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Hostile Takeover
"Derek Blount knows how to build tension with the best of contemporary thriller authors." -- Anne Hillerman, New York Times Bestselling Author
Quiet. Isolated. Deadly.
Pulled from the brink of suicide after suffering a tragic loss, John and Sarah Michaels enter an exclusive rehabilitation facility deep in the New Mexico desert where they hope to rediscover a reason to live.
His life as a corporate raider behind him, John attempts to embrace the program to save his marriage and himself. But as the days pass, John begins to suspect all is not as it seems with the unusual treatment methods.
When participants begin dying, John realizes the only chance for his and Sarah's survival is to do the impossible and launch a hostile takeover of the program...but can he do it before time runs out?
Compulsively readable and brimming with unforgettable characters, Hostile Takeover is a complex, exhilarating thriller and an electrifying debut novel.
Quiet. Isolated. Deadly.
Pulled from the brink of suicide after suffering a tragic loss, John and Sarah Michaels enter an exclusive rehabilitation facility deep in the New Mexico desert where they hope to rediscover a reason to live.
His life as a corporate raider behind him, John attempts to embrace the program to save his marriage and himself. But as the days pass, John begins to suspect all is not as it seems with the unusual treatment methods.
When participants begin dying, John realizes the only chance for his and Sarah's survival is to do the impossible and launch a hostile takeover of the program...but can he do it before time runs out?
Compulsively readable and brimming with unforgettable characters, Hostile Takeover is a complex, exhilarating thriller and an electrifying debut novel.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2015
About the author
Derek Blount
6 books33 followersDerek Blount is an award-winning author who spent two decades in the world of corporate finance before fully engaging his career in writing.
Derek's pulse-pounding Hostile Takeover Thrillogy--including Hostile Takeover , Second Son and Final Reckoning has garnered critical praise including:
"Derek Blount knows how to build tension with the best of contemporary thriller authors." -- Anne Hillerman, NY Times Bestselling Novelist
"I could not put this book down. The plot is fabulous, the characters are fabulous, the writing is fabulous…and every detail of the New Mexico desert rings true to this former New Mexican." -- Anne Taintor, annetaintor.com
His first published work, The Three Christmases of William Spencer , reached #1 in Amazon's "holiday books" category. The work was hailed as "a truly beautiful book" and described by parenting author and Chicken Soup for the Soul editor Susan Heim as "a wonderful gift book for sharing the joy of the season and the meaning of life."
Derek resides in Texas with his wife, Bethany, and their two sons. He is a member of American MENSA and serves on the Board of Directors of a prominent not-for-profit medical research organization.
Learn more at derekblount.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 27, 2020
Kindle Freebie from March 27 -28!! Hostile Takeover is one of my favorite thrillers and it's being offered for free today and tomorrow. I'm looking forward to reading it again!
Original Review:I could not put this book down! I stayed up all night reading it as I wanted to find out what happens next. I liked all the good characters (especially John, Sarah and Cutter) and hated the bad characters. In a lot of suspense novels I've read lately, I don't even like the main character(s) so it's hard to get "into" the book. Not so with Hostile Takeover; it had me from the beginning - such a great read!
2nd review: It's always a good time with this author!! Looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy when it's published!
Original Review:I could not put this book down! I stayed up all night reading it as I wanted to find out what happens next. I liked all the good characters (especially John, Sarah and Cutter) and hated the bad characters. In a lot of suspense novels I've read lately, I don't even like the main character(s) so it's hard to get "into" the book. Not so with Hostile Takeover; it had me from the beginning - such a great read!
2nd review: It's always a good time with this author!! Looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy when it's published!
September 18, 2019
Don't plan on doing anything else while you are reading this book.
Forget about the laundry and the dishes as I did because I became totally immersed in this unusual story. Part horror, part trauma inducing, part friendship and part survival.
This twisted and powerful story held my attention from the first page until the end. Many surprises along the way, some creepy and scary, some romantic and then there are the heroes. John is a smart man who felt something was amiss. He found friendship with men he normally would never encounter in his work life. The Texas Ranger, Cutter, figured out what was happening and made a daring rescue. His dog, Walker, was the icing on the cake. Read this book!!
Forget about the laundry and the dishes as I did because I became totally immersed in this unusual story. Part horror, part trauma inducing, part friendship and part survival.
This twisted and powerful story held my attention from the first page until the end. Many surprises along the way, some creepy and scary, some romantic and then there are the heroes. John is a smart man who felt something was amiss. He found friendship with men he normally would never encounter in his work life. The Texas Ranger, Cutter, figured out what was happening and made a daring rescue. His dog, Walker, was the icing on the cake. Read this book!!
February 15, 2017
I really liked the premise of this book. It was something completely original instead of your typical thriller. I actually had already read the second book in the series, Second Son, before going back to read this first one and I'm glad I did. Both books are excellent original reads.
June 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It doesn't have the level of predictability that I often see in suspense novels. Great surprises throughout.
April 5, 2020
Hostile Takeover
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a Texas ranger who needs some time away from a stressful job but instead of rest he finds a dangerous situation that requires his attention.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a Texas ranger who needs some time away from a stressful job but instead of rest he finds a dangerous situation that requires his attention.
February 5, 2020
Excellent storytelling!
An intriguing plot with relatable and compelling characters, this book had me on the edge of my seat. A quick read!
An intriguing plot with relatable and compelling characters, this book had me on the edge of my seat. A quick read!
Currently Reading
March 31, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
May 11, 2020
Business specialist John, history as takeover specialist has personal tradgedy of a lost daughter and wife having mental issues, enter a program to help them. Turns into a research project of sort. A Texas Ranger on a leave absence enters picture. The rest leads to intriguing story and adventure.
July 23, 2021
Exciting Thriller
An exciting thriller that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of anxiety and action. There are several unexpected twists and turns with an exciting eningg that leads to the next book.
An exciting thriller that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of anxiety and action. There are several unexpected twists and turns with an exciting eningg that leads to the next book.
August 30, 2021
Very Good
Really liked this book. Interesting, intense and immensely entertaining. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Well done Mr. Blount!
Really liked this book. Interesting, intense and immensely entertaining. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Well done Mr. Blount!
May 7, 2020
Couldn't put this one down! Ready to read the sequel...
July 1, 2020
This is an exciting and gripping story that pulls the reader in from the beginning. Like any good suspense novel, I found myself constantly trying to figure out where the story would go and how the main characters would navigate their situation (I don’t want to give any spoilers!). There are plot twists and turns that you will not see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style and how he would paint each scene such that you felt you were there with the characters, experiencing the drama as it unfolded. This book is a definite must-read!
June 9, 2021
Will Keep You Reading
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, as the couple at the center of the story are truly at rock bottom. When they decide to attend a retreat in a secluded desert location to start over, the creepiness and suspense build as you get to know the cast of characters, including a terrifying villain. The conclusion is heart-pounding, and does not explain why the villain did what he did (that ultimately is made clear in book three). I immediately purchased books two and three after finishing this one.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, as the couple at the center of the story are truly at rock bottom. When they decide to attend a retreat in a secluded desert location to start over, the creepiness and suspense build as you get to know the cast of characters, including a terrifying villain. The conclusion is heart-pounding, and does not explain why the villain did what he did (that ultimately is made clear in book three). I immediately purchased books two and three after finishing this one.
October 18, 2021
Well written book with interesting characters, an unusual plot line. The baddies were really, really bad and the goodies had a difficult time staying good.
June 5, 2021
Fast-moving, with some really likable but flawed characters and several really evil people.
It's been a long time since I've really had an ongoing urge to see what happens next in a novel. Hostile Takeover managed to do this.
Yes, there were some implausible happenings, but much seemed like it could occur.
I will now start the second novel in the trilogy. By the way, I was satisfied with the ending so this is not another "gotta buy the next book" rip-off.
It's been a long time since I've really had an ongoing urge to see what happens next in a novel. Hostile Takeover managed to do this.
Yes, there were some implausible happenings, but much seemed like it could occur.
I will now start the second novel in the trilogy. By the way, I was satisfied with the ending so this is not another "gotta buy the next book" rip-off.
July 31, 2021
This had been on my Kindle for a while and sounded good. It was! Most of the characters were relatable and believable. Several twists I didn't see coming and the story flowed well. The descriptions made me feel like I was there in that isolated desert. This is a trilogy but, really, this one can be read as a stand-alone. Not sure if I will continue the series - mainly because I have so many books to read. We shall see.
May 23, 2021
Fantastic
This was probably the most enjoyable book I have read in a long time. The storyline was suspenseful enough to keep you guessing and intrigued. The characters were interesting in and upon their on. The ending was quite susceptible and even though easy to figure out still left you ready for the next book.
This was probably the most enjoyable book I have read in a long time. The storyline was suspenseful enough to keep you guessing and intrigued. The characters were interesting in and upon their on. The ending was quite susceptible and even though easy to figure out still left you ready for the next book.
May 25, 2021
Terrifying, could this actually happen?
Really enjoined this book. A new way to test drugs without patients knowing. But, as always, something doesn't go right and a Texas ranger cleans up.
Really enjoined this book. A new way to test drugs without patients knowing. But, as always, something doesn't go right and a Texas ranger cleans up.
May 29, 2021
Intense and Powerful
This book starts with a bang and doesn't let up and is so intense that I had to put it down at times. When I got near to the end, I couldn't put it down wondering who would live and who would die. I highly recommend this book if you can handle being scared.
This book starts with a bang and doesn't let up and is so intense that I had to put it down at times. When I got near to the end, I couldn't put it down wondering who would live and who would die. I highly recommend this book if you can handle being scared.
August 10, 2022
The Jim Jones horror in real life, Body Snatchers in the land of pretend. There is credibility to this “can’t put it down” thriller. I don’t know if I am brave enough to tackle the next two in the trilogy, but it was a heck of a ride reading this one.
April 14, 2020
Well written, well crafted and an excellent read. Fast moving plot that gave nothing away until the writer had chosen to reveal. Found myself holding my breath on several occasions.
May 30, 2021
A GOOD STORY
Realistic situations make the story seem very real. Having lived in New Mexico, I was able to imagine what being in that area must have
Realistic situations make the story seem very real. Having lived in New Mexico, I was able to imagine what being in that area must have
October 1, 2022
Excellent rythme 👏
June 10, 2021
John and Sarah Michaels are having problems in their marriage. Matters worse John gets fired from the company where’s he worked for twelve years.
Following an accident that caused Sarah to miscarry their four-month-old baby, the couple’s relationship becomes strained to the point that they seek a therapist named Dr. Cornelius Luther.
The therapist then suggests they attend a program run by his colleague, a Dr. Lilith Regen. She specializes in treating depression and operates a retreat in New Mexico located in the desert. The program would last for three months
Following an accident that caused Sarah to miscarry their four-month-old baby, the couple’s relationship becomes strained to the point that they seek a therapist named Dr. Cornelius Luther.
The therapist then suggests they attend a program run by his colleague, a Dr. Lilith Regen. She specializes in treating depression and operates a retreat in New Mexico located in the desert. The program would last for three months
July 8, 2025
A good story
It took a while for the plot to unfold and make sense. I almost quit, but I am glad I continued and finished a good story. I will definitely read more from this author.
It took a while for the plot to unfold and make sense. I almost quit, but I am glad I continued and finished a good story. I will definitely read more from this author.
April 29, 2020
Fun read
I like the desert setting. Engaging characters and a good tale to spin. This was a fun read while stuck home in quarantine.
I like the desert setting. Engaging characters and a good tale to spin. This was a fun read while stuck home in quarantine.
October 19, 2024
Not recommended
The writing was above average, but the story was unimpressive and underwhelming. I have no desire to read the sequels.
The writing was above average, but the story was unimpressive and underwhelming. I have no desire to read the sequels.
June 13, 2021
I had a hard time staying with the book, it dragged so in the beginning and to me seemed to repeat a lot. I kept on though and it did get better about 2/3rd through and I did finish it. I do not believe I will spend the money to get the next two books. I will read them if they pop up for free.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews