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Mike Walton #1.5
A Long Gray Line
Former counterterrorism expert Simon Gervais’ debut novel, THE THIN BLACK LINE, was an immediate sensation and an international bestseller, drawing raves from bestselling authors Steve Berry (“Realistic, vivid, dramatic, this is a story told by someone who knows what he's talking about”), David Morell (“A high-speed, break-neck, turbo-charged thriller that takes readers behind the scenes of the war on terrorism”), and others, along with reviewers such as Ottawa Life, which called THE THIN BLACK LINE, “A fascinating look into Canada's covert operations, complemented by loveable and heroic characters you will find yourself rooting for.” Now those characters are back in a sequel novella that puts them on a mission with potentially devastating consequences.
A LONG GRAY LINE pits the International Market Stabilization Institute – a privately funded organization operating outside official channels to protect North America's financial interests – against two foes at the same time. One could decimate the American stock market and throw the entire world economy into a tailspin. The other is a piece of unfinished business from their last operation that could be even more destructive. Their ability to act in the face of confounding choices will have an effect on the future for years to come.
Featuring Mike and Lisa Walton – the husband-and-wife team of operatives who led the charge in THE THIN BLACK LINE – A LONG GRAY LINE is a thriller so packed with action and tension that it contains enough excitement for stories four times its size.
A LONG GRAY LINE pits the International Market Stabilization Institute – a privately funded organization operating outside official channels to protect North America's financial interests – against two foes at the same time. One could decimate the American stock market and throw the entire world economy into a tailspin. The other is a piece of unfinished business from their last operation that could be even more destructive. Their ability to act in the face of confounding choices will have an effect on the future for years to come.
Featuring Mike and Lisa Walton – the husband-and-wife team of operatives who led the charge in THE THIN BLACK LINE – A LONG GRAY LINE is a thriller so packed with action and tension that it contains enough excitement for stories four times its size.
- GenresEspionage
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2016
271 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Simon Gervais
20 books639 followersSimon Gervais is a former federal agent specializing in protective operations and counterterrorism. He spent nearly twenty years in the military and in law enforcement. His assignments took him all over Europe and the Middle East. He's the New York Times and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 15 exciting thrillers, one of these titles—Robert Ludlum's The Blackbriar Genesis—was written for the Robert Ludlum estate. Simon's Clayton White series is presently being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer TV attached to produce.
Simon lives with his wife and two children. He's an avid boater, diver, and skier.
Literary Agent: Mark Tavani at David Black Agency.
Film/TV Agent: Debbie Deuble-Hill and Alec Frankel at APA.
The Caspian Anderson series:
THE ELIAS NETWORK (Sept 2024)
THE ELIAS ENIGMA (July 2025)
THE ELIAS CONSPIRACY (July 2026)
The Chase Burke series (co-written with Ryan Steck):
THE SECOND SON (December 2025)
THE MARKED SON (November 2026)
Robert Ludlum's THE BLACKBRIAR GENESIS written by Simon Gervais (October 18, 2022)
The Clayton White series:
THE LAST PROTECTOR (November 2021)
THE LAST SENTINEL (August 2022)
THE LAST GUARDIAN (October 2023)
The Pierce Hunt series
HUNT THEM DOWN (January 2019)
TRAINED TO HUNT (September 2019)
TIME TO HUNT (November 2020)
The Mike Walton series:
THE THIN BLACK LINE (March 2015)
A LONG GRAY LINE (Novella—March 2016)
A RED DOTTED LINE (November 2017)
A THICK CRIMSON LINE (April 2018)
"[An] action-packed series launch by Simon Gervais..." —Publishers Weekly
"One of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year..." —The Real Book Spy
"Gervais is a thriller writer to watch..." —Library Journal
"An action-packed thrill ride with plot twists around nearly every curve" — Kirkus Reviews
Simon lives with his wife and two children. He's an avid boater, diver, and skier.
Literary Agent: Mark Tavani at David Black Agency.
Film/TV Agent: Debbie Deuble-Hill and Alec Frankel at APA.
The Caspian Anderson series:
THE ELIAS NETWORK (Sept 2024)
THE ELIAS ENIGMA (July 2025)
THE ELIAS CONSPIRACY (July 2026)
The Chase Burke series (co-written with Ryan Steck):
THE SECOND SON (December 2025)
THE MARKED SON (November 2026)
Robert Ludlum's THE BLACKBRIAR GENESIS written by Simon Gervais (October 18, 2022)
The Clayton White series:
THE LAST PROTECTOR (November 2021)
THE LAST SENTINEL (August 2022)
THE LAST GUARDIAN (October 2023)
The Pierce Hunt series
HUNT THEM DOWN (January 2019)
TRAINED TO HUNT (September 2019)
TIME TO HUNT (November 2020)
The Mike Walton series:
THE THIN BLACK LINE (March 2015)
A LONG GRAY LINE (Novella—March 2016)
A RED DOTTED LINE (November 2017)
A THICK CRIMSON LINE (April 2018)
"[An] action-packed series launch by Simon Gervais..." —Publishers Weekly
"One of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year..." —The Real Book Spy
"Gervais is a thriller writer to watch..." —Library Journal
"An action-packed thrill ride with plot twists around nearly every curve" — Kirkus Reviews
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 20, 2016
A MUST READ for anyone who loves action/suspense stories! Simon Gervais is a master storyteller! Don't miss out!
I LOVED this novella! I do recommend that you read Simon's book The Thin Black Line first. I could hardly put this novella down! The plot kept me intrigued from the beginning until the very end!
This is a continuation of an action packed story-line that is being played out in today's headlines...you may have heard of it--it's called Terrorism. The author uses his own personal and professional experience as a federal agent in protecting high profile world leaders, such as the POTUS and Queen Elizabeth and three Canadian prime ministers, in the development of his characters. His personal involvement with terrorism reinforces the authenticity of the protagonists, thus giving them credibility...and they are patriotic and are willing to do whatever the mission takes. The bad guys (Islamic State) also have credibility and are pure evil.
Simon is an expert on terrorism--you can really feel how these terrorist cells are created; how the terrorists think; how they train; how they plan their next mission; how everyone is expendable except a handful of men at the top...and the author does not have to consult with anyone as he has firsthand info and conveys it in a way that is factual and easy to understand.
The end of the novella is the PERFECT setup for his next novel (A Red Dotted Line), which comes out on November 1st, 2016.
At the end of the novella, the author put the first few chapters of his next novel. I read them and kinda wish I did not because now I cannot wait to get that book. So I have to think about it and wonder about it for 6 more months! But Simon G. is such a good author, I know it will be worth the wait.
I can't wait to find out who is in the limo with the Sheik...that's as close to a spoiler as I will get.
I recommend this author and his books! I will read anything that he writes
I LOVED this novella! I do recommend that you read Simon's book The Thin Black Line first. I could hardly put this novella down! The plot kept me intrigued from the beginning until the very end!
This is a continuation of an action packed story-line that is being played out in today's headlines...you may have heard of it--it's called Terrorism. The author uses his own personal and professional experience as a federal agent in protecting high profile world leaders, such as the POTUS and Queen Elizabeth and three Canadian prime ministers, in the development of his characters. His personal involvement with terrorism reinforces the authenticity of the protagonists, thus giving them credibility...and they are patriotic and are willing to do whatever the mission takes. The bad guys (Islamic State) also have credibility and are pure evil.
Simon is an expert on terrorism--you can really feel how these terrorist cells are created; how the terrorists think; how they train; how they plan their next mission; how everyone is expendable except a handful of men at the top...and the author does not have to consult with anyone as he has firsthand info and conveys it in a way that is factual and easy to understand.
The end of the novella is the PERFECT setup for his next novel (A Red Dotted Line), which comes out on November 1st, 2016.
At the end of the novella, the author put the first few chapters of his next novel. I read them and kinda wish I did not because now I cannot wait to get that book. So I have to think about it and wonder about it for 6 more months! But Simon G. is such a good author, I know it will be worth the wait.
I can't wait to find out who is in the limo with the Sheik...that's as close to a spoiler as I will get.
I recommend this author and his books! I will read anything that he writes
December 21, 2016
Sort of a bridge between Gervais' first novel, A Thin Black Line and his second, A Red Dotted Line. Mike and Lisa are still after Mike's father and The Sheik.
This time, the case takes them all over Europe.
Pretty good stuff, got me excited to read his next novel.
This time, the case takes them all over Europe.
Pretty good stuff, got me excited to read his next novel.
January 26, 2020
"Great, Very Interesting Story"
This is a novella about Mike Walton and his wife, Lisa, who are involved in a privately funded organization to protect US and Canadian countries from terrorist groups. It's very well written and should be a must-read for those who enjoy action and suspense stories. The background of author Simon Gervais gives us a good picture of possible threats to our countries. Highly recommend.
This is a novella about Mike Walton and his wife, Lisa, who are involved in a privately funded organization to protect US and Canadian countries from terrorist groups. It's very well written and should be a must-read for those who enjoy action and suspense stories. The background of author Simon Gervais gives us a good picture of possible threats to our countries. Highly recommend.
March 15, 2019
How disappointing. 61% through the book it stops. The rest is dedicated to the authors other work. If I wanted that there is enough on the introductions of respective books. I feel as though I am cheated
So disappointed 61% of reading and it stops. The rest is dedicated to other works by the author 39% for self promotion, no way
So disappointed 61% of reading and it stops. The rest is dedicated to other works by the author 39% for self promotion, no way
March 4, 2024
This is a short one in the series (you can notice it's tagged #1.5 not #2) but I was expecting some more details on pending details from the first one.
This book has been used to onboard Zima into the main team promoting her from the secondary role she has in the first one but there is not too much (maybe I was expecting too much here) more than that.
This book has been used to onboard Zima into the main team promoting her from the secondary role she has in the first one but there is not too much (maybe I was expecting too much here) more than that.
December 9, 2018
Definitely a worthy read...
There is the deep sense of authority, arising in an authors work, from the experienced knowledge of the subject matter. A nuance, perhaps, but one I appreciate, lending authenticity...thanks, Simon.
There is the deep sense of authority, arising in an authors work, from the experienced knowledge of the subject matter. A nuance, perhaps, but one I appreciate, lending authenticity...thanks, Simon.
May 3, 2019
Quick and good
I like novellas. The between novels help round out characters. And this one is no exception. Learning more about Zima AMD a couple of other characters was great. It also allowed time to see more about how the Sheik thinks.
I like novellas. The between novels help round out characters. And this one is no exception. Learning more about Zima AMD a couple of other characters was great. It also allowed time to see more about how the Sheik thinks.
January 3, 2022
Disarray
This book doesn’t have a clear description of characters. He’s just starts talking about someone, and you don’t know who it is. Jumps around without context. Ends abruptly with out any ending. Doesn’t make we want to read any more from this author.
This book doesn’t have a clear description of characters. He’s just starts talking about someone, and you don’t know who it is. Jumps around without context. Ends abruptly with out any ending. Doesn’t make we want to read any more from this author.
March 16, 2020
GREAT SERIES and LOOKING FORWARD to the NEXT book
November 22, 2021
Fantastic novella. Fast-paced, but clear story. Nothing was rushed and all plot points were believable. Can’t wait to red A Red Dotted Line.
April 12, 2016
THE LONG GRAY LINE by Simon Gervais updates his readers on the activities of his protagonists, husband and wife team Mike and Lisa Walton for the privately funded organization focusing of protecting US and Canada’s interests from action of terrorists groups. Simon provides readers with the backstory of Mike and Lisa and provides regular updates as his action paced plot unfolds. He introduces his readers to several support characters and their backstories as he brings them into the storyline.
The International Marketing Stabilization Institutes (IMSI) uncovers a plot to create events that would upset the world economy. The group needs to determine how the terrorist plans to throw the American Stock Exchange into a tailspin. When they find IMSI’s nemesis, The Sheik, is behind the plot they send teams to find the plans and stop them. Mike and Lisa lead the covert team to find the terrorist and take necessary steps to eliminate the terrorist threat and uncover who is funding the Sheik and his mission. Simon’s storyline never slows down from start to finish. He delivers action and intrigue as readers follow the IMIS team on their mission. The author provides a great story and well-developed characters and an ending that sets up the team’s next mission in his next book, YET TO BE TITLED. This fast moving story earns a five-star ranking and a must read recommendation.
The International Marketing Stabilization Institutes (IMSI) uncovers a plot to create events that would upset the world economy. The group needs to determine how the terrorist plans to throw the American Stock Exchange into a tailspin. When they find IMSI’s nemesis, The Sheik, is behind the plot they send teams to find the plans and stop them. Mike and Lisa lead the covert team to find the terrorist and take necessary steps to eliminate the terrorist threat and uncover who is funding the Sheik and his mission. Simon’s storyline never slows down from start to finish. He delivers action and intrigue as readers follow the IMIS team on their mission. The author provides a great story and well-developed characters and an ending that sets up the team’s next mission in his next book, YET TO BE TITLED. This fast moving story earns a five-star ranking and a must read recommendation.
April 2, 2016
You will want to have read The Thin Black Line before reading this novella. Not a requirement, but you will be glad you did. Mike and Lisa Walton are not your ordinary married couple. They are super-ops. Having missed out on the chance to get the Sheik responsible for the terrorist attack that killed his daughter, mother and in-laws, they are tasked to Syria where one of the sheik's leaders has been found. They end up not getting him, but recovering laptops and flash drives that contain valuable information. With this intel, they are able to thwart an attack on the Israeli embassy in Croatia. You should know, it is not as simple as all that. The Russians and even the Mossad are involved. But that's why you read the book, right?
June 8, 2023
A Long Gray Line is even better than the first book in this series by Simon Gervais. Mike and Lisa continues to hunt the Sheik and at the same time try to figure out what has happened with his father. This one is a shorter story and it is as well written as one expects from this my favorite Canadian author.
April 1, 2016
A Trill Ride - Action-packed from the Start!
Simon has nailed this next installment in the series! His plot could be today's headlines! I love the husband/wife team - Mike and Lisa really rock! Highly recommend both books and looking forward to the DOTTED RED LINE coming soon :)
Simon has nailed this next installment in the series! His plot could be today's headlines! I love the husband/wife team - Mike and Lisa really rock! Highly recommend both books and looking forward to the DOTTED RED LINE coming soon :)
April 10, 2016
Another Smash!
Simon gives another great treat to his readers. This novella is packed with enough action to satisfy all us diehard fans. Was only disappointed with some typos that I didn't understand weren't picked up during editing. Can't wait for his next full length novel.
Simon gives another great treat to his readers. This novella is packed with enough action to satisfy all us diehard fans. Was only disappointed with some typos that I didn't understand weren't picked up during editing. Can't wait for his next full length novel.
December 2, 2016
This one is better than the first and that says a lot, I am about to start the third one of the series !!!
May 25, 2016
Didn't really grab me like a Brad Thor book.
April 22, 2017
Great action. Much improved over the first book in the series. Like the relationships growing between the cast of characters. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews