What do you think?
Rate this book
Killing #2
Making a Killing
The CIA’s most valuable assassin, Agent J.D. Mikel, wasn’t supposed to fall in love with anyone – especially not Kate Morningside, a woman coveted by another powerful world player. When Kate is kidnapped, J.D. is pulled into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, and one false move could cost him everything. Indeed, there are players – and then there are the masters who make the rules only to break them.
It’s not an even match for those joining an epic search for Kate on a twisted dark hunt down the Mekong River in the midst of a bitterly disputed war: Izzy, a brilliant young psychiatrist assigned to the Army’s 8th Field Hospital and counting the days until he can return home; and his best friend Gregg, a gifted psychologist who served his time only to be driven back to Vietnam by his own inner demons and a rivalry with Mikel that burns as intensely as napalm.
There are other wars within wars in turbulent 1970. From the CIA to the American mafia to an International cartel helmed by a master of the sadistic, all eyes are on Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle. And when it comes to a certain cash crop flourishing under the dominion of the mysterious Poppy King, everyone wants a piece of the action. Money talks. The currency? Heroin. It’s a spinning maze of intrigue, politics, and mind games; a hotbed where sex, drugs, and Janis Joplin aren't always a beautiful thing. But even when no one turns out to be quite who or what they seem, one rule remains fast across the Devil’s chessboard: Winners live. Losers die.
The sequel to the national bestseller THERE WILL BE KILLING, MAKING A KILLING artfully weaves a spellbinding tapestry of dark history, psychology, and seduction – the best and worst of our humanity . . . and the hunger of our hearts.
PRAISE FOR THERE WILL BE KILLING:
“A riveting journey into the perils of war and the darkness of the human heart – stylish and provocative.” – Tara Janzen, New York Times bestselling author
“There Will Be Killing is mesmerizing...a chilling and astonishing novel by authors who know their way around a story.” – Peggy Webb, USA Today bestselling author of The Language of Silence
“Make sure you have some time to spend because you won't want to put it down until you turn the last page.” – Book Bug
It’s not an even match for those joining an epic search for Kate on a twisted dark hunt down the Mekong River in the midst of a bitterly disputed war: Izzy, a brilliant young psychiatrist assigned to the Army’s 8th Field Hospital and counting the days until he can return home; and his best friend Gregg, a gifted psychologist who served his time only to be driven back to Vietnam by his own inner demons and a rivalry with Mikel that burns as intensely as napalm.
There are other wars within wars in turbulent 1970. From the CIA to the American mafia to an International cartel helmed by a master of the sadistic, all eyes are on Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle. And when it comes to a certain cash crop flourishing under the dominion of the mysterious Poppy King, everyone wants a piece of the action. Money talks. The currency? Heroin. It’s a spinning maze of intrigue, politics, and mind games; a hotbed where sex, drugs, and Janis Joplin aren't always a beautiful thing. But even when no one turns out to be quite who or what they seem, one rule remains fast across the Devil’s chessboard: Winners live. Losers die.
The sequel to the national bestseller THERE WILL BE KILLING, MAKING A KILLING artfully weaves a spellbinding tapestry of dark history, psychology, and seduction – the best and worst of our humanity . . . and the hunger of our hearts.
PRAISE FOR THERE WILL BE KILLING:
“A riveting journey into the perils of war and the darkness of the human heart – stylish and provocative.” – Tara Janzen, New York Times bestselling author
“There Will Be Killing is mesmerizing...a chilling and astonishing novel by authors who know their way around a story.” – Peggy Webb, USA Today bestselling author of The Language of Silence
“Make sure you have some time to spend because you won't want to put it down until you turn the last page.” – Book Bug
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
John L. Hart
6 books5 followersJohn L. Hart Ph.D has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than forty years, starting in Vietnam where he was a psychology specialist . He received his doctorate from the University of Southern California and maintained a private practice in Los Angeles for twenty years. He is a internationally respected teacher and has been a consultant to the nation of Norway for their Fathering Project. His Chinese Brush paintings which appear in There Will Be Killing can be found in Hawaiian art galleries. John divides his time between the Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver Island where he is the Executive Director of SpiritBearArtFarm and an adjunct associate professor at the University of Victoria.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 5, 2016
Making a Killing by John L. Hart and Olivia Rupprecht is a 2016 Story Plant publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the sequel to “There will be Killing”, which introduced us to Gregg, Izzy, Kate, Phillip, and J.D., as they try to navigate the treacherous waters of Vietnam and try to stay alive.
As the second book begins, J.D. and Kate are enjoying a holiday together, while Gregg has returned to the states and Izzy is still serving his time. However, when Kate is kidnapped, J.D. enlist his old comrades to help him find her.
When I first started this series, I was really unsure how I would feel about it, because books about war, fiction or non-fiction, just is not my thing at all. But, because the book was listed as a mystery thriller, I took a leap of faith and I am really glad I did.
This story deals with the shadowy, and often forgotten or ignored, drug problem and lucrative poppy trade during the Vietnam war.
A great many interesting details of J.D.’s past, is woven within a complex plot concerning “The Pale Man”, the ‘Poppy King”, and serves as a basis for a plethora of mind games and intrigue.
“If GO is like war, chess is a knife fight in a phone booth”
- Anonymous
The game of ‘GO” is a theme in the book, and anyone familiar with the game will be able to draw parallels due to the complexity of the strategy game J.D. was coached on as a child, and the complexities of the real life game he is drawn into in Vietnam.
As the players are surrounded by various types of war, be prepared for death and graphic violence, amid the sudden twists and jarring developments.
I did feel pretty bad for Izzy and Gregg who once more got suckered into a mission that really wasn’t their battle to fight. However, I think Gregg has made a turning point, which is probably for the best. The story has a rather odd epilogue, which suggests another book could be in the works. I certainly hope that is the case and will be keeping my ears open and eyes peeled for any new developments on that front.
I strongly urge you to read the first book before diving into this one, although you can read this one a stand alone.
This book is recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction, and smart, well crafted, and tense thrillers.
4.5
This book is the sequel to “There will be Killing”, which introduced us to Gregg, Izzy, Kate, Phillip, and J.D., as they try to navigate the treacherous waters of Vietnam and try to stay alive.
As the second book begins, J.D. and Kate are enjoying a holiday together, while Gregg has returned to the states and Izzy is still serving his time. However, when Kate is kidnapped, J.D. enlist his old comrades to help him find her.
When I first started this series, I was really unsure how I would feel about it, because books about war, fiction or non-fiction, just is not my thing at all. But, because the book was listed as a mystery thriller, I took a leap of faith and I am really glad I did.
This story deals with the shadowy, and often forgotten or ignored, drug problem and lucrative poppy trade during the Vietnam war.
A great many interesting details of J.D.’s past, is woven within a complex plot concerning “The Pale Man”, the ‘Poppy King”, and serves as a basis for a plethora of mind games and intrigue.
“If GO is like war, chess is a knife fight in a phone booth”
- Anonymous
The game of ‘GO” is a theme in the book, and anyone familiar with the game will be able to draw parallels due to the complexity of the strategy game J.D. was coached on as a child, and the complexities of the real life game he is drawn into in Vietnam.
As the players are surrounded by various types of war, be prepared for death and graphic violence, amid the sudden twists and jarring developments.
I did feel pretty bad for Izzy and Gregg who once more got suckered into a mission that really wasn’t their battle to fight. However, I think Gregg has made a turning point, which is probably for the best. The story has a rather odd epilogue, which suggests another book could be in the works. I certainly hope that is the case and will be keeping my ears open and eyes peeled for any new developments on that front.
I strongly urge you to read the first book before diving into this one, although you can read this one a stand alone.
This book is recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction, and smart, well crafted, and tense thrillers.
4.5
July 25, 2016
What a roller coaster ride of a story! I was drawn in from the very first page. This is John Hart’s sequel to There will be Killing and it doesn’t disappoint. All the characters from the first novel are back. J. D. Mikel and Kate take center stage in this tome but Izzy, Phillip and Gregg also make the book impossible to put down. Throw in some new twisted individuals and you have the recipe for nights lost to page turning drama!
There are a two wars going on in Vietnam, the one that is well known to the public and also one for the poppy fields and drug trade. J.D. and Kate give into their mutual attraction and find themselves falling in love. Kate is kidnapped and held as a pawn to get J. D. to do the bidding of the evil forces trying to take over the trade. Needing someone to watch his back, J. D. enlists the help of Izzy and Gregg where he leads them traipsing over Vietnam and into danger to rescue the woman he has given his heart too. Death and terror follow them as lives are lost and people are not who they seem to be.
I love this author and series. The characters are examined and their personalities expounded upon until they feel as though you know them first hand. The plot is fast moving with unexpected twists and turns that leave you shaking your head. The story is written in chronological order and easy to follow. This is everything a page turning book should be. The author has left the door open for a third book which I am eagerly awaiting.
I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t read the first in the series, not a problem, because the characters may be from the first book but the story line stands alone. I would suggest this book for more mature readers because some of the violence is graphic.
I requested and received this book for review from Story Plant.
There are a two wars going on in Vietnam, the one that is well known to the public and also one for the poppy fields and drug trade. J.D. and Kate give into their mutual attraction and find themselves falling in love. Kate is kidnapped and held as a pawn to get J. D. to do the bidding of the evil forces trying to take over the trade. Needing someone to watch his back, J. D. enlists the help of Izzy and Gregg where he leads them traipsing over Vietnam and into danger to rescue the woman he has given his heart too. Death and terror follow them as lives are lost and people are not who they seem to be.
I love this author and series. The characters are examined and their personalities expounded upon until they feel as though you know them first hand. The plot is fast moving with unexpected twists and turns that leave you shaking your head. The story is written in chronological order and easy to follow. This is everything a page turning book should be. The author has left the door open for a third book which I am eagerly awaiting.
I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t read the first in the series, not a problem, because the characters may be from the first book but the story line stands alone. I would suggest this book for more mature readers because some of the violence is graphic.
I requested and received this book for review from Story Plant.
August 28, 2016
I received this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review. Although I have not read the first book, There Will Be Killing, this was excellent by itself. This takes place in Vietnam. But while JD and Kate are on holiday, Kate is kidnapped and JD recruits some friends to help him find her. The side-story with Mouse, a mobster nut-case, who's in charge of the drugs, etc. is very detailed and wonderfully intense. It also makes you wonder exactly where does this fit in with Kate and JD. John L Hart takes story-telling to another level with this book. This is a well-written, exciting, psychological thriller, keeping you off-balance and tense throughout. I thought the writing was outstanding as the characters were well rounded out, the writing and story-line flowed nicely with no bits leaving you wondering what happened, and you leave this book feeling well-involved and almost exhausted with stepping up with the characters.
October 19, 2016
This is a sequel to a book that I didn't read so I will have to review it on it's own.
The book starts with a bang, literally and continues from there. It's a pretty intense ride and extremely well written. Although I generally don't like war type books, this one managed to keep my attention. I probably would have connected with the characters a bit more had I read the first book, but as it was I was still able to find a connection with J.D that lasted the entirety of the book.
All of the characters were well thought out and unique in their own way. I always appreciate when an author is able to pull that off when the POV jumps around.
August 12, 2016
I received a copy of this book from The Story Plant in exchange for my honest review.
I’m always nervous about thrillers, particularly thrillers in series. It’s very easy to forget to bring in potential new readers. And while I was offered a chance to read THERE WILL BE KILLING before I read this on, I was also assured that this book could stand on its own. Given how my timing has been lately, I ended up taking the Powers That Be by their word and delved into this Book 2 sight unseen.
While I think reading the first book might have helped, I also think it wasn’t strictly speaking necessary. We are introduced to our main focal characters very quickly: Kate Morningside and J.D. Mikel. While the exact professions of most of these characters is still a little fuzzy in my head, Kate I believe is a government official of some kind, and J.D. is a CIA assassin-spy-jack of all trades. J.D. is very much an enigma wrapped in a mystery and sprinkled with questions and obfuscation–but they make it easy to like and (for the most part) trust him very early on.
The main plot of the novel revolved around Kate being abducted, and how her abduction may be related to J.D. and his apparent connection to the one they call the Poppy King, a drug lord ringleader that some forces would like to see deposed. (I promise, it’s a lot easier to follow than anything I just tried to explain.) The point of view bounces around a little, but we keep mainly with the same people: Mike “Mouse” Gallini, a classic mobster kid in over his head–and out of his head a bit too; Israel “Izzy” Moskowitz, a friend and Army child psychologist; and Kate & J.D. of course.
What I find interesting is that after connecting the reader as closely as they do to J.D., they then spend the rest of the book trying to make us doubt him. I find this irritating–as well as the tendency of several of the main characters to believe any new information they receive from even a potentially valid source as true, without questioning. On at least two occasions, Kate does this, usually making her life unnecessarily difficult. Yes, there is an element of this that keeps the plot moving, but I’m fairly certain that there could at least be a few moments of questioning, at least for the sake of the relationships at stake.
Out of all of them, J.D. is the most fascinating character in the book. I really did like (almost) everyone, even Mouse, but J.D. caught me first and held me longest. No amount of shaking could have led me away, and I don’t think I was led astray. It is intensely obvious in his character that there is some serious psychology research put into this book. He has layers and layers, levels of coping mechanisms and obfuscations, things hidden from the world and from himself. I absolutely love it. And while a small piece of me is sad his plot line ended the way it did, I truly don’t think it could have ended any other way.
The book is a thriller but relies more on psychological suspense and intrigue than a body count to keep their readers’ interest. It’s a fantastic tack and one I enjoy a great deal more. I do wonder if reading the first book before this might have helped me connect with some of the sideline characters, but I’m still willing to go back and read it now. I’ll be interested to see if my dear J.D. decides to make an appearance in a new book, or Izzy…and I’ll be more than happy to follow them along on that adventure too. They’ve certainly left it open for a book 3.
Rating: **** (Recommended)
I’m always nervous about thrillers, particularly thrillers in series. It’s very easy to forget to bring in potential new readers. And while I was offered a chance to read THERE WILL BE KILLING before I read this on, I was also assured that this book could stand on its own. Given how my timing has been lately, I ended up taking the Powers That Be by their word and delved into this Book 2 sight unseen.
While I think reading the first book might have helped, I also think it wasn’t strictly speaking necessary. We are introduced to our main focal characters very quickly: Kate Morningside and J.D. Mikel. While the exact professions of most of these characters is still a little fuzzy in my head, Kate I believe is a government official of some kind, and J.D. is a CIA assassin-spy-jack of all trades. J.D. is very much an enigma wrapped in a mystery and sprinkled with questions and obfuscation–but they make it easy to like and (for the most part) trust him very early on.
The main plot of the novel revolved around Kate being abducted, and how her abduction may be related to J.D. and his apparent connection to the one they call the Poppy King, a drug lord ringleader that some forces would like to see deposed. (I promise, it’s a lot easier to follow than anything I just tried to explain.) The point of view bounces around a little, but we keep mainly with the same people: Mike “Mouse” Gallini, a classic mobster kid in over his head–and out of his head a bit too; Israel “Izzy” Moskowitz, a friend and Army child psychologist; and Kate & J.D. of course.
What I find interesting is that after connecting the reader as closely as they do to J.D., they then spend the rest of the book trying to make us doubt him. I find this irritating–as well as the tendency of several of the main characters to believe any new information they receive from even a potentially valid source as true, without questioning. On at least two occasions, Kate does this, usually making her life unnecessarily difficult. Yes, there is an element of this that keeps the plot moving, but I’m fairly certain that there could at least be a few moments of questioning, at least for the sake of the relationships at stake.
Out of all of them, J.D. is the most fascinating character in the book. I really did like (almost) everyone, even Mouse, but J.D. caught me first and held me longest. No amount of shaking could have led me away, and I don’t think I was led astray. It is intensely obvious in his character that there is some serious psychology research put into this book. He has layers and layers, levels of coping mechanisms and obfuscations, things hidden from the world and from himself. I absolutely love it. And while a small piece of me is sad his plot line ended the way it did, I truly don’t think it could have ended any other way.
The book is a thriller but relies more on psychological suspense and intrigue than a body count to keep their readers’ interest. It’s a fantastic tack and one I enjoy a great deal more. I do wonder if reading the first book before this might have helped me connect with some of the sideline characters, but I’m still willing to go back and read it now. I’ll be interested to see if my dear J.D. decides to make an appearance in a new book, or Izzy…and I’ll be more than happy to follow them along on that adventure too. They’ve certainly left it open for a book 3.
Rating: **** (Recommended)
October 3, 2016
Book Review: Murder, Drugs, Clandestine Dealings Behind the Scenes of the Vietnam War.
Making A Killing
A Murder On The Mekong Thriller
A Novel of Money and Murder
By John L. Hart and Olivia Rupprecht
The sequel to There Will Be A Killing. In 1970 near the end of the exhaustive Vietnam War, CIA assassin, Agent J.D. Mikel is coerced into a power play to save the life of the woman he loves.
His brother is the Poppy King, head of the Southeast Asia Golden Triangle's heroin/opium trade. He is also the target of a major takeover as others want to control his business and of course take the majority of the proceeds.
Unbeknown to these greedy men, J.D and his brother, Zhang were raised in a monastery that trained covert assassins. They were taught to disguise themselves and blend with their surroundings. When it comes to the jungles of the Golden Triangle this is no exception.
J. D. learns of a betrayal by someone he opened his heart to, only to find out it was part of the ploy to get him to reveal his brother's location. For twenty years his brother, Zhang, was believed to be dead to all those outside the area. When in fact he has been the puppet master Poppy King.
The Pale Man is one of the many wanting control of the opium/heroin. He orchestrated the abduction of J.D.'s lover, Kathryn Morningside. He is the deranged lunatic that moves the games pieces across the board to make J.D.'s life a living hell. He takes everything from J.D. until he finally has nothing to lose which makes him even more dangerous and hell bent on revenge.
J.D. answers to former ambassador Phillip Jordan, head of a clandestine CIA operation in cooperation with the albino Pale Man. With many more people as pawns the game proceeds as J.D. gathers intelligence to learn all of the players and their individual connections. One more lesson from his monastery days, who can he trust and who will ultimately betray him?
Making A Killing is not your typical Vietnam War story. Yes, there is combat fighting, bombs blowing up, death, drugs and endless jungle, but it is also has intrigue, murder, ticking countdowns and a homicidal maniac trying to gain all the power. It is definitely a not-so-typical thriller on the Mekong river.
Making A Killing is a twisted vine of a story. It reaches depths of governmental espionage that many suspected, but could not prove. It is dirty and gritty, showing a not often seen side of the Vietnam War. With its detailed intricacies it is entirely plausible, making the reader forget it is just a story; and what a story it is!
Be sure to visit the website (therewillbekilling) to download the free prequel Blind Spots and to see the first book in the series There Will Be Killing.
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by The Story Plant Publishing for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded me.
Making A Killing
A Murder On The Mekong Thriller
A Novel of Money and Murder
By John L. Hart and Olivia Rupprecht
The sequel to There Will Be A Killing. In 1970 near the end of the exhaustive Vietnam War, CIA assassin, Agent J.D. Mikel is coerced into a power play to save the life of the woman he loves.
His brother is the Poppy King, head of the Southeast Asia Golden Triangle's heroin/opium trade. He is also the target of a major takeover as others want to control his business and of course take the majority of the proceeds.
Unbeknown to these greedy men, J.D and his brother, Zhang were raised in a monastery that trained covert assassins. They were taught to disguise themselves and blend with their surroundings. When it comes to the jungles of the Golden Triangle this is no exception.
J. D. learns of a betrayal by someone he opened his heart to, only to find out it was part of the ploy to get him to reveal his brother's location. For twenty years his brother, Zhang, was believed to be dead to all those outside the area. When in fact he has been the puppet master Poppy King.
The Pale Man is one of the many wanting control of the opium/heroin. He orchestrated the abduction of J.D.'s lover, Kathryn Morningside. He is the deranged lunatic that moves the games pieces across the board to make J.D.'s life a living hell. He takes everything from J.D. until he finally has nothing to lose which makes him even more dangerous and hell bent on revenge.
J.D. answers to former ambassador Phillip Jordan, head of a clandestine CIA operation in cooperation with the albino Pale Man. With many more people as pawns the game proceeds as J.D. gathers intelligence to learn all of the players and their individual connections. One more lesson from his monastery days, who can he trust and who will ultimately betray him?
Making A Killing is not your typical Vietnam War story. Yes, there is combat fighting, bombs blowing up, death, drugs and endless jungle, but it is also has intrigue, murder, ticking countdowns and a homicidal maniac trying to gain all the power. It is definitely a not-so-typical thriller on the Mekong river.
Making A Killing is a twisted vine of a story. It reaches depths of governmental espionage that many suspected, but could not prove. It is dirty and gritty, showing a not often seen side of the Vietnam War. With its detailed intricacies it is entirely plausible, making the reader forget it is just a story; and what a story it is!
Be sure to visit the website (therewillbekilling) to download the free prequel Blind Spots and to see the first book in the series There Will Be Killing.
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by The Story Plant Publishing for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded me.
June 30, 2017
I picked this book because it sounded interesting; totally different from what I usually read. Wasn't sure I was going to like it when I first started reading...boy was I wrong! I found myself so wrapped up in the story, I was staying up waaaaaay past my bedtime. There were scenes that were hard to read very hard to read; the horrors of war are just unimaginable! As for the mystery in the book, every time I thought I had a suspect figured out or a riddle solved, there would be another twist to the story! I am going to purchase the 1st book and then the one after that. I want to see how everyone is getting along and what adventure awaits next time. Good book!
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review*
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review*
September 5, 2016
A very interesting story about Vietnam war and its political implications. I think it's best to read the first book in the series in order to know more about the characters and their relationships, but you can get throug the story without problem . I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2017
Tough stuff, but amazing twists and turns!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews