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Jonathan Grave #8
Friendly Fire
It’s a shocking and seemingly inexplicable crime. Ethan Falk, a barista at an upscale suburban coffee shop, chases a customer into the parking lot, blindsides him and kills him. Witnesses describe an innocent older man being tackled and stabbed without provocation. But as the young man is arrested and processed for murder, he tells an even more disturbing story to police.
Years ago, as a boy, Ethan had been abducted, tortured, and abused by the older man. When his tormentor entered the coffee shop, he simply snapped. “How did you escape from your captor?” the police ask. That’s when the story takes an even stranger turn. “I was rescued by a guy named Scorpion . . .”
Jonathan Grave is hit hard by the news of Ethan’s arrest, and by the widening attempts by investigators to find a mysterious operator named Scorpion and prosecute him and his unnamed giant associate. He and his team dig deep into their own files to bring that old 0300 op back to life. Investigating the murder victim’s past, Grave and his associates find dark evidence of CIA involvement, clandestine interrogations, and a terrorist plan to attack a secure government facility in Washington. To thwart the plan, Grave must rescue Ethan a second time – while eluding law enforcement’s attempts to pin an eleven-year-old double murder on him.
Years ago, as a boy, Ethan had been abducted, tortured, and abused by the older man. When his tormentor entered the coffee shop, he simply snapped. “How did you escape from your captor?” the police ask. That’s when the story takes an even stranger turn. “I was rescued by a guy named Scorpion . . .”
Jonathan Grave is hit hard by the news of Ethan’s arrest, and by the widening attempts by investigators to find a mysterious operator named Scorpion and prosecute him and his unnamed giant associate. He and his team dig deep into their own files to bring that old 0300 op back to life. Investigating the murder victim’s past, Grave and his associates find dark evidence of CIA involvement, clandestine interrogations, and a terrorist plan to attack a secure government facility in Washington. To thwart the plan, Grave must rescue Ethan a second time – while eluding law enforcement’s attempts to pin an eleven-year-old double murder on him.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
669 people are currently reading
2184 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,210 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 12, 2017
Scary and exciting.
Homegrown terrorists and Security Solutions. Government has many alphabet soup agencies, but Security Solutions looks like their most effective unnamed group. Book starts with Ethan killing a man, he recognized the man after eleven years as one of his kidnapper. He grow up in very dysfunctional family and didn't get the help he needed, maybe soon he'll get the help.
Homegrown terrorists and Security Solutions. Government has many alphabet soup agencies, but Security Solutions looks like their most effective unnamed group. Book starts with Ethan killing a man, he recognized the man after eleven years as one of his kidnapper. He grow up in very dysfunctional family and didn't get the help he needed, maybe soon he'll get the help.
May 22, 2016
Ethan Falk was working as a barista when a man comes in as a customer that Ethan recognizes. When Ethan was eleven he was kidnapped and tortured and the man in front of him is one of those responsible. Without thinking Ethan grabs a knife and follows him into the parking lot and kills the man.
When police arrive and Ethan tells his story they are finding it hard to believe as there is no record of Ethan being kidnapped. His parents had hired a man that goes by the name Scorpion to rescue Ethan and do whatever was necessary to ensure his return.
Now Ethan is under arrest for murder and Jonathan Grave who is the one that goes by the name Scorpion knows he needs to find a way to help his former client without blowing his cover. Jonathan and his team soon find that the man Ethan killed had ties to an ongoing terrorist plot that needs to be stopped along with helping Ethan.
Friendly Fire is the eighth book in the Jonathan Grave series by John Gilstrap but the first of the series that I have read myself. After reading John Gilstrap's Nick of Time series and absolutely loving it I couldn't resist trying this novel when Kensington Books offered it for review and I'm glad that I did. The book read fine as a standalone, perhaps there's a bit of back story that's missed in earlier books but it was easy to jump in and get to know the characters involved.
Friendly Fire has the same story structure that I became familiar with in the Nick of Time series. The action is fast paced and has multiple layers to the story all throughout the read. You follow along with Ethan and his story all the while following along with what Jonathan and his team are doing keeping both stories on pace to come together for an explosive conclusion at the end.
Great read that I'd highly recommend checking out if a fan of fast paced, action packed adventures. There never seems to be a dull moment in a John Gilstrap novel and I always seem to fly right through them wanting to know how it will all tie together in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When police arrive and Ethan tells his story they are finding it hard to believe as there is no record of Ethan being kidnapped. His parents had hired a man that goes by the name Scorpion to rescue Ethan and do whatever was necessary to ensure his return.
Now Ethan is under arrest for murder and Jonathan Grave who is the one that goes by the name Scorpion knows he needs to find a way to help his former client without blowing his cover. Jonathan and his team soon find that the man Ethan killed had ties to an ongoing terrorist plot that needs to be stopped along with helping Ethan.
Friendly Fire is the eighth book in the Jonathan Grave series by John Gilstrap but the first of the series that I have read myself. After reading John Gilstrap's Nick of Time series and absolutely loving it I couldn't resist trying this novel when Kensington Books offered it for review and I'm glad that I did. The book read fine as a standalone, perhaps there's a bit of back story that's missed in earlier books but it was easy to jump in and get to know the characters involved.
Friendly Fire has the same story structure that I became familiar with in the Nick of Time series. The action is fast paced and has multiple layers to the story all throughout the read. You follow along with Ethan and his story all the while following along with what Jonathan and his team are doing keeping both stories on pace to come together for an explosive conclusion at the end.
Great read that I'd highly recommend checking out if a fan of fast paced, action packed adventures. There never seems to be a dull moment in a John Gilstrap novel and I always seem to fly right through them wanting to know how it will all tie together in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 26, 2020
I think this is the best Grave book yet. Absolutely fantastic! The subject matter was terrifying and there wasn’t much mystery. We knew the whole time what was going to happen and that made it a perfect Thriller.
Scorpion and Big Guy are such great characters. Their banter is great. The rest of the crew always hold up their portion of the story. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Merry Christmas!🎄🎁
Scorpion and Big Guy are such great characters. Their banter is great. The rest of the crew always hold up their portion of the story. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Merry Christmas!🎄🎁
June 22, 2016
I came across John Gilstrap's work earlier this year when I devoured his Nick of Time series. When I was offered to read his latest release, I didn't hesitate.
This is the eighth book in the Jonathan Grave series. I haven't read any of the previous ones, but it didn't matter as there was sufficient background provided and it worked fine as a standalone.
Jonathan aka Scorpion and his team are security specialists carrying out rescue missions that are not exactly within the realms of legality. 11 years ago, they saved a little boy from a pedophile ring. While at work in a coffee shop, this boy, Ethan, recognizes one of his abductors, snaps and kills him. When Jonathan finds out about Ethan's arrest, he knows he has to do something to help the boy. But coming forward and confirming Ethan's kidnap story isn't an option. When Jonathan's team look into the identity of the dead kidnapper, they discover connections to a terrorist cell threatening the heart of America.
John Gilstrap does a fantastic job intertwining several storylines, providing several perspectives and bringing them all together in an exhilarating finale. I raced through the gripping last 30% unable to put this down. I loved the interactions between Jonathan, his larger-than-life sidekick, Boxers, and their IT guru, Venice. I'm repeating myself, as I said this in my reviews of Nick of Time, but I love Gilstrap's style of writing.
Highly recommended if you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed heroic stories.
Many thanks to Kensington Book for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the eighth book in the Jonathan Grave series. I haven't read any of the previous ones, but it didn't matter as there was sufficient background provided and it worked fine as a standalone.
Jonathan aka Scorpion and his team are security specialists carrying out rescue missions that are not exactly within the realms of legality. 11 years ago, they saved a little boy from a pedophile ring. While at work in a coffee shop, this boy, Ethan, recognizes one of his abductors, snaps and kills him. When Jonathan finds out about Ethan's arrest, he knows he has to do something to help the boy. But coming forward and confirming Ethan's kidnap story isn't an option. When Jonathan's team look into the identity of the dead kidnapper, they discover connections to a terrorist cell threatening the heart of America.
John Gilstrap does a fantastic job intertwining several storylines, providing several perspectives and bringing them all together in an exhilarating finale. I raced through the gripping last 30% unable to put this down. I loved the interactions between Jonathan, his larger-than-life sidekick, Boxers, and their IT guru, Venice. I'm repeating myself, as I said this in my reviews of Nick of Time, but I love Gilstrap's style of writing.
Highly recommended if you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed heroic stories.
Many thanks to Kensington Book for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
d-n-f
July 29, 2016I loved the opening chapter, well the part involving Ethan Falk; I was not so enamoured with the section dealing with Mindy's rescue by the Security Solutions Team. It was all a little bit too gung ho and tactical for my personal taste.
But I was interested to learn how these two threads would connect and so I read on. But as I did so I became overwhelmed by the tactical/technical/terrorist references to the point where I totally lost interest in Ethan's thread and abandoned the book at 42% after skimming large portions.
Having said that, I believe that this book would make a good and successful action movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the invitation to read and review a digital ARC of Friendly Fire.
But I was interested to learn how these two threads would connect and so I read on. But as I did so I became overwhelmed by the tactical/technical/terrorist references to the point where I totally lost interest in Ethan's thread and abandoned the book at 42% after skimming large portions.
Having said that, I believe that this book would make a good and successful action movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the invitation to read and review a digital ARC of Friendly Fire.
December 19, 2016
I really didn't think I would enjoy reading the type of book that John Gilstrap writes but I decided to give him a try anyway. I'm so glad I did. Gilstrap is a riveting storyteller. He hooked me right away and kept me dangling up until the end. Excellent read with far more depth than I had anticipated.
August 22, 2016
Another action packed thriller from Gilstrap featuring Johnathan 'Digger' Graves and Big Guy. The targets this time are domestic terrorists working for a Yemeni Sheik.
The secondary plot involves Ethan, someone Digger and Big Guy rescued 11 years prior, who is now guilty of murder. The two story lines merge as the reader gets into the book.
I would have given this more stars had not Gilstrap spent, in my opinion, too many pages on the psyche of Ethan and the flashbacks to his abduction and molestation. Maybe Gilstrap was trying to make a point, but I didn't see where it added anything to the main storyline.
The secondary plot involves Ethan, someone Digger and Big Guy rescued 11 years prior, who is now guilty of murder. The two story lines merge as the reader gets into the book.
I would have given this more stars had not Gilstrap spent, in my opinion, too many pages on the psyche of Ethan and the flashbacks to his abduction and molestation. Maybe Gilstrap was trying to make a point, but I didn't see where it added anything to the main storyline.
June 13, 2016
This book has a thrilling and imaginative plot, interesting characters, and continuous pulse-pounding action. The quality of writing provides an easy-to-read story that is impossible to put down. Most of the characters are mercenaries on the side of good or evil. All of the action takes place on the other side of the law, whether it's the good guys or the others. It is interesting to contemplate what can be done with high technology and no bureaucratic limits. The violence is continuing, but handled with a light touch. This is a book that anyone can read and appreciate.
June 21, 2016
With a powerful and impressive opening scene, Friendly Fire introduces us to characters that are both intense and memorable. The action of the story moves on multiple fronts, referencing the past even as a team of 'good guys' attempts to solve current problems. As in most similar stories, the good guys of the story have muddled loyalties, their past stems from the military and then 'alphabet' agencies. They fight on behalf of innocents and the USA; the story moves quickly and changing alliances of bad guys moves the plot forward. Whether the bad guys fight to advance an evil cause or just to undermine the government, they threaten the lives of innocents and that's good enough for our heroes. This is a good, fast book for readers who love action, adventure and rescue fantasies writ large. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 21, 2016
Excellent thriller. The novel opens with a barista freaking a sharp knife, chasing a guy into the street, stabbing him to death claiming he had kidnapped and asked him a dozen years ago. However, there is no record of the event because Scorpion and Boxers rescued him. Meanwhile, our two heroes are rescuing the daughter of a Congressman engineered by foreign forces trying to make Americans unsafe, as they did when the Washington sniper terrorized America post 9/11. The street is fast paced, well done, and kind of scary in our current world.
May 4, 2021
A 4 star book that spared no expense on mixing our emotions from disgust to elation to concern. We were rooting for the good guys and there was little sympathy for those identified as “bad”. This book can but shouldn’t be read as a stand-alone as there is so much history and remarks that bring us back to previous books. Yes, a fun book and I’m going right into #9. I haven’t enjoyed a book like this in a while.
May 16, 2021
Another save the world, super hero type guy who is apparently loved by many but not me. The author’s many attempts at cleverness left me cold; he just seemed to try too hard and it didn’t seem that he is a naturally clever guy. So, after reading about 56% I decided to go no further. I should also mention my surprise at the high ratings that this book has received. I shall strike Mr. Gilstrap from my list of authors to read. If he learns of that, I hope that he will survive.
Over and Out
Over and Out
August 12, 2016
Thanks to netgalley.com, John Gilstrap and Kensington Publishing for the advance copy for my review. I also purchased it in paperback, just to make reading it easier and took it everywhere.
This one is ripped right out of the headlines, my first read of John Gilstrap's Jonathan Graves series and my favorite read so far of 2016.
This is my style of a book, have to assume that John Gilstrap has a lead foot, as he just puts the pedal to the metal, does let up and it just lacks only a warning.
To strap yourself down while reading. Since your in for a heart pounding, edge of your seat read and one straight out of today's headlines.
Gilstrap starts Friendly Fire with a flash bang grenade, having a Coffee House Baristas Ethan Falk recognizes, then kills the man who kidnapped and abused him as a 11 year old.
What a tour de force, Gilstrap adds everything you would want in a espionage-terrorist thriller, has multiple intertwining storylines, extra helpings of twist and turns, suspense, plenty of action, it's tension filled, builds to a great conclusion, has nasty characters and oh yeah a couple of hero's.
The big deal for me was that I felt, he kept it realistic, believable and he never pushed the envelope to were I thought this couldn't happen.
I really thought that Gilstrap would leave us hanging, then finish this one in a sequel and even with the ending, he left the door open for one.
I really liked his characters of Jonathan Graves aka: Scorpion, Brian Van de Muelebrocke aka: Boxers, they are likable, make a great formative team and they work off the books.
Guess some writers are just blessed when it comes to bring characters to life in their books, doesn't matter if they are good or bad and Gilstrap does just that with Friendly Fire.
With this one. One character just stood out, Det. Pamela Hastings. Has me wondering was this an introduction to a new character for Gilstrap or will we see her appearing as a new member to his dynamic duo team.
Guess we'll have too wait for Scorpion and Boxers next adventure. I do have most of the series, buried on my huge TBR list, so I most definitely do have some catching up to do and highly recommend that you give this author a try.
This one is ripped right out of the headlines, my first read of John Gilstrap's Jonathan Graves series and my favorite read so far of 2016.
This is my style of a book, have to assume that John Gilstrap has a lead foot, as he just puts the pedal to the metal, does let up and it just lacks only a warning.
To strap yourself down while reading. Since your in for a heart pounding, edge of your seat read and one straight out of today's headlines.
Gilstrap starts Friendly Fire with a flash bang grenade, having a Coffee House Baristas Ethan Falk recognizes, then kills the man who kidnapped and abused him as a 11 year old.
What a tour de force, Gilstrap adds everything you would want in a espionage-terrorist thriller, has multiple intertwining storylines, extra helpings of twist and turns, suspense, plenty of action, it's tension filled, builds to a great conclusion, has nasty characters and oh yeah a couple of hero's.
The big deal for me was that I felt, he kept it realistic, believable and he never pushed the envelope to were I thought this couldn't happen.
I really thought that Gilstrap would leave us hanging, then finish this one in a sequel and even with the ending, he left the door open for one.
I really liked his characters of Jonathan Graves aka: Scorpion, Brian Van de Muelebrocke aka: Boxers, they are likable, make a great formative team and they work off the books.
Guess some writers are just blessed when it comes to bring characters to life in their books, doesn't matter if they are good or bad and Gilstrap does just that with Friendly Fire.
With this one. One character just stood out, Det. Pamela Hastings. Has me wondering was this an introduction to a new character for Gilstrap or will we see her appearing as a new member to his dynamic duo team.
Guess we'll have too wait for Scorpion and Boxers next adventure. I do have most of the series, buried on my huge TBR list, so I most definitely do have some catching up to do and highly recommend that you give this author a try.
July 21, 2016
I have been a fan of John Gilstrap for a couple of years now and have read most of his books - both the stand-alone novels and the Jonathan Grave series.
One of the main flaws of the Grave series is that everything usually seems a little too easy for the good guys. Their fantastic skills in the field, their ability to draw on their friends' assets (corporate jets, advanced technology and equipment etc.), and their ability to hack their way into databases of all kinds.
Also the interaction with the FBI director (cloak and dagger meetings, ass-chewing, calls for help) seem a little trivial here in book 8 of the series, as do the relationship between the main characters (Boxers being touchy about references to his abnormal size, Boxers and Venice's strained relationship etc.). At least this time, Gilstrap has toned down the references to all the good things Grave does for the kids of inmates in the nearby boys home run by this friend.
All this said, Gilstrap knows how to write effective page-turners that keeps you biting your nails until the last few pages. This book will not disappoint his fans, and I will also be back for more - I just wish that Gilstrap would stray a little farther from his much-traveled path once in a while. By the way, I have no idea what the White House is doing on the cover of the book - I don't think that neither the president nor the White House is even mentioned at all in the book.
[An ARC of this book was generously provided by the publisher through NetGalley]
One of the main flaws of the Grave series is that everything usually seems a little too easy for the good guys. Their fantastic skills in the field, their ability to draw on their friends' assets (corporate jets, advanced technology and equipment etc.), and their ability to hack their way into databases of all kinds.
Also the interaction with the FBI director (cloak and dagger meetings, ass-chewing, calls for help) seem a little trivial here in book 8 of the series, as do the relationship between the main characters (Boxers being touchy about references to his abnormal size, Boxers and Venice's strained relationship etc.). At least this time, Gilstrap has toned down the references to all the good things Grave does for the kids of inmates in the nearby boys home run by this friend.
All this said, Gilstrap knows how to write effective page-turners that keeps you biting your nails until the last few pages. This book will not disappoint his fans, and I will also be back for more - I just wish that Gilstrap would stray a little farther from his much-traveled path once in a while. By the way, I have no idea what the White House is doing on the cover of the book - I don't think that neither the president nor the White House is even mentioned at all in the book.
[An ARC of this book was generously provided by the publisher through NetGalley]
June 28, 2016
This book opens with an explosive murder, and the pace doesn't slow down from there. Ethan Falk, a 22 year old coffee barista follows a man out of the coffee shop and stabs him to death. When the police show up, Ethan swears that the man he killed had kidnapped him 11 years before and sexually molested him. He swears he was rescued by men who killed everyone else in the house, but there is no record of any kidnapping, or rescue, and the dead man seems to not exist. A detective decides to investigate Ethan's claims, and her investigation leads to problems for Jonathan Grave, or Scorpion, and his partners. The story of Ethan is just one facet of the action; there are terrorists at work in Virginia, and soon Scorpion and Big Guy are at work to stop them.
I have not read any of John Gilstrap's previous novels, but Friendly Fire will not be my last. Scorpion and Big Guy are terrific characters, and though this is not my usual type of book, the plot kept me interested and involved. Highly recommended for readers of thrillers, political thrillers, and mercenaries.
Thanks to Kensington Books via Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of John Gilstrap's previous novels, but Friendly Fire will not be my last. Scorpion and Big Guy are terrific characters, and though this is not my usual type of book, the plot kept me interested and involved. Highly recommended for readers of thrillers, political thrillers, and mercenaries.
Thanks to Kensington Books via Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
This starts with a shocking act of vengeance. Barista Ethan Falk chases a customer
into the parking lot and kills him. He tells the police that years ago this older man
abducted and tortured him. The abduction story gets stranger when he says he was
rescued by a man named Scorpion. Of course there is no record of this because
Scorpion -Jonathan Grave operates outside of the law. As Graves struggles to defend
his former cargo without blowing his cover he finds that the dead man has secrets that
trace to an ongoing terrorist plot against then U.S. and it's up to Grave's and his team
to stop it. Of course they must first rescue Ethan a second time. John Gilstrap writes
pretty good stories and this one is no exception. I enjoyed it and I gave it a 5.
into the parking lot and kills him. He tells the police that years ago this older man
abducted and tortured him. The abduction story gets stranger when he says he was
rescued by a man named Scorpion. Of course there is no record of this because
Scorpion -Jonathan Grave operates outside of the law. As Graves struggles to defend
his former cargo without blowing his cover he finds that the dead man has secrets that
trace to an ongoing terrorist plot against then U.S. and it's up to Grave's and his team
to stop it. Of course they must first rescue Ethan a second time. John Gilstrap writes
pretty good stories and this one is no exception. I enjoyed it and I gave it a 5.
June 5, 2016
Yet another author I have not read. I'm not usually into those mercenary type books, but yet everyone I've actually read I liked. Perhaps it's just the fact of a different genre or perhaps it was just the writing style of John Gilstrap. This book had me at the beginning. What an opening! And it held my interest level, could even say peaked, to where I sped through this book.
This Scorpion dude sounds mighty fine and someone I do not want to get on the bad side of at all. Of course, all the talk with the weapons technology had my eyes glazing over, but it seemed pretty cool what it could do.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and heartily recommend.
This Scorpion dude sounds mighty fine and someone I do not want to get on the bad side of at all. Of course, all the talk with the weapons technology had my eyes glazing over, but it seemed pretty cool what it could do.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and heartily recommend.
September 28, 2016
Like things must I guess, it seems Scorpion and the team go down darker and darker roads. This one involves human trafficking and the consequences of "Off the books" covert activities. It is hard to be the good guys without the paperwork in a sense. That is part of the joy of these books, the razor edge of doing the right things but playing out of bounds. John Gilstrap is a writer that plots and takes the action where you never think it can go AND he makes it work.
July 10, 2016
Another terrific adventure with Jonathan "Digger" Grave and Big Guy. This one could be taken right from the headlines.
August 19, 2016
In his world, justice often wasn't measured in what was reasonable. He preferred to measure it in the in terms of what was right.
I felt like I just witnessed Batman meets Jason Bourne gone bad. Needless to say I liked it. A great read starts out strong and keeps the momentum with strong characters that you cheer for. It is with their wit along with their transparency, I was hooked.
Ethan Falk a young man working in a coffee shop hears a familiar voice and all heck and reason break out. Ethan runs after the man and brutally kills him. The narration is such that it becomes personal for the reader. When the police apprehend Falk, he gives them a unbelievable account that is untraceable. How he was saved from an incomprehensible horror by a blue-eyed man named Scorpion. AKA Jonathan. It is with the diligence of his lawyer, head doctor, and arresting detective, they uncover some truth to his horrific ordeal with the victim.
Jonathan Grave in keeping undercover to save the US from itself, with his team, uncover something more sinister in Ethan's horrific predicament. Can he save Ethan again? Can he uncover the plan that is set to send the US in chaos and terror?
These questions make for a great thriller and I do have to say Falk's story is heart wrenching as it deals with sex trafficking and the aftermath.
A Special Thank You to Kensington Books, Pinnacle, Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity o post an honest review.
I felt like I just witnessed Batman meets Jason Bourne gone bad. Needless to say I liked it. A great read starts out strong and keeps the momentum with strong characters that you cheer for. It is with their wit along with their transparency, I was hooked.
Ethan Falk a young man working in a coffee shop hears a familiar voice and all heck and reason break out. Ethan runs after the man and brutally kills him. The narration is such that it becomes personal for the reader. When the police apprehend Falk, he gives them a unbelievable account that is untraceable. How he was saved from an incomprehensible horror by a blue-eyed man named Scorpion. AKA Jonathan. It is with the diligence of his lawyer, head doctor, and arresting detective, they uncover some truth to his horrific ordeal with the victim.
Jonathan Grave in keeping undercover to save the US from itself, with his team, uncover something more sinister in Ethan's horrific predicament. Can he save Ethan again? Can he uncover the plan that is set to send the US in chaos and terror?
These questions make for a great thriller and I do have to say Falk's story is heart wrenching as it deals with sex trafficking and the aftermath.
A Special Thank You to Kensington Books, Pinnacle, Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity o post an honest review.
July 9, 2016
I love this series and always wait (very impatiently) for the next book to be available. John Gilstrap always gives us a fast-paced thrill ride. Scorpion and Big Guy are tasked with finding and defusing a homegrown terror plot with several different targets. There is also a subplot involving a victim from one of the earlier books in the series intertwined and connected to the terrorists.
November 29, 2019
John Gilstrap's novel, FRIENDLY FIRE, starts with murder of a child molester of one of his victims of 11 years ago. Yet, when the man who committed this act tries to explain his reason; that this man held him and other children for sex slavery and he was recused by a group of men. Police can find no connection to his story. The young man can only offer the name of Scorpion as his rescuer.
A young girl is being rescued by a group led by Scorpion, and returned to her family. This will never be reported, either. Yet, Scorpion does hsi duty under the radar of the American Government.
Other kidnapping are also planned to being a reign of terror, or worse to impact the American Citizen faith in government. Will Scorpion manage to handle all of these issues?
July 10, 2020
Excellent. Very exciting and intriguing.
April 28, 2016
Read this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
John Gilstrap’s latest Jonathan Grave novel snaps, crackles, and pops (that’s right, it has all of the Rice Krispies!) with nonstop action from beginning to end.
Ethan, a twenty-something barista at a coffee house, is at work one day when a “monster” from his past walks in. The monster is a child molester who kidnapped and held Ethan captive when he was just a young kid. Ethan, upon seeing him, snapped. Following the man outside, he stabbed him with a sharp knife he swiped from inside the coffee house.
Minutes later, the police showed up. Ethan had been in a violent haze and was shocked to realize what he’d done–though he wasn’t sorry. The monster had to go. He couldn’t be allowed to hurt any more children, Ethan thought.
When questioned by the police, Ethan explains that the man had kidnapped and sexually assaulted him years ago. They promised to check out his story, but there’s one problem. Ethan was held captive, and he was assaulted–but there is no official record of the events or his rescue. Why? Because he was rescued by a man known only as Scorpion.
Scorpion, of course, is the callsign of Jonathan Grave. Grave, the former Delta Force operator turned freelance hostage rescue specialist, works outside of the law. He operates in the shadows, helping those in need who have nowhere else to turn. After returning home from another mission, Grave’s team tells him about Ethan, who’s story is all over the news.
As the team discusses Ethan’s situation, it’s revealed that there were many suspicious circumstances surrounding his case more than a decade ago. Things never quite added up, and worst of all, the bad guy had gotten away. The mission itself was still a success, though, as the “precious cargo”–Ethan–was rescued.
With the nature of his business being so secretive, Grave knew that Ethan was likely sitting in jail trying to explain why he killed the man, without any way to prove his story. Once again, Ethan needs to be rescued. And once again, there’s much more than originally meets the eye.
As Grave and his team start to learn the truth about the man who kidnapped Ethan years ago, they uncover a much larger and dangerous plot hidden beneath the surface. It turns out that the dead man had ties to a terrorist group, and a devastating plan had recently been put into place. With an attack on the United States looming, it’s once again up to Jonathan Grave to save the day once again.
J0hn Gilstrap absolutely crushed it. A blistering thriller that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go for a second, Friendly Fire is four-hundred-plus pages of pure awesomeness!
Why I loved it
Friendly Fire is well-written, fast-paced, and stuffed with nonstop action. Gilstrap continues to grow as an author and excels at creating can’t-put-down stories. Once I started this book, there was no stopping.
There are a lot of great books coming out this June–including three others (Ben Coes' First Strike, Brad Taylor's Ghosts of War, and Joshua Hood's Warning Order) that will be released on the same exact day as Friendly Fire–but Gilstrap has proved yet again that he can hold his own with other big-name writers.
Honestly, I thought that the plot was brilliant. I love the idea of there finally being a downside to Grave’s operating in the shadows. Yes, he saved Ethan from a child molester, but the covert nature of his work left Ethan unable to explain himself to the cops. That angle fascinates me, and Gilstrap wrote the heck out of it.
(Note: Obviously, this can be a very sensitive subject. I loved the book, and couldn’t really find anything negative to say about it (some will, but they’re nitpicking either to sound like an expert by pointing out flaws, or just for the heck of it). However, I would understand some people not caring to read about child sex crimes. So for those wondering, I didn’t find it too graphic, nor was a ton of time spent on that. If anything, it made me hate the antagonist more, and root harder for Ethan.)
Why you should read it
John Gilstrap is a wildly underrated author. His Jonathan Grave series is every bit as good as the other heavyweights of the genre and is comparable to Ben Coes’ Dewey Andreas and Joseph Finder’s Nick Heller.
I love how Gilstrap intertwined Ethan’s story with a current terrorist plot. It all came together nicely and ends in a way that will leave readers counting down the days until the next book.
There are a lot of must-read novels coming out in June, and Friendly Fire is definitely one of them. Trust me, read this book!
Book Details
This is the eighth novel in Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series. While I’d certainly recommend reading them all (especially Threat Warning, my personal favorite)–it’s not necessary for understanding the events in this book.
Author: John Gilstrap
Pages: 436 (Paperback)
Publisher: Pinnacle
Release Date: June 28, 2016
John Gilstrap’s latest Jonathan Grave novel snaps, crackles, and pops (that’s right, it has all of the Rice Krispies!) with nonstop action from beginning to end.
Ethan, a twenty-something barista at a coffee house, is at work one day when a “monster” from his past walks in. The monster is a child molester who kidnapped and held Ethan captive when he was just a young kid. Ethan, upon seeing him, snapped. Following the man outside, he stabbed him with a sharp knife he swiped from inside the coffee house.
Minutes later, the police showed up. Ethan had been in a violent haze and was shocked to realize what he’d done–though he wasn’t sorry. The monster had to go. He couldn’t be allowed to hurt any more children, Ethan thought.
When questioned by the police, Ethan explains that the man had kidnapped and sexually assaulted him years ago. They promised to check out his story, but there’s one problem. Ethan was held captive, and he was assaulted–but there is no official record of the events or his rescue. Why? Because he was rescued by a man known only as Scorpion.
Scorpion, of course, is the callsign of Jonathan Grave. Grave, the former Delta Force operator turned freelance hostage rescue specialist, works outside of the law. He operates in the shadows, helping those in need who have nowhere else to turn. After returning home from another mission, Grave’s team tells him about Ethan, who’s story is all over the news.
As the team discusses Ethan’s situation, it’s revealed that there were many suspicious circumstances surrounding his case more than a decade ago. Things never quite added up, and worst of all, the bad guy had gotten away. The mission itself was still a success, though, as the “precious cargo”–Ethan–was rescued.
With the nature of his business being so secretive, Grave knew that Ethan was likely sitting in jail trying to explain why he killed the man, without any way to prove his story. Once again, Ethan needs to be rescued. And once again, there’s much more than originally meets the eye.
As Grave and his team start to learn the truth about the man who kidnapped Ethan years ago, they uncover a much larger and dangerous plot hidden beneath the surface. It turns out that the dead man had ties to a terrorist group, and a devastating plan had recently been put into place. With an attack on the United States looming, it’s once again up to Jonathan Grave to save the day once again.
J0hn Gilstrap absolutely crushed it. A blistering thriller that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go for a second, Friendly Fire is four-hundred-plus pages of pure awesomeness!
Why I loved it
Friendly Fire is well-written, fast-paced, and stuffed with nonstop action. Gilstrap continues to grow as an author and excels at creating can’t-put-down stories. Once I started this book, there was no stopping.
There are a lot of great books coming out this June–including three others (Ben Coes' First Strike, Brad Taylor's Ghosts of War, and Joshua Hood's Warning Order) that will be released on the same exact day as Friendly Fire–but Gilstrap has proved yet again that he can hold his own with other big-name writers.
Honestly, I thought that the plot was brilliant. I love the idea of there finally being a downside to Grave’s operating in the shadows. Yes, he saved Ethan from a child molester, but the covert nature of his work left Ethan unable to explain himself to the cops. That angle fascinates me, and Gilstrap wrote the heck out of it.
(Note: Obviously, this can be a very sensitive subject. I loved the book, and couldn’t really find anything negative to say about it (some will, but they’re nitpicking either to sound like an expert by pointing out flaws, or just for the heck of it). However, I would understand some people not caring to read about child sex crimes. So for those wondering, I didn’t find it too graphic, nor was a ton of time spent on that. If anything, it made me hate the antagonist more, and root harder for Ethan.)
Why you should read it
John Gilstrap is a wildly underrated author. His Jonathan Grave series is every bit as good as the other heavyweights of the genre and is comparable to Ben Coes’ Dewey Andreas and Joseph Finder’s Nick Heller.
I love how Gilstrap intertwined Ethan’s story with a current terrorist plot. It all came together nicely and ends in a way that will leave readers counting down the days until the next book.
There are a lot of must-read novels coming out in June, and Friendly Fire is definitely one of them. Trust me, read this book!
Book Details
This is the eighth novel in Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series. While I’d certainly recommend reading them all (especially Threat Warning, my personal favorite)–it’s not necessary for understanding the events in this book.
Author: John Gilstrap
Pages: 436 (Paperback)
Publisher: Pinnacle
Release Date: June 28, 2016
August 12, 2016
I have not read any of John Gilstrap's previous novels, but Friendly Fire will not be my last. I have not read a thriller/mercenary/terrorist book in a while and when I was invited to read this one, I though I would give it a go. I was not disappointed. Scorpion (Jonathan "Digger" Graves) and Big Guy (Boxers) are very engaging characters. They are intense yet have a sense of humor. This book kept me interested and I wanted to find out how all the various storylines fit together at the end.
Having said all that, I do not want to rehash the synopsis of the book given by the publisher. I will say that there are various plotlines going on in the story. Ethan Falk, a 22 year old barista, murders the man that kidnapped him and violated him 11 years earlier. He had been rescued by Scorpion and Big Guy. When he tries to tell people why he murdered the man, no one will believe him as there is no record of this ever happening. Meanwhile the second storyline is about the mercenary team and their rescues. In the story they make a rescue of a young girl and do not hesitate to kill the kidnappers. The FBI is involved in their lives and knows who they are and what they do. The third plotline is the local homegrown terrorist cell "Al Amin" and what they are doing and planning. Believe it or not, all this comes together in an explosive ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat. All in all, a good read that I was happy with. I highly recommend this book to readers of thrillers, political thrillers, and mercenaries.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It did not affect my review or rating.
Having said all that, I do not want to rehash the synopsis of the book given by the publisher. I will say that there are various plotlines going on in the story. Ethan Falk, a 22 year old barista, murders the man that kidnapped him and violated him 11 years earlier. He had been rescued by Scorpion and Big Guy. When he tries to tell people why he murdered the man, no one will believe him as there is no record of this ever happening. Meanwhile the second storyline is about the mercenary team and their rescues. In the story they make a rescue of a young girl and do not hesitate to kill the kidnappers. The FBI is involved in their lives and knows who they are and what they do. The third plotline is the local homegrown terrorist cell "Al Amin" and what they are doing and planning. Believe it or not, all this comes together in an explosive ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat. All in all, a good read that I was happy with. I highly recommend this book to readers of thrillers, political thrillers, and mercenaries.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It did not affect my review or rating.
June 16, 2016
One of my favorite authors is John Gilstrap and my favorite series is Jonathan Grave. What I find most interesting about each Grave story is how much more I learn about him, as though the author is slowly peeling away the layers of his psyche. Each mission to rescue PC (precious cargo) takes its toll on Jonathan and I appreciate that the author allows us this up close and personal look inside the man.
This latest mission is so delicate and so horribly difficult to fathom that Johnathan and his team of rescuers risk exposing them and their cover operations in order to complete their tasks. Real and raw, gritty and terrifying, Gilstrap's story comes alive under his masterful writing.
A finely balanced story with dialogue and prose that push this fast-paced story to a thrilling end; I will not tire of reading Gilstrap's Scorpion any time soon. As a matter of fact, I want more.
This latest mission is so delicate and so horribly difficult to fathom that Johnathan and his team of rescuers risk exposing them and their cover operations in order to complete their tasks. Real and raw, gritty and terrifying, Gilstrap's story comes alive under his masterful writing.
A finely balanced story with dialogue and prose that push this fast-paced story to a thrilling end; I will not tire of reading Gilstrap's Scorpion any time soon. As a matter of fact, I want more.
August 4, 2016
Get comfortable and settle in for a don't-blink read. In this book, Gilstrap takes us back to the story of Ethan Falk, kidnapped several years before, recovered, and who now, in everyday life, rediscovers the man who took him. But this time Ethan has dangerous friends in important places who are determined that the man/child won't suffer anymore for the mistakes made while saving him years before. This book grabs you from the beginning, rachets up with surprises in unexpected places, and ends with an explosive climax. Thoroughly satisfying for thriller readers or those who just simply love a good, well-thought-out story. A writer to trust who does his homework and knows his stuff, and can put the technical into everyday language that teaches the reader as it glues them to their chair.
September 19, 2019
Non-Stop Action!
Every one of John Gilstraps novels never disappoints including “Friendly Fire”. The things that Scorpion & Big Guy have seen through out the years has always wore on them but lately they’re questioning how much longer they can continue on. But of course they have no other choice because they’re of a rare breed they always find their PC’s. Excellent book
Every one of John Gilstraps novels never disappoints including “Friendly Fire”. The things that Scorpion & Big Guy have seen through out the years has always wore on them but lately they’re questioning how much longer they can continue on. But of course they have no other choice because they’re of a rare breed they always find their PC’s. Excellent book
October 20, 2017
I received a copy of Friendly Fire during a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, as well as a review copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books. I was under no obligation to provide a review and my opinion is freely given.
Braddock County Police Detective Pam Hastings is called in on a murder in progress. The suspect, Ethan Falk, spins a tale of being kidnapped when he was a kid by the same man that he just killed. Rescued by a man known to him only as Scorpion, the police has no way of tracking what happened in the past. Jonathan Grave, aka Scorpion, is deep undercover thanks to some well placed government friends for whom he occasionally does some work. When he learns about Ethan's troubles with the law, Jonathan soon discovers that the kidnapping was not what it appeared to be back then. How can he help Ethan now, when the reasons behind the murder cannot be corroborated? Will Jonathan's well placed connections be able to assist? When Scorpion uncovers a larger plot at play, will he end up being collateral damage as he tries to save the innocent?
Friendly Fire does a good job of playing on the fears of readers, as the author brings the book into a more realistic context. This novel is the eighth in a series featuring main character Jonathan Grave, yet this is the first book that I have read. I can clearly say that it was not a detriment in my understanding of the character, as I found the book thoroughly enjoyable. I am curious, however, to see the evolution of Jonathan Grave from the first book to this one, so I would definitely be interested in going back to the beginning. Friendly Fire was well paced, with many thrilling moments to keep the plot interesting. Jonathan Grave is a main character worth getting to know and his job description is fluid enough that the possibility for future plot lines are endless. I would highly recommend Friendly Fire to readers who enjoy suspense thrillers and I look forward to reading more by author John Gilstrap in the future.
Braddock County Police Detective Pam Hastings is called in on a murder in progress. The suspect, Ethan Falk, spins a tale of being kidnapped when he was a kid by the same man that he just killed. Rescued by a man known to him only as Scorpion, the police has no way of tracking what happened in the past. Jonathan Grave, aka Scorpion, is deep undercover thanks to some well placed government friends for whom he occasionally does some work. When he learns about Ethan's troubles with the law, Jonathan soon discovers that the kidnapping was not what it appeared to be back then. How can he help Ethan now, when the reasons behind the murder cannot be corroborated? Will Jonathan's well placed connections be able to assist? When Scorpion uncovers a larger plot at play, will he end up being collateral damage as he tries to save the innocent?
Friendly Fire does a good job of playing on the fears of readers, as the author brings the book into a more realistic context. This novel is the eighth in a series featuring main character Jonathan Grave, yet this is the first book that I have read. I can clearly say that it was not a detriment in my understanding of the character, as I found the book thoroughly enjoyable. I am curious, however, to see the evolution of Jonathan Grave from the first book to this one, so I would definitely be interested in going back to the beginning. Friendly Fire was well paced, with many thrilling moments to keep the plot interesting. Jonathan Grave is a main character worth getting to know and his job description is fluid enough that the possibility for future plot lines are endless. I would highly recommend Friendly Fire to readers who enjoy suspense thrillers and I look forward to reading more by author John Gilstrap in the future.
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