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Jonathan Grave #9
Final Target
Freelance operative Jonathan Grave faces his fiercest challenge yet in bestselling author John Gilstrap’s explosive new thriller . . .
The mission: Drop into the Mexican jungle, infiltrate a drug cartel’s compound, and extract a kidnapped DEA agent. But when Jonathan Grave and his partner, Boxers, retrieve the hostage and return to the exfil point, all hell breaks loose. Ambushed, abandoned, and attacked on all sides, their only hope of survival lies inside a remote orphanage where innocent children have been targeted for death.
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can’t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners—and leave no survivors . . .
“When you pick up a Gilstrap novel, one thing is always true—you are going to be entertained at a high rate of speed.” —Suspense Magazine
“If you like Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, you’ll love John Gilstrap.” —Gayle Lynds
“Gilstrap pushes every thriller button.” —San Francisco Chronicle
The mission: Drop into the Mexican jungle, infiltrate a drug cartel’s compound, and extract a kidnapped DEA agent. But when Jonathan Grave and his partner, Boxers, retrieve the hostage and return to the exfil point, all hell breaks loose. Ambushed, abandoned, and attacked on all sides, their only hope of survival lies inside a remote orphanage where innocent children have been targeted for death.
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can’t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners—and leave no survivors . . .
“When you pick up a Gilstrap novel, one thing is always true—you are going to be entertained at a high rate of speed.” —Suspense Magazine
“If you like Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, you’ll love John Gilstrap.” —Gayle Lynds
“Gilstrap pushes every thriller button.” —San Francisco Chronicle
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
518 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,215 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 26, 2017
Thank you to Net Galley, The publishers at the author for an ARC Copy.
My first book by this author, okay I know number 9 in the series. But with a chance on Net Galley to read another action author, I had to have a go.
Freelance operative Jonathan Grave faces his fiercest challenge yet in bestselling author John Gilstrap s explosive new thriller . . .
The mission: Drop into the Mexican jungle, infiltrate a drug cartel s compound, and extract a kidnapped DEA agent. But when Jonathan Grave and his partner, Boxers, retrieve the hostage and return to the exfil point, all hell breaks loose. Ambushed, abandoned, and attacked on all sides, their only hope of survival lies inside a remote orphanage where innocent children have been targeted for death.
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners and leave no survivors . . .
Good points and bad points.
Well the first one is my own fault starting on book number nine in the series.
Bad point is I have just finished Brad Thor and Ben Coes books which were both five stars, okay this author is good, but a step below the above mentioned.
This book started at a reasonably slow pace, from a story point of view, and for me getting to know the characters, they grew on me.
The pace did build half way through and kept at a good pace, with some good tension and some great action.
One character I really liked was Thomas, he really grew on me throughout the book. Enjoyed the sub stories especially with Gail, and the relationship between Bomber and Scorpion(Grave)
A four star book from me. Maybe I should read the first eight!
My first book by this author, okay I know number 9 in the series. But with a chance on Net Galley to read another action author, I had to have a go.
Freelance operative Jonathan Grave faces his fiercest challenge yet in bestselling author John Gilstrap s explosive new thriller . . .
The mission: Drop into the Mexican jungle, infiltrate a drug cartel s compound, and extract a kidnapped DEA agent. But when Jonathan Grave and his partner, Boxers, retrieve the hostage and return to the exfil point, all hell breaks loose. Ambushed, abandoned, and attacked on all sides, their only hope of survival lies inside a remote orphanage where innocent children have been targeted for death.
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners and leave no survivors . . .
Good points and bad points.
Well the first one is my own fault starting on book number nine in the series.
Bad point is I have just finished Brad Thor and Ben Coes books which were both five stars, okay this author is good, but a step below the above mentioned.
This book started at a reasonably slow pace, from a story point of view, and for me getting to know the characters, they grew on me.
The pace did build half way through and kept at a good pace, with some good tension and some great action.
One character I really liked was Thomas, he really grew on me throughout the book. Enjoyed the sub stories especially with Gail, and the relationship between Bomber and Scorpion(Grave)
A four star book from me. Maybe I should read the first eight!
July 4, 2017
Jonathan "Digger" Grave and his partner Boxers penetrate a Mexican drug cartel's lair to rescue their current PC (precious cargo), DEA agent Harry Dawkins, eliminating the competition and another unknown group of hostiles. Dawkins seems to be persona non grata, possessing information about U.S. support for kingpin of the Jungle Tigers, Alejandro Azul. Abandoned by their U.S. support team, the three Americans head to an orphanage that houses victims of Azul's violence. Digger's heart cannot abandon these kids and they head towards the Gulf where they hope their support team, headed by Venice Alexander, can arrange transportation home. Lots of action, killing, explosions, and governmental double dealing. Exciting, but I had to deduct a star because it's high time for Gilstrap to find a fresh plot.
February 17, 2021
The band was back together for this one with great result. Certainly one of my favorite Digger Grave books. Gilstrap really developed the secondary characters well, especially the primary kids. It was also cool that one story pivoted due to incredible circumstances on the ground.
Gilstrap also kept it real. Gunslinger came back a little to the dark side. She has been missed. Scorpion lost a little of his cool in places and acted on it appropriately in my opinion. I love this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
Gilstrap also kept it real. Gunslinger came back a little to the dark side. She has been missed. Scorpion lost a little of his cool in places and acted on it appropriately in my opinion. I love this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
May 11, 2021
Exciting-from beginning to end. The edge of your seat is where you'll find yourself as you navigate this book. A few themes that have permeated his last few books that make us realize that not all children are always safe. Enjoy and yes I have already queued up the next in the series.
January 18, 2018
Exceptional !Worth waiting for! What a pleasure to read!It had everything including cowboys and Indians, metaphorically speaking.
February 5, 2021
I've read Final Target by John Gilstrap. This is another great book in this series, I feel like I'm repeating myself but there is only two more to go then I'm up to date on the Scorpion tales. This had as usual a good story although it is often drugs and bad politicians. That's also true in real life. Still these are exciting and action filled and wonderfully humorous.
July 22, 2017
This one was slower than most of the Jonathan Grave adventures, but Digger and Big Guy are always well worth the read.
June 21, 2017
One of the things I love about John Gilstrap's writing is the realism. He clearly knows his stuff, and he sets it all up in a way that puts us in the midst of the action, so we feel it, hear it, and see it.
The plot here is straightforward. The suspense comes from the mishaps along the way, as the mission becomes more complicated than expected. We edge into conspiracy theory and political entanglement. A variety of narrators gives us breathing room away from the chaos, though I wasn't as enthralled with some of those aspects. For instance, and I'll be vague to avoid spoilers, I didn't understand their push to get a particular person involved when he was really useless to them in the given role.
We don't get a lot of character development with this story. That's partly because this is the 9th book in the series, but mostly due to this book being plot-driven. We're dropped in the midst of the action, and getting to know the characters is the side effect rather than the focus. Still, we're given enough background on the main characters so that the book can be read as a stand-alone.
I have to mention the treatment of Mexico, which, as the setting, is a big part of the story. On several occasions, the two main characters talk about how much they despise the country, making these comments in a judgmental, scornful way, blaming the country as a whole for the situation they're in. Yes, I know Mexico has a lot of problems. And, no, I'm not Mexican myself. But I was taken aback by the thinly disguised vitriol with these characters on this topic. Honestly, they came off as pompous, arrogant asses, which spoiled some of the appeal for me.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
The plot here is straightforward. The suspense comes from the mishaps along the way, as the mission becomes more complicated than expected. We edge into conspiracy theory and political entanglement. A variety of narrators gives us breathing room away from the chaos, though I wasn't as enthralled with some of those aspects. For instance, and I'll be vague to avoid spoilers, I didn't understand their push to get a particular person involved when he was really useless to them in the given role.
We don't get a lot of character development with this story. That's partly because this is the 9th book in the series, but mostly due to this book being plot-driven. We're dropped in the midst of the action, and getting to know the characters is the side effect rather than the focus. Still, we're given enough background on the main characters so that the book can be read as a stand-alone.
I have to mention the treatment of Mexico, which, as the setting, is a big part of the story. On several occasions, the two main characters talk about how much they despise the country, making these comments in a judgmental, scornful way, blaming the country as a whole for the situation they're in. Yes, I know Mexico has a lot of problems. And, no, I'm not Mexican myself. But I was taken aback by the thinly disguised vitriol with these characters on this topic. Honestly, they came off as pompous, arrogant asses, which spoiled some of the appeal for me.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
June 16, 2017
A Superbly Crafted Thriller That Will Leave You Craving More!
Alejandro Azul, the leader of a drug cartel, innovates unthinkable ways to torture and execute those who cross him and Jonathan and Boxers have just become his next targets. During a conventional hostage extraction of a DEA agent in the Mexican jungle, things go south. Someone from their own team sabotages Jonathan and Boxers, causing them to seek refuge in a nearby orphanage in an attempt to protect their precious cargo, the DEA agent, Harry Dawkins. But when the orphanage comes under attack their only option is to fight––killing the brother of Alejandro Azul in the process. With orphan’s––now marked for death––in tow, and Alejandro's jungle tiger's closing in, the team must cross over a hundred miles of dangerous jungle to safety. Fueled by heart-pounding combat, unthinkable torture, political corruption, and suspense that will twist your insides, FINAL TARGET is a non-stop, action-packed thrill ride. The witty and sometimes sarcastic banter between the characters gives a balanced levity to this superbly crafted thriller that will leave you craving more.
~ Kris Miller, certified TopShelf Reviewer. TopShelf Magazine does not offer 'paid review services’ and TopShelf Reviewers are not compensated for their reviews.
Alejandro Azul, the leader of a drug cartel, innovates unthinkable ways to torture and execute those who cross him and Jonathan and Boxers have just become his next targets. During a conventional hostage extraction of a DEA agent in the Mexican jungle, things go south. Someone from their own team sabotages Jonathan and Boxers, causing them to seek refuge in a nearby orphanage in an attempt to protect their precious cargo, the DEA agent, Harry Dawkins. But when the orphanage comes under attack their only option is to fight––killing the brother of Alejandro Azul in the process. With orphan’s––now marked for death––in tow, and Alejandro's jungle tiger's closing in, the team must cross over a hundred miles of dangerous jungle to safety. Fueled by heart-pounding combat, unthinkable torture, political corruption, and suspense that will twist your insides, FINAL TARGET is a non-stop, action-packed thrill ride. The witty and sometimes sarcastic banter between the characters gives a balanced levity to this superbly crafted thriller that will leave you craving more.
~ Kris Miller, certified TopShelf Reviewer. TopShelf Magazine does not offer 'paid review services’ and TopShelf Reviewers are not compensated for their reviews.
May 23, 2019
Really enjoyed my first Jonathan Grave adventure!! Looking forward to reading a lot more!!
January 5, 2024
Another edge of your seat ride by John Gilstrap.
February 3, 2020
This action thriller was: slightly above average.
April 7, 2022
Book Review - As an author of action/suspense thrillers, John Gilstrap is consistently good at writing consistently good stories, especially with his Jonathan Grave series. Book 9, “Final Target” in the series is an outstanding read. It is set mostly in Mexico where a murderous drug kingpin kills people for his own entertainment. In this story, Jonathan Grave and his partner ‘Boxers’, are sent to Mexico to rescue a DEA agent kidnapped by a drug cartel. After retrieving the federal agent, they are then hunted them down by the drug lord while trying to escape. They take refuge in an orphanage and later try to escape again but this time with the orphanage children in tow because Grave knows the children will be killed if left behind. There is a bit of conflict between Grave and Boxers because Boxers’ priority is to save the ‘precious cargo’ (PC) - the DEA agent and Grave can't leave children behind to die. Gilstrap developed a richer character of ‘Scorpion’, code name for Grave in this tale and a more sensitive and emotional character for ‘Big Guy’ (Boxers) as well. Their character development fir this narrative was very well done without either losing any of their ‘badass’ attitude. I love this storyline with its twist and turns, suspense, and action. The pace complimented the plot and the ending was explosive! Again, Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series is consistently good and Final Target is proof of the consistency.
October 11, 2023
My review for this book isn't here anymore. By now, October 2023, I've read about ten books by John Gilstrap. As much as I like these books I like the ones about Victoria Emerson even more!
The books about Jonathan Graves are a bit too similar while each of the books about Victoria Emerson are very different.
I suggest starting from the beginning with this series.
The books about Jonathan Graves are a bit too similar while each of the books about Victoria Emerson are very different.
I suggest starting from the beginning with this series.
June 20, 2017
Adventure action novel of a couple of private security guys/mercs dropped off in Mexico to recover an American who's been captured by a drug gang.
Spoilers below:
The writing is easy to read and follow and I got into the story right away. The plot is that the mission goes wrong, a extraction team has to be sent in and the home team has to figure out what went wrong.
The big problem for me was the way the book split into the different narratives: the initial rescue team, the extraction team and the home team. The transition between the narratives was too abrupt and it was annoying to follow the story of one team and then have to start from scratch into another story and then again into the third. I understand that that is the plot but there just wasn't enough meat in each story to make them so separate and it wasn't written in a way that the 3 narratives could be segued naturally into each other.
In the end, I thought the first narrative of the rescue mission was the most interesting and I liked the action at the end of this narrative. The extraction narrative was too detailed and could have been cut short without losing the story, in fact I thought this whole part was unnecessary and took away from the book. The home team narrative was ok as it explained the story. The way it was written, each of the narratives could have been read as a novella itself.
So overall, it was a good plot but poorly choreographed. I liked the book but if others in the series are all like this, I wouldn't read them; there are plenty of other better books.
I got this book as a free ARC.
Spoilers below:
The writing is easy to read and follow and I got into the story right away. The plot is that the mission goes wrong, a extraction team has to be sent in and the home team has to figure out what went wrong.
The big problem for me was the way the book split into the different narratives: the initial rescue team, the extraction team and the home team. The transition between the narratives was too abrupt and it was annoying to follow the story of one team and then have to start from scratch into another story and then again into the third. I understand that that is the plot but there just wasn't enough meat in each story to make them so separate and it wasn't written in a way that the 3 narratives could be segued naturally into each other.
In the end, I thought the first narrative of the rescue mission was the most interesting and I liked the action at the end of this narrative. The extraction narrative was too detailed and could have been cut short without losing the story, in fact I thought this whole part was unnecessary and took away from the book. The home team narrative was ok as it explained the story. The way it was written, each of the narratives could have been read as a novella itself.
So overall, it was a good plot but poorly choreographed. I liked the book but if others in the series are all like this, I wouldn't read them; there are plenty of other better books.
I got this book as a free ARC.
July 5, 2017
I pre-ordered this novel, because I've enjoyed the entire Jonathan Grave series. I downloaded Final Target two days ago, and now it's done. I know some people go through a book in a day or two, but that's not usually me. But Final Target had me staying up too late so I could see what happened next.
There are plenty of authors working in this genre, where the protagonist is someone (in this case, two someones) with extraordinary skills they put to work in the extra-judicial delivery of justice. For me, these books can be a fun escape in a world that's much less black-and-white than these novels. The real difference in John Gilstrap's work is that his characters are interesting people with some depth. You care about them, and you trust that they're on the side of the angels.
Without getting into too much detail, for fear of giving away important plot points, Final Target pits our guys against some truly brutal criminals, as well as some more privileged--but greedy--individuals who are helping them. We go along on a long trek to try to find safety and keep the bad guys at bay. This was a fun book. In fact, I went on to read the teaser at the end for the next book, Scorpion Strike. That got me interested enough that I went to Barnes & Noble online to see if I can pre-order it, as I did with Final Target. Too soon for that, it seems, but I'll be on it as soon as it's available! John Gilstrap is a good author who writes entertaining books! If you're not a fan already, give him a try!
There are plenty of authors working in this genre, where the protagonist is someone (in this case, two someones) with extraordinary skills they put to work in the extra-judicial delivery of justice. For me, these books can be a fun escape in a world that's much less black-and-white than these novels. The real difference in John Gilstrap's work is that his characters are interesting people with some depth. You care about them, and you trust that they're on the side of the angels.
Without getting into too much detail, for fear of giving away important plot points, Final Target pits our guys against some truly brutal criminals, as well as some more privileged--but greedy--individuals who are helping them. We go along on a long trek to try to find safety and keep the bad guys at bay. This was a fun book. In fact, I went on to read the teaser at the end for the next book, Scorpion Strike. That got me interested enough that I went to Barnes & Noble online to see if I can pre-order it, as I did with Final Target. Too soon for that, it seems, but I'll be on it as soon as it's available! John Gilstrap is a good author who writes entertaining books! If you're not a fan already, give him a try!
July 14, 2017
Final Target by John Gilstrap
Johnathan Grave #9
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book through NetGalley since I loved the other books I had read in the beginning of the series. I eagerly looked forward to reading it only to have the app to read it with stop working on my computer. So…with diligence I eventually managed to get the app up and running again only to realize that this book, filled with action and people and no doubt a good story was not one that I was up to reading this hot muggy summer. This has happened to me in the past and I remember well being unable to read The Hunt for Red October at one point in time only to devour it a few years later. Not wanting to leave NetGalley and the publisher without a review I did skim a bit and realized that I will enjoy the book in the future…just not before my time to read it in expires. So, I will not give a final star value to the book, since I have not read all of it, but will post this comment and thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC they so generously extended to me. From what I did read I would guess my rating would be a minimum of a 3 but more likely a 4 or 5.
Johnathan Grave #9
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book through NetGalley since I loved the other books I had read in the beginning of the series. I eagerly looked forward to reading it only to have the app to read it with stop working on my computer. So…with diligence I eventually managed to get the app up and running again only to realize that this book, filled with action and people and no doubt a good story was not one that I was up to reading this hot muggy summer. This has happened to me in the past and I remember well being unable to read The Hunt for Red October at one point in time only to devour it a few years later. Not wanting to leave NetGalley and the publisher without a review I did skim a bit and realized that I will enjoy the book in the future…just not before my time to read it in expires. So, I will not give a final star value to the book, since I have not read all of it, but will post this comment and thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC they so generously extended to me. From what I did read I would guess my rating would be a minimum of a 3 but more likely a 4 or 5.
March 8, 2018
Final Target is the first of the Jonathan Graves novels that has left a dangling end towards a perhaps specific sequel.
John Gilstrap is an impressive guy OUTSIDE of being an outstanding thriller writer, and it's clear from his characters preparation and though processes that Gilstrap knows what he's writing about. That makes for such a better book.
Final Target has a much more serious plot line in that it involves the lives of children. Consequently, there is (appropriately, thank you) much less light banter between the characters. Oftentimes authors keep their characters IN character and write the story around the character. In Final Target the characters are deftly adapted for the seriousness of the story. Great job, J.G.
This story is also about finding trust in those you know and those who are new to you and being trusted in return: the children and Jonathan, Jonathan and the children (yes they are two separate things), Gail and her instincts, Jesse and his father. It was done beautifully.
5 stars, A+
Note: Scorpion Strike comes out in June!
John Gilstrap is an impressive guy OUTSIDE of being an outstanding thriller writer, and it's clear from his characters preparation and though processes that Gilstrap knows what he's writing about. That makes for such a better book.
Final Target has a much more serious plot line in that it involves the lives of children. Consequently, there is (appropriately, thank you) much less light banter between the characters. Oftentimes authors keep their characters IN character and write the story around the character. In Final Target the characters are deftly adapted for the seriousness of the story. Great job, J.G.
This story is also about finding trust in those you know and those who are new to you and being trusted in return: the children and Jonathan, Jonathan and the children (yes they are two separate things), Gail and her instincts, Jesse and his father. It was done beautifully.
5 stars, A+
Note: Scorpion Strike comes out in June!
June 11, 2023
Another Jonathan Grave novel
I liked the less focus on Venace and the more focus on Gail and her morality. I missed Dom and the sheriff. I loved Tomas and Angela and the father and son. I hope to see a little blurb on what happened to all of them
Plot : Boxers and Digger are sent to Mexico to rescue a DEA agent held hostage by a drug cartel. Two different groups of people seem to know about their rescue plans and their helicopter left without them. Someone in the USA government is leaking intel to the cartel Meanwhile they go to an orphanage to see about the leaking intel in Mexico and find out the orphans are all there because of one cartel leader who after killing entire families leaves one surviving child to put in the orphanage to tell the evils of what happens when you do not follow him. Boxers and Digger know the cartel will kill the kids once it realizes that they were there so in trying to get out of Mexico they take the orphans with them in their hike across miles to escape the country. lots of killing and blowing up stuff.
I liked the less focus on Venace and the more focus on Gail and her morality. I missed Dom and the sheriff. I loved Tomas and Angela and the father and son. I hope to see a little blurb on what happened to all of them
Plot : Boxers and Digger are sent to Mexico to rescue a DEA agent held hostage by a drug cartel. Two different groups of people seem to know about their rescue plans and their helicopter left without them. Someone in the USA government is leaking intel to the cartel Meanwhile they go to an orphanage to see about the leaking intel in Mexico and find out the orphans are all there because of one cartel leader who after killing entire families leaves one surviving child to put in the orphanage to tell the evils of what happens when you do not follow him. Boxers and Digger know the cartel will kill the kids once it realizes that they were there so in trying to get out of Mexico they take the orphans with them in their hike across miles to escape the country. lots of killing and blowing up stuff.
May 20, 2017
I do love a good adventure novel and have enjoyed the entire Johnathan Graves series. I wasn't keen on this book as it started like so many others, a search and rescue in the jungle and turns into "an escape from the jungle and drug lords" novel. However, in my opinion it developed into a novel that gives the reader more insight into Digger's character than any previous novels. Gail returns and there is some information shared about their relationship past and perhaps future? The adventure in this novel is not as fast paced as in others, but it introduces new characters in Tomas, Jesse and Dave that I hope we see again. While Digger and Boxer are trying to get out of the jungle, Gail is working the mystery in the US trying to learn more about the precious cargo (PC), the drug trade and political activities. In the end, the novel is satisfying and leaves me waiting for the next one to be published.
July 19, 2017
Another great book by one of my favorite authors. Scorpion & Big Guy are in Mexico to rescue a DEA agent. Harry Dawkins is being held buy the Jungle Tigers cartel. Get the agent and go to the exfil point. All of a sudden exfil help has disappeared. Dawkins was asked about an orphange that they decide is where they need to be next. There are two caretakers and 15 orphans there. Cartel guys show up and all of a sudden the orphans need a place to go so now running from the cartel and getting to a pick up point is all they can work toward.
Gail and Mother Hen are working to find out what went wrong back in Virginia. Lots going on and many people involved. Great read that keeps taking turns at every page.
Gail and Mother Hen are working to find out what went wrong back in Virginia. Lots going on and many people involved. Great read that keeps taking turns at every page.
July 6, 2017
I have only recently discovered John Gilstrap and I'm glad that I finally did. This was the second book I've read in this series and I was thoroughly entertained.
This book was intense with all the action trying to avoid this narcissistic and scary Mexican cartel leader and his legions of thugs. He even had the Mexican police on his side. The orphanage children also played a big role in this book.
Lots of action, plot twists, and characters used to capture the DEA man that had been abducted makes this a great read!
Thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This book was intense with all the action trying to avoid this narcissistic and scary Mexican cartel leader and his legions of thugs. He even had the Mexican police on his side. The orphanage children also played a big role in this book.
Lots of action, plot twists, and characters used to capture the DEA man that had been abducted makes this a great read!
Thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 22, 2018
i really like this series.
unfortunately, i didn't enjoy this one as much as i have the previous others.
i had trouble getting into it. not sure why. i think it was b/c this one didn't move as quickly as the others had. also, there was more technical stuff in this one (ie. type of gun descriptions)
also, i had trouble w/empathy for some of the characters. (ie. the kids, the PC)
j
jonathon & boomer are still great characters. i like gail (gunslinger) so i'm glad she was brought back in this one. and as usual, it feels researched enough to give that sense of realism.
but it's still worth reading b/c it's a good series.
i look forward to the next one.
unfortunately, i didn't enjoy this one as much as i have the previous others.
i had trouble getting into it. not sure why. i think it was b/c this one didn't move as quickly as the others had. also, there was more technical stuff in this one (ie. type of gun descriptions)
also, i had trouble w/empathy for some of the characters. (ie. the kids, the PC)
j
jonathon & boomer are still great characters. i like gail (gunslinger) so i'm glad she was brought back in this one. and as usual, it feels researched enough to give that sense of realism.
but it's still worth reading b/c it's a good series.
i look forward to the next one.
February 4, 2018
Two special agents trek thru Mexican jungle to rescue DEA agent held by drug cartel. The tech advantages Jonathan and Boxers have available, eye in the sky, radio connections back home & with each other, helicopter in place are incredible. Things go wrong, but the reader early on has confidence in their abilities. Surprise, follows twists in the plot. When a group of orphans are caught in the middle of prisoner's extraction, things really become difficult. Just prior to becoming escorts of 10 kids, their back up helicopter disappears. Very good. Brutal in places, but what else can be expected of drug cartel story? Well done.
February 5, 2018
3.5 stars. Entertaining, but much of the story was predictable. The ending was very abrupt, and then very little wrap up. Bang - bang - boom - the end. It would make a good movie, but as a book it would be nice if the ending had felt more "finished".
The author makes it clear that he hates liberals, Mexico, and immigrants, even as he works to smuggle undocumented Mexican orphans into the US. Not sure how that all works out, but I guess that was discussed in the ending to the book that we didn't get.
This series seems to have a pattern of an entertaining action-packed 85%, followed by an abrupt disappointing end. 4 stars, marked down for the ending and the political attacks.
The author makes it clear that he hates liberals, Mexico, and immigrants, even as he works to smuggle undocumented Mexican orphans into the US. Not sure how that all works out, but I guess that was discussed in the ending to the book that we didn't get.
This series seems to have a pattern of an entertaining action-packed 85%, followed by an abrupt disappointing end. 4 stars, marked down for the ending and the political attacks.
December 14, 2023
"The mission: Drop into the Mexican jungle, infiltrate a drug cartel’s compound, and extract a kidnapped DEA agent. But when Jonathan Grave and his partner, Boxers, retrieve the hostage and return to the exfil point, all hell breaks loose. Ambushed, abandoned, and attacked on all sides, their only hope of survival lies inside a remote orphanage where innocent children have been targeted for death.
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can’t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners—and leave no survivors ."
Even if Grave can lead his precious cargo to safety across a hundred miles of treacherous jungle filled with enemies, he can’t shake the feeling that something bigger is at play. A vast conspiracy of international power players who take no prisoners—and leave no survivors ."
March 10, 2019
Supposedly a thriller. More like run, Jane and Dick, run with lots of dead bodies. Getting kids out of Mexico, running from drug cartels, and sleazy ... anyway. If this is a beach read great: enjoy, otherwise, skip this slow plotted character thin slog; not one of the author's best efforts in plotting and interest factor. Interesting people, nope, tired dialogue - check, read other books simultaneously - check, as in reading one chapter at a time is a enough. By the way, I have read most of this author's books on this narrative, so color me a disappointed reader.
August 21, 2020
Dig and Boxer are in Mexico to extract a DEA agent from a cartel. Turns out it's a setup and those who hired them have no interest in any of the 3 of them surviving.
Venice leads them to an orphanage as their first step in escaping Mexico. Orphanage good, those running it not so much. Lots of contraband weapons and explosives are stored in the cellar for the cartel.
Bottom line Boxer gets to do what he does best and the whole place goes boom.
The book is the tale of their fighting retreat
Venice leads them to an orphanage as their first step in escaping Mexico. Orphanage good, those running it not so much. Lots of contraband weapons and explosives are stored in the cellar for the cartel.
Bottom line Boxer gets to do what he does best and the whole place goes boom.
The book is the tale of their fighting retreat
June 27, 2017
Phenomenal body count. Action-packed. Amusing repartee keeps the bloodshed from becoming overwhelming. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review. Not the typical cozy mystery that I normally read. I do like to mix it up with some action occasionally. This certainly had plenty. I look forward to reading more in this series, but I will not be snacking during the blood and guts descriptions next time.
August 7, 2017
Final Target is the latest Jonathan Graves thriller from John Gilstrap. "Digger and Boxer rescue a DEA agent from drug cartel thugs. But their support abandoned them in the jungle. So now they must move a hundred kilometers through the jungle aling with 14 kids from an orphanage and their PC to get home alive." Plenty of trademark Gilstrap action. This book also delves more into some sticky questions of right and wrong. Another good one from Gilstrap. And finally a hardcover!
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