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Leine Basso Thriller #4
The Body Market
A retired assassin is called in when a celebration south of the border turns into a nightmare.
Former assassin Leine Basso is hired by a wealthy Beverly Hills power couple to find their missing daughter, Elise, last seen partying with her boyfriend at a club in Tijuana. At first, police believe the two teenagers are the victims of a carjacking. But when Leine finds their missing vehicle with the boyfriend’s mutilated body inside, and the local cartel warns her away, she knows if Elise isn’t already dead, she will be soon, or worse.
In the lethal world of organized crime, there’s always a worse.
As Leine races to uncover the reason behind Elise Bennett’s disappearance, she must also battle the powerful interests fighting to keep her from the truth.
Former assassin Leine Basso is hired by a wealthy Beverly Hills power couple to find their missing daughter, Elise, last seen partying with her boyfriend at a club in Tijuana. At first, police believe the two teenagers are the victims of a carjacking. But when Leine finds their missing vehicle with the boyfriend’s mutilated body inside, and the local cartel warns her away, she knows if Elise isn’t already dead, she will be soon, or worse.
In the lethal world of organized crime, there’s always a worse.
As Leine races to uncover the reason behind Elise Bennett’s disappearance, she must also battle the powerful interests fighting to keep her from the truth.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
677 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Berkom
50 books365 followersDV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 19, 2023
Great story dealing with some difficult topics. I like Leine and Santa. They are an interesting couple with a bit of baggage, just a bit. 😉 That was an interesting twist at the end. If you like a strong female lead then this is a great series.
March 10, 2016
The Body Market’s title, cover, tagline and DV Berkom’s name as the author, tells me this is a story I can hardly wait to read. The Body Market is one novel in the Leine Basso series, but all the books can stand alone. The characters are ongoing, growing and changing with each book, becoming more complex, with all their foibles exposed.
A rich couple, too busy for their teenage daughter, will learn the pain and anguish of discovering their child is missing, possibly in a foreign county. And, Elliza, the pretty, rich American teenager will pay the penalty for partying in Mexico. She is the ditzy blond you hear about.
I used to read a lot of Mafia books in their heyday and I love assassins, especially a strong female one, like Leine Basso.
Leine Basso is kicking cartel ass from the opening pages. She is stubborn and will rebel when threatened. She is learning to live a real life instead of always running off to her next assassination. I love that she kite surf’s with her main man, Santiago Jensen. Santiago is new to monogamy and attempts to romance Leine. Don’t you love a man who cooks for you? I am lucky to have one of those too. I love the dialogue between them, at times humorous and fun.
She works for SHEN – Stop Human Enslavement Now and he is an LAPD Robbery/Homicide detective. I lam in favor of her idea of hand grenades and flamethrowers for dealing with sex traffickers.
I was surprised Leine didn’t know about the bad guy…but I cannot say more.
If you are looking for action from the getgo and a story that will have your blood boiling and your emotions running AMOK, pick up The Body Market. Leine Basso will have you kicking ass and taking names as she makes the bad guys pay. Will she be in time to rescue Elize? You will have to find out for yourself.
I received a copy of The Body Market from DV Berkom in return for an honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
A rich couple, too busy for their teenage daughter, will learn the pain and anguish of discovering their child is missing, possibly in a foreign county. And, Elliza, the pretty, rich American teenager will pay the penalty for partying in Mexico. She is the ditzy blond you hear about.
I used to read a lot of Mafia books in their heyday and I love assassins, especially a strong female one, like Leine Basso.
Leine Basso is kicking cartel ass from the opening pages. She is stubborn and will rebel when threatened. She is learning to live a real life instead of always running off to her next assassination. I love that she kite surf’s with her main man, Santiago Jensen. Santiago is new to monogamy and attempts to romance Leine. Don’t you love a man who cooks for you? I am lucky to have one of those too. I love the dialogue between them, at times humorous and fun.
She works for SHEN – Stop Human Enslavement Now and he is an LAPD Robbery/Homicide detective. I lam in favor of her idea of hand grenades and flamethrowers for dealing with sex traffickers.
I was surprised Leine didn’t know about the bad guy…but I cannot say more.
If you are looking for action from the getgo and a story that will have your blood boiling and your emotions running AMOK, pick up The Body Market. Leine Basso will have you kicking ass and taking names as she makes the bad guys pay. Will she be in time to rescue Elize? You will have to find out for yourself.
I received a copy of The Body Market from DV Berkom in return for an honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
September 20, 2016
Leine Basso, a former assassin, has been hired by a wealthy couple to find their missing daughter and her boyfriend who were last seen partying in Tijuana. The police suspect that they were victims of a car jacking, but when Leine locates their missing car with the boyfriend's mutilated body inside and then a cartel threatens her she knows she must be close. If Elise, the missing daughter, isn't already dead, she's running out of time.
I was so lucky to win a signed copy of this novel from Sherry @ Fundinmental. From the description and snippets on her blog, I was quickly sold and now that I've finished it I can easily say that I wasn't disappointed. The main character, Leine Basso, is one tough leading lady right from the very beginning. She's smart and quite brave, if a little reckless. I definitely want to know more about her background since this is the only novel featuring her character that I've read.
If you're looking for a tightly plotted and intense thriller with a fantastic lead, do yourself a favor and try the Leine Basso Thriller series. I believe I will need to try the rest of the series starting with book one, Serial Date. Just based on this novel, The Body Market, I would like to see Leine Basso grace my television screen.
I was so lucky to win a signed copy of this novel from Sherry @ Fundinmental. From the description and snippets on her blog, I was quickly sold and now that I've finished it I can easily say that I wasn't disappointed. The main character, Leine Basso, is one tough leading lady right from the very beginning. She's smart and quite brave, if a little reckless. I definitely want to know more about her background since this is the only novel featuring her character that I've read.
If you're looking for a tightly plotted and intense thriller with a fantastic lead, do yourself a favor and try the Leine Basso Thriller series. I believe I will need to try the rest of the series starting with book one, Serial Date. Just based on this novel, The Body Market, I would like to see Leine Basso grace my television screen.
February 14, 2015
If Leine Basso had her own TV series, an episode a day wouldn’t be enough for me. I just can’t get enough of her.
In this, the third in the Leine Basso, (retired assassin extraordinaire), adventures, Leine has to find two young people, Elise and Josh, missing after night out in Mexico. Was it a carjacking that went wrong or something more sinister? ‘Keep away or else’ is like a red rag to a bull with someone like Leine, and she’s determined to get to the truth. Undeterred by Elise’s parents’ reticence, a rather unscrupulous informant, injury and a shedload of Mexican undesirables, our very courageous, plucky and fearless heroine does her best to get to the bottom of the youngsters' disppearance, supported as always by her detective boyfriend.
Suffice it to say, Berkom has done it again. She manages to inch your derrière right onto the edge of your seat and keep it there from page one through to the very end as Leine uncovers the awful truth.
Berkom has conceived an addictive heroine: smart, beautiful, compassionate, brave (if a little headstrong!), but hasn’t made her too perfect to be incredible. She’s made mistakes in her past but learns from them. Berkom has an unmatched ability to paint a scene to a T, no matter if it’s fast-paced action or in the bedroom.
This book has a little bonus extra short story at the end. Don’t, whatever you do, pass it over. It’s priceless.
To say I’m looking forward to the next book is an understatement. I need Leine Basso in my reading life!
In this, the third in the Leine Basso, (retired assassin extraordinaire), adventures, Leine has to find two young people, Elise and Josh, missing after night out in Mexico. Was it a carjacking that went wrong or something more sinister? ‘Keep away or else’ is like a red rag to a bull with someone like Leine, and she’s determined to get to the truth. Undeterred by Elise’s parents’ reticence, a rather unscrupulous informant, injury and a shedload of Mexican undesirables, our very courageous, plucky and fearless heroine does her best to get to the bottom of the youngsters' disppearance, supported as always by her detective boyfriend.
Suffice it to say, Berkom has done it again. She manages to inch your derrière right onto the edge of your seat and keep it there from page one through to the very end as Leine uncovers the awful truth.
Berkom has conceived an addictive heroine: smart, beautiful, compassionate, brave (if a little headstrong!), but hasn’t made her too perfect to be incredible. She’s made mistakes in her past but learns from them. Berkom has an unmatched ability to paint a scene to a T, no matter if it’s fast-paced action or in the bedroom.
This book has a little bonus extra short story at the end. Don’t, whatever you do, pass it over. It’s priceless.
To say I’m looking forward to the next book is an understatement. I need Leine Basso in my reading life!
December 14, 2014
When the daughter of a high powered Beverly Hills couple goes missing after a party in Tijuana, the family hires former assassin Leine Basso to find her. When the girl’s boyfriend is find murdered and mutilated in his car, and a local cartel threatens Leine if she doesn’t back off the investigation, she realizes that she’s dealing with more than a simple carjacking gone awry.
In The Body Market, D.V. Berkom takes Leine and the reader into the dark, dangerous world of human trafficking. I’ve read several of the Leine Basso thrillers, but this one sets the standard for adventure thrillers, and is in my humble view, the best yet. Biting dialogue and gritty descriptions are hallmarks of Berkom’s fiction, and she writes action scenes that are as brilliant as freshly spilt blood.
Leine Basso is one tough cookie, capable of inflicting pain or withstanding it, but in The Body Market, the psychic pain she has to endure as she rescues a young girl from a fate worse than death is almost unbearable. This story deals with a subject that is not for the squeamish or faint of heart, in Berkom’s inimitable style. It’s a definite keeper. I was privileged to get an advance review copy.
In The Body Market, D.V. Berkom takes Leine and the reader into the dark, dangerous world of human trafficking. I’ve read several of the Leine Basso thrillers, but this one sets the standard for adventure thrillers, and is in my humble view, the best yet. Biting dialogue and gritty descriptions are hallmarks of Berkom’s fiction, and she writes action scenes that are as brilliant as freshly spilt blood.
Leine Basso is one tough cookie, capable of inflicting pain or withstanding it, but in The Body Market, the psychic pain she has to endure as she rescues a young girl from a fate worse than death is almost unbearable. This story deals with a subject that is not for the squeamish or faint of heart, in Berkom’s inimitable style. It’s a definite keeper. I was privileged to get an advance review copy.
January 14, 2015
This thriller is a great paced, exciting story that will keep you invested to turn the page. DV Berkom writes a great character with Leine Basso, as she continues her work saving people, now working for SHEN, (Stop Human Enslavement Now) and devoted in helping to stop human trafficking. The protagonist is a beloved bad a** woman, who’s not afraid to take on difficult assignments. She’s also an ex-assassin, fierce loving mom, and a loving partner to Santiago, as their relationship continues to grow in the series.
When Leine Basso takes on this case, she makes it her personal mission to find Elise, refusing to give up when she could easily opt out. There are many diversions and difficult situations that happen during the course, and we are shown how the protagonist overcomes the obstacles with good clear crisp writing.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the terrain in the scenes, from the streets in Tijuana to the desert landscape. The various characters that the protagonist interacts with also come to life as colorful portrayals of unique people with their individualism and quirks.
Whenever a book can incite a reader to engage in tough mental thought and reflection, it is a better world. The subject matter of this story deals with a problem that is so important, yet not talked about enough today—human trafficking and the ugly side of organ trafficking as well.
The Body Market was entertaining, enlightening and a great example of good writing. Well done once again DV Berkom.
When Leine Basso takes on this case, she makes it her personal mission to find Elise, refusing to give up when she could easily opt out. There are many diversions and difficult situations that happen during the course, and we are shown how the protagonist overcomes the obstacles with good clear crisp writing.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the terrain in the scenes, from the streets in Tijuana to the desert landscape. The various characters that the protagonist interacts with also come to life as colorful portrayals of unique people with their individualism and quirks.
Whenever a book can incite a reader to engage in tough mental thought and reflection, it is a better world. The subject matter of this story deals with a problem that is so important, yet not talked about enough today—human trafficking and the ugly side of organ trafficking as well.
The Body Market was entertaining, enlightening and a great example of good writing. Well done once again DV Berkom.
December 9, 2015
Taken fans will be overjoyed with this gritty thriller about a desperate race against the clock to locate a missing teenage girl. If you’re seeking an unambiguously righteous heroine to root for, look no further than the third installment in D.V. Berkom’s Leine Basso series. The Body Market finds the ex-assassin on the hunt for Elise, a 17-year-old from Beverly Hills who finds herself in Mexico during Spring Break. The setup is a familiar one: a high-profile rich kid flashing cash in a country where kidnapping, abduction and murder is commonplace. Add in a clueless boyfriend driving her around in an expensive car, and Elise soon has a serious problem on her hands. Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
March 2, 2016
Leine Basso is pretty badass. What's not to like about a former assassin who heads to Mexico to find the missing daughter of a rich couple? Drug cartel and human trafficking situations come at the reader full force, and Berkom keeps a lively pace. Even though this is the third book in the series, it reads as a stand alone story and the reader won't feel like they have to catch up on details. Just go along and enjoy the crazy ride. I'm glad I won the Audible version of this book. I'd been dragging my feet forever on whether or not to give these books a try, but now I know what I've been missing out on and would gladly read more.
January 22, 2015
Leine Basso is the best kick-ass heroine I've ever read. She's as tough as any man in thriller books, and she's believable. Great storyline. Love her relationship with Santa. Thought the bad guys were well-drawn and evil. This was a quick read for me. Now I have to go back and read the previous books. Great work, D.V. Berkhom.
March 29, 2021
The Body Market - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Party girl Elise Bennett and her boyfriend, Josh have disappeared, only leaving behind the car they'd travelled to a party in Tijuana in - and nearby blood for police to find. Her wealthy parents hire retired assassin, (now working for SHEN to stop sex-trafficking) Leine Basso, to take on the investigation.
After questioning Elise's bff, Leine heads for TJ, showing Elise's photo around a couple of bars to find what happened when she and boyfriend Josh were out together
How do things deteriorate when she's betrayed?
How does Leine escape?
Where does she find Elise and who helps them?
With a totally unexpected twist in the tail of this superb crime-thriller, DV Berkom's The Body Market will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page...but don't despair - there are more Leine Basso crime-thriller novels to come...
why not treat yourself and get them all!
Party girl Elise Bennett and her boyfriend, Josh have disappeared, only leaving behind the car they'd travelled to a party in Tijuana in - and nearby blood for police to find. Her wealthy parents hire retired assassin, (now working for SHEN to stop sex-trafficking) Leine Basso, to take on the investigation.
After questioning Elise's bff, Leine heads for TJ, showing Elise's photo around a couple of bars to find what happened when she and boyfriend Josh were out together
How do things deteriorate when she's betrayed?
How does Leine escape?
Where does she find Elise and who helps them?
With a totally unexpected twist in the tail of this superb crime-thriller, DV Berkom's The Body Market will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page...but don't despair - there are more Leine Basso crime-thriller novels to come...
why not treat yourself and get them all!
January 18, 2020
This is the second in this series that I've read, and it's nice to have a string female as the protagonist in a largely male led genre. It was also a nice change to see the hero in peril, as a couple of genre leading books I've read recently failed to offer, making the stories a bit dull. Leine Basso is a character I want to succeed in high her personal and professional life, always a good combination for the lead character. Will definitely seek out the others on this series.
February 3, 2017
A rich couple discover their teenage daughter Elise is missing possibly in a foreign country- Mexico. Elise had been partying with her boyfriend Josh in Tijuana Elise is seventeen and it was spring break. Leine kicks cartel butt and is a former assassin. But now Leine is trying to live a real life instead of just running off to the next assignment. Leine’s man is Santiago Jensen who is new to being with just one woman and tries to romance Leine Leine now works for SHEN- Stop Human Enslavement Now. Santiago works for LAPD he is a homicide robbery detective. Leine would love to use hand grenades and flamethrowers on sex traffickers. Then Josh is found in the car and he has been murdered . Also Leine is getting threats from the cartel ‘Keep away or else’. Leine is determined to get to the truth. The FBI tells Elisa’s parents their hands are tied until they get a demand for ransom. But they had hired Elise and she won't wait she works differently than the agencies. Leine networks with people that can help her accomplish her mission.
I loved this story. Well not what Leine deals with but she does fight human trafficking and I loved that she was willing to risk her life to stop this horrible thing. She was also against organ selling.this is fast paced with a great plot. Definitely keeps your attention and had you at the edge of your seat a lot. It was quiet a red with all the twists and turns in it and I loved that I like that Elise showed some grit and fought for her life and didn’t just act like another spoiled rich kid. There was a lot to this story: suspense, danger, cartel, twists and turns, retired female assassin , danger, sex trade, threats, kidnapping, murder, intrigue, heat and even a new romantic relationship and a lot more. I loved the characters and all the twists and turns and the plot itself and I highly recommend.
I loved this story. Well not what Leine deals with but she does fight human trafficking and I loved that she was willing to risk her life to stop this horrible thing. She was also against organ selling.this is fast paced with a great plot. Definitely keeps your attention and had you at the edge of your seat a lot. It was quiet a red with all the twists and turns in it and I loved that I like that Elise showed some grit and fought for her life and didn’t just act like another spoiled rich kid. There was a lot to this story: suspense, danger, cartel, twists and turns, retired female assassin , danger, sex trade, threats, kidnapping, murder, intrigue, heat and even a new romantic relationship and a lot more. I loved the characters and all the twists and turns and the plot itself and I highly recommend.
February 22, 2015
As I was pondering what to say about The Body Market beyond the obvious (fast paced, blah, blah, blah) I was comparing and contrasting Leine Basso, the protagonist in this series, with Kate Jones, the protagonist in DV Berkom’s other series. (This is the third in this series while Kate Jones has seven volumes thus far.) Both can rightfully be described as kick-butt females, able and willing to mix it up with the bad guys as much as any man while still clearly being a member of the fairer sex. Each has a past that creates issues for them. However, these issues are much different. Kate Jones is the former lover of the leader of a Mexican drug cartel. Her ex and those associated with him keep popping up, causing problems. Leine’s situation as a retired assassin is much different, with her issues being largely internal, primarily guilt associated with her past, not only the things she did, but how it affected those around her.
However, in this book Leine’s past seemed to be haunting her slightly less than in the first two books. Maybe she’s working past that and, since what she is doing now is definitely fighting evil, she’s feeling better about herself.
The plot of The Body Market is easy to see as plausible with two older teens stretching their wings beyond what is prudent and having it backfire in a big way. When Leine tries to discover what happened, it makes for a fast-paced story (yeah, I know), that the more it developed, the more I wondered how it could ever come to a happy resolution.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
However, in this book Leine’s past seemed to be haunting her slightly less than in the first two books. Maybe she’s working past that and, since what she is doing now is definitely fighting evil, she’s feeling better about herself.
The plot of The Body Market is easy to see as plausible with two older teens stretching their wings beyond what is prudent and having it backfire in a big way. When Leine tries to discover what happened, it makes for a fast-paced story (yeah, I know), that the more it developed, the more I wondered how it could ever come to a happy resolution.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 7, 2015
Action, suspense, and the added bonus of some truly memorable characters continue to make DV Berkom's thrillers a favorite read of mine. The Body Market, the third novel in Berkom's Leine Basso series, continues this trend when former assassin Leine Basso investigates the disappearance of a wealthy, spoiled American teen after a night of partying in Tijuana.
In The Body Market, Berkom makes the wise decision to continue delving into the weighty issue of human trafficking, something she first explored in the second novel in the series, with Leine now officially working with an organization called SHEN (Stop Human Enslavement Now). Berkom's treatment of one of the more terrifying realities of the modern world -- the buying and selling of humans for use in the sex trade and as forced labor-- is treated with all the gravity the subject merits, while she still manages to keep the story moving and the characters convincing. I was particularly impressed with her portrayal of Elise Bennett, the spoiled society teen who turns out to show true grit, compassion, and resourcefulness as she fights for her life. Add to that the still-sizzling but happily evolving romance between Leine and Detective Santiago Jensen, and you have a novel that delivers all the action, suspense, twists, heat, and stellar writing this reviewer has come to expect from DV Berkom. This series just keeps getting better!
In The Body Market, Berkom makes the wise decision to continue delving into the weighty issue of human trafficking, something she first explored in the second novel in the series, with Leine now officially working with an organization called SHEN (Stop Human Enslavement Now). Berkom's treatment of one of the more terrifying realities of the modern world -- the buying and selling of humans for use in the sex trade and as forced labor-- is treated with all the gravity the subject merits, while she still manages to keep the story moving and the characters convincing. I was particularly impressed with her portrayal of Elise Bennett, the spoiled society teen who turns out to show true grit, compassion, and resourcefulness as she fights for her life. Add to that the still-sizzling but happily evolving romance between Leine and Detective Santiago Jensen, and you have a novel that delivers all the action, suspense, twists, heat, and stellar writing this reviewer has come to expect from DV Berkom. This series just keeps getting better!
August 4, 2015
It’s a cliché to say a book was hard to put down—but this one was really hard to put down. The story concept is original, and Berkom is a master of pacing. Every scene is crafted to move the plot and keep the reader wanting to know what happens next, with a balance between intense action scenes and suspenseful scenes of quiet tension that build to the next explosion.
Leine Basso, a former assassin, is now working to rescue victims of human trafficking. When she tangles with the traffickers, her skills from her old profession are needed. Leine is a kick-ass heroine, but not super-human. She networks with people who can help her accomplish a mission, and those networks are set up early in the plot so none of the events becomes a deus ex machina twist. With everything set up so precisely, the Body Market peaks with one of the best surprise endings I’ve read in a thriller—and yet another one, if you read the bonus short story at the end. (You should.)
The scenes in the point of view of Elise, the kidnapped teenager Leine is trying to rescue are even more gripping than those in Leine’s point of view, because this girl has no weapons, no training, no access to people who can help her, and no experience outside of her Beverly Hills rich kid world. I never knew if Elise would survive, or how, though I could see the roots of her strength beneath her spoiled-brat surface.
I’m looking forward to reading more by Berkom.
Leine Basso, a former assassin, is now working to rescue victims of human trafficking. When she tangles with the traffickers, her skills from her old profession are needed. Leine is a kick-ass heroine, but not super-human. She networks with people who can help her accomplish a mission, and those networks are set up early in the plot so none of the events becomes a deus ex machina twist. With everything set up so precisely, the Body Market peaks with one of the best surprise endings I’ve read in a thriller—and yet another one, if you read the bonus short story at the end. (You should.)
The scenes in the point of view of Elise, the kidnapped teenager Leine is trying to rescue are even more gripping than those in Leine’s point of view, because this girl has no weapons, no training, no access to people who can help her, and no experience outside of her Beverly Hills rich kid world. I never knew if Elise would survive, or how, though I could see the roots of her strength beneath her spoiled-brat surface.
I’m looking forward to reading more by Berkom.
May 11, 2015
With its ripped from the headlines authenticity, D.V. Berkom’s The Body Market is an exercise in suspense. Nearly right from the first page, Berkom’s well-rounded protagonist Leine Basso is a take charge kind of person and won’t take no for an answer, which proves to be particularly helpful to the parents of a missing girl who enlist Basso to search for their daughter.
Without missing a beat, Berkom brings the reader into the abrasive underworld of human trafficking, detailing every scene with a true author’s style of wit and bravado. Berkom’s talent for depicting scenes where the search for missing Elise Bennett enrapture the reader, forcing us to fundamentally join in the quest of hopefully finding the young girl alive.
After reading The Body Market, I feel as though I visited the landscapes written about so succinctly. I can nearly cross Tijuana from the bucket list. Berkom is obviously well versed and adept at creating tense yet realistic situations that almost too realistically place the reader in uncomfortable scenes.
Bekrom bravely tackles subject matters, in particular human trafficking and organ trafficking, all the while supporting the fast-paced narrative with realistic characters and dynamic environments. I look forward to what Bekrom has Basso do next. Let’s get this one made into a movie…stat!
Without missing a beat, Berkom brings the reader into the abrasive underworld of human trafficking, detailing every scene with a true author’s style of wit and bravado. Berkom’s talent for depicting scenes where the search for missing Elise Bennett enrapture the reader, forcing us to fundamentally join in the quest of hopefully finding the young girl alive.
After reading The Body Market, I feel as though I visited the landscapes written about so succinctly. I can nearly cross Tijuana from the bucket list. Berkom is obviously well versed and adept at creating tense yet realistic situations that almost too realistically place the reader in uncomfortable scenes.
Bekrom bravely tackles subject matters, in particular human trafficking and organ trafficking, all the while supporting the fast-paced narrative with realistic characters and dynamic environments. I look forward to what Bekrom has Basso do next. Let’s get this one made into a movie…stat!
July 15, 2015
**Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
Leine Basso has lived on both sides of the law. Either side, she took care of people who committed horrible crimes. Now she was hell bent on saving those innocent children who were being used for human trafficking and for the organ trade. Little did she know that repaying a favor would result in finding the girl she had been trying to find and save.
Elise was a spoiled rich girl. She thought she was entitled to whatever she wanted. Her parents didn’t pay any attention to her and her cries for attention were ignored. Who would fight for her freedom once she was kidnapped?
This book was edgy, creative, dark, and incredibly suspenseful! It kept me on the edge of my seat from the start of the book and left me guessing. There were twists and turns in the plot making it nearly impossible to keep an idea on what was going to happen. The author was great at using such vivid description throughout the story. It was easy to visualize the characters, their wounds, their outfits, and the locations they went to. It was a great read and one I couldn’t put down once I started. If you are looking for a book to keep you on the edge of your seat and have your mind running dozens of different ideas through it then pick this book up!
Leine Basso has lived on both sides of the law. Either side, she took care of people who committed horrible crimes. Now she was hell bent on saving those innocent children who were being used for human trafficking and for the organ trade. Little did she know that repaying a favor would result in finding the girl she had been trying to find and save.
Elise was a spoiled rich girl. She thought she was entitled to whatever she wanted. Her parents didn’t pay any attention to her and her cries for attention were ignored. Who would fight for her freedom once she was kidnapped?
This book was edgy, creative, dark, and incredibly suspenseful! It kept me on the edge of my seat from the start of the book and left me guessing. There were twists and turns in the plot making it nearly impossible to keep an idea on what was going to happen. The author was great at using such vivid description throughout the story. It was easy to visualize the characters, their wounds, their outfits, and the locations they went to. It was a great read and one I couldn’t put down once I started. If you are looking for a book to keep you on the edge of your seat and have your mind running dozens of different ideas through it then pick this book up!
April 6, 2015
I received "The Body Market" by DV Berkom, from the author and "Paranormal & Authors that Rock" for an honest review. This is my first "Leine Basso" story and first time reading DV Berkom and I was so pleasantly pleased. This was a fast paced, exciting, easy read. "Leine" is an ex-assassin, although in my opinion not so "ex" in her newer job at SHEN "Stop Human Enslavement Now". This story follows Leine as she searches for a missing teen in Tijuana. This is the third Leine Basso story, but I didn't feel that there were huge gaps in the story line with me not having read the prior 3. I had questions about characters that will probably prompt me to look for the other books, but I didn't feel that it took anything away from this story. The writing is exciting and quick paced and kept me reading. I enjoyed that all of the characters were fully developed and had interesting roles. I especially liked that Leine kicked butt, but wasn't over the top. As well as the secondary character Elise, the victim, was obviously and expectedly scared, but she wasn't a total wimp and kept a fighting spirit throughout the story. I'm rating the book a 4.5 fangs. I enjoyed the style of writing, the story line and am curious as to the relationships in the book to look for others in the series.
March 23, 2015
The Body Market (A Leine Basso Thriller#3)
By: D.V. Berkom
Published By: Duck Tape Press Pages. 304
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads First Reads
Reviewed By: tk
Leine Basso is a former assassin, and currently is employed with SHEN. Her focus is to stop human trafficking. With the help of Santiago Jensen, aka Santa a homicide detective, and her true love will bond together in this amazing action packed thriller.
Leine has become a hero of mine recently. Her role in this thriller is beyond imagination. It is hard to wrap your head around people that actually have this type of employment in real life. I for one believe it… Someone has to do the unimaginable, and Leine is one of the best for the job. Santa, is an asset in all accounts. He is loving, supportive, and an added benefit is also an officer of the law.
Berkom is knowledgeable in the inter-working of espionage and spy networking. The characters, geographical settings, and action are brought to life in a spine tingling story of survival, revenge, and evening a score in a hostile environment. A phenomenal page turning adventure. A must have addition to your library. 4/5
By: D.V. Berkom
Published By: Duck Tape Press Pages. 304
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads First Reads
Reviewed By: tk
Leine Basso is a former assassin, and currently is employed with SHEN. Her focus is to stop human trafficking. With the help of Santiago Jensen, aka Santa a homicide detective, and her true love will bond together in this amazing action packed thriller.
Leine has become a hero of mine recently. Her role in this thriller is beyond imagination. It is hard to wrap your head around people that actually have this type of employment in real life. I for one believe it… Someone has to do the unimaginable, and Leine is one of the best for the job. Santa, is an asset in all accounts. He is loving, supportive, and an added benefit is also an officer of the law.
Berkom is knowledgeable in the inter-working of espionage and spy networking. The characters, geographical settings, and action are brought to life in a spine tingling story of survival, revenge, and evening a score in a hostile environment. A phenomenal page turning adventure. A must have addition to your library. 4/5
May 11, 2015
I absolutely loved this fast paced action thriller. When Elise Bennett and her boyfriend fail to return after a night out in Tijuana for Spring break, Leine Basso catches the case to find her. But with few leads and closed mouth witnesses, not to mention a police force that is trying to quell the disappearance of the two American teenagers, Leine has to go to the scene of the crime to find out what happened, which leads to her stirring up a hornets nest but uncovering a plot for payback that goes deeper than even she could imagine.
Far from reserved Leine Basso is my new literary heroine, she's resourceful, determine and very entertaining to read. I have read more than my fair share of thrillers but have yet to come across many female protagonists that really do kick ass like she does and mostly singlehanded. I have not read other books in the series and found getting into this one easy. The theme of organ and human trafficking rang true and was very plausible.
A really exciting heroine for action thriller fans everywhere.
Far from reserved Leine Basso is my new literary heroine, she's resourceful, determine and very entertaining to read. I have read more than my fair share of thrillers but have yet to come across many female protagonists that really do kick ass like she does and mostly singlehanded. I have not read other books in the series and found getting into this one easy. The theme of organ and human trafficking rang true and was very plausible.
A really exciting heroine for action thriller fans everywhere.
June 7, 2015
This is a dark, fast- action, violent work. Leine Basso is a woman that navigates in that world when she has to. She is a well-trained investigator and her hand to hand skills equal that of Navy Seal. She’s gone to Tijuana to look for two missing wealthy teens.
Elise Bennett is the missing young girl. I have to say that I was really not sympathetic to her. I know she was supposed to be spoilt because of her upbringing. But she really couldn’t be that stupid could she? After being kidnapped and thinking about if she had her phone “First thing she’d do was take a selfie & show these horrid surroundings. Surely someone in her feed would be able to help her.” Hello? What about calling 911?
So you have Leine risking her life to find a girl who is spending time worrying about getting a matching shoe for the one she lost in the abduction. I know we don’t always have to like all the characters. I probably liked Leine as much as I disliked Elise.
This is definitely in the hard-boiled category and it delivers.
I was provided a copy to read and write an honest review.
Elise Bennett is the missing young girl. I have to say that I was really not sympathetic to her. I know she was supposed to be spoilt because of her upbringing. But she really couldn’t be that stupid could she? After being kidnapped and thinking about if she had her phone “First thing she’d do was take a selfie & show these horrid surroundings. Surely someone in her feed would be able to help her.” Hello? What about calling 911?
So you have Leine risking her life to find a girl who is spending time worrying about getting a matching shoe for the one she lost in the abduction. I know we don’t always have to like all the characters. I probably liked Leine as much as I disliked Elise.
This is definitely in the hard-boiled category and it delivers.
I was provided a copy to read and write an honest review.
October 24, 2016
I have already read a couple of earlier Leine Basso thrillers, so I knew I was in for a treat with this one. DV Berkom writes well plotted and paced thrillers, with a capable, believable (I sooo want to go out for a drink with Leine!) female protagonist. In fact all the characters are believable, even the bit parts. A properly rounded lead female character is rarer than one would expect; it makes for a very refreshing and entertianing read. I read this out of order (I should have read Cargo first) but because of the skill of the author, it feels like I picked up with an old friend - you know the type - one you speak to a couple of times a year, so has had a lot go in inher life, but it feels like only yesterday you had coffee. This novel even has a wonderful twist at the end in the bonus material...DV Berkom is certainly an author to buy more of. My only complaint? It's not long enough!!! I need more
May 7, 2015
The Body Market is a fast-paced thriller and a very enjoyable read. The story about human trafficking and the selling of body parts is well developed and the characters are really interesting. Liene, the protaganist, has a great back story and I liked her dedication to her job. Elise, the rich Beverly Hills girl that Liene must find, grows throughout her ordeal and becomes almost likable by the end of the book. I liked the way the book alternates POV between the two and the secondary cast of characters were engaging.
Although this is not a genre I prefer, I heartily recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
Although this is not a genre I prefer, I heartily recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
February 8, 2015
This is the first in the this series that I have read, now I have to back track and read the first two. The story starts with teens being in a place they shouldn't be. A daughter of a powerful LA couple gets kidnapped and that's when Leine Basso enters their world to search for their daughter. Leine is one very smart, kick-ass lady. The story is filled with nail-biting, heart-beating, non-stop action, a thrill ride you will never forget!!!! I promise you, you will not want to put this one down, up all night just to find out what happens.
May 6, 2017
Leine is tough as ever and still leary of relationships except with her daughter, April. She now works for an organization that searches for people who are abducted for human trafficking. She is engaged to find the teenaged daughter of a successful power couple. During her search she is sidetracked by other matters as an old acquaintance calls in a favor.
Guns and knives and other lethal weapons come into play as bodies fall - good and bad. Exciting reading and a surprise bonus.
Looking forward to more adventures with Leine.
Guns and knives and other lethal weapons come into play as bodies fall - good and bad. Exciting reading and a surprise bonus.
Looking forward to more adventures with Leine.
January 11, 2015
Every Leine Basso story gets better and better. Her relationship with LAPD detective, Santa Jensen, has grown while becoming more complex as they deal with issues their two professions create between them.
In the Body Market, DV has ratcheted up the intensity level while shining a light on the dark world of the sex trade. DV's stories take on the topics of the day and give the reader a devilishly exciting roller coaster of a ride.
In the Body Market, DV has ratcheted up the intensity level while shining a light on the dark world of the sex trade. DV's stories take on the topics of the day and give the reader a devilishly exciting roller coaster of a ride.
November 22, 2015
Oh my goodness, I can’t even begin to explain how much I enjoyed this book from start to finish so before I try, I want to thank the author, publisher (Duct Tape Press) and NetGalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
My review can be accessed on my blog: Reading Stuff 'n' Things
My review can be accessed on my blog: Reading Stuff 'n' Things
May 14, 2015
I love a good strong heroine and Leine is definitely a kick butt and take names later type of woman. I loved the background of Leine as converted assassin into someone who helps find and save lost and human trafficked girls. Santa, her detective friend is the perfect match for her. The descriptions of people and scenes are riveting. This book is fast paced and will keep you guessing and turning the pages. Five Stars! I received this book as an arc for a honest review.
May 27, 2015
The Body Market was another brilliant book by DV Berkom. I love all Berkom's books but this is her best to date. The author has this character in a place of total woman bad ass yet soft and real. The story, as always, kept the pages turning for me. DV Berkom has a way of extending the Leine character into a new story you want to follow. I ended the book wanting to know when will the next book by this independent author be available. I look forward to the next adventure. Mary Moody
April 7, 2017
he Body Market is the third book in the Leine Basso series (though they can all be read as stand alone). It's well written and fast paced -- Leine starts kicking butt and taking names right from the very beginning. With lots of twists and surprises you won't see coming, it really is a nail- biter from beginning to end. Make sure to read the short story, Privilege, at the end. It's another one of those things you won't see coming. Another great read by DV Berkom for 18+.
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