What do you think?
Rate this book
Jake Pendleton #1
The Savannah Project
The truth can be a dangerous thing.
Terrorism, duty, and personal safety collide when Jake Pendleton, an investigator for the NTSB, is called to investigate an aircraft accident in Savannah, Georgia during the St. Patrick's Day celebration. The accident, which at first appears to be quite run-of-the-mill, turns out to be anything but. Since Jake is not willing to pretend there are no suspicious circumstances and more than the usual share of rather unlikely "coincidences," he sets off a veritable avalanche of secrets, violence and treachery. Aided by an unlikely partner, Gregg Kaplan, the air traffic controller who was the last person in contact with the airplane that crashed, Jake sets out to untangle the webs of deceit and to find a vicious killer. Nothing is as it seems, nobody is who you thought them to be. Nothing is sacred. Nobody is safe.
Terrorism, duty, and personal safety collide when Jake Pendleton, an investigator for the NTSB, is called to investigate an aircraft accident in Savannah, Georgia during the St. Patrick's Day celebration. The accident, which at first appears to be quite run-of-the-mill, turns out to be anything but. Since Jake is not willing to pretend there are no suspicious circumstances and more than the usual share of rather unlikely "coincidences," he sets off a veritable avalanche of secrets, violence and treachery. Aided by an unlikely partner, Gregg Kaplan, the air traffic controller who was the last person in contact with the airplane that crashed, Jake sets out to untangle the webs of deceit and to find a vicious killer. Nothing is as it seems, nobody is who you thought them to be. Nothing is sacred. Nobody is safe.
MP3 CD
First published March 9, 2010
361 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Barrett
19 books434 followersChuck Barrett is the award-winning author of The Savannah Project, The Toymaker, Breach of Power, and Disruption of his Jake Pendleton series, and Blown, and Last Chance of his blockbuster Gregg Kaplan series. He is a graduate of Auburn University and retired air traffic controller. He also holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
He and his wife, DJ Steele (also an author) currently reside in Northern Colorado.
Awards:
—BLOWN
2016 Writers Digest Self-Published Book Awards
—Breach of Power
Winner of the 2013 Indie Excellence Award in Political Thrillers.
Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category.
—The Toymaker
Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure & Mystery/Suspense categories.
—The Savannah Project
Finalist in the 2011 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category.
Second Place in the 2011 Reviewers Choice Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Horror category.
Honorable Mention in the 2011 ForeWord Reviews Book-Of-The-Year Awards Thriller/Suspense category.
He and his wife, DJ Steele (also an author) currently reside in Northern Colorado.
Awards:
—BLOWN
2016 Writers Digest Self-Published Book Awards
—Breach of Power
Winner of the 2013 Indie Excellence Award in Political Thrillers.
Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category.
—The Toymaker
Finalist in the 2013 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure & Mystery/Suspense categories.
—The Savannah Project
Finalist in the 2011 International Book Awards Thriller/Adventure category.
Second Place in the 2011 Reviewers Choice Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Horror category.
Honorable Mention in the 2011 ForeWord Reviews Book-Of-The-Year Awards Thriller/Suspense category.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 85 reviews
October 14, 2024
Entertaining and worthwhile.
June 24, 2011
I understand the need for action in the "thriller" genre. But, here we are presented with one improbable event after another. Grisham does this well. He moves the action along and it is only after the fact that you say to yourself "Why would they do that?" Here, I found myself constantly asking this question even as I was reading the novel.
While I don't want to reveal plot details you are confronted with characters that show up at critical points in the story in scene after scene. there are "chase" scenes that just don't make sense. The lead character, Jake Pendleton, can morph from NTSB investigator into government operative in a two day course and outperform all the real agents while trading quips with his buddy figure Kaplan.
On a good note, I read this on my Kindle iPad app. I have to say they did a good job of formatting the e-version. they did a better job than some well known publishers asking full price for their e-books.
While I don't want to reveal plot details you are confronted with characters that show up at critical points in the story in scene after scene. there are "chase" scenes that just don't make sense. The lead character, Jake Pendleton, can morph from NTSB investigator into government operative in a two day course and outperform all the real agents while trading quips with his buddy figure Kaplan.
On a good note, I read this on my Kindle iPad app. I have to say they did a good job of formatting the e-version. they did a better job than some well known publishers asking full price for their e-books.
April 22, 2011
The truth can be a dangerous thing.
Terrorism, duty, and personal safety collide when Jake Pendleton, an investigator for the NTSB, is called to investigate an aircraft accident in Savannah, Georgia during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The accident, which at first appears to be quite run-of-the-mill, turns out to be anything but. Since Jake is not willing to pretend there are no suspicious circumstances and more than the usual share of rather unlikely “coincidences,” he sets off a veritable avalanche of secrets, violence and treachery. Aided by an unlikely partner, Gregg Kaplan, the air traffic controller who was the last person in contact with the airplane that crashed, Jake sets out to untangle the webs of deceit and to find a vicious killer.
Nothing is as it seems, nobody is who you thought them to be.
Nothing is sacred.
Nobody is safe.
Terrorism, duty, and personal safety collide when Jake Pendleton, an investigator for the NTSB, is called to investigate an aircraft accident in Savannah, Georgia during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The accident, which at first appears to be quite run-of-the-mill, turns out to be anything but. Since Jake is not willing to pretend there are no suspicious circumstances and more than the usual share of rather unlikely “coincidences,” he sets off a veritable avalanche of secrets, violence and treachery. Aided by an unlikely partner, Gregg Kaplan, the air traffic controller who was the last person in contact with the airplane that crashed, Jake sets out to untangle the webs of deceit and to find a vicious killer.
Nothing is as it seems, nobody is who you thought them to be.
Nothing is sacred.
Nobody is safe.
October 12, 2014
2.5 stars. first of all, i do not like the cover at all. doesn't seem to fit with the story and it's creepy lookin'. secondly, the story started (around the second chapter) with a rape scene that almost made me stop reading. i persevered since i had bought the e-book (one of those bookbub deals), and i had bought the sequel. so, i gave it another chance. glad to say that was the only rape scene and it got better. i enjoyed the characters for the most part and the story was good, but i had some issue with the telling. the author used way too much detail on things unnecessarily -- telling us minute details of airplanes, weapons, cars, motorcycles, fishing, what people are wearing, geography history. i don't need to know that the waitress was wearing a t-shirt that said blah and had green eyes and medium-size breasts, etc...it didn't matter. very little of it moved the story along. also there were some continuity issues. this author needs more editing. a strong hand. i'll read the sequel at some point and hope that there's improvement.
January 24, 2011
The Savannah Project is a must read and one to keep on the book shelf. I met Chuck at the Decatur Book Festival in Georgia and bought the book. I stopped by a chocolate bar in Decatur to get a glass of wine. I started reading this book and after two glasses of wine I decided to come home and finish his book. I could not put it down. I read it in less than two days. I love books about Aviation and this is one gives you all thrills you can handle. Chuck is a FW Pilot and an Air Traffic Controller so he knows how to weave the web with Aviation lingo.
September 18, 2012
It's a yawnfest! Clearly a lot of work went into the writing of this book so I really dislike giving a bad review. However, I think the problem was more in the lack of editing. There was so much content that neither moved the plot forward or assisted with character development. I just couldn't take it seeing the gears grind in neutral any longer. Had to shut it down about a third of the way into the book.
August 9, 2014
The reason for my low rating is simply that I am not a fan of the genre. Since I am a Georgian, I did enjoy the settings of the action. The book seemed to be well-written and well-edited, and the plot was sufficiently complex; I just had trouble keeping the characters straight, and the technical terminology related to the military and flight was off-putting to me. I skim read most of the last half of the book and couldn't really tell you how it ended.
March 19, 2016
this was a good book to get your teeth into.
It was an action packed story right from the beginning and did not let up until the final page.
Chuck has written a very good book and it was well thought out and well written.
This is the 2nd book I have read from Chuck and I was not disappointed, even although I should have read this one first for continuity, it did not detract in any way.
Really enjoyable read.
It was an action packed story right from the beginning and did not let up until the final page.
Chuck has written a very good book and it was well thought out and well written.
This is the 2nd book I have read from Chuck and I was not disappointed, even although I should have read this one first for continuity, it did not detract in any way.
Really enjoyable read.
September 17, 2017
A Few Good Parts--Spoiler Alert
Mostly confusing. Stereotypical villains and heroes. Background information served more as filler than necessary to plot development. I'll admit I skimmed the last parts of the book, so I'm assuming the killing of Beth by Shamrock was revenge on Jake. An unnecessary ending.
Mostly confusing. Stereotypical villains and heroes. Background information served more as filler than necessary to plot development. I'll admit I skimmed the last parts of the book, so I'm assuming the killing of Beth by Shamrock was revenge on Jake. An unnecessary ending.
February 27, 2014
Action packed from the first page,thriller, adventure,action, international spy's,suspense, etc. all here. Takes place in Savannah, GA. and Northern Ireland. A bit gory in spots describing injuries, gunshots, accidents, death but a good fast paced hold your attention read.
April 22, 2018
Jake Pendleton. Remember that name. An ex navy man turned NTSB inspector who becomes a CIA asset. This book was loads of action, mystery, intrigue and a great cast of characters. Lots of plot turns and twists to keep you guessing. Great Read !
December 26, 2021
I thought the premise had potential even though I have little knowledge regarding the politics of Ireland and the UK in the late 20th century. Having a NTSB person as the primary protagonist was different which I found interesting. I liked that the author didn’t portray the protagonist as a super spy/military operative. The protagonist didn't have the nuisances possessed by highly trained operatives which made for a more realistic story. Combine that with the settings in Savannah and Ireland, I thought this may be a good series to start reading.
That said, there were times I appreciated the story and times that I thought it needed more editorial guidance. Too much time was spent on technical details regarding the plane crash forensics which were not crucial to the overall story. The author also assumed that the average reader has a basic understanding of the political history of Britian, the IRA, and Sinn Fein. For American audiences, I think this expectation was too optimistic. Another editorial mishap was letting the author name every street at every turn. I don’t need to know every street name at every turn. A few actual street names occasionally will suffice.
As far as the story, there were gaps in why certain actions happened or didn't happen. I thought the author would have been more successful in explaining these things rather than noting every street name or detailing too much forensic information that didn't enhance the story. I felt that the logic was off with many of Sullivan's actions. I also didn't like that the author tended to repeat things late in the book that were explained earlier (e.g., the Dallas mechanics).
Last, I think there were too many people being double agents, triple agents, and semi-agents. And I think the Middle East involvement was not realistic for this political storyline. I understand it was published a decade ago but throwing an Iranian terrorist into the mix of a story based around the IRA, Sinn Fein, and the UK weakened the premise of the primary story. I would suggest the author spend more time spent on the thoughts and actions of the characters rather than minor details that do not enhance or benefit the plot.
Overall storyline was close to 4 stars; the writing was 3 stars, so the average would be 3.5 stars. I rounded down to 3 stars because the lack of editorial guidance that I think this book needed.
That said, there were times I appreciated the story and times that I thought it needed more editorial guidance. Too much time was spent on technical details regarding the plane crash forensics which were not crucial to the overall story. The author also assumed that the average reader has a basic understanding of the political history of Britian, the IRA, and Sinn Fein. For American audiences, I think this expectation was too optimistic. Another editorial mishap was letting the author name every street at every turn. I don’t need to know every street name at every turn. A few actual street names occasionally will suffice.
As far as the story, there were gaps in why certain actions happened or didn't happen. I thought the author would have been more successful in explaining these things rather than noting every street name or detailing too much forensic information that didn't enhance the story. I felt that the logic was off with many of Sullivan's actions. I also didn't like that the author tended to repeat things late in the book that were explained earlier (e.g., the Dallas mechanics).
Last, I think there were too many people being double agents, triple agents, and semi-agents. And I think the Middle East involvement was not realistic for this political storyline. I understand it was published a decade ago but throwing an Iranian terrorist into the mix of a story based around the IRA, Sinn Fein, and the UK weakened the premise of the primary story. I would suggest the author spend more time spent on the thoughts and actions of the characters rather than minor details that do not enhance or benefit the plot.
Overall storyline was close to 4 stars; the writing was 3 stars, so the average would be 3.5 stars. I rounded down to 3 stars because the lack of editorial guidance that I think this book needed.
October 22, 2019
This book is very interesting. The characters are fun and well developed and the plot is gripping. The author clearly did a lot of research for this book, both technical and location. The ending leads well into a sequel, which I plan to read.
The thing that kept me from giving this book a 5 rating is that it needs a good copyedit, which should have been done before publishing. A few examples are (I read it on Kindle so I have percent read and not page numbers): At 29%, there is dialogue that reads in part ..."Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) by ten a.m. for ..." You don't usually put parentheticals into dialogue because no one speaks like that. If you want to introduce the acronym, you do that in a non-dialogue section. Then you can use the acronym in dialogue without spelling it out.
At 60%, "Jillian walked in with one of Kaplan's shirt draped..." It should be shirts, instead of shirt.
Also at 60%, we have "The hammer clicked in place when Colins cocked it." Then 11 lines later, without uncocking it, we read, "Collins pulled the hammer of the Beretta back."
At 66%, "Jake watched Jillian dab away her tears away..." One "away" too many.
At 69%, "... a political appointment made possible by his father's political influence." One "political" too many.
Also at 69%, a news reporter is speaking, giving a news report. The quote begins: I'm Amber Larsen reporting live from ..... This news report is a quote but is not enclosed in quotation marks.
At 70%, "...Bentley had been named the new Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA..." Only the CIA has a Director of Central Intelligence, so adding that it is "for the CIA" is superfluous.
At 70% there is a sentence: "He carried with him on all jobs." This is not a sentence.
At 71%, another sentence: "Visibly shaken by the ordeal." This is not a sentence since it has no subject.
At 72%, "... with CLASSIFIED stamped on the outside of each in red ink." It would not be stamped only CLASSIFIED. It would be stamped with the highest level of classification contained within so that people without the proper clearance level and access authorization will not open it accidentally.
At 76%, "It's no easier now that it was then." It should be "than" instead of "that".
I'll stop here. I think you get the point. A good copyedit would have caught all of these and others I have not listed. These things are a distraction when reading, especially a story as good as this one. My suggestion would be to do a good copyedit and then republish. It's a really good story.
The thing that kept me from giving this book a 5 rating is that it needs a good copyedit, which should have been done before publishing. A few examples are (I read it on Kindle so I have percent read and not page numbers): At 29%, there is dialogue that reads in part ..."Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) by ten a.m. for ..." You don't usually put parentheticals into dialogue because no one speaks like that. If you want to introduce the acronym, you do that in a non-dialogue section. Then you can use the acronym in dialogue without spelling it out.
At 60%, "Jillian walked in with one of Kaplan's shirt draped..." It should be shirts, instead of shirt.
Also at 60%, we have "The hammer clicked in place when Colins cocked it." Then 11 lines later, without uncocking it, we read, "Collins pulled the hammer of the Beretta back."
At 66%, "Jake watched Jillian dab away her tears away..." One "away" too many.
At 69%, "... a political appointment made possible by his father's political influence." One "political" too many.
Also at 69%, a news reporter is speaking, giving a news report. The quote begins: I'm Amber Larsen reporting live from ..... This news report is a quote but is not enclosed in quotation marks.
At 70%, "...Bentley had been named the new Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA..." Only the CIA has a Director of Central Intelligence, so adding that it is "for the CIA" is superfluous.
At 70% there is a sentence: "He carried with him on all jobs." This is not a sentence.
At 71%, another sentence: "Visibly shaken by the ordeal." This is not a sentence since it has no subject.
At 72%, "... with CLASSIFIED stamped on the outside of each in red ink." It would not be stamped only CLASSIFIED. It would be stamped with the highest level of classification contained within so that people without the proper clearance level and access authorization will not open it accidentally.
At 76%, "It's no easier now that it was then." It should be "than" instead of "that".
I'll stop here. I think you get the point. A good copyedit would have caught all of these and others I have not listed. These things are a distraction when reading, especially a story as good as this one. My suggestion would be to do a good copyedit and then republish. It's a really good story.
October 11, 2020
This is one of those cases where the narrator makes or breaks the book. Scott Brick is famous amongst audiobibliophiles because of his excellent work. Again, he gives it his all with this book. But, not even he can makes this thriller in any way thrilling.
The good: The author, Chuck Barrett uses my pet peeve “said” sparingly. He peppers in “answered” or “replied” or “asked” as one should do. He also seems to have done his research and in the author’s notes at the end, he fully admits to making some things up.
However, that’s about it.
The bad: Firstly, it’s a typical male author’s fascination with describing the female characters mostly using their bodily assets. Every woman was shapely and attractive, etc. The two lead men were undoubtedly sexual gods since each time they were with their SOs, humping was in the near future.
At just about the end of the second act, the cliches came fast and furious. The villain explained their plan...the main characters are total badasses...etc etc.
Throughout the first half of the story, it’s pretty much an audio tour of Savannah, GA. Seriously, no need to visit now, I know all about the place and the landmarks.
After the second act, our heroes are magically thrust into international espionage together. After knowing each other for all of a couple weeks, they have all the witty banter of Riggs and Murtaugh and save the world in a day or two. ( This plot point was the most “yeah surrre” moment of the story.)
As a bonus, this audiobook presentation had an excerpt from a sequel book! I didn’t care to listen any further.
The good: The author, Chuck Barrett uses my pet peeve “said” sparingly. He peppers in “answered” or “replied” or “asked” as one should do. He also seems to have done his research and in the author’s notes at the end, he fully admits to making some things up.
However, that’s about it.
The bad: Firstly, it’s a typical male author’s fascination with describing the female characters mostly using their bodily assets. Every woman was shapely and attractive, etc. The two lead men were undoubtedly sexual gods since each time they were with their SOs, humping was in the near future.
At just about the end of the second act, the cliches came fast and furious. The villain explained their plan...the main characters are total badasses...etc etc.
Throughout the first half of the story, it’s pretty much an audio tour of Savannah, GA. Seriously, no need to visit now, I know all about the place and the landmarks.
After the second act, our heroes are magically thrust into international espionage together. After knowing each other for all of a couple weeks, they have all the witty banter of Riggs and Murtaugh and save the world in a day or two. ( This plot point was the most “yeah surrre” moment of the story.)
As a bonus, this audiobook presentation had an excerpt from a sequel book! I didn’t care to listen any further.
June 23, 2023
I cracked the book open and didn’t realize it was St Patrick’s Day…here and in Savannah Georgia. The Prologue socked me in the gut and I braced myself for what was to come. I have had my eye on The Savannah Project and The Toymaker since 2012, so it is high time I Knocked them off my reading list.
Jake Pendleton will meet Ian Collins, an assassin that will change his life forever. A man who vowed an eye for an eye, a blood vengeance.
I have never really understood all the IRA, Sinn Fein issues, but I have read and continue to read novels about them, trying. An eye for an eye is never enough. I can never understand sacrificing innocent lives. How can that be right?
As I read along, the story grew deeper, more desperate and dangerous. Jake scrambles to understand what is happening. The action is non stop as they travel the globe creating devastation wherever they go. Bodies will fall and I wonder who will be left standing.
The story doesn’t end here and I eagerly begin The Toymaker. The characters have captured my curiosity and I have to know what will become of them, whether they are the worst villains imaginable or persons who will sacrifice their life for others.
Jake Pendleton will meet Ian Collins, an assassin that will change his life forever. A man who vowed an eye for an eye, a blood vengeance.
I have never really understood all the IRA, Sinn Fein issues, but I have read and continue to read novels about them, trying. An eye for an eye is never enough. I can never understand sacrificing innocent lives. How can that be right?
As I read along, the story grew deeper, more desperate and dangerous. Jake scrambles to understand what is happening. The action is non stop as they travel the globe creating devastation wherever they go. Bodies will fall and I wonder who will be left standing.
The story doesn’t end here and I eagerly begin The Toymaker. The characters have captured my curiosity and I have to know what will become of them, whether they are the worst villains imaginable or persons who will sacrifice their life for others.
September 7, 2017
When NTSB investigator Jake Pendleton is sent from Atlanta to investigate an air crash, what looked at first like a run-of-the-mill mishap turns out to be anything but. When more people start turning up dead, Jake realizes that there is a vicious killer on the loose, and Jake just might be his next target. When he suggests boss that the crash might not have been an accident after all, he’s rebuffed. With the help of an unconventional air traffic controller, Jake undertakes his own investigation, uncovering deception and intrigue on an international level, and putting himself and those around him in mortal danger.
The Savannah Project by Chuck Barrett is a thriller that will keep you intrigued from start to finish. Light, thankfully, on the technical aspects, it focuses on the personal motivations of the characters, and the action when opposing forces meet. The ending will take your breath away.
This is the first book in a planned series, and I’ll be watching for sequels.
The Savannah Project by Chuck Barrett is a thriller that will keep you intrigued from start to finish. Light, thankfully, on the technical aspects, it focuses on the personal motivations of the characters, and the action when opposing forces meet. The ending will take your breath away.
This is the first book in a planned series, and I’ll be watching for sequels.
April 30, 2024
Responsibly written and rounded off in the author's note.
However, to add my slant:
Northern Ireland still gets a lot of support from America, and they believe the propaganda about Irish sufferings. To me it is wrong, but then I was a young mother in the 70s when Irish terrorism reached its height. I tend to see them almost as a Western version of Muslims. The indiscriminate and heartless way they blew up cars, hotels, pubs etc.in England, was disgusting. So I will always get annoyed when someone talks about THEIR sufferings, when in fact, it was their own violence that kept the troubles going. It did emanate from conflict between Roman Catholics and Protestants - to simplify - and one side needed to be protected by the British army, because the opposite side would blow up their own countrymen arguing about leaving UK or staying part of UK.
Many soldiers died doing their job in NI.
Pretty sure most of us in England would have really liked them to join with Eire and leave England alone, so that we could see troubles end, but they had some stubborn and untrustworthy leaders..
November 4, 2024
The Savannah Project (Jake Pendleton #1)
by Chuck Barrett (Goodreads Author)
This was pretty good for a first novel. The story is good, and an early scene made such an impression that I dreaded future scenes where Collins appeared again.
I could complain about the often awkward dialog and too much detail in descriptions or moving from slow pacing to jumping around, but this is a first novel. I definitely would read the next book in the series and have requested it from my library.
This story has 2 strong protagonists and I was pleased to see that Gregg Kaplan gets his own spin-off series.
I will say that I did not like the ending. Not because it isn't a good ending and I understand why it happened because it does set up future books for Jake Pendleton, I just wish it hadn't gone that way.
by Chuck Barrett (Goodreads Author)
This was pretty good for a first novel. The story is good, and an early scene made such an impression that I dreaded future scenes where Collins appeared again.
I could complain about the often awkward dialog and too much detail in descriptions or moving from slow pacing to jumping around, but this is a first novel. I definitely would read the next book in the series and have requested it from my library.
This story has 2 strong protagonists and I was pleased to see that Gregg Kaplan gets his own spin-off series.
I will say that I did not like the ending. Not because it isn't a good ending and I understand why it happened because it does set up future books for Jake Pendleton, I just wish it hadn't gone that way.
May 22, 2021
This past week has been a really good week for the introduction of new authors (to me) and new series: Steve Berry (Cotton Malone), Archer Mayor (Joe Gunther), Chuck Barrett (Jake Pendeleton and Gregg Kaplan), and Brian Panowich (Clayton Burroughs). This particular book, The Savannah Project, has had two series come out of it; and I am excited to read both of them. It is strange, that in the last major physical (and gun fight) confrontation; that the least trained person involved comes out on top. But it is fiction, and that is what makes it interesting. I don't want to give any of the plot away; but there is some deep tragedy involved, that motivates the two main characters even more. If you have not read any of these books, you may really enjoy them
June 20, 2017
A bit longer than it needed to be.
I thought this book had the makings of a great book, that didn't quite live up to its potential. There was one big loose end that never was resolved. There was, as other reviewers have commented, way too much detail, given to locations and nothing is very concise. The street chase goes on and on and on. Even when I thought I had reached the end, it wasn't over. This is not to say that the plot was not creative and the end, when it finally arrived, was masterful. With some serious editing and tidying up, I think this could be a great time.
I thought this book had the makings of a great book, that didn't quite live up to its potential. There was one big loose end that never was resolved. There was, as other reviewers have commented, way too much detail, given to locations and nothing is very concise. The street chase goes on and on and on. Even when I thought I had reached the end, it wasn't over. This is not to say that the plot was not creative and the end, when it finally arrived, was masterful. With some serious editing and tidying up, I think this could be a great time.
April 20, 2022
Yes and No
It's an interesting story, with great narration. I picked it up because I accidentally read the second book in the series first and wanted to know what I had missed and why certain characters acted the way they did in book two. From that standpoint, book two makes a lot more sense now.
The story is good, with a chilling antagonist and a host of people who aren't who/what they seem. That being said, the timing of the story was a little...gimpy. It wasn't as smooth a flow as I would have expected. I will admit I enjoyed "The Toymaker," book two, better than this one. But I'm glad I got caught up on the history of the characters.
It's an interesting story, with great narration. I picked it up because I accidentally read the second book in the series first and wanted to know what I had missed and why certain characters acted the way they did in book two. From that standpoint, book two makes a lot more sense now.
The story is good, with a chilling antagonist and a host of people who aren't who/what they seem. That being said, the timing of the story was a little...gimpy. It wasn't as smooth a flow as I would have expected. I will admit I enjoyed "The Toymaker," book two, better than this one. But I'm glad I got caught up on the history of the characters.
May 11, 2017
Overall, the story was good. One of those 'person seeks revenge and feels that a dozen deaths are a fair exchange for the wrong committed against them' stories.
I'm a fan of Scott Brick. I think he's amazing as a narrator. This book, though, was made so hard to follow because the voices weren't distinctive enough. I kept getting lost in the story because I was associating voices with the wrong characters. I couldn't keep them straight.
I'm a fan of Scott Brick. I think he's amazing as a narrator. This book, though, was made so hard to follow because the voices weren't distinctive enough. I kept getting lost in the story because I was associating voices with the wrong characters. I couldn't keep them straight.
August 21, 2017
It is one of the examples how you can take a nice action plot and create extremely boring book out of it. Judging by the annotation it seems like there should have everything for the action book lover (and I am one)- suspense, chases, fights, a lot of shooting... And it is there, but it is done so wordily clumsy and ugly that I could barely finish it.
3 stars only for the first half of the book that has at least some zest.
P.S. the second book in the series IMO is even worse
3 stars only for the first half of the book that has at least some zest.
P.S. the second book in the series IMO is even worse
November 26, 2019
There is all kinds of page turning action with lots of crossed wires and bad guys in this Chuck Barrett novel. I am not sure how to review such a great book without spoiler. Chuck Barrett is amazing when you say conspiracy, double agents, just bad guys, bad guys who you think are the good guys and don't forget the females in the mix. If you like an adrenaline rush when you read go with this novel for sure.
July 7, 2025
(Review of the audiobook on Audible.)
Oh my good God. Absolute bilge.
Formulaic bilge. Like Tom Clancy put through a blender.
No Irish-assassin cliche ignored.
First off, no Republican would ever say “Londonderry”.
Three syllables in Donegal - all mispronounced.
Normally, I enjoy Scott Brick’s work. But his Irish accent is atrocious. Like a bad Shrek impression.
And the production is a bit sloppy - sometimes the character’s inner monologues are “Irish”-accented, sometimes they are not.
Oh my good God. Absolute bilge.
Formulaic bilge. Like Tom Clancy put through a blender.
No Irish-assassin cliche ignored.
First off, no Republican would ever say “Londonderry”.
Three syllables in Donegal - all mispronounced.
Normally, I enjoy Scott Brick’s work. But his Irish accent is atrocious. Like a bad Shrek impression.
And the production is a bit sloppy - sometimes the character’s inner monologues are “Irish”-accented, sometimes they are not.
August 11, 2017
An assassin codenamed Shamrock causes a plane crash in the United States. This begins the thriller about a British spy in the IRA, a Al Queda arms dealer, and an unknown location with unknown items worth money, big money. Revenge and money play a big part in the story. If you like gadgets-there are guns, planes and cars with descriptions.
October 24, 2017
A great story
A well written story. It kept building with each chapter. The excitement built along with the body count. Since I do my reading in the middle of the night the only reason to put the tablet down was because I needed to back to bed . But it was harder and harder each night. Have but put Chic Barrett on my must read list.
A well written story. It kept building with each chapter. The excitement built along with the body count. Since I do my reading in the middle of the night the only reason to put the tablet down was because I needed to back to bed . But it was harder and harder each night. Have but put Chic Barrett on my must read list.
December 5, 2020
First time reader
This is the first time I read Chuck Barrett’s novel. I am a slow reader and have a lot of other interests so very often before I finish the book, the other things already take my attention away. I am not into IRA or North Ireland politics but this book grabbed my attention like a magnet from beginning to the end and I enjoyed it like watching a movie.
This is the first time I read Chuck Barrett’s novel. I am a slow reader and have a lot of other interests so very often before I finish the book, the other things already take my attention away. I am not into IRA or North Ireland politics but this book grabbed my attention like a magnet from beginning to the end and I enjoyed it like watching a movie.
March 18, 2022
A good read
This is a well written book. A good story line. Very good atmospheric descriptions. I’ll read other books by this author. For some reason until about 70% through the story I had a hard time distinguishing who was who. It was just weird that I couldn’t track the characters, including the main characters as well secondary ones. Maybe Ike not well.
This is a well written book. A good story line. Very good atmospheric descriptions. I’ll read other books by this author. For some reason until about 70% through the story I had a hard time distinguishing who was who. It was just weird that I couldn’t track the characters, including the main characters as well secondary ones. Maybe Ike not well.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 85 reviews