What do you think?
Rate this book
Point of Control
Two world-renowned scientists have disappeared, and FBI agent Andra Bailey is assigned to find them and hunt down the kidnapper. She’s exactly the right person to get it done. In her personal life, Bailey works hard to control her sociopathic tendencies. But on the job, her cold logic comes in handy.
The agent soon suspects that a rare-metal shortage may be the link between the disappearances and that the motive is far more dangerous than she imagined. With the tech market in turmoil and prices sky-high, electronics companies and their power-hungry CEOs are ready to do anything—even kill—to keep production lines going.
When a third scientist disappears, Bailey throws caution aside to track the crimes to their source. But the clock is ticking on the scientist’s life, and when the bureau pulls its support, Bailey is on her own to stop the meltdown.
The agent soon suspects that a rare-metal shortage may be the link between the disappearances and that the motive is far more dangerous than she imagined. With the tech market in turmoil and prices sky-high, electronics companies and their power-hungry CEOs are ready to do anything—even kill—to keep production lines going.
When a third scientist disappears, Bailey throws caution aside to track the crimes to their source. But the clock is ticking on the scientist’s life, and when the bureau pulls its support, Bailey is on her own to stop the meltdown.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2016
132 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Sellers
57 books477 followersI write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 3, 2016
“Never compete with someone who has nothing to lose.”
----Baltasar Gracián
L.J. Sellers, an American best-selling author, pens a fast-paced gripping thriller called, Point of Control that unfolds the story about a middle-aged no-nonsense FBI detective trying to find the link behind missing metallurgical scientists from all over the world. But when dead body of a scientist turned up, it seems that there is a big agenda behind the whole kidnapping thing, as it is definitely not for a ransom.
Synopsis:
In her personal life, FBI agent Andra Bailey works hard to control her sociopathic tendencies. But on the job, her cold logic comes in handy.
Now two world-renowned scientists have disappeared, and the bureau assigns Bailey to find them and hunt down the kidnapper. The agent soon suspects that a rare-metal shortage may be the link between the disappearances and that the motive is far more dangerous than she imagined. With the market in turmoil and prices sky-high, electronics companies and their power-hungry CEOs are ready to do anything—even kill—to keep production lines going.
When a third scientist disappears, Bailey throws caution aside to track the crimes to their source. But by immersing herself so deeply in the case, she risks letting down the defenses she’s built to contain the sociopath inside her.
Andra Bailey, a FBI cop, with antisocial attitude, tries to find a connection behind the kidnappings and murder of some metallurgical scientists. But when the scarcity of rare earth metals, that are used for some parts of mobile manufacturing, in China crops up, it makes Bailey think whether there is a different motive behind the kidnappings instead of the money. But the heads of the telecom giants won't stop at anything to make sure that their mobile phones meet the customer's needs.
The writing of the author is fantastic. The author wrote this book in such a fashion that even for a single splitting moment the readers won't be able to look away from the story. The story is so engrossing that it will keep the readers turning the pages till the very end. The narrative is articulate which is intricately layered with in-depth explanation behind the technology used in the story. And it definitely felt like the author has not left any gap to make her readers feel like they are stranded on a lost island, even if someone with not much knowledge behind mobile technology might find this book easy to grasp.
The mystery only thickens with the plot and so our main character grows out of her anti-social shell. The mystery is laid out with enough twists and turns to keep the readers anticipating till the very end. There is lots of action in the story which will only give the readers an adrenaline-rush while reading the story and some scenes are so over-powering and intriguing, that it will keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
The main character has lots of issue among herself hence she never got involved into any relationship, moreover there is a huge amount of back story to let the readers comprehend with Andra's socipathic tendencies, and how she grew up in the society living like a normal human being. Andra is a flawed character, but her darkness makes her thoroughly compelling.The negative characters as well as the supporting characters are also very well-developed, projected both with their weakness as well as with their strong features, thus making them highly believable.
In short, this is a must-read thriller and one of the most promising thriller that I read this year.
Verdict: A gripping read!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, L.J. Sellers, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
----Baltasar Gracián
L.J. Sellers, an American best-selling author, pens a fast-paced gripping thriller called, Point of Control that unfolds the story about a middle-aged no-nonsense FBI detective trying to find the link behind missing metallurgical scientists from all over the world. But when dead body of a scientist turned up, it seems that there is a big agenda behind the whole kidnapping thing, as it is definitely not for a ransom.
Synopsis:
In her personal life, FBI agent Andra Bailey works hard to control her sociopathic tendencies. But on the job, her cold logic comes in handy.
Now two world-renowned scientists have disappeared, and the bureau assigns Bailey to find them and hunt down the kidnapper. The agent soon suspects that a rare-metal shortage may be the link between the disappearances and that the motive is far more dangerous than she imagined. With the market in turmoil and prices sky-high, electronics companies and their power-hungry CEOs are ready to do anything—even kill—to keep production lines going.
When a third scientist disappears, Bailey throws caution aside to track the crimes to their source. But by immersing herself so deeply in the case, she risks letting down the defenses she’s built to contain the sociopath inside her.
Andra Bailey, a FBI cop, with antisocial attitude, tries to find a connection behind the kidnappings and murder of some metallurgical scientists. But when the scarcity of rare earth metals, that are used for some parts of mobile manufacturing, in China crops up, it makes Bailey think whether there is a different motive behind the kidnappings instead of the money. But the heads of the telecom giants won't stop at anything to make sure that their mobile phones meet the customer's needs.
The writing of the author is fantastic. The author wrote this book in such a fashion that even for a single splitting moment the readers won't be able to look away from the story. The story is so engrossing that it will keep the readers turning the pages till the very end. The narrative is articulate which is intricately layered with in-depth explanation behind the technology used in the story. And it definitely felt like the author has not left any gap to make her readers feel like they are stranded on a lost island, even if someone with not much knowledge behind mobile technology might find this book easy to grasp.
The mystery only thickens with the plot and so our main character grows out of her anti-social shell. The mystery is laid out with enough twists and turns to keep the readers anticipating till the very end. There is lots of action in the story which will only give the readers an adrenaline-rush while reading the story and some scenes are so over-powering and intriguing, that it will keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
The main character has lots of issue among herself hence she never got involved into any relationship, moreover there is a huge amount of back story to let the readers comprehend with Andra's socipathic tendencies, and how she grew up in the society living like a normal human being. Andra is a flawed character, but her darkness makes her thoroughly compelling.The negative characters as well as the supporting characters are also very well-developed, projected both with their weakness as well as with their strong features, thus making them highly believable.
In short, this is a must-read thriller and one of the most promising thriller that I read this year.
Verdict: A gripping read!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, L.J. Sellers, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
January 13, 2016
Although this author has a couple of series, this particular book is a stand alone.
FBI Agent Andra Bailey is a sociopath. She's high functioning and she's not a monster ... she just doesn't see the world the rest of us do. She has no regrets, she feels no extreme emotions. She's very blunt and has to remind herself to say Please and Thank You.
In the world of smart phones and tablets and all these other high tech gadgets, they all require a rare metal to ensure they are hacker-proof. But the world is running out of these metals and scientists are scrambling to create substitute metals that will work.
But then, scientists who are metallurgy specialists are missing. One has been killed. That's when Bailey is put in charge. It's obvious one of the high tech companies has been grabbing scientists and forcing them to continue their work .. for them. And it's up to Agent Bailey to find the culprits.
I loved that the protagonist is a sociopath. It gives the character so many additional layers. Raised by a father who was also a sociopath, she has always tried so hard to keep herself until control. It's a huge problem when it comes to relationships.
There is a lot of what I call techno-talk. Personally, I have no smart phone, no tablet, no notebook, no laptop, etc. so it's hard for me to understand anything more that the basics. I do admit to skipping a page here and there when it got too far over my head, but it didn't make it less interesting for me to read.
There is a lot of action involved. Toward the beginning there is one car chase -- with Bailey at the wheel - that reminded me of the movie 'The Bullitt' with Steve McQueen. I found myself cringing and holding my breath.
Overall, a very good book.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
FBI Agent Andra Bailey is a sociopath. She's high functioning and she's not a monster ... she just doesn't see the world the rest of us do. She has no regrets, she feels no extreme emotions. She's very blunt and has to remind herself to say Please and Thank You.
In the world of smart phones and tablets and all these other high tech gadgets, they all require a rare metal to ensure they are hacker-proof. But the world is running out of these metals and scientists are scrambling to create substitute metals that will work.
But then, scientists who are metallurgy specialists are missing. One has been killed. That's when Bailey is put in charge. It's obvious one of the high tech companies has been grabbing scientists and forcing them to continue their work .. for them. And it's up to Agent Bailey to find the culprits.
I loved that the protagonist is a sociopath. It gives the character so many additional layers. Raised by a father who was also a sociopath, she has always tried so hard to keep herself until control. It's a huge problem when it comes to relationships.
There is a lot of what I call techno-talk. Personally, I have no smart phone, no tablet, no notebook, no laptop, etc. so it's hard for me to understand anything more that the basics. I do admit to skipping a page here and there when it got too far over my head, but it didn't make it less interesting for me to read.
There is a lot of action involved. Toward the beginning there is one car chase -- with Bailey at the wheel - that reminded me of the movie 'The Bullitt' with Steve McQueen. I found myself cringing and holding my breath.
Overall, a very good book.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
January 2, 2016
I've been a huge fan of L.J. Sellers' Detective Jackson series so reluctantly picked Seller's latest novel, "Point of Control" (Thomas & Mercer 2016), from my Vine queue--reluctant because I wanted another Jackson story, not an unknown character I might not like. I don't even like making new friends, much less getting used to new characters. I pick a series over a stand-alone whenever possible. Turns out, I had no problem making the switch. Maybe because FBI Agent Andra Bailey is so quirky herself, I felt compelled to be patient, just as I would with a new friend.
The story is tricky--scientists are disappearing or dying across the country. The kidnappings seem to be unconnected until Bailey discovers a complicated plot that has to do with a scarcity of rare metals in China causing a shortfall in cell phone parts which ultimately means the world's major supplies of cell phones can't meet consumer demand. When Bailey figures out who will profit from that, she starts to unravel the tightly-woven tendrils of a brilliant plan to make at least one man rich.
The story is original, pacing and details are excellent, the action non-stop, the plot twisted--as I've come to expect from Sellers. But what makes this book exceptional is the main character, Agent Andra Bailey. She's a brilliant agent and a high-functioning sociopath, which means she has no emotion about events around her. Her reactions and much of her morality is learned, with intricately-constructed filters that allow her to function as a normal person would despite her lack of feelings. At times, I felt the writing was awkward until I realized that was purposeful. Bailey's reactions are always awkward--unlike what we would consider normal as she reacts to her world. Here's an example--she's just been tasked with following up on a murder:
"It's rather bizarre." Bailey wasn't usually assigned homicide cases--they were generally too easy--but this one was unusual and could involve a lot of travel.
Definitely not how any other literary FBI agent I know would react to an assignment. It reminded me somewhat of Walter O'Brian on the hit TV show, Scorpion (a 186 IQ computer whiz who helps Homeland Security solve crimes).
Overall, a must-read. Sellers even adds an unexpected surprise at the end--which I won't spoil by revealing!
The story is tricky--scientists are disappearing or dying across the country. The kidnappings seem to be unconnected until Bailey discovers a complicated plot that has to do with a scarcity of rare metals in China causing a shortfall in cell phone parts which ultimately means the world's major supplies of cell phones can't meet consumer demand. When Bailey figures out who will profit from that, she starts to unravel the tightly-woven tendrils of a brilliant plan to make at least one man rich.
The story is original, pacing and details are excellent, the action non-stop, the plot twisted--as I've come to expect from Sellers. But what makes this book exceptional is the main character, Agent Andra Bailey. She's a brilliant agent and a high-functioning sociopath, which means she has no emotion about events around her. Her reactions and much of her morality is learned, with intricately-constructed filters that allow her to function as a normal person would despite her lack of feelings. At times, I felt the writing was awkward until I realized that was purposeful. Bailey's reactions are always awkward--unlike what we would consider normal as she reacts to her world. Here's an example--she's just been tasked with following up on a murder:
"It's rather bizarre." Bailey wasn't usually assigned homicide cases--they were generally too easy--but this one was unusual and could involve a lot of travel.
Definitely not how any other literary FBI agent I know would react to an assignment. It reminded me somewhat of Walter O'Brian on the hit TV show, Scorpion (a 186 IQ computer whiz who helps Homeland Security solve crimes).
Overall, a must-read. Sellers even adds an unexpected surprise at the end--which I won't spoil by revealing!
January 19, 2016
Agent Bailey is a sociopath. You might immediately jump to the conclusion she's the villain in this book. You'd be wrong. Most (there are thousands) sociopaths are hard-working, honest citizens. Most people don't realize how hard they have to work to come up to "normal." Extreme sociopaths (psychopaths) don't want to pretend they are anything but what they are: unable to empathize with other people's emotional responses. Love, caring, even hate are foreign attributes the sociopath must decide to either overcome by learning correct responses or give in and become a criminal.
While Bailey is the only character presented specifically as sociopathic, you'll discover the person causing all the problems Bailey is fighting to bring to justice is a sociopath of the criminal type. He, too, lives in society having every appearance of normality, but he also has a plan and it involves kidnapping, murder, and theft.
The elements of the plot involve a shortage of a rare metal essential to cell phones and encryption of the devices. Metallurgical scientists needed to find a substitute metal and an encryption specialist are kidnapped to further the aims of the villain.
Bailey has to figure out who is kidnapping the scientists, but first must figure out how the deaths and kidnappings of seemingly unrelated people are all tied together in a grand scheme. Her FBI bosses don't see any connection and tell her to do something else with her time. She can't shake the feeling that she's right and nobody is going to stop her from finding the connections and saving the kidnapped scientists from execution after they'd completed their work.
This is a fast-moving plot with just enough convolutions to keep you guessing. Despite Bailey's flaws, she's still a very likable character. The reader can sympathize with her efforts to appear normal. We all have our quirks we tamp down to operate in civilized society. Bailey just has a few more than average.
Excellent introduction of a new character in L.J. Sellers' growing troupe of cops and agents. Very readable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys police procedurals and, of course, everybody who has read other Sellers' books in the past.
While Bailey is the only character presented specifically as sociopathic, you'll discover the person causing all the problems Bailey is fighting to bring to justice is a sociopath of the criminal type. He, too, lives in society having every appearance of normality, but he also has a plan and it involves kidnapping, murder, and theft.
The elements of the plot involve a shortage of a rare metal essential to cell phones and encryption of the devices. Metallurgical scientists needed to find a substitute metal and an encryption specialist are kidnapped to further the aims of the villain.
Bailey has to figure out who is kidnapping the scientists, but first must figure out how the deaths and kidnappings of seemingly unrelated people are all tied together in a grand scheme. Her FBI bosses don't see any connection and tell her to do something else with her time. She can't shake the feeling that she's right and nobody is going to stop her from finding the connections and saving the kidnapped scientists from execution after they'd completed their work.
This is a fast-moving plot with just enough convolutions to keep you guessing. Despite Bailey's flaws, she's still a very likable character. The reader can sympathize with her efforts to appear normal. We all have our quirks we tamp down to operate in civilized society. Bailey just has a few more than average.
Excellent introduction of a new character in L.J. Sellers' growing troupe of cops and agents. Very readable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys police procedurals and, of course, everybody who has read other Sellers' books in the past.
August 18, 2023
Not as good as her Portland police books
January 13, 2016
Having read and enjoyed both the Jackson and Dallas series by this author as well as a few of her stand alone books I was very happy when I got my hands on her new book.
In this book we meet Andra Bailey - FBI agent and self-confessed sociopath. Two things that actually go together quite well if you think about it!
So, there's a shortage of some rare metal that is integral in the manufacture of phones and tablets. This is driving up the prices of these absolutely essential gadgets and putting manufacturers out of business. Behind the scenes however, scientists are working on a synthetic alternative and hope to get something stable in place soon.
But then these scientists start going missing and it falls upon Bailey to try and piece together what is happening and who is driving it.
It's always a little different for me reading a new series or stand alone written by an author whose established series I already love. It's like I'm so familiar with the style of writing but there is a whole new cast to meet including, obviously, some main characters. But, as with all her characters, Ms Sellers has created these very nicely indeed. They are all well defined and fleshed out with their own idiosyncrasies and flaws. There are some that are likeable, others notsomuch but all main characters are easy to connect with on some emotional level and that, to me anyway, is important.
The story bounds along at a good pace. It is very very well plotted. Tight and intriguing with short, snappy chapters. As well as Bailey's investigation, we also have local police investigating the death of another person who is kind of linked to the phone industry (spoilers prevent me saying more as this isn't in the blurb) and all the way through, this thread weaves around the main one - will they meet or diverge at the end and, if meet, what's the connection?
Also, as with all Ms Sellers' books, the research comes across to be very thorough. Although I haven't checked the science and to be honest, I don't really care if it is real as long as the story is credible (which to me it is), I can pretty much guess from track record that it all is!
At the end of the book, I felt that I had got to know Bailey - as much as you ever get to know a sociopath - and that I was quite warming to her. I am not sure whether this was written as a stand alone book or if it is the start of a new series. I think I read somewhere that it is a stand alone but I really hope the author writes more with Bailey as I think this could be a character that could go far.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In this book we meet Andra Bailey - FBI agent and self-confessed sociopath. Two things that actually go together quite well if you think about it!
So, there's a shortage of some rare metal that is integral in the manufacture of phones and tablets. This is driving up the prices of these absolutely essential gadgets and putting manufacturers out of business. Behind the scenes however, scientists are working on a synthetic alternative and hope to get something stable in place soon.
But then these scientists start going missing and it falls upon Bailey to try and piece together what is happening and who is driving it.
It's always a little different for me reading a new series or stand alone written by an author whose established series I already love. It's like I'm so familiar with the style of writing but there is a whole new cast to meet including, obviously, some main characters. But, as with all her characters, Ms Sellers has created these very nicely indeed. They are all well defined and fleshed out with their own idiosyncrasies and flaws. There are some that are likeable, others notsomuch but all main characters are easy to connect with on some emotional level and that, to me anyway, is important.
The story bounds along at a good pace. It is very very well plotted. Tight and intriguing with short, snappy chapters. As well as Bailey's investigation, we also have local police investigating the death of another person who is kind of linked to the phone industry (spoilers prevent me saying more as this isn't in the blurb) and all the way through, this thread weaves around the main one - will they meet or diverge at the end and, if meet, what's the connection?
Also, as with all Ms Sellers' books, the research comes across to be very thorough. Although I haven't checked the science and to be honest, I don't really care if it is real as long as the story is credible (which to me it is), I can pretty much guess from track record that it all is!
At the end of the book, I felt that I had got to know Bailey - as much as you ever get to know a sociopath - and that I was quite warming to her. I am not sure whether this was written as a stand alone book or if it is the start of a new series. I think I read somewhere that it is a stand alone but I really hope the author writes more with Bailey as I think this could be a character that could go far.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2016
The characters in any tale need a place to live, and breathe, and react to the world around them that exists in harmony with the plot. L J Sellers is a master of the back story, and I love a good, believable back story. Andra Bailey is an FBI agent. She is also, by her own admission, a sociopath. It is just this kind of juxtaposition of what might be seen as mutually exclusive traits that creates an excellent back story. Your first thought at the sociopath revelation might be 'wait a minute, shouldn't the sociopath be the bad guy here?' Skillful handling of what might be contradictory keeps you wanting to know more.
Sellers' attention to small details, adds fullness to the overall feel of the book. For example. a lot of the action takes place in Silicon Valley, in California where Andra Bailey pulls up to "A newer building with a bright exterior and no landscaping to water." The fact that California is in its worst drought right now is brought to the fore without overstatement. I actually put the book down at this point to capture my thought for this review.
POINT OF CONTROL covers a lot of territory. In fact we travel from Washington, DC to California and to that other Washington during the course of the book. It covers a lot of informative territory as well. There are things that will ring true when you read this and things that will make you question just what is happening around us in the world today.
From what I can tell by clicking around on Amazon, Goodreads and ljsellers.com, this is a standalone read. I for one wouldn't mind learning more about Agent Bailey, and perhaps Detective Jocelyn Larson, DC Metro Police, who seems to be a peripheral character of more than just a little significance.
L J Sellers made it to my "if she writes it, I will read it" list after I read the first couple of her Detective Wade Jackson series. Along with the police procedural aspect of those books, Jackson's personal story reads like real life (I always hesitate to use the word reality given its opposite connotation in connection with TV) and not like a soap opera. The bottom line is that her characters and stories make you want to invest time in getting to know both.
I received my copy of POINT OF CONTROL from the author, via NetGalley, for the purpose of reviewing it.
Sellers' attention to small details, adds fullness to the overall feel of the book. For example. a lot of the action takes place in Silicon Valley, in California where Andra Bailey pulls up to "A newer building with a bright exterior and no landscaping to water." The fact that California is in its worst drought right now is brought to the fore without overstatement. I actually put the book down at this point to capture my thought for this review.
POINT OF CONTROL covers a lot of territory. In fact we travel from Washington, DC to California and to that other Washington during the course of the book. It covers a lot of informative territory as well. There are things that will ring true when you read this and things that will make you question just what is happening around us in the world today.
From what I can tell by clicking around on Amazon, Goodreads and ljsellers.com, this is a standalone read. I for one wouldn't mind learning more about Agent Bailey, and perhaps Detective Jocelyn Larson, DC Metro Police, who seems to be a peripheral character of more than just a little significance.
L J Sellers made it to my "if she writes it, I will read it" list after I read the first couple of her Detective Wade Jackson series. Along with the police procedural aspect of those books, Jackson's personal story reads like real life (I always hesitate to use the word reality given its opposite connotation in connection with TV) and not like a soap opera. The bottom line is that her characters and stories make you want to invest time in getting to know both.
I received my copy of POINT OF CONTROL from the author, via NetGalley, for the purpose of reviewing it.
January 9, 2016
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review....
For the most part, this book was intriguing and interesting. It's very unique and is set apart from most "FBI agent" mystery books. It is well written, but very direct and straight-forward, with simple and minimal details. The author jumps right into everything, giving very little room for your imagination. The chapters are very short and even for being a lengthy book, it was a very quick and a slightly-easy read. Though it did feel like it dragged on endlessly, with the plot going absolutely nowhere, and you'd have to push yourself to actually finish the book.
What I disliked about this book is how the characters and descriptions are very weak, practically non-existent. The storyline is very difficult to follow and keep up with. The only slightly interesting character I enjoyed following was Jocelynn, and I enjoyed how the author really made you feel like you were in a CSI scene in certain areas of the book. I'm fascinated with the mental health and sociopath details she added. If only she had much more of that, and less of everything else then this book would've been a stellar. Everyone and everything else, you are left wondering who-is-who and who-is-doing-what and what part they played in the plot. The author bounces all over the place, doing very little to describe what is going on or who the 100th new character she introduced into the book is, causing you to lose track. The mystery was also very weak and boring.
For the most part, this book was intriguing and interesting. It's very unique and is set apart from most "FBI agent" mystery books. It is well written, but very direct and straight-forward, with simple and minimal details. The author jumps right into everything, giving very little room for your imagination. The chapters are very short and even for being a lengthy book, it was a very quick and a slightly-easy read. Though it did feel like it dragged on endlessly, with the plot going absolutely nowhere, and you'd have to push yourself to actually finish the book.
What I disliked about this book is how the characters and descriptions are very weak, practically non-existent. The storyline is very difficult to follow and keep up with. The only slightly interesting character I enjoyed following was Jocelynn, and I enjoyed how the author really made you feel like you were in a CSI scene in certain areas of the book. I'm fascinated with the mental health and sociopath details she added. If only she had much more of that, and less of everything else then this book would've been a stellar. Everyone and everything else, you are left wondering who-is-who and who-is-doing-what and what part they played in the plot. The author bounces all over the place, doing very little to describe what is going on or who the 100th new character she introduced into the book is, causing you to lose track. The mystery was also very weak and boring.
January 5, 2016
Full of action and an original main character Andra Bailey. She is a sociopath and also a federal agent.
There is a rare metal shortage and mobile phones are in short supply. Electronics companies and their backers are prepared to kill. Scientists are disappearing and Agent Bailey is on the hunt to find them and their kidnapper.
L.J. writes with pace and the chapters are short and snappy. Enjoyed reading this thriller and thoroughly recommend.
4 Stars
Received ARC from Goodreads firstreads and author L.J.Sellers thank you
There is a rare metal shortage and mobile phones are in short supply. Electronics companies and their backers are prepared to kill. Scientists are disappearing and Agent Bailey is on the hunt to find them and their kidnapper.
L.J. writes with pace and the chapters are short and snappy. Enjoyed reading this thriller and thoroughly recommend.
4 Stars
Received ARC from Goodreads firstreads and author L.J.Sellers thank you
November 25, 2015
I received my copy of this book from L.J herself to review for Good Reads. Andra Bailey, an FBI agent is on the case of disappearing scientists who are experts in their field. As the story unfolds it is obvious Andra has sociopathic issues which she tries hard to control. Falling for a younger man was not supposed to be part of the deal at all.
Fast moving, quite technical in places, a gripping thriller kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping!
Fast moving, quite technical in places, a gripping thriller kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping!
January 8, 2016
This book has an imaginative plot that is very realistic. It is written is simple and clear language with enough suspense and violence to keep the reader engrossed. The characters are interesting and true-to-life. I enjoyed the car-atv-boat perp chase as the story drew to an ending. It is a quick read, but very entertaining.
September 19, 2018
Never fails to DELIVER.
Interesting characters, that I hope we will hear from again in future books. Sellers has written into it ... an interesting "sociopath". I like her, but then I have empathy.
Amazing that the cell phones that keep us in touch to so many, carry so much power to the money hungry thieves ... a good few hours read.
Interesting characters, that I hope we will hear from again in future books. Sellers has written into it ... an interesting "sociopath". I like her, but then I have empathy.
Amazing that the cell phones that keep us in touch to so many, carry so much power to the money hungry thieves ... a good few hours read.
March 20, 2018
Not Your Stereotypic Heroine…Or At Least, Not the Stereotype You’d Expect
It’s not a spoiler to say that Andra Bailey, FBI agent and protagonist of Point of Control is a sociopath. It’s right there in the third sentence of the author’s synopsis. And the reason I want to mention it is because it was a factor that made this book so enjoyable to me.
If you’re a mystery/thriller fan, you probably know a number of protagonists that fit the description of a sociopath – intelligent, risk-takers, charming but without really caring what others think. But knowing at the outset that Bailey was one and seeing how Sellers worked that into the story was fascinating. For example, like many thrillers, there’s a romantic element, and like many, the kiss seemed to come from nowhere. Generally, I figured the author just glossed over the emotion to get back to the action, but with Bailey? She was experimenting with an unexpected connection to another human. Interesting. There were places where I felt Sellers might have gone a bit too far, e.g., Bailey seemed to read other people’s emotional traits almost at a glance (“Bailey studied his face, looking for signs of deceptiveness, and found none. Weakness, yes. He was emotional and eager to please.”). That ability seems well beyond charming and manipulative. And why did she suffer from topographical disorientation (a tendency to become lost easily)? So, she wouldn’t be a stereotypic sociopath?
But Bailey’s personality aside, the book is a solid crime thriller. The pace is good, as our heroine jets across the country chasing her suspects and sustaining herself with coffee and naps on planes. The story is propelled in places by discoveries that seem a bit too convenient. Why, for example, did Bailey focus on cellphone CEOs when rare earth metals are used throughout the electronics industry? The attempt on Bailey’s life early in the book, when she was pursuing a very speculative connection between missing scientists also gave me pause. The bad guy’s attack proved her right and would have brought in even more agents had they succeeded. What were they thinking? But overall, the plot flowed well. There is also an excellent twist at the end that clarifies a few discordant threads – it’s all tied up with a bow by the time Sellers finishes the book.
Overall, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable novel, in part for the way Bailey’s personality was woven into the story, but mainly because it was just plain good story-telling.
It’s not a spoiler to say that Andra Bailey, FBI agent and protagonist of Point of Control is a sociopath. It’s right there in the third sentence of the author’s synopsis. And the reason I want to mention it is because it was a factor that made this book so enjoyable to me.
If you’re a mystery/thriller fan, you probably know a number of protagonists that fit the description of a sociopath – intelligent, risk-takers, charming but without really caring what others think. But knowing at the outset that Bailey was one and seeing how Sellers worked that into the story was fascinating. For example, like many thrillers, there’s a romantic element, and like many, the kiss seemed to come from nowhere. Generally, I figured the author just glossed over the emotion to get back to the action, but with Bailey? She was experimenting with an unexpected connection to another human. Interesting. There were places where I felt Sellers might have gone a bit too far, e.g., Bailey seemed to read other people’s emotional traits almost at a glance (“Bailey studied his face, looking for signs of deceptiveness, and found none. Weakness, yes. He was emotional and eager to please.”). That ability seems well beyond charming and manipulative. And why did she suffer from topographical disorientation (a tendency to become lost easily)? So, she wouldn’t be a stereotypic sociopath?
But Bailey’s personality aside, the book is a solid crime thriller. The pace is good, as our heroine jets across the country chasing her suspects and sustaining herself with coffee and naps on planes. The story is propelled in places by discoveries that seem a bit too convenient. Why, for example, did Bailey focus on cellphone CEOs when rare earth metals are used throughout the electronics industry? The attempt on Bailey’s life early in the book, when she was pursuing a very speculative connection between missing scientists also gave me pause. The bad guy’s attack proved her right and would have brought in even more agents had they succeeded. What were they thinking? But overall, the plot flowed well. There is also an excellent twist at the end that clarifies a few discordant threads – it’s all tied up with a bow by the time Sellers finishes the book.
Overall, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable novel, in part for the way Bailey’s personality was woven into the story, but mainly because it was just plain good story-telling.
October 25, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Sellers. The protagonist, Bailey, is a bright, fast thinking woman who is not afraid of any situation in the book. Lots of unexpected twists and turns in solving this mystery. I certainly was introduced to the world of encryption software and rare earth metal, not sure what was fact or fiction. It certainly added intrigue to the story. I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and I thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to reading future books by Sellers.
October 17, 2019
Riveting
Excellent descriptive writing...like watching a movie while reading! Also, could be described as an action packed, can't put it down thriller with just enough romance to make you wonder how that will work out.
Excellent descriptive writing...like watching a movie while reading! Also, could be described as an action packed, can't put it down thriller with just enough romance to make you wonder how that will work out.
December 21, 2019
Fast Moving Spy Thriller
This is the first book that I've read by L. J. Sellers and I really enjoyed it. Very fast-paced thriller that involves the FBI, NSA and other law enforcement personnel. Agent Bailey is one determined individual who cannot be thwarted. Very exciting tale.
This is the first book that I've read by L. J. Sellers and I really enjoyed it. Very fast-paced thriller that involves the FBI, NSA and other law enforcement personnel. Agent Bailey is one determined individual who cannot be thwarted. Very exciting tale.
November 27, 2018
My first read by this Oregon author recommended from Friends of Mystery. It is a stand alone novel and I look forward to reading her series.
November 16, 2024
Thin plot.
March 7, 2018
This was funnier than expected. Fun read
March 24, 2017
Another good read, it kept me gripping from the start, I really like the no nonsense approach Agent Bailey has, get in there and ask questions later.
Looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Looking forward to reading the next instalment.
May 27, 2016
This book isnt released in the UK until 19/01/2016 but I received and advance copy of this ebook because there was an offer on Goodreads to win a Kindle and a free copy of Point of Control. Unfortunately I missed the deadline for this offer but because I am a fan of L J Sellers she kindly sent me a link to download a free copy.
I found L J Sellers because I love detective stories and I read and loved the Detective Jackson series. In one of the Jackson books FBI Special Agent Jamie Dallas was introduced as an undercover agent. Now I am normally not a fan of undercover agent books but because the Jackson books were so gripping and well written I had to give it a try. Initially I wasn’t convinced it was for me but Dallas grew on me as her character developed with each book in the series. So I became a L J Sellers fan eagerly awaiting the release of each book so I was thrilled to receive this advance copy of Point of Control which introduces Special Agent Andra Bailey.
At the beginning I found it a bit confusing as so many people were introduces and events happening in tandem so there was a fair bit of flipping back to check dates and locations but because the chapters detailed the dates and locations this was easy and I soon got the sequences in order.
Andra is the main character in this and is a Sociopath a condition inherited from her father. This makes her more likely to take risks which is why she is so suited to a Special Agent. Also appearing in a major part is Detective Jocelyn Larson whose estranged husband is also a member of the FBI but takes a minor role in this book. Then there is the Thorpe family Dana is a scientist and gets kidnapped to exploit her scientific skills to develop a special metal to use in technological devices. Dana's son, Garrett is witness to her kidnapping and is interviewed by Bailey and an instant attraction between the two sparks. Dana's estranged husband , Garrett's father, is also an FBI agent who is torn between his job and his personal responsibility to find Dana safe and well.
The story develops at a fast rate so by the time you have all the people and events worked out you are completely hooked. Brilliant book with unusual characters and unexpected sequences of events this has all the makings of yet another spin off series so I am hoping to see more books in the series. I am also expecting Jocelyn to appear in subsequent books.
For any readers who have not yet discovered L J Sellers I would suggest reading the Detective Jackson series to date followed by the Dallas books to date before reading Point of Control although all the books are standalone so it won't matter if they are read out of sequence I find it more enjoyable to have the characters introduced in sequence.
Cant wait for the next book.
I found L J Sellers because I love detective stories and I read and loved the Detective Jackson series. In one of the Jackson books FBI Special Agent Jamie Dallas was introduced as an undercover agent. Now I am normally not a fan of undercover agent books but because the Jackson books were so gripping and well written I had to give it a try. Initially I wasn’t convinced it was for me but Dallas grew on me as her character developed with each book in the series. So I became a L J Sellers fan eagerly awaiting the release of each book so I was thrilled to receive this advance copy of Point of Control which introduces Special Agent Andra Bailey.
At the beginning I found it a bit confusing as so many people were introduces and events happening in tandem so there was a fair bit of flipping back to check dates and locations but because the chapters detailed the dates and locations this was easy and I soon got the sequences in order.
Andra is the main character in this and is a Sociopath a condition inherited from her father. This makes her more likely to take risks which is why she is so suited to a Special Agent. Also appearing in a major part is Detective Jocelyn Larson whose estranged husband is also a member of the FBI but takes a minor role in this book. Then there is the Thorpe family Dana is a scientist and gets kidnapped to exploit her scientific skills to develop a special metal to use in technological devices. Dana's son, Garrett is witness to her kidnapping and is interviewed by Bailey and an instant attraction between the two sparks. Dana's estranged husband , Garrett's father, is also an FBI agent who is torn between his job and his personal responsibility to find Dana safe and well.
The story develops at a fast rate so by the time you have all the people and events worked out you are completely hooked. Brilliant book with unusual characters and unexpected sequences of events this has all the makings of yet another spin off series so I am hoping to see more books in the series. I am also expecting Jocelyn to appear in subsequent books.
For any readers who have not yet discovered L J Sellers I would suggest reading the Detective Jackson series to date followed by the Dallas books to date before reading Point of Control although all the books are standalone so it won't matter if they are read out of sequence I find it more enjoyable to have the characters introduced in sequence.
Cant wait for the next book.
February 8, 2016
2.75 Stars
I'm currently in a trial period on Kindle Unlimited and Point of Control is one of the first books I borrowed.
What I liked: I wanted to love Point of Control as the plot and main character are so different from much of the books I read. An FBI agent who is an admitted sociopath but finds ways to control her behavior, never heard that one before. Agent Andra Bailey knows all about her condition and how to "conform" to act as a normal everyday person. She's very good at it too. She constantly adjusts and observes to ensure her actions don't call unwanted attention.
She is a top notch agent and has aspirations of rising higher in the FBI but isn't afraid to push the limits of the law to solve her cases. Her current case is to find kidnapped scientists and capture the kidnapper(s). Bailey quickly finds some disturbing links between the scientists.
Point of Control is a bit futuristic in the plot. It seems China has stopped exporting some precious metals needed in the electronics world, most especially cell phones. This was a creative idea developed by Ms Sellers considering today's dependence on so much tech.
There are some politics brewing in Bailey's section and she's trying to decide which "boss" to placate and which to impress in order to follow her plan to move up in her section. But then she's unexpectedly removed from the case. Bailey has other ideas especially since meeting and becoming so attracted to one of the kidnapped scientist’s son. She's promised to find his mother and she doesn't like to let go of a case when it seems too many people above her are trying to downplay the connections between the kidnappings.
What I didn't like: Here's the thing, I picked Point of Control because I more interested in how a sociopathic FBI agent could do her job without losing control of her condition. That’s some of what I got but it wasn’t the driving force of the book.
While I did finish the book, there were several times I thought about just walking away. The characters seemed shallow and not well-developed. I didn’t connect with any of them except for a couple of secondary ones. The romance for our heroine seemed to me to be added because it was part of a checklist. I didn’t find it believable and actually thought it was awkward.
The book is told from two points of view, Agent Bailey and the kidnapper. Since I couldn’t connect with either character, the pacing for me was bogged down. I will say the last three chapters were my favorites.
I’ve read other works by Ms Sellers and thoroughly enjoyed them, not the case here.
No recommendation.
I'm currently in a trial period on Kindle Unlimited and Point of Control is one of the first books I borrowed.
What I liked: I wanted to love Point of Control as the plot and main character are so different from much of the books I read. An FBI agent who is an admitted sociopath but finds ways to control her behavior, never heard that one before. Agent Andra Bailey knows all about her condition and how to "conform" to act as a normal everyday person. She's very good at it too. She constantly adjusts and observes to ensure her actions don't call unwanted attention.
She is a top notch agent and has aspirations of rising higher in the FBI but isn't afraid to push the limits of the law to solve her cases. Her current case is to find kidnapped scientists and capture the kidnapper(s). Bailey quickly finds some disturbing links between the scientists.
Point of Control is a bit futuristic in the plot. It seems China has stopped exporting some precious metals needed in the electronics world, most especially cell phones. This was a creative idea developed by Ms Sellers considering today's dependence on so much tech.
There are some politics brewing in Bailey's section and she's trying to decide which "boss" to placate and which to impress in order to follow her plan to move up in her section. But then she's unexpectedly removed from the case. Bailey has other ideas especially since meeting and becoming so attracted to one of the kidnapped scientist’s son. She's promised to find his mother and she doesn't like to let go of a case when it seems too many people above her are trying to downplay the connections between the kidnappings.
What I didn't like: Here's the thing, I picked Point of Control because I more interested in how a sociopathic FBI agent could do her job without losing control of her condition. That’s some of what I got but it wasn’t the driving force of the book.
While I did finish the book, there were several times I thought about just walking away. The characters seemed shallow and not well-developed. I didn’t connect with any of them except for a couple of secondary ones. The romance for our heroine seemed to me to be added because it was part of a checklist. I didn’t find it believable and actually thought it was awkward.
The book is told from two points of view, Agent Bailey and the kidnapper. Since I couldn’t connect with either character, the pacing for me was bogged down. I will say the last three chapters were my favorites.
I’ve read other works by Ms Sellers and thoroughly enjoyed them, not the case here.
No recommendation.
January 5, 2016
An unusual yet likable heroine…
Not all sociopaths are criminals, it depends on the degree of their sociopathy. There are many who live productive lives within our society, they are just different than the rest of us and have learned to adapt to hide their natural tendencies which most people don’t understand. The heroine of this book, Andra Bailey, is such an individual, trained by her sociopath father how to blend in she’s an FBI agent, a good profession where her lack of empathy to others is no hindrance and the structure of the organization one she can actually thrive in.
The world has gone technology and cell-phone crazed for China banned exports of the rare metals needed to produce such products, a plausible storyline considering the world we live in. Electronics companies are floundering and looking for ways to survive, how far will they go is the question Andra seeks to answer for certain scientists are disappearing, minds capable of creating synthetic materials to replace the needed metals. Assigned the kidnapping case by her boss Andra makes the connection to the metal shortage and races around the country investigating leads but there’s more going on than just corporate games, the situation soon becomes a matter of national security which threatens the focus of her investigation. Working mainly alone, with the unsubs somehow managing to stay ahead of Andra, she follows her instincts against a counting down clock with help from some unlikely resources.
The blurb of this story intrigued me and the heroine is quite an interesting individual who constantly reminds herself how she needs to behave with other people to get what she needs to do her job yet she also has feelings and she contemplates how things will impact her, like the death of a woman who has been a close friend and the unexpected deep attraction she has to the son of a kidnapped victim. Though flawed differently than those of us that are considered normal Andra is a very likable character who exhibited growth and her self-awareness of her condition was fascinating.
This was an enjoyable fast paced suspenseful thriller with many moving parts. The intricate storyline had many twists and turns plus an additional investigation in Washington D.C. unknown to Andra that was connected and helped to tie things up at the end. There was more than one point of view.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Not all sociopaths are criminals, it depends on the degree of their sociopathy. There are many who live productive lives within our society, they are just different than the rest of us and have learned to adapt to hide their natural tendencies which most people don’t understand. The heroine of this book, Andra Bailey, is such an individual, trained by her sociopath father how to blend in she’s an FBI agent, a good profession where her lack of empathy to others is no hindrance and the structure of the organization one she can actually thrive in.
The world has gone technology and cell-phone crazed for China banned exports of the rare metals needed to produce such products, a plausible storyline considering the world we live in. Electronics companies are floundering and looking for ways to survive, how far will they go is the question Andra seeks to answer for certain scientists are disappearing, minds capable of creating synthetic materials to replace the needed metals. Assigned the kidnapping case by her boss Andra makes the connection to the metal shortage and races around the country investigating leads but there’s more going on than just corporate games, the situation soon becomes a matter of national security which threatens the focus of her investigation. Working mainly alone, with the unsubs somehow managing to stay ahead of Andra, she follows her instincts against a counting down clock with help from some unlikely resources.
The blurb of this story intrigued me and the heroine is quite an interesting individual who constantly reminds herself how she needs to behave with other people to get what she needs to do her job yet she also has feelings and she contemplates how things will impact her, like the death of a woman who has been a close friend and the unexpected deep attraction she has to the son of a kidnapped victim. Though flawed differently than those of us that are considered normal Andra is a very likable character who exhibited growth and her self-awareness of her condition was fascinating.
This was an enjoyable fast paced suspenseful thriller with many moving parts. The intricate storyline had many twists and turns plus an additional investigation in Washington D.C. unknown to Andra that was connected and helped to tie things up at the end. There was more than one point of view.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 2, 2016
POINT OF CONTROL features protagonist Andre Bailey, an FBI Agent who marches to her own drum. Sellers introduces readers to Bailey and her backstory. Bailey’s reputation includes her ability to find facts and details in an investigation others have either ignored or just plain missed. Bailey's has an analytical way of looking at life. She was all business and doesn’t worry about people's feelings The author places her readers inside Bailey’s head so they can see events unfold through her eyes. Bailey’s instincts and "abilities deliver solid solutions to cases causing her star to rise within the bureau. Sellers creates a believable relationship between Bailey and the son of one of the missing scientists adding a human side to Bailey’s character.
Sellers introduces support characters, adding backstories and their roles they play as they enter the storyline add additional development details as her story progresses. The author creates several interesting subplots adding twists and turns to increase the intrigue and momentum to the main storyline. Sitting on Bailey’s shoulder gives readers an inside look at how she begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together. She is obsessed to find how little things fit into her investigation. Sellers’ subplots, including an international incident, gives her readers insight to the impact the antagonist’s plan on will have on national security. She skillfully increases the action in the story, putting Bailey’s life in danger as wells as those close to her. Sellers manages to keep her readers in the dark as events unfold delivering several heart-stopping moments to the story.
Readers follow Bailey’s investigation and experience spine-tingling feelings, as she uncovers betrayal at the highest levels of government. She is not sure who to trust. Sellers’ POINT OF CONTROL’s storyline is true Sellers style, weaving several well-developed sub storylines and well-defined characters, eventually becoming part of the thought provoking ending. The author has a strong reputation of creating new law enforcement characters and storylines that captivate her readers, creating a thirst for more and a new series is born. Sellers has done just that with her new FBI Agent, Andrea Bailey. Bailey is a refreshing unique crime fighter. A must read earning a 5-star ranking.
Sellers introduces support characters, adding backstories and their roles they play as they enter the storyline add additional development details as her story progresses. The author creates several interesting subplots adding twists and turns to increase the intrigue and momentum to the main storyline. Sitting on Bailey’s shoulder gives readers an inside look at how she begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together. She is obsessed to find how little things fit into her investigation. Sellers’ subplots, including an international incident, gives her readers insight to the impact the antagonist’s plan on will have on national security. She skillfully increases the action in the story, putting Bailey’s life in danger as wells as those close to her. Sellers manages to keep her readers in the dark as events unfold delivering several heart-stopping moments to the story.
Readers follow Bailey’s investigation and experience spine-tingling feelings, as she uncovers betrayal at the highest levels of government. She is not sure who to trust. Sellers’ POINT OF CONTROL’s storyline is true Sellers style, weaving several well-developed sub storylines and well-defined characters, eventually becoming part of the thought provoking ending. The author has a strong reputation of creating new law enforcement characters and storylines that captivate her readers, creating a thirst for more and a new series is born. Sellers has done just that with her new FBI Agent, Andrea Bailey. Bailey is a refreshing unique crime fighter. A must read earning a 5-star ranking.
March 15, 2020
My first book by this author. I really like the main character Andra Bailey, sociopath and FBI agent. I thought the author (Sellers) did a great job of making her come alive. Sellers also did a good job of writing most of the other characters in the story, I think that's her strong point. The writing was easy to read and follow. I got into it right away, that's another plus.
The thing that spoiled it for me was the story and a few very minor points. A minor point is that the N. Koreans didn't have correct Korean names (one guy's name sounded Vietnamese or Chinese and the other Tibetan or something). A very minor point is that Kane Hall does not have an alley way behind it as described in the book. I probably would have used the underground garage myself. (Edit: I'm re-reading my own review and I'm not sure what I mean. Kane Hall does have an alley way behind it, not sure how it was described in the book, 3/15/2020.)
The other thing which is more major is the plausibility factor. You can call 'em plot holes or whatever but some of the story was just too far fetched. Some was technical, just as being able to finalize a formula in a make shift lab in a few weeks, or developing materials or writing code in a time frame. These thing don't have time limits because it's all a matter of luck and trial and error. Another thing is that N. Koreans hardly let anyone out of their country, especially not someone that important, unless they have family for ransom, and certainly not with just one guard.
I think the book would have been much improved if we didn't see the story from the antagonists' point of view, at least not that much and not so early. See them and their plot holes made it a bit less enjoyable for me.
I would definitely read another Agent Bailey book, because I liked her and I liked that the writing was easy to read and follow. But she needs to tighten up her plots.
I got this book free for review purposes.
The thing that spoiled it for me was the story and a few very minor points. A minor point is that the N. Koreans didn't have correct Korean names (one guy's name sounded Vietnamese or Chinese and the other Tibetan or something). A very minor point is that Kane Hall does not have an alley way behind it as described in the book. I probably would have used the underground garage myself. (Edit: I'm re-reading my own review and I'm not sure what I mean. Kane Hall does have an alley way behind it, not sure how it was described in the book, 3/15/2020.)
The other thing which is more major is the plausibility factor. You can call 'em plot holes or whatever but some of the story was just too far fetched. Some was technical, just as being able to finalize a formula in a make shift lab in a few weeks, or developing materials or writing code in a time frame. These thing don't have time limits because it's all a matter of luck and trial and error. Another thing is that N. Koreans hardly let anyone out of their country, especially not someone that important, unless they have family for ransom, and certainly not with just one guard.
I think the book would have been much improved if we didn't see the story from the antagonists' point of view, at least not that much and not so early. See them and their plot holes made it a bit less enjoyable for me.
I would definitely read another Agent Bailey book, because I liked her and I liked that the writing was easy to read and follow. But she needs to tighten up her plots.
I got this book free for review purposes.
January 13, 2016
I received Point of Control, a Kindle e-book version, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love police / detective / thrillers which feature strong female protagonists. Point of Control by L.J. Sellers fits the bill.
F.B.I. Andra Bailey is a woman who fought battles to gain her position. I love Agent Bailey because she a sociopath, but uses her unformed emotions for good rather than evil.
There are several subplots running through this novel that keep the reader hopping. When I thought the worst was going to happen L.J. Sellers changed the game. She uses cunning, skills and logic.
A "numbers" person myself, I enjoyed how fast Andra calculated percentages in situations.
The topic of minerals needed for our communication devices is serious. Even though this story is fiction, I do think it has put mankind into a dangerous situation.
This is a good book, and one I recommend. The reason for three instead of five stars is the ending. It seemed like it tied up in pink ribbons, rather than black leather strips I imagine Agent Bailey would use.
"Point of Control" is interesting and well written. There was a lot of suspense and action. I will read more from L.J. Sellers.
I love police / detective / thrillers which feature strong female protagonists. Point of Control by L.J. Sellers fits the bill.
F.B.I. Andra Bailey is a woman who fought battles to gain her position. I love Agent Bailey because she a sociopath, but uses her unformed emotions for good rather than evil.
There are several subplots running through this novel that keep the reader hopping. When I thought the worst was going to happen L.J. Sellers changed the game. She uses cunning, skills and logic.
A "numbers" person myself, I enjoyed how fast Andra calculated percentages in situations.
The topic of minerals needed for our communication devices is serious. Even though this story is fiction, I do think it has put mankind into a dangerous situation.
This is a good book, and one I recommend. The reason for three instead of five stars is the ending. It seemed like it tied up in pink ribbons, rather than black leather strips I imagine Agent Bailey would use.
"Point of Control" is interesting and well written. There was a lot of suspense and action. I will read more from L.J. Sellers.
January 1, 2016
Point of Control is a new standalone thriller from LJ Sellers, the author of the Detective Jackson series that I have been reading for years, and love, so I was eager to start reading this. I think that if you are new to the author then the Detective Jackson series is probably a better introduction as I think its better than Point of Control, but this new book is still a very compulsive thriller.
What I found fascinating about Point of Control was FBI agent Andra Bailey, as she is a sociopath, that works for the FBI and has just enough self awareness to generally keep a handle on her condition. Despite her general lack of empathy, I really liked her, and she is a highly intelligent agent, and very capable.
There is a lot of details with regards the mobile phone manufacturing industry and extraction of rare metals, and encryption that didn't always follow at times, but helped set the scene and was relevant to the story.
I found the story was fast paced and at points I didn't want to put it down. You see the plot unfold from a variety of viewpoints, and just for once I didn't feel complete disgust at the criminals.
I wish this was the start of a series as I would love to know more about Andra Bailey and her future career as she is an intriguing character.
Overall I really enjoyed Point of Control and found it to be a very good thriller that is worth reading.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
What I found fascinating about Point of Control was FBI agent Andra Bailey, as she is a sociopath, that works for the FBI and has just enough self awareness to generally keep a handle on her condition. Despite her general lack of empathy, I really liked her, and she is a highly intelligent agent, and very capable.
There is a lot of details with regards the mobile phone manufacturing industry and extraction of rare metals, and encryption that didn't always follow at times, but helped set the scene and was relevant to the story.
I found the story was fast paced and at points I didn't want to put it down. You see the plot unfold from a variety of viewpoints, and just for once I didn't feel complete disgust at the criminals.
I wish this was the start of a series as I would love to know more about Andra Bailey and her future career as she is an intriguing character.
Overall I really enjoyed Point of Control and found it to be a very good thriller that is worth reading.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
January 14, 2016
This book was okay, but not great. Andra’s self-awareness of her ‘condition’ should have been a really new and interesting and delightful thing, but the character obsesses over it constantly. Even to the point of trying to apply the label to people she’s barely even met, based on one or two small interactions. It gets old fast. The details about how her father–also a sociopath–taught her to ‘pass’ as normal, however, are quite interesting, as is their relationship. Now it seems that Andra has decided to try on a romantic relationship for size.
There’s a side plot about a North Korean cryptologist who gets kidnapped and the possible consequences attached to that, but in some spots it gets glossed over.
The eventual revelation of who/what/why disappointed me. It felt… convenient, and not entirely interesting or believable. Andra, if anything, got too much character depth lavished on her, while others languished and therefore didn’t matter all that much.
Point of Control reminded me of a less whimsical version of Dexter using a sociopath instead of a psychopath. I didn’t find the surprises to be terribly interesting, nor did all of them make sense. I never felt the tension that I look for in a good thriller.
NOTE: Book provided free for review
Original review at my site including premise: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
There’s a side plot about a North Korean cryptologist who gets kidnapped and the possible consequences attached to that, but in some spots it gets glossed over.
The eventual revelation of who/what/why disappointed me. It felt… convenient, and not entirely interesting or believable. Andra, if anything, got too much character depth lavished on her, while others languished and therefore didn’t matter all that much.
Point of Control reminded me of a less whimsical version of Dexter using a sociopath instead of a psychopath. I didn’t find the surprises to be terribly interesting, nor did all of them make sense. I never felt the tension that I look for in a good thriller.
NOTE: Book provided free for review
Original review at my site including premise: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
April 12, 2016
Andrea Bailey FBI agent has spent her whole adult trying to override impulses and working for the FBI has given her a place to put those impulses to good use. She keeps to herself and likes it that way and when she has to, she fakes it. Her next case challenges who she thought she was.
When several metallurgist disappear in a apparent kidnapping and end up dead, she is like a dog with a bone finding the source and reason behind a apparent cell-phone taker over. The case introduces her to Garrett, the son of one of the kidnapped scientist and FBI agent. Garrett causes her to feel emotions that she never has felt before. Garrett and Bailey team up to find her mother but will they able to piece together who has taken her and get to her in time.
The case turns into a International with North Korea threating attack and execution of American citizens.
The strengths of this read was the plot - the monopoly of materials and how big these companies are that stop at nothing.
The weakness - the relationship between Bailey and Garrett...was a somewhat juvenile in how they responded to each other.
A Special Thank You to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
When several metallurgist disappear in a apparent kidnapping and end up dead, she is like a dog with a bone finding the source and reason behind a apparent cell-phone taker over. The case introduces her to Garrett, the son of one of the kidnapped scientist and FBI agent. Garrett causes her to feel emotions that she never has felt before. Garrett and Bailey team up to find her mother but will they able to piece together who has taken her and get to her in time.
The case turns into a International with North Korea threating attack and execution of American citizens.
The strengths of this read was the plot - the monopoly of materials and how big these companies are that stop at nothing.
The weakness - the relationship between Bailey and Garrett...was a somewhat juvenile in how they responded to each other.
A Special Thank You to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 19, 2016
In Point of Control, the Chinese have stopped exporting the rare earth minerals needed to manufacture smartphones. Addicted Americans riot when they have a chance to get their hands on one of the few left in stock. And then the experts who have a shot at inventing substitutes for the missing ingredients start disappearing. L.J. Sellers has put together a yarn that hurtles from Washington, D.C. to Washington State via Silicon Valley with all the excitement and drama we’ve learned to expect from her. And even better, she’s introduced a compelling new hero, FBI Special Agent Andra Bailey. In a twist that makes the story even more fascinating, Special Agent Bailey is a sociopath. Does that matter? Yes. She can see connections others can’t see and that makes her great at her job. Only one problem. She doesn’t understand normal human emotions and that means every person’s actions are motivated by a code she needs to break. What makes Ms. Sellers’s books stand out is the way she combines non-stop action with a story about people we want to stand on our feet and root for or hiss at. Don’t miss this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews