in Japan progresses. Discover what Pierce's mission 6 years earlier was, who the individual that Pierce recognized and how that person's influence developed Pierce as well as how everything worked out in the end. This is definitely a book worth reading, don't miss out!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is another gripping read. It's more personal this time for Pierce and also for Zang as a past acquaintance of Pierce in his Volkov persona days appears during one of Pierce's operations, putting a total spanner in the works. It is hard to say which one of them is more surprised, the Russian or Pierce. Even more surprised and even enraged is Zang when she recognises him as the man who killer her parents.
I liked the way the story is told in two different timelines, one from over six years ago when Pierce was undercover in Russia and the other being the present day. It is clear that the reappearance of the general is having a profound impact on Pierce and he seems really vulnerable here. It is clear why as we discover the events that happened six years ago which has shaped Pierce immensely. We get further glimpses into personal lives here with Summerfield and I enjoyed this also as it was a slight distraction from the current operation which turns out to be quite brutal in both the operational side and the unfortunate outcomes. The action moving across different countries in Asia was quite exhilarating.
While this seemed to be veering towards the end with the revelations surrounding Pierce, I am glad the author said it isn't and there's plenty more to come. Bring it on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the way the story is told in two different timelines, one from over six years ago when Pierce was undercover in Russia and the other being the present day. It is clear that the reappearance of the general is having a profound impact on Pierce and he seems really vulnerable here. It is clear why as we discover the events that happened six years ago which has shaped Pierce immensely. We get further glimpses into personal lives here with Summerfield and I enjoyed this also as it was a slight distraction from the current operation which turns out to be quite brutal in both the operational side and the unfortunate outcomes. The action moving across different countries in Asia was quite exhilarating.
While this seemed to be veering towards the end with the revelations surrounding Pierce, I am glad the author said it isn't and there's plenty more to come. Bring it on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pierce is sent to rescue Wi .Pierce gives chase and is shocked who the Zhia ,but is assassinated before he can get to her.
Pierce gives chase and is shocked who the Assassin is who thought Pierce was dead .
On his return Pierce and his team are sent to Japan to help recover a Missile which was fired into Japanese water Called Blue Lotus.
They try to rescue another defector who also knew where the missile landed but is also assassinated by Victor Zhidka.
Pierce know this man as he was under cover in Russia who was his commander and made to do Horrific things in order to get info to the USA.
Pierces team seem to think he is up to the mission as he seems very wary of the man .
Intel suggests a Captain Zhidka is to but the missile from Victor,Pierce is sent to Vietnam to locate this person and does so and discovers where he was meeting with Victor .
Pierce and Parab and sent to find him and a fight to the death as Victor fall from a great hight into a river .
The team learne how Pierce got his training .
With the loss of a valuable member of the team ,there is a lot of organising to do and what will Summerfield decide ?
High paced and loss of life of soo many good people and is Victor really dead and who is Mr X.
High praise for Mr Bailey and another great read in this series .
Pierce gives chase and is shocked who the Assassin is who thought Pierce was dead .
On his return Pierce and his team are sent to Japan to help recover a Missile which was fired into Japanese water Called Blue Lotus.
They try to rescue another defector who also knew where the missile landed but is also assassinated by Victor Zhidka.
Pierce know this man as he was under cover in Russia who was his commander and made to do Horrific things in order to get info to the USA.
Pierces team seem to think he is up to the mission as he seems very wary of the man .
Intel suggests a Captain Zhidka is to but the missile from Victor,Pierce is sent to Vietnam to locate this person and does so and discovers where he was meeting with Victor .
Pierce and Parab and sent to find him and a fight to the death as Victor fall from a great hight into a river .
The team learne how Pierce got his training .
With the loss of a valuable member of the team ,there is a lot of organising to do and what will Summerfield decide ?
High paced and loss of life of soo many good people and is Victor really dead and who is Mr X.
High praise for Mr Bailey and another great read in this series .
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're a long time reader then this is the book you've been waiting for, we finally get some answers about our intrepid Trigger Man. Bailey has been leaving breadcrumbs for careful readers and those now come to fruition. We learn that Pierce actually received his Tier One skills in Russia along with his greatest opponent, Victor Zhidko, his former mentor. Pierce and his team are sent after a hypersonic missile accidentally fired by the Chinese into the Sea of Japan and when they go to intercept the missile they are met by Zhidko working for the North Koreans. The readers along with the team learn about Pierce's connection to Zhidko and his past in Russia while Zhidko is actively hunting the team to beat them to the missile. This book goes back and forth between current events and while Mark was undercover and is done well so you can understand the incredible stress Pierce is suffering under. Bring back the shakes that affected him in the past and it seems like the world is set against the team and Pierce might not be able to save them from the one person he's never been able to overcome. This novel answers a lot of questions while leaving us a few more breadcrumbs to be investigated another time.
Review of advance copy
This was a finding out about everything book. Starts out with Pierce running into an old comrade from Russia who thought Pierce, or Alkady as he knew him, was dead. This man nearly destroyed Pierce, so it had quite a shattering effect on him. The Author has you feeling the roller coaster ride of emotions that Pierce is feeling. Finding about his time in Russia as undercover you could feel the strain and tension of his everyday life there, where at any minute he could be found out. His escape from Russia was quite amazing and so was the fight in the truck which leads to a loss of someone who means a lot to him. I wonder if Author Bailey has a new character in mind for Pierce to relate to in the same manner. With all his demons he needs someone. This book helps to explain the intensity that Pierce brings to his missions as there is evil in the world and he has seen it. A good ending with a little twist.
A thrilling read with plenty of suspense. Loved the two timelines as they fitted well. Thought this might be the last of the series but Author assures us will be more to come. Great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A thrilling read with plenty of suspense. Loved the two timelines as they fitted well. Thought this might be the last of the series but Author assures us will be more to come. Great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Trigger Man returns in Shadow Strike by Aiden Bailey. Boy does he return, not only in a new book but also in time. I love it when we get some background added on the characters we read about. Pierce is on a mission to extract a Chinese defector but things doesn't always go according to plan. This time it goes really wrong and a ghost from Marks past appear on the scene. This leads to a well written story with two main timelines and some added information about his background. Our protagonist deals with a lot of baggage as well as some doubts from his co workers. The book was a little slow in the beginning but it makes up for that after a few chapters. then you need to have a firm grip on the covers to keep up. I found this author a few years ago by chance on social media and now with book eight in this series he has become a yearly read in my home. If you haven't tried this series I recommend that you do so, at once. I must thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for letting me read this advance copy. he book is available on the 31st of May.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shadow Strike is a thrilling and very entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Despite not reading all the books in this series I loved being back in Mark Pierce's world again and was pulled into the story right away. I really like the two time lines that work so well here and I love getting to know more about Pierce and how his background has shaped him. The authors writing is very good and the story flows easily and moves from past to present effortlessly. The pacing is perfect and the cliff hanger chapter endings certainly kept me guessing. This quickly became one of those reads that I would keep returning to whenever I could as I wanted to know what would happen next. Well done Aiden Bailey on creating a couple of characters I absolutely loathed and hated with a passion. If you like books that have lots of action, mystery and thrills then you'd really enjoy this book (and series) and I'd recommend it. Looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed the latest entry in the Trigger Man series. The dual narrative threads exploring Mark Pierce’s backstory as Arkady Volkov were expertly handled. Integrating his history with the present-day encounter with Rubicon provided significant depth to his character and motivations. Bailey successfully interwove these elements, allowing the reader and the other operatives to understand the missing pieces of Pierce’s past.
These threads created a compelling plot. Beyond the central mission of recovering hypersonic missile remnants, the constant threat posed by Pierce’s former associate added a layer of tension that remained throughout the book.
The combination of character development and an action-packed, fast-moving plot has made this my favorite volume in the series to date.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These threads created a compelling plot. Beyond the central mission of recovering hypersonic missile remnants, the constant threat posed by Pierce’s former associate added a layer of tension that remained throughout the book.
The combination of character development and an action-packed, fast-moving plot has made this my favorite volume in the series to date.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Solid suspense thriller with non stop action.
Mark Pierce, aka Trigger Man, is a CIA black ops operative who worked undercover for several years in Russia, having successfully infiltrated one of their top assassin's covert and ruthless killing squads.
Believing the leader was dead, after a failed assignment, he moved on with his current squad.
When he recognizes the killer on an assignment today, he immediately sets off to track him and
make sure his killing days are over once and for all.
Good character definitions and intriguing relationship between both men; each equally ruthless but only one with an intact moral compass.
First read in this series by Bailey and eagerly waiting for the next one.
Mark Pierce, aka Trigger Man, is a CIA black ops operative who worked undercover for several years in Russia, having successfully infiltrated one of their top assassin's covert and ruthless killing squads.
Believing the leader was dead, after a failed assignment, he moved on with his current squad.
When he recognizes the killer on an assignment today, he immediately sets off to track him and
make sure his killing days are over once and for all.
Good character definitions and intriguing relationship between both men; each equally ruthless but only one with an intact moral compass.
First read in this series by Bailey and eagerly waiting for the next one.
May 31, 2026
Loved it!! Another memorable story in this fabulous series. This is the 8th book in the series and I’ve really enjoyed every one of them. I liked that we got more of an insight into Trigger Man Mark Pierce and from what happened in Russia 6 years ago. Pierce is a talented and relentless agent, and has to venture into some of the more hostile places in the world to achieve his mission. Tracking down a hypersonic missile with his team was never going to be easy, especially when there are other deadly forces involved. I really enjoyed that this story takes us to different parts of the world. There’s always something happening, and that’s one of the best things about Aiden Bailey’s books.
There is so many things to love about this story. Well worth the 5/5 Star Rating.
There is so many things to love about this story. Well worth the 5/5 Star Rating.
Review of advance copy
Mark Pierce is one tough operator, but there is more to his story than is known my those closest to him. He spent years in Russia undercover from an early age and has the scars to show for it.
The ghosts he has been chasing have come back and this book is well crafted bringing the past on a collision course with his current life.
Plenty of action, bouncing all over the globe, flashbacks and revealing to his team to bring his redacted past to the present.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The ghosts he has been chasing have come back and this book is well crafted bringing the past on a collision course with his current life.
Plenty of action, bouncing all over the globe, flashbacks and revealing to his team to bring his redacted past to the present.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2026
WOW. This time Mark’s past comes back to wreak chaos. Such a volatile situation. Tensions are high. So much loss. A major secret is revealed. What an incredible ride this was. I did have a bit of trouble with the back and forth between Mark’s names. Sometimes I had to go back and re-read sections to get clear. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 25, 2026
Action thriller which definitely lives up to its promise.
Full of suspense and tension this is a page turning heart pumping read
Loved it
Can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Full of suspense and tension this is a page turning heart pumping read
Loved it
Can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2026
You can never go wrong reading anything by Aiden Bailey. Great suspense, action and intrigue. This is the 8th book in the series so make sure that you catch up on all the other ones.
June 21, 2026
When Pierce, Zang and the team go after an assassin, the reader learns about Pierce's past and there are some surprises. Another very entertaining book in this series.
July 18, 2026
I have just finished the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great storylines and strong characters. Excellent writing style right up my street
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews