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Kirk McGarvey #19
The Fourth Horseman
The heart-pounding next installment in David Hagberg's New York Times bestselling Kirk McGarvey series.
Pakistan is torn apart by riots in the streets. The CIA sends Pakistan expert David Haaris to meet with leaders of the military intelligence apparatus which all but controls the country, to try to head off what appears to be the disintegration of the government.
But Haaris has other ideas. After disguising himself, he beheads the president in front of a mob of ten thousand people and declares himself the new Messiah. He says he will bring peace and stability to the country by allying with the Taliban.
At that moment, miles to the south on the border with Afghanistan, one of four stolen nuclear weapons is detonated.
Pakistan has become the most dangerous nation in the world. Legendary former director of the CIA Kirk McGarvey is given a mission--assassinate the Messiah, code name: The Fourth Horseman.
Pakistan is torn apart by riots in the streets. The CIA sends Pakistan expert David Haaris to meet with leaders of the military intelligence apparatus which all but controls the country, to try to head off what appears to be the disintegration of the government.
But Haaris has other ideas. After disguising himself, he beheads the president in front of a mob of ten thousand people and declares himself the new Messiah. He says he will bring peace and stability to the country by allying with the Taliban.
At that moment, miles to the south on the border with Afghanistan, one of four stolen nuclear weapons is detonated.
Pakistan has become the most dangerous nation in the world. Legendary former director of the CIA Kirk McGarvey is given a mission--assassinate the Messiah, code name: The Fourth Horseman.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2016
32 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
David Hagberg
80 books137 followersaka David Bannerman, Sean Flannery, David James, Robert Pell, Eric Ramsey
David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...
David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 29, 2018
Probably the best book in the last half dozen of the Kirk McGarvey series (but not as good as the early books), an U.S. intelligence officer with expertise on Pakistan, dons a disguise and assassinates the president of Pakistan to start a new regime, aligning himself with the army and Taliban. However, Kirk McGarvey changes his appearance to go undercover to Pakistan, accompanying the new ambassador With his usual support team of Otto and Louise Rencke, his paramour, Pete Boylan, and his Pakistan-based buddy, Milt Thomas, Mac has a secret order from the U.S. President to kill the Messiah. Meanwhile, nobody knows the Messiah's psychotic endgame. The book could have been better had Hagberg provided any insight into the Pakistani-Indian conflict, and had a plausible reason for Pete to know Mac was being water-boarded. 3.75 stars.
March 2, 2016
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The Pakistani government is unstable, which is of great concern to American officials due to the simple fact that Pakistan has a rather large nuclear arsenal. Should the Islamic terror groups overrun President Farid Barazani’s administration, they would have the means to strike a devastating blow to their enemies, which includes the United States.
In an effort to help Pakistani officials find a way to keep their government from dissolving, the CIA has sent an expert by the name of David Haaris to meet with them and help find a diplomatic solution. Haaris, just thirty-eight years old, lands safely in Pakistan before entering a waiting vehicle that’s tasked with transporting him safely to his scheduled meeting.
Inside the vehicle, Haaris transforms his Western appearance into that of a native Arab, complete with a long fake beard and dusty robes. A kaffiyeh draped around his neck hides a special device that’s fastened just above his Adam’s apple, which alters his voice from its normal, slightly British accent to one that is unrecognizable.
Haaris’ parents died when he was child. After that, his uncle moved him around until he ended up in London, where he studied in public school. The other kids weren’t kind to Haaris, and they’d taken to calling him names such as “rag head” and “Islamic whore.” So it was at a young age that Haaris began to develop hatred, which would only intensify throughout the years.
The American government had no reason to suspect that Haaris was privately a radical jihadist. So while the CIA sent him to aid the Pakistani government, that isn’t why Haaris went along. He went willingly because he had a plan, fueled by hate and rage, that nobody in the West could have possibly seen coming.
The CIA believed that Haaris was captured by the Taliban. In reality, Haaris, who had slipped back into his regular clothing long enough to get an audience with the Pakistani president, was fine and well. During a private meeting with President Barazani, Haaris pulled a pistol from his bag and shot the man in the forehead.
Slipping back into his Arab attire, Haaris produced a machete-like blade and hacked Barazani’s head clean off his shoulders in one fell swoop. Fitting the voice changer once again beneath his kaffiyeh, he presented himself to the people of Pakistan. Speaking to a large crowd and broadcast throughout the region, Haaris claimed to be the Messiah. People cheered as Haaris delivered his speech, which he ended by tossing Barazani’s severed head onto the street below.
After returning to his normal clothing and stashing his “Messiah” outfit into his sack, Haaris called his handler at the CIA and claimed to have escaped from the Taliban. The American airplane and flight crew were put on notice, and Haaris made his story more believable by having a fellow jihadist rough him up a bit. Of course, the jihadist took it a bit too far, knocking out several teeth and breaking a few of Haaris’ ribs. But he was alive, and showed up to the airstrip in pain but without any life-threatening injuries.
While Haaris had been on the ground in Pakistan, President Charlene Miller was back at the White House listening to her advisers explain that intelligence reports suggested the Taliban had stolen at least one nuclear weapon from the Pakistan government–who was actively moving their warheads around the country.
The general consensus had been that the Taliban didn’t have the capability of detonating a nuke, even if they had successfully stolen one… when reports suddenly flooded in detailing an explosion in Pakistan near the Afghanistan border.
Did the Taliban just detonate the nuke to send a message to the world? Something like, we have the nuclear warheads and we’re absolutely capable of detonating them? And if so, what was the so-called “Messiah’s”plan moving forward?
With little resources on the ground–thanks to a stream of steady budget cuts imposed by Congress–neither the CIA nor any other government agency had the manpower currently in place to find the answers they so desperately needed. With no time to waste, and a bevy of questions that needed answering, President Miller summoned ex-CIA Director and legendary spy Kirk McGarvey to the White House.
In no time at all, McGarvey suggests that the “Messiah” was using a voice-changing device to hide his identity from them because it must be someone the United States government knows. An analyst with the CIA believed they could revert the altered voice back to its original state, but it would take a while. In the meantime, McGarvey was tasked with assassinating the Messiah, code named the Fourth Horseman, before a nuclear war started in the region, and around the world.
WHY I ENJOYED IT
There’s a lot of moving parts to this story, and the hero (Kirk McGarvey) doesn’t even appear until page sixty-five. That’s a pretty long time to not introduce the protagonist, but in fairness to the author it was clear he was trying to flesh out the antagonist first. However, there’s some slow parts during those pages before McGarvey appears–and thankfully the pace does pick up considerably once he’s involved.
The Fourth Horseman is a geopolitical thriller in every conceivable sense of the word. The American president, Charlene Miller, is strong on certain issues like immigration, creating jobs, and health care. But she struggles when it comes to sending troops into battle. Clearly, as the situation with Pakistan escalates, Miller is out of her element.
Haaris is a fascinating bad guy, with many layers that are eventually peeled back to show his motives and what drives him. I found him easy to hate, which is always a good sign when we’re talking about bad guys!
Honestly, I expected this book to be similar to Joel C. Rosenberg’s novel The Twelfth Imam (2010), but it wasn’t. The Fourth Horseman is a different take on things entirely, but a good example of why the situation in Pakistan should be monitored closely. It’s a solid thriller and everything we’ve come to expect from the author–vintage Hagberg from beginning to end.
The Pakistani government is unstable, which is of great concern to American officials due to the simple fact that Pakistan has a rather large nuclear arsenal. Should the Islamic terror groups overrun President Farid Barazani’s administration, they would have the means to strike a devastating blow to their enemies, which includes the United States.
In an effort to help Pakistani officials find a way to keep their government from dissolving, the CIA has sent an expert by the name of David Haaris to meet with them and help find a diplomatic solution. Haaris, just thirty-eight years old, lands safely in Pakistan before entering a waiting vehicle that’s tasked with transporting him safely to his scheduled meeting.
Inside the vehicle, Haaris transforms his Western appearance into that of a native Arab, complete with a long fake beard and dusty robes. A kaffiyeh draped around his neck hides a special device that’s fastened just above his Adam’s apple, which alters his voice from its normal, slightly British accent to one that is unrecognizable.
Haaris’ parents died when he was child. After that, his uncle moved him around until he ended up in London, where he studied in public school. The other kids weren’t kind to Haaris, and they’d taken to calling him names such as “rag head” and “Islamic whore.” So it was at a young age that Haaris began to develop hatred, which would only intensify throughout the years.
The American government had no reason to suspect that Haaris was privately a radical jihadist. So while the CIA sent him to aid the Pakistani government, that isn’t why Haaris went along. He went willingly because he had a plan, fueled by hate and rage, that nobody in the West could have possibly seen coming.
The CIA believed that Haaris was captured by the Taliban. In reality, Haaris, who had slipped back into his regular clothing long enough to get an audience with the Pakistani president, was fine and well. During a private meeting with President Barazani, Haaris pulled a pistol from his bag and shot the man in the forehead.
Slipping back into his Arab attire, Haaris produced a machete-like blade and hacked Barazani’s head clean off his shoulders in one fell swoop. Fitting the voice changer once again beneath his kaffiyeh, he presented himself to the people of Pakistan. Speaking to a large crowd and broadcast throughout the region, Haaris claimed to be the Messiah. People cheered as Haaris delivered his speech, which he ended by tossing Barazani’s severed head onto the street below.
After returning to his normal clothing and stashing his “Messiah” outfit into his sack, Haaris called his handler at the CIA and claimed to have escaped from the Taliban. The American airplane and flight crew were put on notice, and Haaris made his story more believable by having a fellow jihadist rough him up a bit. Of course, the jihadist took it a bit too far, knocking out several teeth and breaking a few of Haaris’ ribs. But he was alive, and showed up to the airstrip in pain but without any life-threatening injuries.
While Haaris had been on the ground in Pakistan, President Charlene Miller was back at the White House listening to her advisers explain that intelligence reports suggested the Taliban had stolen at least one nuclear weapon from the Pakistan government–who was actively moving their warheads around the country.
The general consensus had been that the Taliban didn’t have the capability of detonating a nuke, even if they had successfully stolen one… when reports suddenly flooded in detailing an explosion in Pakistan near the Afghanistan border.
Did the Taliban just detonate the nuke to send a message to the world? Something like, we have the nuclear warheads and we’re absolutely capable of detonating them? And if so, what was the so-called “Messiah’s”plan moving forward?
With little resources on the ground–thanks to a stream of steady budget cuts imposed by Congress–neither the CIA nor any other government agency had the manpower currently in place to find the answers they so desperately needed. With no time to waste, and a bevy of questions that needed answering, President Miller summoned ex-CIA Director and legendary spy Kirk McGarvey to the White House.
In no time at all, McGarvey suggests that the “Messiah” was using a voice-changing device to hide his identity from them because it must be someone the United States government knows. An analyst with the CIA believed they could revert the altered voice back to its original state, but it would take a while. In the meantime, McGarvey was tasked with assassinating the Messiah, code named the Fourth Horseman, before a nuclear war started in the region, and around the world.
WHY I ENJOYED IT
There’s a lot of moving parts to this story, and the hero (Kirk McGarvey) doesn’t even appear until page sixty-five. That’s a pretty long time to not introduce the protagonist, but in fairness to the author it was clear he was trying to flesh out the antagonist first. However, there’s some slow parts during those pages before McGarvey appears–and thankfully the pace does pick up considerably once he’s involved.
The Fourth Horseman is a geopolitical thriller in every conceivable sense of the word. The American president, Charlene Miller, is strong on certain issues like immigration, creating jobs, and health care. But she struggles when it comes to sending troops into battle. Clearly, as the situation with Pakistan escalates, Miller is out of her element.
Haaris is a fascinating bad guy, with many layers that are eventually peeled back to show his motives and what drives him. I found him easy to hate, which is always a good sign when we’re talking about bad guys!
Honestly, I expected this book to be similar to Joel C. Rosenberg’s novel The Twelfth Imam (2010), but it wasn’t. The Fourth Horseman is a different take on things entirely, but a good example of why the situation in Pakistan should be monitored closely. It’s a solid thriller and everything we’ve come to expect from the author–vintage Hagberg from beginning to end.
September 10, 2020
This was my first novel by David Hagberg, and although I enjoyed the overall story, I feel it's been done to death - secret agent saves the world from nuclear destruction.
I had some difficulty starting the book, probably because of way too many characters with military or political titles to remember, not to mention the many Arabic names.
Once the story unfolded I found it very predictable, even though it was apparent the author was shooting for mystery and suspense.
The plot evolved well but didn't have to be so complicated.
The Fourth Horseman was an okay read but I'm not running right out to find another book by this author.
I had some difficulty starting the book, probably because of way too many characters with military or political titles to remember, not to mention the many Arabic names.
Once the story unfolded I found it very predictable, even though it was apparent the author was shooting for mystery and suspense.
The plot evolved well but didn't have to be so complicated.
The Fourth Horseman was an okay read but I'm not running right out to find another book by this author.
March 24, 2017
This book is just ludicrous. Unless you're a fan of the series and even then, really? this gets 4+ rating? ugghh...
I gutted it out to see if there was anything redeeming about it, (seriously, what on earth is motivating the antagonist? Like..."Hey, I've worked in the states for the CIA for decades but I've decided I wanna nuke London, DC and NY and mess up Pakistan because of childhood trauma or is it just because I'm a terminally ill dick?") but it wrapped up its climax in 5 pages and had a non-epilogue-epilogue (so everything just magically settled down and we're all happily having dinner a page after the female lead shots the bad guy in the head. Note: Kirk kills a lot of people but not the bad guy in the end, so he's not really the hero, she is and nuke doesn't go off because of dumb-luck).
I haven't read any others in this series, so maybe that what's needed to get into it but the plot is just groan-worthy, my wife literally said "it's that bad eh?" or "you know, you don't have to finish it..." after I did numerous audible eye-rolls. So, if that's you after 30 pages, bail, it doesn't get better or make more sense. If you eating it up by then...ignore everything I've said.
I gutted it out to see if there was anything redeeming about it, (seriously, what on earth is motivating the antagonist? Like..."Hey, I've worked in the states for the CIA for decades but I've decided I wanna nuke London, DC and NY and mess up Pakistan because of childhood trauma or is it just because I'm a terminally ill dick?") but it wrapped up its climax in 5 pages and had a non-epilogue-epilogue (so everything just magically settled down and we're all happily having dinner a page after the female lead shots the bad guy in the head. Note: Kirk kills a lot of people but not the bad guy in the end, so he's not really the hero, she is and nuke doesn't go off because of dumb-luck).
I haven't read any others in this series, so maybe that what's needed to get into it but the plot is just groan-worthy, my wife literally said "it's that bad eh?" or "you know, you don't have to finish it..." after I did numerous audible eye-rolls. So, if that's you after 30 pages, bail, it doesn't get better or make more sense. If you eating it up by then...ignore everything I've said.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2016
I have read dozens of different series in this fiction genre, including the Kirk McGarvey one here, but I must admit that I have now reached the end of the road with this one.
David Hagberg has rode this character into the ground and beyond. Though reading McGarvey's superhuman exploits has a certain amount of entertainment, it has reached a point of tedium and absurdity. The series of events where he breaks out of the interrogation cell in Pakistan in this book were especially hysterical. The characters have become predictable stereotypes of themselves and are boring. I can't wait for McGarvey #137 where his latest love is killed off by Antartica terrorist penguins and he comes out of the nursing home and swims there to get his revenge.
The sad thing is that this writer has the talent to invent a new character and start a new series. I hope he stops taking the easy way out (money?) and moves on.
David Hagberg has rode this character into the ground and beyond. Though reading McGarvey's superhuman exploits has a certain amount of entertainment, it has reached a point of tedium and absurdity. The series of events where he breaks out of the interrogation cell in Pakistan in this book were especially hysterical. The characters have become predictable stereotypes of themselves and are boring. I can't wait for McGarvey #137 where his latest love is killed off by Antartica terrorist penguins and he comes out of the nursing home and swims there to get his revenge.
The sad thing is that this writer has the talent to invent a new character and start a new series. I hope he stops taking the easy way out (money?) and moves on.
Read
July 30, 2016I enjoyed the book, however; found the ending somewhat underwhelming. It seems strange that the principal character who was considered very smart hadn't figured out the lead lining would prevent detonation.
November 15, 2019
This was the first book by this author that I read and as it started out I was quite impressed and really started to get into it. Then suddenly the developments involving the main character, Kirk McGarvey began to strike me as rather absurd. I've read hundreds of books in this genre and very much expect and enjoy having a main character who comes across as knowing everything and capable of doing almost anything. But there is a limit known as absurdity beyond which I quickly become bored and in this book, the author seems to cross that line fairly frequently. The result for me was that I found it quite difficult to move through the story at barely more than a snail's pace. Then, finally, when I got to the ending I was completely let down. In reading other member's reviews after finishing the book, I discovered I was hardly alone in my reactions. I surmise I would have been far more satisfied had I started with a book by this author much earlier in the Kirk McGarvey Series.
October 15, 2020
All in all, a good read. A few glaring errors, which probably means there were quite a few that weren't so glaring, except to, ahem, Special Forces guys, spies, CIA killers, and NSA desk drones, people who are "in the life." Four stars instead of five because of its annoying complexity and the fact that "he" and "they" were too often undefined and ambiguous, leaving me wondering exactly who was doing what. But it was much too convoluted to figure out who "he" or "they" were, so I plowed onward and got the gist. Getting just the gist isn't worth a full five stars. I'm sure Hagberg knew who "he" and "they" were. I only wish he'd told the reader.
January 15, 2021
This is my first book in this series and the first with this author that I know of. It was okay, really. Kirk and Pete identify the villain without any evidence. I never could figure out why Kirk became a threat and needed to be arrested. Miller's attitude and orders were confusing and Kalley's attitude was never explained. I assume that was covered in the other books. So although I may not actively seek other books in this series, I wouldn't object if one fell into my lap.
September 1, 2024
Hagberg's writing is so believable that while reading this fictional account of a coup in Pakistan, I had to remind myself that this story really was fiction. While the central character, McGarvey gets out of unbelievable situations, the supporting activities are totally credible. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2023
The plot was a little hard to swallow , which has been an issue the pat 3-4 novels.
The series really hasn't been the same since Mac "retired" from the CIA.
Good, but a little different tone.
The writing is very good and Hagberg has done another of his fantastic best-in-the-business endings.
The series really hasn't been the same since Mac "retired" from the CIA.
Good, but a little different tone.
The writing is very good and Hagberg has done another of his fantastic best-in-the-business endings.
September 26, 2017
Very exciting as usual. Couldn’t put it down
April 22, 2020
The story and background were fine. The ending was pretty vanilla though. Would have given 4 stars with a better ending.
May 1, 2020
Kirk is once again sent to Pakistan to deal with a new charismatic leader, a traitor, nukes and several people out to kill him. Read it, you won't be disappointed
October 13, 2021
Go Kirk
Another great read in the McGarvey series. You won’t be disappointed. The Pakistan angle continues and heats up in the current installment. A thrill ride all the way!
Another great read in the McGarvey series. You won’t be disappointed. The Pakistan angle continues and heats up in the current installment. A thrill ride all the way!
February 27, 2017
Good fast read-sure was absorbing plot.
March 14, 2016
The CIA sends Pakistan expert David Haaris to meet with the leaders of the
military which all but controls the country to head off what appears to be the disin-
tegraton of the government. Haaris has another plan though and after disguising
himself he beheads the President of Pakistan in front of a mob of about 10,000 people.
He then declares himself the new Messiah and claims that he will bring peace and
stability to the country by joining with the Taliban. At the same time miles away on
the southern border of Afghanistan one of four stolen nuclear weapons is detonated
Pakistan has now become the most dangerous nation in the world. Former CIA director
Kirk McGarvey is given a mission - assassinate the Messiah whose code name is The
Fourth Horseman. This book is number 19 in the Kirk McGarvey series and it should
keep you interested. I gave it a 4.
military which all but controls the country to head off what appears to be the disin-
tegraton of the government. Haaris has another plan though and after disguising
himself he beheads the President of Pakistan in front of a mob of about 10,000 people.
He then declares himself the new Messiah and claims that he will bring peace and
stability to the country by joining with the Taliban. At the same time miles away on
the southern border of Afghanistan one of four stolen nuclear weapons is detonated
Pakistan has now become the most dangerous nation in the world. Former CIA director
Kirk McGarvey is given a mission - assassinate the Messiah whose code name is The
Fourth Horseman. This book is number 19 in the Kirk McGarvey series and it should
keep you interested. I gave it a 4.
March 24, 2016
The Fourth Horseman is David Hagberg's 19th and newest Kirk McGarvey novel and the 8th I have read. Although it is a page-turner, full of suspense and twists, it is almost unbelievable. By that I mean that characters declare something is true with little or no evidence leading to this idea. I found it difficult to believe a high-level CIA employee would turn against the US, England, and his birthplace, Pakistan, due to being made fun of during childhood.
Regardless, McGarvey faces his usual life-threatening dangers and survives.
The Fourth Horseman is an exciting read.....almost.
Regardless, McGarvey faces his usual life-threatening dangers and survives.
The Fourth Horseman is an exciting read.....almost.
April 24, 2016
I think this was closer to 3.5 star rating. I liked it better than the last couple Hagberg novels. Kirk McGarvey is after a rogue CIA agent who is trying to exact his revenge on the US and Great Britain while also pushing Pakistan into total chaos. The rogue CIA agent, David Harris, is a solid villain in the book. The plot is interesting, and it moves at a decent pace.
August 8, 2016
The author is a good guy.
The hero is a good guy.
Formulaic--but it works. Pakistan, nukes, political bureaucracy. Independent patriot kills only when required, takes some hard hits along way to predictable ending. Love interest is a strong, competent woman--a nice touch.
The hero is a good guy.
Formulaic--but it works. Pakistan, nukes, political bureaucracy. Independent patriot kills only when required, takes some hard hits along way to predictable ending. Love interest is a strong, competent woman--a nice touch.
February 27, 2016
Loved Mcgarvey!
I have waited so long to finally read this book and I couldn't put it down. I love McGarvey. I hope more to come
I have waited so long to finally read this book and I couldn't put it down. I love McGarvey. I hope more to come
March 18, 2016
The Kirk McGarvey books are super right wing but I still like them. They're sort of like reading an action movie.
January 9, 2017
Love Kirk McGarvey!
February 25, 2016
A great thriller about Pakistan!!
April 13, 2016
Next in the Kirk McGarvey series. Pretty good. Some plausibility problems, but well paced.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews