What do you think?
Rate this book
Undercover Target
When Matt Knight left his career as a spy to marry the woman of his dreams, he thought he was in for a life of domestic bliss. But after adopting a baby girl and her teenage brother from China, he finds that being a father comes with its own set of challenges—problems that his work as an antiterrorism agent did nothing to prepare him for. Or so he thought. When a Scout campout with his son takes a terrifying turn, Matt realizes his past and present have just collided, with devastating consequences. Deep in the rugged mountains of Utah, a band of mercenaries lies in wait. The Matt Knight. Their orders come from a dangerous enemy from the former agent’s past, one who is bent on destroying everything Matt holds dear. While struggling to protect his son and the other Scouts, Matt is horrified to learn the full extent of the his wife and baby have been taken too. Now the agent-turned-family man must draw on his years of combat training in an explosive battle to save those he loves—or die trying.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 1, 2016
I read the first book, Undercover Saint, and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to see what this author could come up with next. I didn't realize that this story is about some of the characters from Book 1; it can stand alone, although it is handy to know the backstory.
This story really hit home for me in some ways. Matt and his wife, Hope, have adopted a brother and sister from an orphanage in China and after a couple of years, they're still trying to adjust to their teenage son, Peng, and his wandering ways. A scout camp in the mountains turns out to be more than they bargained for and this danger brings this unlikely group of scouts and leaders together in unimaginable ways. My husband is a scoutmaster and has four boys in his group. They just returned from a trip to this same area a few weeks ago. After sitting on the edge of my seat through this whole book, I told him that he's not allowed to go camping there with the boys anymore. But wait...my husband doesn't have a past like Matt does. Matt is a former anti-terrorist agent and someone is out to get him. It felt so real...
There are a few angles that this story follows, as characters are in different places. Each side of the story is brilliantly well done. The tension, suspense, and teamwork brought surprising twists to the story. Things happened that completely took me by surprise and I wasn't expecting the culmination of events. I love a book that can take normal, everyday people and thrust them into situations that are realistic, yet not the kind that you really want to have happen. These characters are resourceful, yet ordinary, and have so much dimension to them. I wasn't expecting so much growth and so many bonds to develop. This is a great read for those who enjoy action suspense thrillers without all the gore.
Content: some violence (there are deaths, shootings, kidnappings, peril, but nothing is graphic); mild innuendo and vague talk of sexual abuse/human trafficking; very mild religious elements. Clean.
*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This story really hit home for me in some ways. Matt and his wife, Hope, have adopted a brother and sister from an orphanage in China and after a couple of years, they're still trying to adjust to their teenage son, Peng, and his wandering ways. A scout camp in the mountains turns out to be more than they bargained for and this danger brings this unlikely group of scouts and leaders together in unimaginable ways. My husband is a scoutmaster and has four boys in his group. They just returned from a trip to this same area a few weeks ago. After sitting on the edge of my seat through this whole book, I told him that he's not allowed to go camping there with the boys anymore. But wait...my husband doesn't have a past like Matt does. Matt is a former anti-terrorist agent and someone is out to get him. It felt so real...
There are a few angles that this story follows, as characters are in different places. Each side of the story is brilliantly well done. The tension, suspense, and teamwork brought surprising twists to the story. Things happened that completely took me by surprise and I wasn't expecting the culmination of events. I love a book that can take normal, everyday people and thrust them into situations that are realistic, yet not the kind that you really want to have happen. These characters are resourceful, yet ordinary, and have so much dimension to them. I wasn't expecting so much growth and so many bonds to develop. This is a great read for those who enjoy action suspense thrillers without all the gore.
Content: some violence (there are deaths, shootings, kidnappings, peril, but nothing is graphic); mild innuendo and vague talk of sexual abuse/human trafficking; very mild religious elements. Clean.
*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 30, 2016
From the moment I opened up the book, I was entranced. When I had to go to work, I kept thinking of what would happen next and if I would be able to read any on my break. But as a nurse in a hospital a break just doesn’t happen, darn!
I wished I had known there was another story before this book about Hope and Matt. It doesn’t have to be read first but I would have liked to have read their story first.
This story is from the moment they adopt 2 children from China. One a baby girl (Jin), and the other a 13 year old boy (Peng) who could sneak off and get out of any lock and is good with gadgets.
The story is about their family, their faith in God, and with Matt’s backround in antiterrorism, things go south on a camping expedition with the scouts where some merceneries are trying to get all of Matt’s family to be given to someone and they needed to be all alive as part of a revenge. Matt’s other scout leader was a Delta (Ron). He always goes prepared for anything and it was nonstop action for the boys on the trip. (Some of it way too scarey for real life and some really kind of funny) The boys went to the trip as obnoxious teenagers who all didn’t get along to a group with a leader and working together.
Meanwhile, Hope and Jin are taken captive along with Zack and Permelia. Zack is a huge guy and is also military trained but he is kept sedated through most of the book. Then the sidekick is Permelia! She is hilarious and not afraid of anything. She is not to be messed with though! She is an older woman who can kick butt! Hope sees the good in everyone and refuses to worry about things but tries to help those that have her captive to choose the right!
I enjoyed every aspect this book had! It was engaging, thoughtful, funny and sad and some moments were even a little like redemption. There were bad guys aplenty and it was interesting to see the turn of events. This book is great for anyone! It does have violence in it with the fighting and shooting.
I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
I wished I had known there was another story before this book about Hope and Matt. It doesn’t have to be read first but I would have liked to have read their story first.
This story is from the moment they adopt 2 children from China. One a baby girl (Jin), and the other a 13 year old boy (Peng) who could sneak off and get out of any lock and is good with gadgets.
The story is about their family, their faith in God, and with Matt’s backround in antiterrorism, things go south on a camping expedition with the scouts where some merceneries are trying to get all of Matt’s family to be given to someone and they needed to be all alive as part of a revenge. Matt’s other scout leader was a Delta (Ron). He always goes prepared for anything and it was nonstop action for the boys on the trip. (Some of it way too scarey for real life and some really kind of funny) The boys went to the trip as obnoxious teenagers who all didn’t get along to a group with a leader and working together.
Meanwhile, Hope and Jin are taken captive along with Zack and Permelia. Zack is a huge guy and is also military trained but he is kept sedated through most of the book. Then the sidekick is Permelia! She is hilarious and not afraid of anything. She is not to be messed with though! She is an older woman who can kick butt! Hope sees the good in everyone and refuses to worry about things but tries to help those that have her captive to choose the right!
I enjoyed every aspect this book had! It was engaging, thoughtful, funny and sad and some moments were even a little like redemption. There were bad guys aplenty and it was interesting to see the turn of events. This book is great for anyone! It does have violence in it with the fighting and shooting.
I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
January 29, 2017
I'm tired, so this may be a short review...but this was a really good book! I enjoyed it definitely as much as the first book, but there were definitely different themes and tones. I loved that despite it having a little bit of a darker tone to it, there was still plenty of humor.
I was a little bit confused about the actual plot at the end and what had actually happened, but that was probably because there was a week or so break between me reading most of the book and then finishing it, so I'm not going to lower my rating for that.
I really loved Peng and his relationship with Matt and Hope. He was awesome and really interesting to try to figure out. And all four of the scouts in their class were wonderful and funny and enjoyable to read about.
It was a really enjoyable read and I was quite happy about it. I would probably still say I like the first book better, but this one was still awesome, especially with the family themes and the new characters.
I was a little bit confused about the actual plot at the end and what had actually happened, but that was probably because there was a week or so break between me reading most of the book and then finishing it, so I'm not going to lower my rating for that.
I really loved Peng and his relationship with Matt and Hope. He was awesome and really interesting to try to figure out. And all four of the scouts in their class were wonderful and funny and enjoyable to read about.
It was a really enjoyable read and I was quite happy about it. I would probably still say I like the first book better, but this one was still awesome, especially with the family themes and the new characters.
September 3, 2016
This new release is a fast paced, thrilling, on the edge of your seat story! There was suspense and drama in every chapter with lots of twists. I couldn't put the book down until I read the entire thing!
The book had a steady, fast paced plot and all the characters were well written and most of them were likable. There were times I gasped and other times I laughed because some of the characters had spunk and determination.
I wouldn't recommend this book to young adults due to the violence, but it is "clean" story line with some mentions of God and faith through out.
I highly recommend this dramatic, suspenseful "Undercover Target" book but beware-once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.
The book had a steady, fast paced plot and all the characters were well written and most of them were likable. There were times I gasped and other times I laughed because some of the characters had spunk and determination.
I wouldn't recommend this book to young adults due to the violence, but it is "clean" story line with some mentions of God and faith through out.
I highly recommend this dramatic, suspenseful "Undercover Target" book but beware-once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.
August 30, 2016
What a fantastic story. I was hooked from the first page and had a hard time putting it down. The tension and suspense kept me on the edge the entire time. Everything from the adoption to the campout to the explosive battle at the end was extremely well done. Each character had a very unique, believable personality that planned an important role in the story. This is an exciting read that any and everyone would love, especially those suspense, adrenaline junkies, thriller people out there. I will definitely be finding his other book.
October 16, 2016
Great suspense/ mystery book that is action packed and very entertaining. Loved the continued characters from "Undercover Saint."
October 16, 2016
This book is a great read for YA and Adults, alike! It would be a fun book to read as a family, Book Club, or to a classroom of students.
As a former undercover agent, Matt Knight, has faced his biggest challenge yet...Fatherhood!
After adopting two children from a foreign country, the eldest child tests his parental skills which he feels deficient in anyway. In addition to being Peng's father, he also teaches him in Sunday youth meetings. Now, he is being asked to go on the "high adventure" scout trip with him! Little did anyone knw how challenging this scout trip would be for those on the trip and for those at home.
This fast moving adventure tale is filed with daring and humor! It has plenty of suspense and danger, yet, is a tale of building trust, and unity. It is a story of creating strong family ties and working together for the benefit of all. It is a story of forgiveness, too.
The characters are very believable and real. Words paint a picture of the scenes which become very visual.
Undercover Target is directed at an LDS audience but can be easily followed by most people.. It is "clean" and I highly recommend it for Book Clubs and Family or Classroom reading.
*I was gifted this book but am not obligated to post a review positive or othrwise.
As a former undercover agent, Matt Knight, has faced his biggest challenge yet...Fatherhood!
After adopting two children from a foreign country, the eldest child tests his parental skills which he feels deficient in anyway. In addition to being Peng's father, he also teaches him in Sunday youth meetings. Now, he is being asked to go on the "high adventure" scout trip with him! Little did anyone knw how challenging this scout trip would be for those on the trip and for those at home.
This fast moving adventure tale is filed with daring and humor! It has plenty of suspense and danger, yet, is a tale of building trust, and unity. It is a story of creating strong family ties and working together for the benefit of all. It is a story of forgiveness, too.
The characters are very believable and real. Words paint a picture of the scenes which become very visual.
Undercover Target is directed at an LDS audience but can be easily followed by most people.. It is "clean" and I highly recommend it for Book Clubs and Family or Classroom reading.
*I was gifted this book but am not obligated to post a review positive or othrwise.
January 19, 2026
This was a good book even though it had a little bit of a rocky start. I wasn’t very pleased that Matt didn’t even seem to be trying to form a connection with his adopted son. But, don’t worry, they get there eventually. The whole scout camp thing was hilarious. I also can’t even tell you how much I love Ron. He needs his own book!
We’re three sisters who love to read and are always on the hunt for clean books. Read our full review including language, violence/gore, and spice ratings on our blog Clean Reads with the Girlzzz
We’re three sisters who love to read and are always on the hunt for clean books. Read our full review including language, violence/gore, and spice ratings on our blog Clean Reads with the Girlzzz
July 3, 2017
I really need to rate this 4.5 stars. I think Holdaway is my new favorite author.
I don't think this book is as good as the first one, but it was still a page turner. It did became a coming of age book, he was working on 15 year old boys after all and saw the boys grow from their time at scout camp and what happened their.
Loved the many twist in the plot, they kept me interested in the story. As intense as the book was, it had many comic relief lines. And boys will be boys....complete with Easy Cheese.
I don't think this book is as good as the first one, but it was still a page turner. It did became a coming of age book, he was working on 15 year old boys after all and saw the boys grow from their time at scout camp and what happened their.
Loved the many twist in the plot, they kept me interested in the story. As intense as the book was, it had many comic relief lines. And boys will be boys....complete with Easy Cheese.
March 28, 2025
“It’s not about dying, it’s about living.”
Very intense and thrilling story. Lots of danher, violence, and threats of violence and murder. To balance it out, there are plenty of heart warming moments and introspection as to what’s important and seeing things through someone else’s view.
A lot of religious beliefs, references, and faith promoting experiences. From taking scouts on a high adventure, to SS- brings plenty of humor as well.
Very intense and thrilling story. Lots of danher, violence, and threats of violence and murder. To balance it out, there are plenty of heart warming moments and introspection as to what’s important and seeing things through someone else’s view.
A lot of religious beliefs, references, and faith promoting experiences. From taking scouts on a high adventure, to SS- brings plenty of humor as well.
December 15, 2024
This was a great action book. I love these books that have action but are still clean. I love how Hope never gave up on the bad guys turning good. That is one characteristic I need to gain. Some parts were pretty far fetched, but that's what made it good, and I really think those kinds of miracles happen in real life.
July 5, 2018
I did enjoy this book - the first (character introductions) was a little tough to get through, but it was good once the action started. It ended well with anticipation of what would be next. Being very familiar with 14-15 yr old boys helped me to relate and gave insight. Good book
September 2, 2018
This book was a little too unrealistic and predictable. The man in the story was not realistic, or at least I hope other people aren't that lacking of love for others. I wouldn't trust him with my scout on a camp out.
February 26, 2019
Another great story from this author. My husband and I listened to it together. The narrator was wonderful as well as the book. We enjoyed how it continued from the previous book bringing the characters into some character development opportunities.
Can be read as a stand alone.
Can be read as a stand alone.
February 1, 2025
This book felt similar to the end of the movie Follow Me Boys when the scout troop gets caught in the middle of war games. Except the stakes are way higher. The plot was definitely not predictable, but also never really felt suspenseful? I don't know. It wasn't really what I was looking for.
July 13, 2017
Even funnier then the first book. The suspense in is one keeps you guessing throw to the end. This is author is very talented!
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars
October 22, 2017
Not as funny as the first book with some more serious action/bad guy interaction but a good clean thriller! Some of those Utah scout trips are just as dangerous, I'm sure :)
February 7, 2018
Listened to this on CD. A pretty good story, with lots of plot twists.
September 4, 2018
Clean book. Has some violence. I liked the book. Did have a lot of deep thinking religious themes. Suspenseful and a few parts made me laugh.
September 22, 2018
Super funny
November 15, 2018
I’m a fan. Loved the humor the author uses.
September 8, 2020
Fun, quick read that has good action, humor and lessons.
December 29, 2021
I liked this A LOT better than the first book in the series. Couldn’t put it down!
March 8, 2024
3.5 is a better rating, just wasn’t quite a 4 star for me but I enjoy the development of the relationships in the story.
April 23, 2024
I feel like this book is better than book #1 of this series. I guess I’d better finish the series now and read book #3.
June 13, 2024
Good one! Lots of twists and turns
October 9, 2024
It had a few little issues, but it was a fun story. I didn't want to put it down. I had to share some of the funny parts. Quite enjoyable.
September 9, 2025
Excellent book. Lots of LDS references mixed with a great story. It felt very Traci Hunter Abramson. The violence and gore were more than hers but so was the church commentary.
March 8, 2017
A retired FBI anti-terrorist agent, Matt is living under the radar as a college professor. What he doesn't know is that there is a contract out for him and his family. The main characters from the first book play a part in this one, so I would recommend reading Undercover Saint before reading this one.
A fast paced book that pits good versus evil.
A fast paced book that pits good versus evil.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews