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Cyril Landry #3
Spectre Black
When homicide detective Jolie Burke awakens to intruders in the dark of night, she’s forced to flee. Jolie’s nobody’s victim, but she cannot fight this faceless enemy alone. She reaches out to Cyril Landry, the ex–Navy SEAL who is long on special-ops skills and short on patience. He suffers no fools—ever. But when Landry rolls into Branch, New Mexico, Jolie is gone, and there’s nothing waiting for him but trouble.
As Landry hunts for Jolie, he becomes immersed in a quagmire of corruption—a toxic brew of graft, homicide, and the ominous shape of something much bigger. Framed for murder and dodging a sexy FBI agent and a suspicious sheriff, Landry finds himself pitted against a psychopath with secrets even blacker than his sinister sports car. Now Landry’s on a double-barreled mission: reach Jolie before the killers do and dig up some dirt on his enemies before they get the chance to dig his grave.
As Landry hunts for Jolie, he becomes immersed in a quagmire of corruption—a toxic brew of graft, homicide, and the ominous shape of something much bigger. Framed for murder and dodging a sexy FBI agent and a suspicious sheriff, Landry finds himself pitted against a psychopath with secrets even blacker than his sinister sports car. Now Landry’s on a double-barreled mission: reach Jolie before the killers do and dig up some dirt on his enemies before they get the chance to dig his grave.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2015
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August 23, 2015
I will preface my review by saying that although this can be read as a stand-alone, I would have benefited greatly if I had read the first two stories in the series.
Jolie is a homicide detective in a small New Mexico town who is in a great deal of trouble. A home invasion in the middle of the night is too much for one person too handle, especially when one of them is your boss. Somewhere along the line she has seen something she should not have.
The only person she trusts enough to ask for help is Cyril Landry, an ex-Navy Seal who was her partner at some previous date. Cyril gets her message and races to New Mexico, but Jolie has disappeared.
But that is only part of the problem. He's framed for a murder he didn't commit. Law Enforcement is corrupt and there's a beautiful FBI agent with her own agenda. Cyril's agenda is to stay out of the clutches of the FBI, dodge the cops who want to put him in jail, and find Jolie before a psychopath does.
Cyril and Jolie are both very strong characters. On the side of law and order, they each will cross that line is necessary. They also have a previous personal relationship that didn't last and have maintained their friendship. There is nothing they would not do for the other.
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / And Author for furnishing the digital book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Jolie is a homicide detective in a small New Mexico town who is in a great deal of trouble. A home invasion in the middle of the night is too much for one person too handle, especially when one of them is your boss. Somewhere along the line she has seen something she should not have.
The only person she trusts enough to ask for help is Cyril Landry, an ex-Navy Seal who was her partner at some previous date. Cyril gets her message and races to New Mexico, but Jolie has disappeared.
But that is only part of the problem. He's framed for a murder he didn't commit. Law Enforcement is corrupt and there's a beautiful FBI agent with her own agenda. Cyril's agenda is to stay out of the clutches of the FBI, dodge the cops who want to put him in jail, and find Jolie before a psychopath does.
Cyril and Jolie are both very strong characters. On the side of law and order, they each will cross that line is necessary. They also have a previous personal relationship that didn't last and have maintained their friendship. There is nothing they would not do for the other.
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / And Author for furnishing the digital book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 22, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
J. Carson Black returns following Hard Return, with her riveting third installment featuring, the mysterious unstoppable, ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry in SPECTRE BLACK as we catch up once again with the dynamic duo (hot, sexy, witty, dangerous), and New Mexico’s homicide detective Jolie Burke, who is in trouble; a deadly mission of corruption. A cop + assassin = Fireworks!
In Hard Return, (Cyril Landry #2), former Navy Seal, Cyril Landry, assumed dead, lives off the grid to protect his wife, and his teenage daughter. Laundry moves from one hotel and place to another, using different names, personalities, and has more cars and guns than an army. He has so many enemies, it is hard for him to narrow down which one wants revenge more. A fearless, intelligent paid assassin, (Bad ass Clint Eastwood type), is one step ahead of anyone who gets in his way.
Jolie and Cyril have a complex past. They work together like a well-oiled machine. From The Shop, Hard Return, to Spectre Black.
It has been a year since they have seen one another. Lovers at one time. Allies and friends, until the end.
Jolie Burke, a cop in New Mexico needed Landry’s help previously, and presently as the book opens, someone is breaking into Jolie’s house, while she manages to get to her car; the intruders have tampered with her car, she is out of gas and has no cell phone signal, in the middle of nowhere.
A muscle dark car is trying to chase her down. She manages to hide her car, and gets to a pay phone at the abandoned Circle K, leaving Cyril Landry a frantic voice mail, while she runs into the deserted area, afraid for her life.
When Cyril arrives (he is one slick guy) no, Jolie. Cyril has many identities; however, in this small town, he could fit in like a tourist. He has to find Jolie without drawing attention to himself, since his is still living off the grid. He had heard the desperation in her voice, and her fear. He checks into the local dive motel and puts his next plan in to action.
Of course, Laundry thinks the entire police force is Mickey Mouse stupid. He finds himself arrested. He knows this is a set up. Someone wants him dead, or out of commission, and the easiest way was to get him inside a jail. Whoever had taken Jolie Burke, was setting him up. He now has slept with an FBI agent, been arrested and detained for no plausible reason, and put into an empty cell pod with a psychopath.
For a guy who flies under the radar, Landry is already making plenty of enemies. Now they are framing him for deaths of the militia members. To get rid of Landry and kill the witnesses.
What is the connection? The sheriff’s department, Sheriff Waldrup, Carla Vitelli, a Camaro, Jace, a dead cop, and seizing assets of innocent people. The wrong car from the wrong guy. A farm. Horror stories in New Mexico; police departments using any excuse to claim a civil asset forfeiture. From cars, boats, houses, real estate.
With counties strapped financial, more and more jurisdictions divvied up spoils of war—mostly cars. It did not seem to matter if you were a drug dealer, or a shop lifter, if they could take your high-ticket item legally, they did. Targeting wealthy, influential people—intimidation, threats, blackmail, bureaucracy. The sheriff’s department seems to be choosing their victims carefully.
When Jolie was assigned to investigate Danny’s (clueless, Barney Fife) cop’s death. He had taken rich kid Jace Denboer’s Camaro. Then he was gone. Dan knew something. Then his body was found by a farm worker. A bean field. How could this have played out? A connection with the car and Dan Atwood? Now three people are dead. Something possibly on a more national level? What does this have to do with the militia checkpoints murders?
Jolie and Landry finally connect on the boat, while she is on the run. Besides her crazy boss, and this case, she is distracted with the normal crimes, homicides, especially on the border with Mexico, drugs, shootings and domestics. She is tireless, obsessed, and still no leads.
In the meantime, Landry has security connections all over the world and has more identities than you can imagine. From Iraq and Afghanistan to the states, living from town and hotel to another. A plan is put into motion. Landry, Eric, and Jolie are ready to go.
I love it when these two team up together, reminding me of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum and Ranger. From SIM cards, disguises, aliases, motels, cars, weapons, border crossing, danger, under covers, FBI, and early morning diner breakfast. Heart-pounding action!
Love the SPECTRE: Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion, reference (fictional global criminal syndicate and terrorist organization featured in the James Bond novels and videos.) Very fitting!
J. Carson Black continues to be one of my favorite crime mystery authors, sharing a mutual love of the Tucson and Bisbee, Arizona areas. She never disappoints with fast-paced, non-stop action thrillers, combined with wit and sarcasm, and a little sex thrown in for sizzle. She always impresses me with the level of sophistication of her crimes, and the multi-layered complex plots.
Having spent time in Sante Fe and Albuquerque, NM, I enjoyed reading of her inspiration behind the novel; was laughing out loud. Her crimes always start with a spark of creativity and wow, can she make them hum!
Highly recommend the series to serious crime thriller and David Baldacci fans. Cannot wait to see where Cyril Landry and Jolie find themselves next. I vote for another Bisbee crime mystery thriller, combined with the dynamic duo!
The Shop #1
Hard Return #2
JDCMustReadBooks
J. Carson Black returns following Hard Return, with her riveting third installment featuring, the mysterious unstoppable, ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry in SPECTRE BLACK as we catch up once again with the dynamic duo (hot, sexy, witty, dangerous), and New Mexico’s homicide detective Jolie Burke, who is in trouble; a deadly mission of corruption. A cop + assassin = Fireworks!
In Hard Return, (Cyril Landry #2), former Navy Seal, Cyril Landry, assumed dead, lives off the grid to protect his wife, and his teenage daughter. Laundry moves from one hotel and place to another, using different names, personalities, and has more cars and guns than an army. He has so many enemies, it is hard for him to narrow down which one wants revenge more. A fearless, intelligent paid assassin, (Bad ass Clint Eastwood type), is one step ahead of anyone who gets in his way.
Jolie and Cyril have a complex past. They work together like a well-oiled machine. From The Shop, Hard Return, to Spectre Black.
It has been a year since they have seen one another. Lovers at one time. Allies and friends, until the end.
Jolie Burke, a cop in New Mexico needed Landry’s help previously, and presently as the book opens, someone is breaking into Jolie’s house, while she manages to get to her car; the intruders have tampered with her car, she is out of gas and has no cell phone signal, in the middle of nowhere.
A muscle dark car is trying to chase her down. She manages to hide her car, and gets to a pay phone at the abandoned Circle K, leaving Cyril Landry a frantic voice mail, while she runs into the deserted area, afraid for her life.
When Cyril arrives (he is one slick guy) no, Jolie. Cyril has many identities; however, in this small town, he could fit in like a tourist. He has to find Jolie without drawing attention to himself, since his is still living off the grid. He had heard the desperation in her voice, and her fear. He checks into the local dive motel and puts his next plan in to action.
Of course, Laundry thinks the entire police force is Mickey Mouse stupid. He finds himself arrested. He knows this is a set up. Someone wants him dead, or out of commission, and the easiest way was to get him inside a jail. Whoever had taken Jolie Burke, was setting him up. He now has slept with an FBI agent, been arrested and detained for no plausible reason, and put into an empty cell pod with a psychopath.
For a guy who flies under the radar, Landry is already making plenty of enemies. Now they are framing him for deaths of the militia members. To get rid of Landry and kill the witnesses.
What is the connection? The sheriff’s department, Sheriff Waldrup, Carla Vitelli, a Camaro, Jace, a dead cop, and seizing assets of innocent people. The wrong car from the wrong guy. A farm. Horror stories in New Mexico; police departments using any excuse to claim a civil asset forfeiture. From cars, boats, houses, real estate.
With counties strapped financial, more and more jurisdictions divvied up spoils of war—mostly cars. It did not seem to matter if you were a drug dealer, or a shop lifter, if they could take your high-ticket item legally, they did. Targeting wealthy, influential people—intimidation, threats, blackmail, bureaucracy. The sheriff’s department seems to be choosing their victims carefully.
When Jolie was assigned to investigate Danny’s (clueless, Barney Fife) cop’s death. He had taken rich kid Jace Denboer’s Camaro. Then he was gone. Dan knew something. Then his body was found by a farm worker. A bean field. How could this have played out? A connection with the car and Dan Atwood? Now three people are dead. Something possibly on a more national level? What does this have to do with the militia checkpoints murders?
Jolie and Landry finally connect on the boat, while she is on the run. Besides her crazy boss, and this case, she is distracted with the normal crimes, homicides, especially on the border with Mexico, drugs, shootings and domestics. She is tireless, obsessed, and still no leads.
In the meantime, Landry has security connections all over the world and has more identities than you can imagine. From Iraq and Afghanistan to the states, living from town and hotel to another. A plan is put into motion. Landry, Eric, and Jolie are ready to go.
I love it when these two team up together, reminding me of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum and Ranger. From SIM cards, disguises, aliases, motels, cars, weapons, border crossing, danger, under covers, FBI, and early morning diner breakfast. Heart-pounding action!
Love the SPECTRE: Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion, reference (fictional global criminal syndicate and terrorist organization featured in the James Bond novels and videos.) Very fitting!
J. Carson Black continues to be one of my favorite crime mystery authors, sharing a mutual love of the Tucson and Bisbee, Arizona areas. She never disappoints with fast-paced, non-stop action thrillers, combined with wit and sarcasm, and a little sex thrown in for sizzle. She always impresses me with the level of sophistication of her crimes, and the multi-layered complex plots.
Having spent time in Sante Fe and Albuquerque, NM, I enjoyed reading of her inspiration behind the novel; was laughing out loud. Her crimes always start with a spark of creativity and wow, can she make them hum!
Highly recommend the series to serious crime thriller and David Baldacci fans. Cannot wait to see where Cyril Landry and Jolie find themselves next. I vote for another Bisbee crime mystery thriller, combined with the dynamic duo!
The Shop #1
Hard Return #2
JDCMustReadBooks
September 30, 2015
Once again Cyril Landry proves you don't mess with him! An action packed thriller with excitement for the reader from start to finish! This book proves again why J. Carson Black is one of my favorite authors.
November 21, 2015
Jolie Burke now a new deputy sheriff in Branch, New Mexico returns in "Spectre Black" from author J. Carson Black. Ms. Black easily one of my favorite story tellers with some of her exciting books. This is the third book from J. Carson Black's Burke/ Landry series. This book by far was best of the thee book series. In it's opening, Jolie Burke is awakened very late one night to find three men approaching her house. Burke luckily gets away through a side door and roars off in her car. Unknowning her car's gas tank has been punctured she doesn't get far. Jolie is forced out into the cold night desert in complete darkness to evade her chasing intruders. Jolie manages to get to a long closed "Circle-K" convenience store that incredibly has a working pay phone. Jolie calls her old compatriot Cyril Landry in California, and sends him a mayday for help. Cyril arrives in New Mexico before long looking for the now missing Jolie Burke. What Landry finds is that the sheriff's department in Branch is in pocket of the wealthy and powerful Denboer family. Mike Denboer and his family have ruled the town for many years. Mike's son Jace, is the town screw up who gets to do anything he pleases without reprisal. It's when rookie deputy Dan Atwood confiscates Jace's beloved car tensions in the town escalate. Shockingly Atwood ends up dead and buried in a shallow grave on Denboer farm land. Jolie Burke was investigating Atwood's death at the time of her disappearance. Meanwhile, Landry discovers a militia group known as "The Right Hand Of God Freeman's Militia". The militia headed by Jedediah Kilbride who fiercely rules the group with an iron fist in conjunction with his pal sheriff Ronald Waldrup. The entire departmet is now an arm of the militia. Landry is forced to call in his back up man "Eric the Red" to get a handle on things. Landry must battle crazy members of the militia, the Denboer family, jail, and an FBI agent who may or may not be in someone's pocket. The Atwood murder mystery leads Landry and Burke into the world of very high tech nanotechnology, cloaking, and stealth capabilities. Landry and Eric will also need help from US Government to escape this town. With some pretty unique characters who ride along with Landry and Burke to really make this a quick pacing high octane read. Author Black's dialog that has some snappy quips to be sure. The plot on this third book in series moves back and forth effortlessly in several directions. Book really was an enjoyable blast reading. The pages do seem to fly by. Glad to see the chemistry between Burke and Landry getting closer with each book, and adding intrigue to the plot. All three Landry/ Burke books are can't miss reads. Five stars out of possible five stars for the action packed thriller "Spectre Black" by J. Carson Black. Pick up all three books and buckle up for some great reading.
September 10, 2015
SPECTRA BLACK is a riveting, fast-paced, intriguing story featuring J. Carson Black’s, protagonist Cyril Landry. Black helps her readers understand Cyril’s loyalty to his friends. Black’s protagonist, Jolie Burke, a homicide detective in Branch, NM, enters the story investigating a murder uncovering facts that puts her life in danger. Black places her readers inside Cyril’s head as he processes Jolie’s clues that she has left behind. Cyril responds to Jolie’s call for help, and after he finds Jolie they become involved in a complex investigation of corruption, murder, and illegal activities on a national level.
Soon after Cyril finds Jolie, Black’s storyline’s pace jumps into high gear and never slows down until the last page. Black builds reader interest as she unveils backstory details of illegal development of stealth technology. The author introduces readers to support characters and their history, explaining each character's role as her story unfolds. Black provides ongoing development of Cyril and Jolie’s connection to each other helping her story come to life. The author skillfully creates scenes helping readers understand what makes Cyril tick. She places her readers next to Cyril as he works with Jolie in the developing storyline of SPECTRE BLACK pricking her readers’ interest on every page.
Readers see Cyril in action, they feel and see his unpredictable force care and protect those close to him. Black changes the direction of SPECTRE BLACK’S story creating intense subplots. The author creates an urgency for Cyril to resolve the murders,end the corruption, and see unexpected actions leading to an unprecedented ending. SPECTRE BLACK creates a mystery thriller full of fresh ideas that only Cyril Landry could pull off. Black’s new story earns a five-star ranking
Soon after Cyril finds Jolie, Black’s storyline’s pace jumps into high gear and never slows down until the last page. Black builds reader interest as she unveils backstory details of illegal development of stealth technology. The author introduces readers to support characters and their history, explaining each character's role as her story unfolds. Black provides ongoing development of Cyril and Jolie’s connection to each other helping her story come to life. The author skillfully creates scenes helping readers understand what makes Cyril tick. She places her readers next to Cyril as he works with Jolie in the developing storyline of SPECTRE BLACK pricking her readers’ interest on every page.
Readers see Cyril in action, they feel and see his unpredictable force care and protect those close to him. Black changes the direction of SPECTRE BLACK’S story creating intense subplots. The author creates an urgency for Cyril to resolve the murders,end the corruption, and see unexpected actions leading to an unprecedented ending. SPECTRE BLACK creates a mystery thriller full of fresh ideas that only Cyril Landry could pull off. Black’s new story earns a five-star ranking
April 19, 2017
Cyril Landry takes us on another action packed adventure
This is what we have come to expect from author J.Carson Black, a wonderful story with great characters and plots that entrance us from the get go until the end. Once I started reading I could hardly put book down as I hungrily devoured this story.
This is what we have come to expect from author J.Carson Black, a wonderful story with great characters and plots that entrance us from the get go until the end. Once I started reading I could hardly put book down as I hungrily devoured this story.
September 22, 2015
Spectre Black by J. Carson Black is set in a small corrupt town in New Mexico known as Branch, where homicide detective Jolie Burke is up against ruthless and faceless enemies. When a routine murder investigation uncovered more than what she bargained for, she sought the help of Cyril Landry, an ex-Navy Seal. But before Cyril managed to reach her, Jolie disappeared seemingly without any trace. Her disappearance is just the beginning of Cyril’s troubles as he soon discovered that the people who are responsible for Jolie’s disappearance would go to any length to keep their secrets.
Cyril knows that it is essential not to draw attention to himself and checks into a motel and to work out his next move. But they are a step ahead and Cyril is framed for a murder he didn't commit. Author J. Carson Black neatly sets up the plot with a clutch of characters playing an important role - Sheriff Waldrup, then there’s the beautiful FBI agent with an agenda of her own, and several others.
Jolie Burke and Cyril Landry are both very strong characters, with a history of their own – both personal and professional. Author J. Carson Black’s mystery thriller is absorbing and riveting. While the characters are full of flaws, the build up to the climax is almost flawless, and I was thoroughly entertained. With surprises aplenty all the way, Spectre Black by J. Carson Black is a must-read for lovers of mystery thrillers.
Cyril knows that it is essential not to draw attention to himself and checks into a motel and to work out his next move. But they are a step ahead and Cyril is framed for a murder he didn't commit. Author J. Carson Black neatly sets up the plot with a clutch of characters playing an important role - Sheriff Waldrup, then there’s the beautiful FBI agent with an agenda of her own, and several others.
Jolie Burke and Cyril Landry are both very strong characters, with a history of their own – both personal and professional. Author J. Carson Black’s mystery thriller is absorbing and riveting. While the characters are full of flaws, the build up to the climax is almost flawless, and I was thoroughly entertained. With surprises aplenty all the way, Spectre Black by J. Carson Black is a must-read for lovers of mystery thrillers.
September 13, 2015
Spectre Black is a fiercely taut, complex thriller that takes off on the first page and builds like an ominous desert thunderstorm coming your way. The action and multiple intrigues make the sparsely populated New Mexico border region a place where dark secrets abound, violence is sudden, and the people are chimeras. Writing razor-sharp characters takes a master’s touch, and J. Carson Black delivers in spades. This story has wonderful surprises at every turn, and I couldn't put it down. One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
September 16, 2015
Cyril’s friend and ex-partner Jolie is a detective in a New Mexico town who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and may have seen something she should not have. She reaches out to her trusted friend Cyril Landry who was once her partner who is the only person she feels she can trust. Once Cyril arrives in New Mexico Jolie has disappeared and he is now charged with a murder he did not commit. He is on the run from the corrupt cops and the FBI agent who is following her own path. Can he find Jolie and solve this murder before he is captured. I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
August 22, 2018
3.5 This third entry into the Cyril Landry saga is set in southern New Mexico and involves Jolie Burke, who Landry has partnered with in books one and two They are taking on a disrupt sheriff, sheriff's department, and local rich guy/bud guy, his schizophrenic, bipolar son and just-plain-nuts FBI agent daughter. There are definitely shades of the ridiculous - painting vehicles with some sort of stealth paint that makes them invisible as they roar down the road - but it suits the purposes of the story. Cyril's seemingly unending cash flow and friends in the right places, along with his military prowess serve him well - there would be no story without any of it! It's certainly entertaining, once you suspend too much questioning.
July 12, 2017
Not believeable - maybe that's why some people will like it but it didn't work for me. The conspiracy theories were weak, ill-explained and nonsensical. Cyril Landry and his assistants were laughable as real characters -- maybe as a cartoon.
October 6, 2017
Spectre black
Read for time killer but not especially well done for flow and realism. Almost seemed like author had ideas that were good but didn't know how to develop them. Not as good as early versions.
Read for time killer but not especially well done for flow and realism. Almost seemed like author had ideas that were good but didn't know how to develop them. Not as good as early versions.
March 5, 2018
Another great story!
Just an awesome thriller from beginning to end. Landry is a well written character that breathes fresh air into these thrillers, and Jolie and Eric are every bit as interesting, but Landry is the character that keeps me coming back for another thrill ride!
Just an awesome thriller from beginning to end. Landry is a well written character that breathes fresh air into these thrillers, and Jolie and Eric are every bit as interesting, but Landry is the character that keeps me coming back for another thrill ride!
May 20, 2020
Cyril Landry wins again !
Unmatched action with something new in each chapter. Once again, the reader cannot see the end coming. J. Carson Black has a hero in Landry that was born to return again and again, a winner.
Unmatched action with something new in each chapter. Once again, the reader cannot see the end coming. J. Carson Black has a hero in Landry that was born to return again and again, a winner.
September 19, 2020
cant believe how awful this book was... characters not at all believable
I liked the two previous books but this one had so many plots, stupid unbelievable characters..nothing made sense. Give this series up..please.
I liked the two previous books but this one had so many plots, stupid unbelievable characters..nothing made sense. Give this series up..please.
February 1, 2024
Cyril is Always A Good Read
It had been a while, okay years, since I read J. Carson Black, such a great author. If you like detail oriented crime mysteries Jake is the author for you. Great dialogue, deep characters, good twisted plots that lack holes in them.
It had been a while, okay years, since I read J. Carson Black, such a great author. If you like detail oriented crime mysteries Jake is the author for you. Great dialogue, deep characters, good twisted plots that lack holes in them.
December 26, 2017
Great Read
This was a very entertaining book. I didn't want to put it down after I started reading the story. Great choice!!!
This was a very entertaining book. I didn't want to put it down after I started reading the story. Great choice!!!
January 19, 2022
This is the third book in the series. Another adventure with Cyril and Jolie
Good
Good
April 4, 2022
Thought this was going to be 4 stars but the story started to meander in the final third
February 18, 2016
Thanks to netgalley.com, J. Carson Black and Thomas & Mercer for the advance copy for my review.
Totally enjoyed Spectre Black, my favorite read of 2016 so far, even though it was a complex read with all it's storylines and J. Carson Black writing style pulls it all together in the end.
I totally liked the heart pounding, opening attempted abduction of Homicide Detective Jolie Burke, she's tough, smart and cleverly has an escape plan. You could even add Carla Angela Vitelli to the team also, even though she seems corrupt and has a incest relationship with her half-brother.
I also liked Cyril Landry, Eric the Red, and along with Jolie they make a likable team, tough as nails and characters right out of the movies.
Although it's part of the Cyril Landry series, I do hope that both Jolie and Eric become part of Landry's team and continue to have roles in future additions to the series.
The only blemishs with this one are; FBI Agent Carla Angela Vitelli appears in the story, gets Cyril thrown in jail, he never gets charged and gets explained simply by Landry blaming Carla.
Carla disappears for most of the book, appears in the ending and mentioned when briefly Jolie figures out that a Officer Dan Atwood had been stocking Carla prior to being found dead on the Denboer corrupt agriculture farm.
You do find out that Officer Atwood really was a serial killer, prior to his death, he had stalked and killed two other women. Jolie finds two tribute sites, plus stalking pictures of Carla and would have made a great first series book featuring Jolie solving his murder.
You are kind of left hanging with Rick Connor who gets killed while manning a militia roadblock. Landry does mention he's was a undercover DEA Agent but in Black's writing Landry has a unlimited supply of bogus credentials available to him and not believable to leave it that way.
Would have been easier to have Eric or Cyril find his hidden badge, when they search his apartment and find a video camera with footage hidden under roofing tile on the roof.
Spectre Black has storylines intertwined with more stories, with a storyline that takes you from Branch, New Mexico, to Fort Meade, Maryland and San Clemente, California, full of twists and turns, loved the fast pace and a rarity to see a thriller chalked full with a extra helping of storylines actually work.
Basically Black easily could have written 2 full books, plus a short chase scene story for what's in Spectre Black and it's one that I really like.
Definitely worthy read, even with all the stuff in it, it's easy to read and you end up riding along with Cyril, Jolie and Eric never missing any of the action.
Totally enjoyed Spectre Black, my favorite read of 2016 so far, even though it was a complex read with all it's storylines and J. Carson Black writing style pulls it all together in the end.
I totally liked the heart pounding, opening attempted abduction of Homicide Detective Jolie Burke, she's tough, smart and cleverly has an escape plan. You could even add Carla Angela Vitelli to the team also, even though she seems corrupt and has a incest relationship with her half-brother.
I also liked Cyril Landry, Eric the Red, and along with Jolie they make a likable team, tough as nails and characters right out of the movies.
Although it's part of the Cyril Landry series, I do hope that both Jolie and Eric become part of Landry's team and continue to have roles in future additions to the series.
The only blemishs with this one are; FBI Agent Carla Angela Vitelli appears in the story, gets Cyril thrown in jail, he never gets charged and gets explained simply by Landry blaming Carla.
Carla disappears for most of the book, appears in the ending and mentioned when briefly Jolie figures out that a Officer Dan Atwood had been stocking Carla prior to being found dead on the Denboer corrupt agriculture farm.
You do find out that Officer Atwood really was a serial killer, prior to his death, he had stalked and killed two other women. Jolie finds two tribute sites, plus stalking pictures of Carla and would have made a great first series book featuring Jolie solving his murder.
You are kind of left hanging with Rick Connor who gets killed while manning a militia roadblock. Landry does mention he's was a undercover DEA Agent but in Black's writing Landry has a unlimited supply of bogus credentials available to him and not believable to leave it that way.
Would have been easier to have Eric or Cyril find his hidden badge, when they search his apartment and find a video camera with footage hidden under roofing tile on the roof.
Spectre Black has storylines intertwined with more stories, with a storyline that takes you from Branch, New Mexico, to Fort Meade, Maryland and San Clemente, California, full of twists and turns, loved the fast pace and a rarity to see a thriller chalked full with a extra helping of storylines actually work.
Basically Black easily could have written 2 full books, plus a short chase scene story for what's in Spectre Black and it's one that I really like.
Definitely worthy read, even with all the stuff in it, it's easy to read and you end up riding along with Cyril, Jolie and Eric never missing any of the action.
August 1, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When homicide detective Jolie Burke awakens to intruders in the dark of night, she’s forced to flee. Jolie’s nobody’s victim, but she cannot fight this faceless enemy alone. She reaches out to Cyril Landry, the ex–Navy SEAL who is long on special-ops skills and short on patience. He suffers no fools—ever. But when Landry rolls into Branch, New Mexico, Jolie is gone, and there’s nothing waiting for him but trouble.
As Landry hunts for Jolie, he becomes immersed in a quagmire of corruption—a toxic brew of graft, homicide, and the ominous shape of something much bigger. Framed for murder and dodging a sexy FBI agent and a suspicious sheriff, Landry finds himself pitted against a psychopath with secrets even blacker than his sinister sports car. Now Landry’s on a double-barreled mission: reach Jolie before the killers do and dig up some dirt on his enemies before they get the chance to dig his grave.
This is the third book in the Cyril Landry series. While it can be read as a standalone, it would be of great benefit to read the previous novels to gain some insight into the characters.
After reading Hard Return late last year and really enjoying it, this book became a "let's see" proposition. Although the book didn't set the world alight with originality, the characters really made this book hum for me. So I wanted to see what the next one was like.
And this one was just as good! Landry and Jolie are a knock-out combination. The author has delivered once again with strong characters and a backstory that is both complicated and intriguing.
The best part, though, is the improvement in the plot. A few more twists this time and a story that goes the whole 300 pages. Action, mystery and suspense kept me going all the way through - and that can be a tough ask for me.
The only reason this didn't get five stars (and it was close) was one thing: there seemed to be quite a bit of repetition throughout the book. I don't know if that was just something that was overlooked or what, but it was distracting from what was otherwise a really good story!
Paul
ARH
When homicide detective Jolie Burke awakens to intruders in the dark of night, she’s forced to flee. Jolie’s nobody’s victim, but she cannot fight this faceless enemy alone. She reaches out to Cyril Landry, the ex–Navy SEAL who is long on special-ops skills and short on patience. He suffers no fools—ever. But when Landry rolls into Branch, New Mexico, Jolie is gone, and there’s nothing waiting for him but trouble.
As Landry hunts for Jolie, he becomes immersed in a quagmire of corruption—a toxic brew of graft, homicide, and the ominous shape of something much bigger. Framed for murder and dodging a sexy FBI agent and a suspicious sheriff, Landry finds himself pitted against a psychopath with secrets even blacker than his sinister sports car. Now Landry’s on a double-barreled mission: reach Jolie before the killers do and dig up some dirt on his enemies before they get the chance to dig his grave.
This is the third book in the Cyril Landry series. While it can be read as a standalone, it would be of great benefit to read the previous novels to gain some insight into the characters.
After reading Hard Return late last year and really enjoying it, this book became a "let's see" proposition. Although the book didn't set the world alight with originality, the characters really made this book hum for me. So I wanted to see what the next one was like.
And this one was just as good! Landry and Jolie are a knock-out combination. The author has delivered once again with strong characters and a backstory that is both complicated and intriguing.
The best part, though, is the improvement in the plot. A few more twists this time and a story that goes the whole 300 pages. Action, mystery and suspense kept me going all the way through - and that can be a tough ask for me.
The only reason this didn't get five stars (and it was close) was one thing: there seemed to be quite a bit of repetition throughout the book. I don't know if that was just something that was overlooked or what, but it was distracting from what was otherwise a really good story!
Paul
ARH
October 13, 2015
I read Spectre Black right after reading the latest Reacher book, Make Me. The similarities hit me immediately--small towns in the middle of nowhere, corrupt cops, shady politicians, and greedy prominent citizens. Of course we have a larger than life ex-military in the mix along with an attractive part-time partner (a rarity for Reacher). Reacher is provisionally a wanderer across the U.S. who finds trouble around every corner, while Cyril Landry, an ex-Navy SEAL, has enemies around every corner and has set up several false identities to use while hiding in plain sight.
Spectre Black, the first book in the series that I have read, is set in Branch, New Mexico, and opens with a home invasion intended to kill Sheriff's office homicide detective, Jolie Burke--a former lover and still friend of Cyril Landry. Jolie escapes from her house and puts in a call to Cyril for help--it goes to voicemail. Cyril heads out from California as soon as he hears her frantic voice but before he reaches her, Jolie has disappeared without any trace. Her disappearance and Cyril's looking into it cause him all sorts of trouble.
Cyril is quickly framed for a murder he didn't commit. A violent Fight Club type scene takes place in the Branch jail--unfortunately for the sheriff Cyril is not killed, just mightily ticked off at the sheriff and others. Not good for those who are now in his crosshairs. Jolie and Cyril eventually meet up and the town of Branch has met its match.
Jolie Burke and Cyril Landry are interesting characters that carry the story but I enjoyed many of the goofy and creepy secondary characters the author created. They clearly add to the plot and my reading enjoyment. Now I have to go back and read Book #1 and 2 in the series to get a better sense of Jolie and Cyril's relationship.
Spectre Black, the first book in the series that I have read, is set in Branch, New Mexico, and opens with a home invasion intended to kill Sheriff's office homicide detective, Jolie Burke--a former lover and still friend of Cyril Landry. Jolie escapes from her house and puts in a call to Cyril for help--it goes to voicemail. Cyril heads out from California as soon as he hears her frantic voice but before he reaches her, Jolie has disappeared without any trace. Her disappearance and Cyril's looking into it cause him all sorts of trouble.
Cyril is quickly framed for a murder he didn't commit. A violent Fight Club type scene takes place in the Branch jail--unfortunately for the sheriff Cyril is not killed, just mightily ticked off at the sheriff and others. Not good for those who are now in his crosshairs. Jolie and Cyril eventually meet up and the town of Branch has met its match.
Jolie Burke and Cyril Landry are interesting characters that carry the story but I enjoyed many of the goofy and creepy secondary characters the author created. They clearly add to the plot and my reading enjoyment. Now I have to go back and read Book #1 and 2 in the series to get a better sense of Jolie and Cyril's relationship.
October 23, 2015
SPECTRE BLACK by J. Carson Black is the third outing for her hero, Cyril Landry and the first in the series I have read. When Landry gets an emergency call from his friend, homicide detective Jolie Burke of the Tobosa, New Mexico sheriff’s department, he drops everything and rushes to her aid, only to find her missing.
The county is corrupt, the sheriff’s department id corrupt, the county is run by a man named Deboer, his mostly medicated son Jace and his daughter, FBI agent Carla Venetti. There is a paramilitary organization that operates checkpoints on the main roads into town; there is a mysterious muscle car that may just be invisible, and there are deceptions at every turn. Ex-Seal Landry and his buddy, Eric the Red, slide into town, infiltrate the militia group, and the local experimental farms, and uncover lots of bad things. This is corruption of the big time in a small town setting that perhaps makes it even more evil.
The writing is good, the plot is fine and the characters standup under scrutiny, but there was something lacking in the entire story. Perhaps if I had read the first two books I would better understand the relationship between Landry and Jolie and have a better feel for why he would risk everything for such a tenuous relationship. I understand that he has a back-story where he has a great deal of money and is actively staying off the grid, but getting arrested by the local cops is not the way to do it.
This was a fun read though not awesome to the degree I would give it a lot of stars. It took me two weeks of mulling this book over before I got around to writing this review so I know I was troubled by the entire effort.
I did win this book through Goodreads.
The county is corrupt, the sheriff’s department id corrupt, the county is run by a man named Deboer, his mostly medicated son Jace and his daughter, FBI agent Carla Venetti. There is a paramilitary organization that operates checkpoints on the main roads into town; there is a mysterious muscle car that may just be invisible, and there are deceptions at every turn. Ex-Seal Landry and his buddy, Eric the Red, slide into town, infiltrate the militia group, and the local experimental farms, and uncover lots of bad things. This is corruption of the big time in a small town setting that perhaps makes it even more evil.
The writing is good, the plot is fine and the characters standup under scrutiny, but there was something lacking in the entire story. Perhaps if I had read the first two books I would better understand the relationship between Landry and Jolie and have a better feel for why he would risk everything for such a tenuous relationship. I understand that he has a back-story where he has a great deal of money and is actively staying off the grid, but getting arrested by the local cops is not the way to do it.
This was a fun read though not awesome to the degree I would give it a lot of stars. It took me two weeks of mulling this book over before I got around to writing this review so I know I was troubled by the entire effort.
I did win this book through Goodreads.
October 4, 2015
Intrigue. Mystery. Suspense. Character Driven Novel.
As with the other books in the Cyril Landry thrillers, SPECTRE BLACK is skillfully constructed with engaging characters and a tense, mysterious and suspenseful story-line.
The story opens with Jolie Burke, a homicide detective, reaching out to the enigmatic, ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry, after a home invasion with the intent on killing her, forces her to flee from her home. Landry rushes to help his ex-lover and good friend, but she’s disappeared. This is where the story takes you on a riveting page-turning reading experience.
J Carson Black’s style of writing allows you to connect with the characters (flawed-which makes them all that much more interesting, multi-dimensional and intriguing) allowing you to feel their fears, excitement, chemistry and their frustrations as you travel with them to escape danger, and solve the mystery at a good solid pace.
The novel is descriptive enough to allow you to visualize the environment, and the action scenes, and the witty dialogue is guaranteed to entertain.
SPECTRE BLACK can be read as a stand-alone as the plot, sub-plot and leads are well developed and written in a way that this book does stand on its own. However, I recommend reading the other books in the series not only to enhance your reading experience for this book, it will also give you a deeper insight and appreciation for the recurring characters as well.
I was given a digital ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review and would like to thank NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / and J Carson Black for the pleasure of reading this book in advance of publication.
As with the other books in the Cyril Landry thrillers, SPECTRE BLACK is skillfully constructed with engaging characters and a tense, mysterious and suspenseful story-line.
The story opens with Jolie Burke, a homicide detective, reaching out to the enigmatic, ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry, after a home invasion with the intent on killing her, forces her to flee from her home. Landry rushes to help his ex-lover and good friend, but she’s disappeared. This is where the story takes you on a riveting page-turning reading experience.
J Carson Black’s style of writing allows you to connect with the characters (flawed-which makes them all that much more interesting, multi-dimensional and intriguing) allowing you to feel their fears, excitement, chemistry and their frustrations as you travel with them to escape danger, and solve the mystery at a good solid pace.
The novel is descriptive enough to allow you to visualize the environment, and the action scenes, and the witty dialogue is guaranteed to entertain.
SPECTRE BLACK can be read as a stand-alone as the plot, sub-plot and leads are well developed and written in a way that this book does stand on its own. However, I recommend reading the other books in the series not only to enhance your reading experience for this book, it will also give you a deeper insight and appreciation for the recurring characters as well.
I was given a digital ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review and would like to thank NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / and J Carson Black for the pleasure of reading this book in advance of publication.
September 22, 2015
A female cop in New Mexico is chased out of her home in the middle of the night; then the scene switches to a guy in San Clemente, California. Quick introductions, though that might be understandable considering this is not the first book in this series.
Rushing to New Mexico at her SOS, the protagonist finds himself quickly immersed in all the nefarious activities of the small town where she was a detective. Before he knows it he’s being seduced by a black widow of an FBI agent—how the hell was she posted so close to home?—and set up for murder, thrown into jail where he’s fully expected to be killed.
And then somewhere in the middle the plot turns into something much different; how the heck is it suddenly about cloaking technology? And then our bright hero, with the help of a friend, decides the smart thing to do is go undercover with a militia; yeah, that’ll end well.
Just to confirm their evilness, the half-siblings—the obviously schizophrenic youngster and the FBI agent—are in an incestuous relationship.
When the main character finds the cop he came to save alive and well and living it up on a houseboat, the fast pace slows down dramatically, almost like a whole new book. They plot to take down the bad guys in numerous ways, none of them very convincing. What could have been a very good story gets bogged down in a plot too intricate to really enjoy.
Rushing to New Mexico at her SOS, the protagonist finds himself quickly immersed in all the nefarious activities of the small town where she was a detective. Before he knows it he’s being seduced by a black widow of an FBI agent—how the hell was she posted so close to home?—and set up for murder, thrown into jail where he’s fully expected to be killed.
And then somewhere in the middle the plot turns into something much different; how the heck is it suddenly about cloaking technology? And then our bright hero, with the help of a friend, decides the smart thing to do is go undercover with a militia; yeah, that’ll end well.
Just to confirm their evilness, the half-siblings—the obviously schizophrenic youngster and the FBI agent—are in an incestuous relationship.
When the main character finds the cop he came to save alive and well and living it up on a houseboat, the fast pace slows down dramatically, almost like a whole new book. They plot to take down the bad guys in numerous ways, none of them very convincing. What could have been a very good story gets bogged down in a plot too intricate to really enjoy.
April 12, 2016
Jolie Burke was a homicide detective. Then three men broke into her house and they had been professionals. One of them was Jolie’s boss. Jolie leaves as Cyril Laudry a message [ he was an ex navy seal and they had been partners].Cyril goes to find Jolie. But Cyril has been framed for a murder he didn’t do so he has to avoid the FBI and cops yet find Jolie. Cyril has a wife and teenage daughter he is also trying to protect. But there is nothing Cyril and Jolie won’t do for each other. It had been a year since they seen each other. Jolie had been assigned to investigate Danny’s death who was a cop. Jolie and Cyril finally find each other on a boat while she is still running. Cyril calls in his back up man Eric as Jolie and Cyril found corruption, murder, and illegal activity on a national level.
This is an excellent read. Everything going on keeps you right there unable to stop reading until the last page. There are other books before this one and it would be helpful to read them first as it would tie everything together. I loved the book, loved the action, and loved the characters especially Jolie and all she went through as well as Cyril. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review
This is an excellent read. Everything going on keeps you right there unable to stop reading until the last page. There are other books before this one and it would be helpful to read them first as it would tie everything together. I loved the book, loved the action, and loved the characters especially Jolie and all she went through as well as Cyril. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review
October 15, 2015
This is the third book in the Cyril Landry series by J. Carson Black. Previously enjoying Black's book 'The Survivors Club', I was looking forward to this.
Having not read the previous two books, I felt a little lost at the start; but this book does work as a standalone.
In the beginning, homicide detective Jolie Burke awakens to a break-in by three intruders; and she's on the run from the very start.
She knows that her fellow officers are stalking her. It's a corrupt police force that's working with local criminals, involved in everything from: murder; to
gun running; to illegal stealth technology.
Jolie goes into hiding and seeks the help of her former lover and ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry.
Mid way through book I was hooked so I ordered the first two books in the series.
The book has a great rollicking story, lots of action, especially when the bad guys go on the run for the Mexican border.
Overall I liked the storyline, but found the ending a little contrived and overly complicated.
Many thanks to publishers Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to give this unbiased review. A tough one to rate - I'd give it a 3-1/2 stars.
Having not read the previous two books, I felt a little lost at the start; but this book does work as a standalone.
In the beginning, homicide detective Jolie Burke awakens to a break-in by three intruders; and she's on the run from the very start.
She knows that her fellow officers are stalking her. It's a corrupt police force that's working with local criminals, involved in everything from: murder; to
gun running; to illegal stealth technology.
Jolie goes into hiding and seeks the help of her former lover and ex-Navy Seal Cyril Landry.
Mid way through book I was hooked so I ordered the first two books in the series.
The book has a great rollicking story, lots of action, especially when the bad guys go on the run for the Mexican border.
Overall I liked the storyline, but found the ending a little contrived and overly complicated.
Many thanks to publishers Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to give this unbiased review. A tough one to rate - I'd give it a 3-1/2 stars.
November 4, 2015
Who is trying to kill police officer Jolie and why? She is a homicide detective in a sleepy town in New Mexico. What does she know that makes her so dangerous?
One thing she does know- whom to call when she is in trouble.
Former Navy Seal Landry rushes to help her figure out what, other than corruption, is going on. They discover there is a hornet's nest that includes stealth technology that is being exported to who knows where.
Together with another ex-Navy Seal, Eric, they infiltrate the conspiracy and try to stop the family that is behind the mayhem. There are lots of dead bodies and chaos and no small measure of suspense.
It's a good story with interesting characters, especially Landry, for whom it is easy to cheer. I suspect we have not heard the last of these characters. That is fine with me.
One thing she does know- whom to call when she is in trouble.
Former Navy Seal Landry rushes to help her figure out what, other than corruption, is going on. They discover there is a hornet's nest that includes stealth technology that is being exported to who knows where.
Together with another ex-Navy Seal, Eric, they infiltrate the conspiracy and try to stop the family that is behind the mayhem. There are lots of dead bodies and chaos and no small measure of suspense.
It's a good story with interesting characters, especially Landry, for whom it is easy to cheer. I suspect we have not heard the last of these characters. That is fine with me.
November 6, 2015
Someone is out to get homicide detective Jolie Burke. She is forced to flee her home, in the dead of night, and reaches out to her old friend and former lover ex-Navy Seal, Cyril Landry for help. When Cyril arrives in Branch, New Mexico, Jolie has gone missing.
This is just the beginning of the storm that Landry has stepped into. Corruption, murder, and a psychopath with secrets, Landry must find Jolie before the killers do. As always Ms. Black has written a very taunt, character-driven thriller. I think that the Cyril Landry series gets better with each book. The story flows seamlessly and the action never slows down. If you like a fast-paced read that never slows down, this is the book for you.
This is just the beginning of the storm that Landry has stepped into. Corruption, murder, and a psychopath with secrets, Landry must find Jolie before the killers do. As always Ms. Black has written a very taunt, character-driven thriller. I think that the Cyril Landry series gets better with each book. The story flows seamlessly and the action never slows down. If you like a fast-paced read that never slows down, this is the book for you.
October 9, 2015
Got the Book as an ARC giidreads give away. I gave it 4 stars but really more like 3.5 to 4. The story started off fast and hooked me in quickly. It then took some odd turns and slowed for me but picked back up the pace from the middle onward. It would be a solid 4 if it had not slowed for me and got a little confusing when they introduced the stealth technology. My first read by Black, but will be trying more in the future.
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