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Alex Hoffmann #4
The Ghost Pattern
MEDICAL TERRORISM THRILLER
It’s the new age of terrorism, where enemy interests employ the use of modern tools, weapons, and tactics to achieve their destructive, bone-chilling goals.
Long gone are the days of the suicide bomber. Today’s terrorists are tech savvy, manipulative, powerful, well-funded, and supported by entire networks of experts.
An Irish offshore drilling platform in the North Sea becomes unresponsive to all communication attempts.
In Moscow, the Russian president and his top advisors seek the best, fastest strategies to defeat and ruin America. More recently, that includes government-sanctioned terrorism.
A commercial flight, carrying 423 passengers and 18 crew from Tokyo to San Francisco, apparently crashed in the middle of the Pacific. Or has it?
In the new age of terrorism, nothing is what it seems.
No one is safe.
A captivating and unsettling page-turner, The Ghost Pattern explores a new dimension of terrorism, one that happens on a daily basis without making any headlines. Or without making the right ones.
Alex Hoffmann makes a comeback as the heroine of The Ghost Pattern. She embarks on a breath-taking expedition to stop a brilliant terrorist in his tracks. Risking her life and challenging everyone’s beliefs, she is relentless in finding the truth, and the man who threatens the core of our existence. Alex Hoffmann takes readers on an explosive adventure behind enemy lines, a heart-stopping race against time and against all odds, in this fast-paced, riveting medical terrorism thriller.
Fans of Jack Ryan, Jason Bourne, and Jack Reacher will enjoy Alex Hoffmann.
It’s the new age of terrorism, where enemy interests employ the use of modern tools, weapons, and tactics to achieve their destructive, bone-chilling goals.
Long gone are the days of the suicide bomber. Today’s terrorists are tech savvy, manipulative, powerful, well-funded, and supported by entire networks of experts.
An Irish offshore drilling platform in the North Sea becomes unresponsive to all communication attempts.
In Moscow, the Russian president and his top advisors seek the best, fastest strategies to defeat and ruin America. More recently, that includes government-sanctioned terrorism.
A commercial flight, carrying 423 passengers and 18 crew from Tokyo to San Francisco, apparently crashed in the middle of the Pacific. Or has it?
In the new age of terrorism, nothing is what it seems.
No one is safe.
A captivating and unsettling page-turner, The Ghost Pattern explores a new dimension of terrorism, one that happens on a daily basis without making any headlines. Or without making the right ones.
Alex Hoffmann makes a comeback as the heroine of The Ghost Pattern. She embarks on a breath-taking expedition to stop a brilliant terrorist in his tracks. Risking her life and challenging everyone’s beliefs, she is relentless in finding the truth, and the man who threatens the core of our existence. Alex Hoffmann takes readers on an explosive adventure behind enemy lines, a heart-stopping race against time and against all odds, in this fast-paced, riveting medical terrorism thriller.
Fans of Jack Ryan, Jason Bourne, and Jack Reacher will enjoy Alex Hoffmann.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2015
1496 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 13, 2019
The Ghost Pattern
by
Leslie Wolfe
Book number four, The Ghost Pattern , is the best of the Alex Hoffman series to date. Alex is still battling her Russian nemesis and the ‘war’ will rage on, no doubt, in book number five.
The Ghost Pattern sees an American airliner hi-jacked of with over four hundred and forty passengers and crew on board, many of whom are doctors returning from a conference in Japan. And no prizes for guessing who the hijackers are.
Again The Ghost Pattern contained detailed descriptions of the Russian nemesis’ health and eating habits. However, these passages did decrease as the story unfolded and made reading much easier and enjoyable.
There was also an incident early in the story which was mentioned only once thereafter, and that was by the villain when recalling his failures. I was sure one of The Agency team would pick up on this and link it to their predicament.
The Ghost Pattern was the first Alex Hoffman book which kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning, reading ‘one more chapter’. I think The Ghost Pattern could be made into and excellent movie for television or the big screen. Some of the good guys were wealthy beyond belief and it was this wealth which funded everything at the drop of a hat. Sounds a bit farfetched, however, isn’t that what makes a good story.
I rated The Ghost Pattern a solid 4 star read.
At the time of writing my review Goodreads readers had awarded The Ghost Pattern an average of 4.33 stars, from 720 ratings and 50 reviews.
by
Leslie Wolfe
Book number four, The Ghost Pattern , is the best of the Alex Hoffman series to date. Alex is still battling her Russian nemesis and the ‘war’ will rage on, no doubt, in book number five.
The Ghost Pattern sees an American airliner hi-jacked of with over four hundred and forty passengers and crew on board, many of whom are doctors returning from a conference in Japan. And no prizes for guessing who the hijackers are.
Again The Ghost Pattern contained detailed descriptions of the Russian nemesis’ health and eating habits. However, these passages did decrease as the story unfolded and made reading much easier and enjoyable.
There was also an incident early in the story which was mentioned only once thereafter, and that was by the villain when recalling his failures. I was sure one of The Agency team would pick up on this and link it to their predicament.
The Ghost Pattern was the first Alex Hoffman book which kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning, reading ‘one more chapter’. I think The Ghost Pattern could be made into and excellent movie for television or the big screen. Some of the good guys were wealthy beyond belief and it was this wealth which funded everything at the drop of a hat. Sounds a bit farfetched, however, isn’t that what makes a good story.
I rated The Ghost Pattern a solid 4 star read.
At the time of writing my review Goodreads readers had awarded The Ghost Pattern an average of 4.33 stars, from 720 ratings and 50 reviews.
December 18, 2015
This is one of the most exciting series I've come across in a long, long time. Wolfe writes action packed, sit on the edge of your seat, can't put it down books like no one's business. I've devoured her first four stories, and fortunately, there's supposedly a fifth on the way. I can't wait.!
October 21, 2016
Best yet.
Lots of action, battles, tension; kept me riveted. On to the next one, can't even stop to write more.
Leslie, you just keep getting better and better!
Lots of action, battles, tension; kept me riveted. On to the next one, can't even stop to write more.
Leslie, you just keep getting better and better!
October 2, 2017
Thank you, Leslie Wolfe for a great adventure.
By Mary Enck on October 2, 2017
I cannot imagine the amount of research that went into the creation of The Ghost Pattern. I am no warrior myself and so much of the strategic dynamics of this story are beyond my life experience. However, there is enough there that is understandable for one such as me. It's exciting and compelling, and one of those adventures that kept me going with a profound need to discover what happens next. I am fairly new to the thriller genre but finding that I enjoy this kind of novel very much. I especially like to be challenged to read chapter after chapter that holds me captive like The Ghost Pattern does.
I especially found characters that I could relate to and have sympathy for. Also, the antagonists were decidedly evil and I got a thrill when they got what they deserved. I suppose that is why this is classed as a thriller. I know I certainly felt that way. There is a team of characters in this story that mesh well together to the extent of being in each other's minds. This goes beyond the state of the art communication devices they use and the weapons that bring a high level of professionalism to their mission. It's a great feeling to slip into the action and feel as if you are there and part of the story. That is how it affected me. This, of course, is certainly due to the author's skill.
I always read with a view to learn more about the craft of writing and have my own modest success in that direction. I admire so very much a work such as this one I have just read that shows me how it is truly done.
Looking forward to reading more of Leslie Wolfe's stories.
By Mary Enck on October 2, 2017
I cannot imagine the amount of research that went into the creation of The Ghost Pattern. I am no warrior myself and so much of the strategic dynamics of this story are beyond my life experience. However, there is enough there that is understandable for one such as me. It's exciting and compelling, and one of those adventures that kept me going with a profound need to discover what happens next. I am fairly new to the thriller genre but finding that I enjoy this kind of novel very much. I especially like to be challenged to read chapter after chapter that holds me captive like The Ghost Pattern does.
I especially found characters that I could relate to and have sympathy for. Also, the antagonists were decidedly evil and I got a thrill when they got what they deserved. I suppose that is why this is classed as a thriller. I know I certainly felt that way. There is a team of characters in this story that mesh well together to the extent of being in each other's minds. This goes beyond the state of the art communication devices they use and the weapons that bring a high level of professionalism to their mission. It's a great feeling to slip into the action and feel as if you are there and part of the story. That is how it affected me. This, of course, is certainly due to the author's skill.
I always read with a view to learn more about the craft of writing and have my own modest success in that direction. I admire so very much a work such as this one I have just read that shows me how it is truly done.
Looking forward to reading more of Leslie Wolfe's stories.
September 21, 2017
Interesting premise, but not well executed. The story starts with an angry female flight attendant who has been the victim of a co-pilot with a wandering eye and no loyalty. Somehow she's surprised to find out she's not special. I thought she would have a major role in the solution of the book's problem, but other than name calling and pointing him out as the culprit, she does not add to the story. In the mean while, many passengers recognized his role in the hijacking, so the flight attendant wasn't necessary—except of course, to let us know he's a womanizer, which has no correlation to being a traitor for hire. I found the book repetitious and stagnant. Not enough happened for my taste. It took the unofficial authorities weeks to gather enough information to attempt a rescue of the hijacked passengers. After all these resources and mavericks, the nerdy scientists initiate their own rescue as the "heroes" arrive at the same moment to free the terrified, weakened passengers. The female "heroine" has all these great idea and solutions, but it takes forever to implement. She's presented as a savior but calls for more research than action. Not much of a thriller for me.
October 22, 2018
What a GREAT story
Alex has solved cases before, solving BIG mysteries that nobody else can seems to be her thing but when her old friend Blake approaches her about his missing wife, that he knows in his soul is alive and aboard the missing jetliner that is in the headlines.
Alex assembles her team and they begin brainstorming. It takes days, and many hours each day. They work hard, think hard, drink way too much coffee but eventually determine a plan that they think might work IF everything they are guessing and assuming is correct. They have pulled the strings of every connection they each have to gain access to various satellite feeds that give them lots of hope.
If they are wrong, the American and Russian governments will bury them so deep, none of them will ever see the light of day. And what will happen to the almost 500 people aboard the missing plane, and what about the people behind the whole hijacking episode. Read this book, enjoy the ride. It’s a great story.
Alex has solved cases before, solving BIG mysteries that nobody else can seems to be her thing but when her old friend Blake approaches her about his missing wife, that he knows in his soul is alive and aboard the missing jetliner that is in the headlines.
Alex assembles her team and they begin brainstorming. It takes days, and many hours each day. They work hard, think hard, drink way too much coffee but eventually determine a plan that they think might work IF everything they are guessing and assuming is correct. They have pulled the strings of every connection they each have to gain access to various satellite feeds that give them lots of hope.
If they are wrong, the American and Russian governments will bury them so deep, none of them will ever see the light of day. And what will happen to the almost 500 people aboard the missing plane, and what about the people behind the whole hijacking episode. Read this book, enjoy the ride. It’s a great story.
July 17, 2023
Hijacking of planes, is nothing new. It is historical fact, the most recently being the 9/11 case which grabbed the attention of the entire world.
So, the hijacking of a commercial passenger plane in The Ghost Pattern is not a startling new idea.
Nor the fact that the entire world could be led to believe that this plane actually crashed into the ocean and that four hundred plus passengers died on board.
Except one man did not believe it. He is convinced his wife, who was a passenger on the said plane, is still alive. But how to prove it?
Which is where he contacted Alex Hoffmann.
But it becomes even more sinister when these passengers are abused, some killed and most of them used as involuntary test targets of a new drug being created and requiring testing.
This so reminds me of the Nazi concentration camps, also not too long ago.
Nothing new under the sun as well.
Except that in the hands of author Leslie Wolfe it becomes a vibrant thriller you cannot escape
So, the hijacking of a commercial passenger plane in The Ghost Pattern is not a startling new idea.
Nor the fact that the entire world could be led to believe that this plane actually crashed into the ocean and that four hundred plus passengers died on board.
Except one man did not believe it. He is convinced his wife, who was a passenger on the said plane, is still alive. But how to prove it?
Which is where he contacted Alex Hoffmann.
But it becomes even more sinister when these passengers are abused, some killed and most of them used as involuntary test targets of a new drug being created and requiring testing.
This so reminds me of the Nazi concentration camps, also not too long ago.
Nothing new under the sun as well.
Except that in the hands of author Leslie Wolfe it becomes a vibrant thriller you cannot escape
January 15, 2020
This is the fourth book in the series and it continues to follow the heroine who is trying to find the elusive mastermind of numerous crimes against America. So, to better understand the plot, I would recommend to read the books in the series in order.
The novel was rather slow paced at the beginning ( I guess to show the feeling of a wait that seemed long and unbearable for many characters), and once the real action started, the narration started moving along at a heart pounding speed.
It is very evident that the writer made a very thorough research of all American and Russian weapons and military technology and vehicles that are described in the novel. It just makes me sad that the author chose to use the cliches and show Russia and the Russian as a big evil monster, thus contributing to the so wide spread nowadays Russophobia.
The novel was rather slow paced at the beginning ( I guess to show the feeling of a wait that seemed long and unbearable for many characters), and once the real action started, the narration started moving along at a heart pounding speed.
It is very evident that the writer made a very thorough research of all American and Russian weapons and military technology and vehicles that are described in the novel. It just makes me sad that the author chose to use the cliches and show Russia and the Russian as a big evil monster, thus contributing to the so wide spread nowadays Russophobia.
July 25, 2024
Shallow character development, unrealistic scenarios. Protagonists never really in any credible danger, everything works out for the good guy. Campy dialogue. In an international thriller you need tough SOBs who then don’t turn around and say, “Aww, Sweetie, are you ok?” Gag me. I knew very quickly how the story was going to unfold. The gold standard is still Baldacci and this doesn’t come close. It was a very fast read because there is so much unnecessary fluff that is bookmarked by the truly important. This was pretty boring.
March 22, 2019
A THRILLER!
Leslue Wolfe is one of my favourite thriller authors. Ghost Pattern is no exception, a fanatical fast paced thriller. Alex and her crew are on a mission to find a missing plane with over 400 people on board. Alex believes that a cunning, very clever individual is behind the missing flight. All she has is an initial V. Things heat up when they fly uncover into Russian territory. Highly recommend any Leslie Wolfe thriller.
Leslue Wolfe is one of my favourite thriller authors. Ghost Pattern is no exception, a fanatical fast paced thriller. Alex and her crew are on a mission to find a missing plane with over 400 people on board. Alex believes that a cunning, very clever individual is behind the missing flight. All she has is an initial V. Things heat up when they fly uncover into Russian territory. Highly recommend any Leslie Wolfe thriller.
November 1, 2019
Flight XA233 disappeared someplace over the Pacific Ocean
400 + passengers and crew feared dead. Billionaire Blake Bernard's wife is onboard. He is sure she is alive but no will listen to him. Alex is his only hope. She had saved him before. Blake was sure she was his only hope.
Another breath taking story. So intense it is hard to put down. This series just keeps getting better.
400 + passengers and crew feared dead. Billionaire Blake Bernard's wife is onboard. He is sure she is alive but no will listen to him. Alex is his only hope. She had saved him before. Blake was sure she was his only hope.
Another breath taking story. So intense it is hard to put down. This series just keeps getting better.
June 18, 2021
A thrilling read, but scary as this is something that could easily happen today. A commercial jet goes missing and on that jet is the wife of one of Alex Hoffmann's past clients. The jet has been declared lost in the Pacific Ocean and all rescue operations are operating on those assumptions. The client feels in his heart that his wife is still alive but cannot get anyone to believe him. Alex's team decide to believe him and try to figure out what really happened. A real nail biter.
December 4, 2023
The Russians are at it again.
Leslie Wolf character development is excellent. You are able to understand to thoughts and motives of all characters. Alex Hoffman is obsessed with the Russian oligarch "V". The mastermind of hijack of airline jet for another plot to keep Russian President happy and continue to feather his nest with the wealth of Mother Russia. Characters from the previous 3 novels are back. A fast read. Hold unto your hats.
Leslie Wolf character development is excellent. You are able to understand to thoughts and motives of all characters. Alex Hoffman is obsessed with the Russian oligarch "V". The mastermind of hijack of airline jet for another plot to keep Russian President happy and continue to feather his nest with the wealth of Mother Russia. Characters from the previous 3 novels are back. A fast read. Hold unto your hats.
October 31, 2017
Excellent Fast-Paced International Thriller
Wolfe does an excellent job of creating excitement with the unexpected hijacking of a full airliner headed from Japan back to the U.S. The atypical hijacking is the beginning of an attempted rescue by a group of non-military individuals with more hope than training and experience. A definite page turner hard to put down.
Wolfe does an excellent job of creating excitement with the unexpected hijacking of a full airliner headed from Japan back to the U.S. The atypical hijacking is the beginning of an attempted rescue by a group of non-military individuals with more hope than training and experience. A definite page turner hard to put down.
May 24, 2018
Good read
My first book with Leslie Wolfe. I really liked it. I have already looked in to the next book for this storyline, but I think I will start with her first book. Looks like I have a new author. Great action. Combination of military and civilian. Highly recommend. Very Stephen hunter and Vince Flynn like.
My first book with Leslie Wolfe. I really liked it. I have already looked in to the next book for this storyline, but I think I will start with her first book. Looks like I have a new author. Great action. Combination of military and civilian. Highly recommend. Very Stephen hunter and Vince Flynn like.
September 19, 2018
Our intrepid terrorist eliminating is at it again. This time she is up against a well funded and equipped group of terrorist. The terrorist are aware of her past work and are trying to keep up her at bay until the current act of terrorism is completed. The growing problem is determination of the target. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
January 4, 2019
Fabulous series of stealth and espionage with a little medical research insanity thrown in!
Please see the last book of the series for my consistent review of Leslie Wolfe 's books. I love the way Leslie writes and couldn't stop reading until I got to the end of the Alex Hoffman series. Fantastic author, you won't be disappointed!
Please see the last book of the series for my consistent review of Leslie Wolfe 's books. I love the way Leslie writes and couldn't stop reading until I got to the end of the Alex Hoffman series. Fantastic author, you won't be disappointed!
October 2, 2019
Intuition
Wow this book is a must read that holds your attention from start to finish and then you want to know where it goes for the heroine next. The pace and characters hold your attention one wonders at the intricacies of the tale. It seems could this really be plausable it enthralled yet somewhat scared us, all in all a highly recommend read
Wow this book is a must read that holds your attention from start to finish and then you want to know where it goes for the heroine next. The pace and characters hold your attention one wonders at the intricacies of the tale. It seems could this really be plausable it enthralled yet somewhat scared us, all in all a highly recommend read
May 2, 2020
What. A. Ride. 'The Ghost Pattern' completely blew me away with the realism. Scary. Once I started reading, I could not stop. Alex is quite the bad-ass and has turned out to be very good at what she does. Full of action, suspense, an array of impressive characters and thrilling scenarios. I can't wait to read more. A must add to your tbr list. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2017
I downloaded this book during a free promotion and found it to be an entertaining read. At the time I didn't realise this one of a series but it didn't detract from the story line. The plot stretches belief a little bit but it entertained me a for a few hours while on holiday.
October 5, 2017
The Ghost Pattern! !
This book was so exciting from beginning to end. I couldn't put this one down. This is the best team I have ever read about in books. Everyone brings something different to the table. I can't wait to read the next one.
This book was so exciting from beginning to end. I couldn't put this one down. This is the best team I have ever read about in books. Everyone brings something different to the table. I can't wait to read the next one.
October 28, 2017
Fast paced excitement.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. I liked that Alex is an older woman who can kick butt as well as lead her team. Russian bad guys and our hero Americans rescue a plane hijacked by a Russian despot. Awesome.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. I liked that Alex is an older woman who can kick butt as well as lead her team. Russian bad guys and our hero Americans rescue a plane hijacked by a Russian despot. Awesome.
February 13, 2018
Not spellbinding.
Another secret unknown team taking down terrorists and enemies of the state, this one is about saving the lives from a hijacked plane including doctors and scientists under pressure to develop a vaccine that will turn the recipients into killers.
Another secret unknown team taking down terrorists and enemies of the state, this one is about saving the lives from a hijacked plane including doctors and scientists under pressure to develop a vaccine that will turn the recipients into killers.
May 5, 2018
I wish that I had not spent the time reading this.
These characters were unlikable and unbelievable. Nothing about them makes it plausible that they could wield or conjure up the deus ex machina forces that save their collective bacon.
These characters were unlikable and unbelievable. Nothing about them makes it plausible that they could wield or conjure up the deus ex machina forces that save their collective bacon.
February 14, 2019
Alex gets involved in finding a missing airliner for a previous client, along the way she is looking diligently – one might say obsessively – for V. Once again Leslie has surpassed the previous Alex Hoffman books in action intrigue, and pure entertainment.
June 22, 2019
Entertaining
Interesting and engaging intrigue with three dimensional characters and a plot that is out there but plausible... Make a commercial airliner disappear without a trace...
Interesting and engaging intrigue with three dimensional characters and a plot that is out there but plausible... Make a commercial airliner disappear without a trace...
October 7, 2019
One has heard of the black hole where planes have vanished in years pass. This plot brings that to life when a commercial plane disappears. Russian, terrorists, drugs, and power are behind it all. A good page turner from beginning to the end.
April 18, 2023
Just try...
Try to catch your breath reading this book. Didn't think I was a fan of military thrillers but this series has been an eye opener. Great for an satiate adrenaline seeker.
Try to catch your breath reading this book. Didn't think I was a fan of military thrillers but this series has been an eye opener. Great for an satiate adrenaline seeker.
August 23, 2023
best “B” pulp action thriller
Entertainment, beach read if thrillers with action are your thing.
Alex is 21st Century James Bond/GI Joe heroine. Brainy, “ballsy” and beautiful - but also heedless of consequences.
Entertainment, beach read if thrillers with action are your thing.
Alex is 21st Century James Bond/GI Joe heroine. Brainy, “ballsy” and beautiful - but also heedless of consequences.
January 18, 2024
Sorry for the one-star review. I couldn't stay interested in the plot: I read 50% of the story but decided to move on to other books. Perhaps I should have started with the first story in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews