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Acts Beyond Redemption
In Book 1 of the ‘Unintended Consequences’ series Acts Beyond Redemption takes you on a twisted, deadly ,journey.
From the mountains of Arkansas to the corridors of power in Washington, to the slopes of the Hindu Kush… Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killer or killers responsible for 18 brutal murders. He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Nothing in their considerable experience has prepared them for this. Nothing in their imaginations could conceive of the truth hidden in plain sight.
He finally has his perpetrator…, or does he? Everything points in the direction of the beautiful Sheila Harrington. She becomes the focus of their investigation. Deflecting their weary eyes away from a truth too incomprehensible to be permitted to exist.
The truth is uncovered, but revealing it and those that set it in motion would bring the most powerful country on earth to its knees. The corridors of power shake. Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive.
From the mountains of Arkansas to the corridors of power in Washington, to the slopes of the Hindu Kush… Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killer or killers responsible for 18 brutal murders. He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Nothing in their considerable experience has prepared them for this. Nothing in their imaginations could conceive of the truth hidden in plain sight.
He finally has his perpetrator…, or does he? Everything points in the direction of the beautiful Sheila Harrington. She becomes the focus of their investigation. Deflecting their weary eyes away from a truth too incomprehensible to be permitted to exist.
The truth is uncovered, but revealing it and those that set it in motion would bring the most powerful country on earth to its knees. The corridors of power shake. Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2015
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 8, 2017
WOW! Where has this author been hiding? Brilliant page turner. Suspense. conspiracy, assassins, great characters, clever plot, well written! What more could you want from a thriller? I particularly loved the female characters, both good and bad, And the bad is very bad!! I can see this making a great film. Highly recommended! I can't wait to read more by this author.
February 6, 2017
Overall, I enjoyed this gripping police procedural about an FBI task force charged with investigating a series of murders that aren't what they seem.
The novel held my attention throughout the majority of my time reading it. Even the parts that didn't seem as relevant still held great intrigue and tension. The major characters are thoroughly entertaining and mostly well-rounded, each with their own strengths and vices.
My chief constructive criticism concerns the motivation and purpose behind the serial killings. I'm still trying to figure out whether I glossed over a stroke of genius or identified a huge plot hole. Also, even though I understand why many things turned out as they did, most aspects of the resolution failed to satisfy after such a strong buildup.
Here are a few more minor notes. In my view, prologues are almost always superfluous. The way in which many movies and TV shows open has misled authors to start their books the same way. The information included in this book's prologue would've been better interspersed throughout the story. Also, I'm not a fan of omniscient point of view. Even the best authors published by traditional houses struggle to pull it off. This author manages to make it work well enough, but the head-hopping is still jarring and calls into question some of the scene breaks. And lastly, I get that the stress of police work can drive people to drink, but the emphasis on alcohol consumption in the book grows to become ridiculous.
All in all, I struggled with whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars for a few days before posting my review. For me, the novel really rates at 3.5, but Goodreads and Amazon don't give me that option. I ultimately chose 4 stars because of how the book held my attention and entertained me up until the end.
The novel held my attention throughout the majority of my time reading it. Even the parts that didn't seem as relevant still held great intrigue and tension. The major characters are thoroughly entertaining and mostly well-rounded, each with their own strengths and vices.
My chief constructive criticism concerns the motivation and purpose behind the serial killings. I'm still trying to figure out whether I glossed over a stroke of genius or identified a huge plot hole. Also, even though I understand why many things turned out as they did, most aspects of the resolution failed to satisfy after such a strong buildup.
Here are a few more minor notes. In my view, prologues are almost always superfluous. The way in which many movies and TV shows open has misled authors to start their books the same way. The information included in this book's prologue would've been better interspersed throughout the story. Also, I'm not a fan of omniscient point of view. Even the best authors published by traditional houses struggle to pull it off. This author manages to make it work well enough, but the head-hopping is still jarring and calls into question some of the scene breaks. And lastly, I get that the stress of police work can drive people to drink, but the emphasis on alcohol consumption in the book grows to become ridiculous.
All in all, I struggled with whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars for a few days before posting my review. For me, the novel really rates at 3.5, but Goodreads and Amazon don't give me that option. I ultimately chose 4 stars because of how the book held my attention and entertained me up until the end.
March 8, 2018
Acts Beyond Redemption is, without a doubt, the best story I’ve read in a long time. The character development is perfect, the suspense is nail-biting, and the story moves along at a great pace. The story pulled me in from the very beginning, and the farther along I got, the more I had to read. I literally could not put the book down.
Sheila is one of many agents involved in operation Pale Horse which spans the globe. The problem? This isn’t your ordinary government task force. The clandestine operation is cruel and horrifying to say the least. High-level governments official from the FBI and CIA are involved. Could the President be involved as well?
Sheila is the leader of a group of murderous assassins. She also loves her job, which she performs exceedingly well. She is beautiful, sexy, and deadlier than the most lethal of snakes.
With all of this said, there are numerous editing problems throughout the book. They distracted me at first, but as I got into the story, my eyes grew wider in anticipation of the next move and my mind seemed to ignore the errors. I didn’t care for the unusual formatting of the book either. Except for the technical problems, I would have easily given the book five stars, ten if I could. If not for the aforementioned problems, I could see this book on all the bestseller’s lists without question. It still is an exceptional story and I recommend it highly.
Sheila is one of many agents involved in operation Pale Horse which spans the globe. The problem? This isn’t your ordinary government task force. The clandestine operation is cruel and horrifying to say the least. High-level governments official from the FBI and CIA are involved. Could the President be involved as well?
Sheila is the leader of a group of murderous assassins. She also loves her job, which she performs exceedingly well. She is beautiful, sexy, and deadlier than the most lethal of snakes.
With all of this said, there are numerous editing problems throughout the book. They distracted me at first, but as I got into the story, my eyes grew wider in anticipation of the next move and my mind seemed to ignore the errors. I didn’t care for the unusual formatting of the book either. Except for the technical problems, I would have easily given the book five stars, ten if I could. If not for the aforementioned problems, I could see this book on all the bestseller’s lists without question. It still is an exceptional story and I recommend it highly.
September 26, 2019
The author has written a very exciting, fast-paced story. It takes place in the future when the United States has a female President. In reality, this could happen soon. The narrative is fascinating and all too believable in a scary way considering the current administration. The situations involved include germ warfare, execution squads authorized by the government, corrupt public officials at every level. The reader has no idea of who can be trusted. There are many plot twists and unanswered questions. It ends on a cliffhanger which is somewhat disappointing. This book certainly held my interest. Suzanne Burke is a great writer.
October 23, 2016
Acts Beyond Redemption is terrifying, intriguing, and addicting, much like its Jezebel character, Sheila Harrington. The story is very convoluted and switches from present to past back to present numerous times, also switching the focus between characters as well. It stays in third-person, but I still had to pause and ponder who was who. I enjoyed the challenge of reading this book, and I stuck with the story by reading several hours a day for two or three days. If you can only read a little bit a day, this book could get confusing.
I have to say, though, the authors writing techniques present the mystery of the story well. There is the whole cloak and dagger effect of who is working for whom. Many questions presented themselves. Who are these people that are killing the hired killers? Why are they doing such things? Is Sheila Harrington insane? The acts described here are horrendous, but the scenery and the setting the author has built is beautiful and appealing. Overall, this book is quite an escape for the mind, perhaps at times troubling, but it it is satisfying when the pieces of the puzzle come together.
I have to say, though, the authors writing techniques present the mystery of the story well. There is the whole cloak and dagger effect of who is working for whom. Many questions presented themselves. Who are these people that are killing the hired killers? Why are they doing such things? Is Sheila Harrington insane? The acts described here are horrendous, but the scenery and the setting the author has built is beautiful and appealing. Overall, this book is quite an escape for the mind, perhaps at times troubling, but it it is satisfying when the pieces of the puzzle come together.
October 19, 2016
Buckle up for a tense psychological thriller
This tense thriller centres on an FBI investigation of chilling serial killings. But in this investigation, one thing is clear, nothing is quite as it seems. The story is well told, but there is a bit of hopping back and forth on the timeline. I needed to concentrate to fit the significance of the time jumps into my understanding of the plot, and just like some of the characters (Mike), I struggled to keep it all in the front of my mind. It all builds up into a great thriller. Having said that, it is a very intriguing plot with red herrings, clever twists and turns. I liked the principal character, Sheila Harrington. A powerful and determined woman with a skill set to get the job done no matter what is required or who gets hurt in the process. I like all the story arcs reach a conclusion, some didn't, and I hope they will be picked up again in the next book. Overall a good read. I will be happy to follow Sheila Harrington's exploits in the next book. Highly recommended.
This tense thriller centres on an FBI investigation of chilling serial killings. But in this investigation, one thing is clear, nothing is quite as it seems. The story is well told, but there is a bit of hopping back and forth on the timeline. I needed to concentrate to fit the significance of the time jumps into my understanding of the plot, and just like some of the characters (Mike), I struggled to keep it all in the front of my mind. It all builds up into a great thriller. Having said that, it is a very intriguing plot with red herrings, clever twists and turns. I liked the principal character, Sheila Harrington. A powerful and determined woman with a skill set to get the job done no matter what is required or who gets hurt in the process. I like all the story arcs reach a conclusion, some didn't, and I hope they will be picked up again in the next book. Overall a good read. I will be happy to follow Sheila Harrington's exploits in the next book. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2017
" Acts Beyond Redemption" has it all. It’s a thrilling psychological adventure with a conspiracy thrown in. The characters are so intriguing it was hard to put down, as Ms. Burke takes the reader into the minds of FBI agents and serial killers. I was kept guessing who was doing what the whole book. I like when a story is unpredictable and at the same time draws you in, so you don’t want to put it down. The murders are brutal and aren’t for the gentle of heart—which I am not. Shelia is a complex and interesting character, as is her law-abiding counterpart Trish. Although, the story takes you back and forth through time, it only adds depth to the story. I was relieved when I finished the book to find that the second installment of this series was out, so I can find out what happens next. This is a well written book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and highly recommend if you like a fast-paced thriller--that makes you think.
April 21, 2016
Fast paced and uncompromising brutal, this thriller doesn't pull any punches. But it's not just blood and gore. The plot is complex and multi-layered, taking the reader steadily deeper into a chilling conspiracy.
Apart from a few places where I thought that the dialogue seemed a bit stilted, the general standard of the writing was very high. And although it is the first in a series, the author doesn't do the annoying thing of leaving the reader completely frustrated! Though well positioned for a sequel, the book finishes with some mysteries at least partially solved, some identities revealed and some loose ends satisfactorily terminated. But there's still plenty left for the next one.
Apart from a few places where I thought that the dialogue seemed a bit stilted, the general standard of the writing was very high. And although it is the first in a series, the author doesn't do the annoying thing of leaving the reader completely frustrated! Though well positioned for a sequel, the book finishes with some mysteries at least partially solved, some identities revealed and some loose ends satisfactorily terminated. But there's still plenty left for the next one.
December 15, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars A Page Turner, December 14, 2016
By KAREN INGALLS
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This review is from: Acts Beyond Redemption (Unintended Consequences Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This book is a true page turner. There are many characters and time changes, but the author does an excellent job keeping the story flowing without any confusion. There are brutal murders of men, which at first appear to be unrelated. The police officers are well challenged to figure out the "who did it." I forgot this book was part of a series and was disappointed at the end that I must now read the second book. I am looking forward to it as I know that Ms. Burke is an excellent writer.
May 7, 2017
What a tense read! Yes, this read was tense from the very beginning, and the author maintained that tension until the end. The Prologue told of something which will be very dramatic and mysterious. As the story unwinds, the Prologue started to make sense, and to fit into the conspiracy of which this story is based. A conspiracy against humanity. The story, although fiction, exposes how the very rich of the world conspire to keep their wealth under tight control, by doing whatever it takes to keep that control.
They create an army of saboteurs and use it to cause mayhem on selected targets. Sheila, a masochist was the ace in the hands of these secret cartel. Young, beautiful, rich, and cold as a fish! Intelligent too, but I would say more cunning than intelligent. It is not intelligence when she always knows ahead of time what is happening, which allows her time to craft her reactions.
My question, though, is, why the author on two occasions described the power of the cartel as above that of God, or why Craig did not suspect Nigel when Nigel assured him he would get the CD from Sheila. Halliday remained an enigma until the end. The part that stumped me was when Nigel announced that Sheila has been cleared of all suspicion. That was the cliff hanger! And I am sure it is because the story continues.
A very well written story indeed, and a page turner. I recommend it!
They create an army of saboteurs and use it to cause mayhem on selected targets. Sheila, a masochist was the ace in the hands of these secret cartel. Young, beautiful, rich, and cold as a fish! Intelligent too, but I would say more cunning than intelligent. It is not intelligence when she always knows ahead of time what is happening, which allows her time to craft her reactions.
My question, though, is, why the author on two occasions described the power of the cartel as above that of God, or why Craig did not suspect Nigel when Nigel assured him he would get the CD from Sheila. Halliday remained an enigma until the end. The part that stumped me was when Nigel announced that Sheila has been cleared of all suspicion. That was the cliff hanger! And I am sure it is because the story continues.
A very well written story indeed, and a page turner. I recommend it!
March 1, 2017
A twisty thriller with intriguing characters. The author did a great job with a multi-layered plot as well as shifting between different time frames. When all of those elements come together in a neat package that also packs a mammoth surprise, the reader is rewarded with a satisfying “WOW!”
Thriller, suspense, FBI procedural, political intrigue, dark crime story—this book weaves threads of each into its plot. The characters are composed of an FBI task force assigned to bring down a psychotic killer and the killer herself. Although the book drops you smack into the action and rarely lets up, character development is given equal attention. The crimes are heinous and the psychological elements cleverly done.
Were it not for the head-hopping that takes place throughout the book (and some wonky formatting), I would probably rate this 5 stars. The POV issues may not distract other readers, but I’m stickler as a shift usually throws me out of a scene. That aside, ACTS BEYOND OF REDEMPTION is an adrenalin-charged and carefully-plotted thriller. I look forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
Thriller, suspense, FBI procedural, political intrigue, dark crime story—this book weaves threads of each into its plot. The characters are composed of an FBI task force assigned to bring down a psychotic killer and the killer herself. Although the book drops you smack into the action and rarely lets up, character development is given equal attention. The crimes are heinous and the psychological elements cleverly done.
Were it not for the head-hopping that takes place throughout the book (and some wonky formatting), I would probably rate this 5 stars. The POV issues may not distract other readers, but I’m stickler as a shift usually throws me out of a scene. That aside, ACTS BEYOND OF REDEMPTION is an adrenalin-charged and carefully-plotted thriller. I look forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
June 27, 2017
The subtitle of this book is Unintended Consequences for good reason as the reader will learn. The tightly woven plot has a series of events that on the face of it appear to be discrete situations. Only until events unfold does the reader begin to understand the magnitude of the cause and effect the author has built into the story with great skill. On the face of it, the story seems to be all about a group of people being trained to perform a military mission. Then seemingly unconnected acts of barbarism occur which cause the authorities to believe something more sinister is afoot. Add into the mix likable and unlikeable characters, and you have a book that is difficult to put down. There is intrigue, politics, mayhem, mystery, thrills, and a terrific story. I would like to say more, but even a simple discussion leads to spoilers. The story is that good.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a story and be challenged to try and stay ahead of the plot developments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a story and be challenged to try and stay ahead of the plot developments.
March 11, 2018
#RRBC RIVETING! SPELLBINDING! GROTESQUE!!!
There was drama, kinky romance and suspense from beginning to end. I had to write down the cast of characters just to keep up. The writer is very good at keeping you mesmerized and coming back for more. While she went back in time, then forward and then back again, she still managed to make sense of it all; and I was fully engaged in the story even though so many questions were swirling around in my head. I managed to get through some of the unspeakable acts because I was all in trying to figure out who did what.
Reading went very smooth with no errors that I could remember. And the ending left you wanting more and wanting answers. I couldn't put the book down. That’s the way a good book should grab you. I give the author 5 stars for writing a story worth reading.
There was drama, kinky romance and suspense from beginning to end. I had to write down the cast of characters just to keep up. The writer is very good at keeping you mesmerized and coming back for more. While she went back in time, then forward and then back again, she still managed to make sense of it all; and I was fully engaged in the story even though so many questions were swirling around in my head. I managed to get through some of the unspeakable acts because I was all in trying to figure out who did what.
Reading went very smooth with no errors that I could remember. And the ending left you wanting more and wanting answers. I couldn't put the book down. That’s the way a good book should grab you. I give the author 5 stars for writing a story worth reading.
October 31, 2020
Outstanding thriller
Could not put this one down,. I was on chapter 43 before I began to see the real plot and path and still did not have the full picture until the last chapter. Well written and exciting. Thank you Suzanne
Could not put this one down,. I was on chapter 43 before I began to see the real plot and path and still did not have the full picture until the last chapter. Well written and exciting. Thank you Suzanne
February 10, 2017
I admit I love a good thriller, so when I read the blurb for Acts Beyond Redemption by Suzanne Burke, I wanted to give it a try. And I must say, it was a good choice!
Synopsis (from the author): Acts Beyond Redemption takes you on a twisted, deadly, journey.
Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killers responsible for 18 brutal murders.
The team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Their nightmares are stripping them to the bone.
Nothing has prepared them for this.
Someone on the inside is deflecting their weary eyes away from an incomprehensible and shattering truth.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive?
What I liked: This was a twisty story. The brutal killings, the burned-out FBI agents, and the prime suspect all make the story work. I liked the character development, and the story allowed me to use my imagination to try to identify the killer. All told, Acts Beyond Redemption was a harrowing tale of murder, political cover-up, and Sheila (the prime suspect) is a wonderfully evil operative. But, no more from me as I won’t spoil anything!
What I didn’t like: Only a couple of complaints from me. First, there were times when British/Australian terminology sneaked into the story (calling cookies biscuits, for example) and jarred me out of the story. Secondly, the use of coarse language was, in my opinion, excessive. I understand the need for it at times, but it seemed a bit gratuitous.
Overall impression: Good characters, a twisty plot, and a good ending make Acts Beyond Redemption an excellent thriller. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an action packed thriller!
My rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): Acts Beyond Redemption takes you on a twisted, deadly, journey.
Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killers responsible for 18 brutal murders.
The team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Their nightmares are stripping them to the bone.
Nothing has prepared them for this.
Someone on the inside is deflecting their weary eyes away from an incomprehensible and shattering truth.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive?
What I liked: This was a twisty story. The brutal killings, the burned-out FBI agents, and the prime suspect all make the story work. I liked the character development, and the story allowed me to use my imagination to try to identify the killer. All told, Acts Beyond Redemption was a harrowing tale of murder, political cover-up, and Sheila (the prime suspect) is a wonderfully evil operative. But, no more from me as I won’t spoil anything!
What I didn’t like: Only a couple of complaints from me. First, there were times when British/Australian terminology sneaked into the story (calling cookies biscuits, for example) and jarred me out of the story. Secondly, the use of coarse language was, in my opinion, excessive. I understand the need for it at times, but it seemed a bit gratuitous.
Overall impression: Good characters, a twisty plot, and a good ending make Acts Beyond Redemption an excellent thriller. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an action packed thriller!
My rating: 5 Stars
February 18, 2018
ACTS BEYOND REDEMPTION is a thrill ride that stays with you long after you’ve finished. A complex, fast-paced novel that grabs your attention from the very start, S Burke masterfully delivers an intricate story of greed, ambition, and murder that will shock you. We meet the members of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killers responsible for 18 brutal murders. After five years of dead ends, the team undercover new information that poses more questions than answers. What ensues is a quest for justice, where allegiances are suspect, and nothing is what it seems.
Are the killings the brutal work of a sadistic serial killer? A conspiracy of a soiled government? F.B.I? C.I.A?
This is one of the best suspenseful thrillers I have read in a very long time. The character development is superb, and the pace is fast and intense! With twists and revelations, and numerous points of view, this is a book that demands your attention. An absolute thrill ride, and I highly recommend it!
Are the killings the brutal work of a sadistic serial killer? A conspiracy of a soiled government? F.B.I? C.I.A?
This is one of the best suspenseful thrillers I have read in a very long time. The character development is superb, and the pace is fast and intense! With twists and revelations, and numerous points of view, this is a book that demands your attention. An absolute thrill ride, and I highly recommend it!
November 17, 2016
I don’t often give books a five star review because every once in a while a book will come along and truly knock my socks off. This is one such book. From the very start the reader is on a quest to find out what is going on with the author never quite revealing what you expect. You’ve heard stories described as a roller coast ride – well this one loops the loop, twists and turns in unexpected places, running at a pace that leaves you breathless, with a nightmarish trip through a ghost tunnel thrown in for good measure.
By the end of the story you are not sure anyone is who they claim to be or who will be left alive. Fantastic story. Looking forward to the next one!
By the end of the story you are not sure anyone is who they claim to be or who will be left alive. Fantastic story. Looking forward to the next one!
January 17, 2016
So many twists and turns......love it!!
I read this book because of the recommendation of a friend. I am so glad I took his advice. The story line is not ordinary and keeps your mind guessing. Who ?? Why?? Could it be true??? It's so worth reading. Had me the first 4 pages.
I read this book because of the recommendation of a friend. I am so glad I took his advice. The story line is not ordinary and keeps your mind guessing. Who ?? Why?? Could it be true??? It's so worth reading. Had me the first 4 pages.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews