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Jack Noble #3

Thin Line

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ACE for ASIN: B00J3CUI26

Thin Line is Ryan's latest thriller featuring former government assassin Jack Noble as he races from New York to Paris to Washington DC on the trail of a rogue agent marked for termination. When friends can no longer be trusted, and enemies must be, Jack is forced to make a decision that will compromise his integrity, conscience, and his life.

481 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2014

12140 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read

About the author

L.T. Ryan

161 books1,434 followers
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game

BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)

BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal

BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com

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5 stars
4,089 (43%)
4 stars
3,480 (36%)
3 stars
1,442 (15%)
2 stars
313 (3%)
1 star
133 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
158 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2018
Book 3 (Thin Line) was well below the calibre of book one and two of the Jack Nobel Series. To begin, five, count them, five grammatical and misspelled words; pitiful (if any) editing. Although most syntax aspects were well above average, there were enough sporadic ramblings throughout the book to warrant this (number 2) low rating. Good plot, interesting characters, but not good and interesting enough to overcome unsound writing and editing.
337 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2019
God, this book was taxing. I even considered not finishing it at one point, but was curious how it all would resolve. With regard to the book's resolution, I really have no idea. The plot was so convoluted and complex that I actually stopped trying to understand what was what and why. The author was so into highly detailed depictions of places and actions that I lost track of the story line at times. An entire paragraph described a character going to the kitchen to get some beer, opening the beer, tossing the bottle caps into an empty wastebasket where they rattled around for a while. A sequence where Jack goes to France that takes up several chapters has virtually nothing to do with the story and can likely even be skipped without missing anything essential and save the reader a great deal of time and effort. Usually when I begin a new series of books, such as the Jack Noble series, with quite a few books, I will give the series at least four books to see if my interest is piqued enough to continue. With this series, I am cutting it down to three...I have no heart to read more of this kind of tripe.
150 reviews
January 10, 2024
Maybe 2.5 ⭐️. I have no idea how this book rated above 4⭐️. There was so little to hold this story together. Very limited character development and relationship building. I only finished this book because I had invested enough time to get past 200 pages. 30 of the last 50 pages were semi thriller worthy. But overall this “thriller” book was anything but a page turner. In addition, L.T. Ryan at least needs a good editor. If not a good publisher.

DON’T waste your time reading this book. Jack Noble is nowhere close to being a Mitch Rapp, Jason Bourne or Jack Reacher
Profile Image for David Highton.
3,742 reviews32 followers
November 4, 2018
Two stars is generous for this book, with any real excitement only in the last 50 pages - very slow paced until that point
Profile Image for Joe .
386 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2017
Noble has it all


Enjoyed the book immensely, impressed by the development of Noble, and the writers knowledge of bad guys. Red it I am sure you will like it.
Profile Image for Apollo Hesiod.
131 reviews49 followers
November 30, 2025
Thin Line (jack noble bk5)

I enjoy this series. Fast paced with action. I like the 3 main characters & want to see more development . Will read more in the series
Profile Image for Phil James.
13 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2018
Just awful

I’d hoped by the 3rd book in the series the author may have learned a thing or 2. Unfortunately not. The story is so Inexplicable, I’m still not really sure what the conclusion was. I suppose that’s intentional to try and rope you in to the next book. The narrative lurches around and is never cohesive, baseless characters who act so unbelievably it would be funny, if I hadn’t just wasted a few hours of my life reading this tripe. Consistent Lazy writing style, completely dependent on withholding all relevant plot info to the last couple of chapters, clearly unable to actually tell a story. I only finished this book as not doing so would have irked me
Profile Image for Dad.
496 reviews
February 3, 2024
Enjoyable continuation of a series which is premised on the troubling thought of our government employing assassins to conduct its affairs. Despite the background, the prime character is an honorable guy who is loyal to his associates and friends. I enjoyed the sarcasm and quips between the characters. Quick read which helped pass the post holiday bus blues for a bit and allowed me to realize that not all editors and/or proof readers have perfect days. Seeing the spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, think my old English teacher would have given an “f”.
134 reviews
March 30, 2014
Great Book

I have read all the Jack Noble books and love them but I had missed this one. it was fantastic like all the rest. I could not put it down kept me on the edge of my seat all the way throughout the whole book. Can't wait for Noble Intention 4.
Profile Image for lynda.
282 reviews
August 29, 2018
This one started off a little slow, but quickly picked up; I was as confused as our hero for quite a while. Not sure either one of us ever figured it out, but no worries! The next in the series will explain all! (I hope)
Profile Image for Neelabh Pratap  Singh.
Author 42 books26 followers
June 11, 2023
In "Thin Line," the third book of LT Ryan's Jack Noble series, the author presents readers with a story that holds promise but ultimately falls short of its potential. As someone who was not particularly impressed with the previous installments, I approached this book with an open mind, hoping for improvement. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met, and I found myself grappling with a lackluster reading experience.

The premise of the story shows potential, offering an engaging plot that could have captivated readers. However, it becomes evident that the author failed to invest sufficient effort into outlining and structuring the narrative. Events unfold haphazardly, without a clear purpose or connection to the overarching storyline. As a result, the story feels disjointed, with occurrences that seem to lack meaning and fail to contribute to the overall plot progression.

One of the most frustrating aspects of "Thin Line" is the repeated introduction of various characters and locations throughout the book. Jack Noble encounters different individuals in different places multiple times, only for these encounters to amount to nothing consequential for the overall narrative. It feels as if the author is leading the reader down multiple tangents that lead nowhere, leaving one with a sense of dissatisfaction and confusion.

Jack Noble, as the main protagonist, fails to evolve or grow in any meaningful way. Readers yearn for deeper insights into his psyche, motivations, and personal journey, but instead, they are presented with a stagnant character who remains unchanged throughout the book. This missed opportunity to explore and develop the central figure leaves readers disconnected from the story.

Despite the book's flaws, it would be unfair not to acknowledge that the story itself holds some merit. There are moments where the narrative manages to grasp the reader's attention and provide glimpses of excitement. Unfortunately, these moments are overshadowed by the larger structural issues, leaving readers struggling to stay engaged.

In conclusion, "Thin Line" falls short of its potential due to its weak outlining and disjointed storytelling. Regrettably, I found myself struggling to complete the story, and as such, I cannot recommend it to others seeking a well-crafted thriller.
1,396 reviews13 followers
April 15, 2020
I have read enough of Jack Noble's book to enjoy them,but this one is definitely one of his very best rendition renditions, this far. Plenty of suspenseful moments throughout the entire book, and Jack's on-going conflicts will certainly appease anyone's expectations. Great format by an outstanding mystery writer.

Most certainly another five star masterpiece by one of the more prolific mystery writers, as I found it tough to put the book aside, even to eat. If you aren't satisfied with one of Jack's exciting episodes just continue to the next, as they only get better with each new suspenseful adventure! He pulls no punches in bringing justice when justice is due. Outstanding storylines from beginning to end, and the dedication of Jack and Bear in their quest for justice pulls no punches in fulfilling their respective assignments!
The Author's selection of characters definitely portrayed their assigned roles to perfection. Too, the compassionate camaraderie of the good guys is unsurpassed in carrying out their assigned duties to perfection. Most definitely recommend this outstanding story to all readers, but especially you dyed in the wool western lovers, as I am also but these compelling stories of espionage will certainly appease your desired expectations! Compared my two most favorite western heroes: Game Warden Joe Pickett and U. S. Marshal Shorty, and that is pretty good company! Enjoy an excellent story, and follow Jack Noble and crew, as I have!!!😄
Profile Image for Dan Danz.
9 reviews
August 17, 2021
I had to force myself to read the second half of this novel, mainly to see which improbable solution to Jack Noble's problems would turn up to rescue him from the brink of disaster. I was extremely disappointed to find that it was a tease to buy the author's next book in this series. Did he get the girl? I don't know but if I did I couldn't tell you because it would be a spoiler.

This book (and by extension, the other books in the series) I would more correctly characterize as comic books, in that the hero always does improbable things to get himself and his buddy/friends into trouble, and then he miraculously (some would say unbelievably) wins over the forces of evil, despite being out-numbered, out-gunned, and suffering near-death, incapacitating injuries. If you like that kind of story, I think comic books are cheaper.

I do not recommend this book, this series, or this author as being equivalent to action novels by Baldacci, nor is the hero similar to Jack Reacher or Hieronymus Bosch. Superman is a lot closer.
Profile Image for Bretton.
25 reviews
June 20, 2024
You’re really gonna have to love the characters to get through this one.
Not in a bad way. But I would hate to start the series on this book. There’s a lot of things that make more sense if you’ve read Noble Intentions (Book 4) before reading this one. Just because you don’t understand the significance of certain characters and events without having the context of Book 4.
Also there was a lot more set up in the book, kinda like in Noble Intentions but not really. And definitely more than in books 1 and 2.
I have a love hate relationship with way it ended but I suspect we will get an answer to the questions someday. Well hopefully in 16 books we will.

Love the book though, love the characters. The relationship Jack and Frank have makes a lot more sense in book 4 after reading Thin Line.
Also the title! Thin Line, the line between the guys that kill for good and the guys that kill for bad? How thick or thin is that line? And how long can you straddle it before you make your choice?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
August 7, 2018
I love Ryan's writing, character development and plots that keep me on the edge of my seat. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I read most books on my Kindle and their editing is abominable and not just with these books but across the board. Missing verbs in sentences, editing errors such as using copy and paste when cut and paste is more efficient and effective. What is up with the pathetic editing of Kindle books. It isn't as if the Kindle books are free so I would assume that Amazon would make sure a better job of editing would serve both its authors and readers and keep Kindle books a viable source of Good Reads. No excuses. Please fix the problem.
Profile Image for Jerry.
413 reviews
July 19, 2021
Jack Noble and his partner try to track down a rogue agent.

I liked all the characters, both good guys and bad guys, and I understand the "thin line" of difference between the two. There's a basis for a really good story here. However, unlike the first two books in this series, this has an utterly confusing plot. It's fine to have plenty of twists and turns, but they're supposed to come together and make sense at the end. Instead, this book just seems to be a series of random events involving people trying to kill or abduct each other.

I'll definitely still read the next one (#4), but I'm hoping for a little more overall coherence in the story.
62 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2023
As a shoot-em-up assassin book, it was OK until the end that wasn't, as it doesn't end at the end of the book. You'll need to buy the next book, if not more, to see how it ends.
Other than that, it needed better editing. Missing words, words that hadn't been removed in rewriting, and words that just didn't make sense. I usually ignore these things, but there was something on almost every page. And Bear. Yes, I got it in the first few pages...he was a big guy. But almost every reference to him had something added, like huge, massive, scarey, towering, or my favorite, "the big guy". I think I'll pass on any more of Mr. Noble's (what an appropriate name for a killer) books.
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
May 6, 2017
This thriller is as suspenseful as all the others in this series. It is a new story with betrayal, danger and no way to determine who to trust. The characters, places and interactions all have a residual odor of familiarity. Ryan does a great job of keeping things fresh with vivid descriptions and details. Yet, I had a hard time at the end figuring out what had happened and why. I'm sure I will be visiting Jack and Bear in more stories of suspense and danger. This book was equal to the other Jack Noble books, but not better.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,955 reviews128 followers
May 28, 2017
As with the first two books Jack Noble faces off with formidable foes, unfortunately those are also some of the people he considered friends.

The intrigue is thick, the thrills are hectic and the action pretty much high octane as expected.

This third book however is harder to follow than the previous 2 but in the end it does deliver some answers while opening the door to next book in series.

However for me the ride is probably over as this particular character defying death one too many times was enough.
Profile Image for Thomas James.
578 reviews12 followers
January 19, 2019
He lives?

Trying to predict figure out who the bad guys are in this story is futile. It's like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle but somebody keeps changing the shape of pieces, adding new ones, taking some away, and changing the image on what you already have. It's impossible! There IS a conclusion but you can't even be sure if it's THE conclusion. So, in that way I found the style of writing interesting, the story pretty good, the graphics and death horrible, and the fact that any living person could live through any of this totally unbelievable.
302 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2022
Its been a long while since I've read a Jack noble book. Things I liked. The banter between Jack and Bear. the shadow game that goes on behind close doors by hiring people like Jack or Brett. the short chapters that get to the point. Has fantastic action shootouts and sneak ups. I guess what I didn't like was after a reveal was made and someone wasn't the target no more. it went from hunting to covering it up with a third party entering here and there. guessing they'll return in future books as that plot wasn't finished. Overall a fine book that I'll continue the series.
44 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2018
Jack Noble gets in deep. Who can he trust? Someone is lying to him, more than one person is lying to him. He gets waterboarded, looks like no way out. ..... I really enjoyed this book. Looks like I found a guy I like even better than Reacher!! That is saying a lot. This book kept my interest, kept me reading ito the night. I would have finished the book in two days but alas had a family commitment. I'm ready to read book #4; I can't wait to get started!!
157 reviews15 followers
May 11, 2021
Noble Thoughts and High Standards

They twist and coil and drop then lift like an airliner in a storm of turbulence, the reader, like the helpless passengers, must hold tight through a white knuckle ride to the pause for breath on landing where the ending beckons one toward the next volume. So far they're well written and well paced which does not mean fast. No words are skipped for speed but equally none seem wasted though repetition is usually avoided. So far, so good.
Profile Image for Todd.
2,224 reviews8 followers
August 21, 2021
Much better than the 2nd book. Could have used an editor though, several simple grammatical errors.
Logan and Bear are working together again after Logan quit the SIS. They are after a target who they can't get much information on, no background, no reason for being targeted.
It wanders around quite a bit, with several groups after Logan and Bear, including the mob, and a few unknown clandestine government groups.
207 reviews
July 21, 2022
Jack and Bear are like a Timex watch

How many severe beatings, not to mention shootings and knives wounds, can one man receive before it becomes unbelievable. Oh yeah forgot to mention betrayals. Well until I read the next book to see if he is Big Jim or Slim in Jim Croce's song about big Jim. I hope for slim or I might have to Hit that road Jack on this Noble series of how to get your ass whooped and still be alive
1,477 reviews25 followers
December 3, 2016
Thin Line L.T. Ryan

A fast paced action thriller extraordinaire! Noble, a covert operative, an assassin, who works for a government sanctioned , ultra secret group, is giving a contract to fulfill. He doesn't, and all Hell breaks loose. Then he becomes the target. Betrayal, deception, deceit, you name it , it's all part of this novel. My highest recommendation!
10 reviews
February 2, 2018
Adrenaline rush!

I love page turners that don't give you a chance to become bored. "A thin line" is fast paced, action packed and quickly consumable. In fact, I dare you to try and make it last past a few sittings. Jack shows his sarcasm, loyalty and smarts as he steps up to the line... or does he jump across it? Enjoy this Jack Noble classic!
1,124 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2018
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ADVENTURE

Man there is so much conspiracy going on in this book, makes one's head spin. Hard to keep track, much less even know where the good guys are. A totally intense and fantastic read. An unbelievable story and great writing skills by this author. The Jack Noble character keeps evolving with each new adventure.
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
322 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2019
Twists and Turns

Although the book held my attention there were so many twists and turns that at times I became tired of them... No matter... I kept reading and working through them all along with Jack and Bear. So glad they both made it through. But giving away a Million??? I guess Jack’s got a little get away stash somewhere... We’ll see.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews

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