Protocol One

Special Agent Jana Baker #1

by Nathan A. Goodman

The first casualty of terror is innocence
When Jana Baker first landed the internship of a lifetime, she never imagined walking into a pit of terrorists. But when a secretive federal agent approaches her, she learns the truth and has no choice but to infiltrate their plot. As Agent Stone tries to protect her, Jana pushes past the outer edges of peril only to find herself clinging for life.

Protocol One is the first book in Nathan Goodman's bestselling Special Agent Jana Baker Spy-Thriller Series and features high-adrenaline suspense, surprising plot twists, and a kick-ass female heroine.

Pick up a copy today and find out what tens of thousands of readers have already discovered.

Genres: Thriller, Action

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2017

About the author

Nathan A. Goodman is a husband and father of two daughters, and lives in the United States. His novels include The Fourteenth Protocol, an FBI/terrorist thriller, and it's sequel. Get a free copy at at NathanAGoodman.com

Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending his church, and the quiet solitude afforded by writing.


A terrorist on the loose, a country in panic, and time is running out.
After an eleventh terrorist attack, the American people are at a breaking point. But when a fledgling special agent stumbles across the one clue that could break the case wide open, she uncovers a secret CIA spy operation and becomes the only asset that can stop it.
Get a free copy at NathanAGoodman.com


What do you see when the demons come?
For Special Agent Jana Baker, fear has a face. Terrorist Waseem Jarrah steals a nuclear weapon, and Jana’s swirling nightmare begins again. He’s got the United States in his crosshairs, and Baker might be the only asset that can stop him. But Jarrah is way ahead in the game, and Jana’s terrifying flashbacks begin to scratch at her psyche. If she doesn’t gain control of them, the next scream she hears may be her own.


Twinkle will tug at your every heartstring and tickle your soul.

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting short story.

Nathan Goodman created new character, she's strong and doesn't turn her back and run away from the danger. Smart and clever. Hired as intern but job put her in great danger. One side brothers trying to manipulate the oil trading, on the other side FBI, SEC. If you're looking for a short but really good thriller, this is the book.

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...not bad.

(By the way, I know some people hate the use of "..." but I find it conveys a pause that differs from the use of a coma, especially when a coma is not called for anyway.)

This is the first book in a series about (and there's no spoiler here as going into the book and knowing it's a series you'll know this) a material witness who will eventually become an FBI agent. The ending sets this up.

Throughout this short book we see the "witness" get into the position of being a witness and then moving forward into solving...things.

Not a bad book but it really didn't draw me in. I had no trouble finishing it but I simply wasn't all that involved. Will I follow the series? I don't really know yet. Maybe try it yourself. I'm at best a little lukewarm on this one.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story that kept me on the edge of my toes wondering how things would turn out. It was a very late night read I didn’t want to put it down. I really loved Jana she is strong, stands on her own two feet as she goes undercover in her new job. I really enjoyed how the story unfolds giving some very intense reading with lots of action and is a very fast pace full of excitement with hold your breath moments. I really enjoyed reading how Jane became an FBI agent we have seen her in action before but this goes more into her past and what drives her. It might be a short read but do not plan on starting it in the evening you won’t be able to put it down. If you are looking for a thrilling read that keeps you invested this is the one for you.
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[Desiree reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First i got this as review for book

The book is involved with the CI A by intercepting messages What is happening now i am tracking a women with bug on her I worked for the company i am geek and have the smarts and i am a intern at the company

Now a virus is going to be planted on a computer and then it will destroy the Untied states power and then the computer for business and CIA and FBi .


Well i went to work for a company and they are pair of guys who are not that good they steal
money and now they want me to move money around form over sea bank and then other places and then the guy i call stone come over wake me up at 1 30 am and tell me they can not hear
nothing in my apt so we talk and then dad give me another bug

I call him dad and then i got to get up and go to work for them and then you see i am good at what i am doing i have a broker license and then keep track what they are going to do the owner has a great eye but his cousin want to have sex but that not going to happen


you will have to read this book and it is a great read

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jana Baker, fresh out of college, lands a job in a multinational corporation in New York City where she is tasked with moving moneys around and setting accounts. One morning when she stops for coffee and a shop near her building she is startled by a hand on her shoulder. She turns to see a older man who proceeds to speak to her, recounting almost her whole life story. Thus begins a relationship with an FBI Special Agent who comes to resembles her late grandfather. It seems that the company she is working on has been on the FBI's terrorist radar for sometime and they recruit her to gather and pass on some inside information to help their case. The two heads of the company are in the midst of a extensive plot against American Company oil facilities in the middle East and to make a killing in the market with inside information. Not a bad read, kept my interest and already started on a second book by the author.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining introduction to Jana Baker, a twenty something corporate intern who gets recruited by the FBI as an undercover mole in a possible terrorist plot by her employers. Jana gets into her role with enthusiasm, guts and a commitment to her FBI handler and father figure, Special Agent Stone. Book #1 is well written with humor, action and strong character development.

[Cat Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding! Great character building; took enough time to understand Jana's strength and her sense of fair play. I could tell what she would choose as her career choice and look forward to seeing her, as well as Agent Stone, in future books. I have another author to help fill my retirement hours!

I was gifted this book by the author in return for an honest review. Good job and well done 👍🏻👍🏻

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana Baker is AWESOME! And so is author, Nathan Goodman. This tightly plotted, well written thriller is full of action and suspense with a minimum of blood and guts and perversion. Bravo!!

[Roger Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Nathan Goodman needs oh one more for the perfect grand .

Author Goodman has an amazing way of making us feel like we are right there with the heroine the entire time. His style will leaving you sleepless until the novel is completed, as well as wanting more. His mastery of the spy thriller is above all other authors in this genre. I just hope he continues with this character! Simply amazing Mr. Goodman. Bravo!

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick suspenseful tale that lets us see Jana Baker obtaining her first job after college ,her excitement and interest in stock trading. However immediately there is a strange problem,as a man she never met approaches her in a coffee shop with knowledge he should not have. The story drags you in right away,with a great plot and constant action as Jana makes a decision that will change her life. A super addition to the Jana Baker Spy series,loved getting the background on our heroine.

[Heather Ragland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protocol One by Nathan Goodman

Reviewed By Heather Ragland

The CEO and CFO of the Petrolsoft Corporation, driven by the code of Jihad, are determined to execute an act of terrorism. The executives employ Jana Baker to help them with their plan. Unfortunately, the new hire is unaware of their devious plot. Not long after Baker takes her new position, the ambitious Georgetown graduate is approached by a mysterious stranger. The unusual encounter ends up changing the course of Baker’s life forever.

The major themes in Protocol One deal with the issues of terrorism, insider trading, and spying. As the story is told from the third person point of view, great dialogue and detailed background information about the characters are combined to reveal a well thought out story that is very intriguing. The author has created characters that are easy to identify with or easy to detest.

Baker’s background reveals poignant information about her family life, education and why she decides to work for the Petrolsoft Corporation. After her history is revealed, it is clear why she takes a position at the company.

A lot of insight is given about the mysterious man who approaches Baker. He provides information about why he decided to take on his position and what he loves about his work. There is also a lot of interesting information about his personal life. There is no doubt his personality and experiences are directly linked to the way he behaves toward others.

Readers will definitely chuckle and laugh during the story due to the rapport Baker has with the mystery-man. Her quick wit creates several comical moments. Many of the comments she makes about her situation and the people she interacts with are also very funny.

At times, there is great tension between characters. Some interactions will make readers cringe. There is no doubt that both of the antagonists are arrogant and loyal to their cause. Their plan is very disturbing. The way they interact with Baker will probably unsettle most readers. One of the characters makes sexual advances toward her. He asks Baker sleazy questions and talks to her in a disrespectful way. In some instances, readers may want to bathe thoroughly after these conversations.

There are vivid descriptions of the characters’ surroundings. It is easy to envision some of the sights, sounds, and smells of each setting and the characters immediate environments. There is a stark contrast between Baker’s working-class lifestyle and the posh offices and residences of the antagonists.

Some history about Al-Qaeda is revealed during the story, but one of the characters doesn’t seem to know the country of a well-know terrorist. It is not clear if the author is uninformed or if the mistake is made because it is a flaw of one of the characters.

One of the reasons readers may find this to be an enjoyable read is the way in which the author has constructed the story to ratchet up the tension caused by the antagonists’ plot. What occurs in major scenes stirs concern for Baker because their plan directly affects her safety. Readers may also worry about the fact that she may suffer because of her perilous situation.

I would definitely recommend this thriller to readers who enjoy stories about the fight against terrorism. To continue to follow Jana Baker’s story, read The Fourteenth Protocol, which is the next book in the Special Agent Jana Baker Spy-Thriller Series.

Goodman has written a very good story, which is why I give Protocol One 4 out of 5 stars.

I was given a free copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewer Note: The majority of Muslims are not terrorists. Many Muslims are law-abiding citizens who care about the safety of their families and others.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, both in terms of length and style. The story is about Jana Baker, a young woman who takes an internship at a Wall Street company that turns out to be run by terrorists. She is recruited as a witness by the FBI and ends up taking some significant and daring risks to ensure the bad guys do not triumph. The story was quite short and felt like a teaser for the further books in this series, which I presume are Jana’s adventures as an actual FBI agent.

Overall, this book had an enjoyable plot that fits well within its genre, with a slight twist at the end. I enjoyed Jana’s determination and bravery, as well as with her ability to use the one villain’s weaknesses against him. However, I did wish the characters were a bit more developed, as one element dominated the book for me. It was made very clear multiple times and by multiple characters that Jana is incredibly beautiful. Although I recognise that the villain’s lecherousness is part of his character, it did feel a little one dimensional. Furthermore, I disliked the section where a college friend tells Jana that she can’t be friends with women because they’re jealous of her good looks - not, in my opinion, a good stereotype. Overall, while I understand the author’s intentions, I found this a little heavy handed and I think that future books in this series could benefit from the characters being developed further.

Thank you to Nathan Goodman and Voracious Readers Only for the free review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book.

[Nicole Sterling · Rating 2 out of 5]

For this to be a book about espionage, I find it quite lacking. I didn't feel like we ever really knew the details about what was going on, which seems like it would be important. When I think of a "spy thriller," I think of lots of details and in-depth reasons for the actions of the people being spied on. With this being a short Kindle book, I guess I should have known it wouldn't be able to go too in-depth, but I still expected more, especially with the high ratings from many other readers.

I didn't realize until after I read it that it was not technically the first book in the Special Agent Jana Baker Spy-Thriller Series, as it is proclaimed, but a prequel just recently released after the "first" three books were written. I guess the author wrote this for the people who had previously read his series & wanted some insight into how Jana Baker got into the FBI. However, if that's the case, it should be listed as #0.5 in the series, not #1, because after reading this, I was not interested in reading the "future" novels. After seeing the higher reviews for books #2-4, and seeing that they are full-length novels, I might consider giving the series another chance. Still, that doesn't change my opinion of this novella. I wasn't able to get truly invested in the characters or have real feelings of animosity towards the bad guys, because there just wasn't enough to the story to draw me in.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from VRO in exchange for an honest review.

Tension filled and exciting is how I would describe this book. Yes, it is short so it lacks a lot of character development and some background information -- for instance, Why did the "bad guys" act the way they did? Why did Jenna, the MC, so quickly adopt everything the Agent Stone told her in their initial meeting without any hesitation? Why did Agent Stone divulge so much secret information about the case to Jenna? Why would an intern have access to so much information? Okay, but putting all of this aside, if you just go with it and enjoy the ride, it is a nice quick thrill ride -- okay not a Six Flags thrill ride but definitely a fun ride. There is a lot of action and tense moments as Jenna gets more involved in the case, which kept me reading late into the night. As this is the beginning of a series, I suspect that the MC Jenna and Agent Stone will be developed further. I am interested to see Jenna on her next case.

[L.C. Wilder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing meant for 3rd grade children by the way it reads though with rather adult themes that betray its intended reading group from the superficially of the dialogue and with the plot bearing a laughable resemblance to what a child thinks adult life is like and what the FBI does.

It's Patriotic War on Terror propagandistic drivel that was published way later than when those sentiments were popular and accepted. The book is horribly dated all around and follows a female character so clearly "written by a man" in the worst ways that I'm surprised he even bothered.

The author probably did it for his daughters as the back jacket mentions. In which case I'd consider that child abuse with how poorly she's written.

I'm glad it was short and the chapters even shorter than most books intentionally written for elementary children. Saved on space and just let me get it over even faster so I don't need to spend another moment with this terrible novel and its dialogue that is as generic as a laundry detergent commercial, hallelujah.

[Judy Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I have to say, this book was a bit shorter than many of the books I usually read. But it was certainly not short on action or excitement. The reader is thrown right into the action in the very first chapter and the pace doesn’t stop until the last chapter - which proves you don’t need a lot of words to make a huge impact. The characters are so engaging and well written that I found myself smitten with both Jana and Chuck from the very beginning. Their teasing interplay is particularly entertaining and added just the right touch of levity. Combined with the sometimes nail-biting tension and fast-paced action and you have a thrilling roller coaster of a read. This is an awesome book! I highly recommend it. And I look forward to reading other books in the series. I am definitely going to add this author to my list of must-read authors.

[Walter Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want a weapon and I want to be trained how to use it.”

Jana Baker just wants to do well when she heads for her interview with Petrosoft. Getting roped into an FBI investigation would seem to be a needless distraction, or maybe even dangerous.
Jana has no FBI training. No Krav Maga, handgun or sniper experience, counter-surveillance savvy, or high-speed driving ability. The FBI is well intentioned, but it quickly realizes that it will be unable to provide the level of protection Jana was promised. What happens next makes for a very good read.
The rating is kind of a 4.5 star rounded-up. But I also bought the Jana Baker bundle of the first four novels. Nathan Goodman is well worth checking out.

[Peter Earle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is our introduction, and that of the FBI, to Jana Baker, a determined young woman who gets the internship of her dreams as PA to Petrolsoft’s billionaire CEO, Runa Dima. Petrolsoft is a software company with fingers in the oil futures pie, going from strength to strength. Dima’s cousin, Jeffrey, is a womaniser that makes the position not as attractive as it might have been, but Jana feels she can handle him. She is followed by a mysterious man who, despite her earlier suspicions, turns out to be an FBI agent.
At first she cannot believe that her employers are being suspected of having links to Al-Qaida, but in time she agrees to try and infiltrate the computers of the company to see if they are indeed up to no good.
See the full review at www.bookpostmortem.wordpress.com

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in Nathan Goodman’s Jana Baker series and it is a good introduction to the character. This is a short book and a quick read so there is not much character development. Jana is hired by Rune Dima, the CEO of Petrocal, to execute stock trades. She is unaware of his connection to Al-Qaeda until she is approached by the FBI, who has picked up a communique signaling an impending strike of some kind.

Goodman keeps the action moving at a good clip and it was an interesting read. Jana’s actions for the FBI have her rethink her career path and it will be interesting to see where Goodman takes her in her other assignments.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Delgado · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad enough to DNF, but that may have also been because it was a short novella which I knew wasn't going to require much time investment. The story was much too predictable. The characters were overly dramatic. I love suspense and a good action novel, but the main character Stone seemed to go overboard freaking out over everything his loose cannon of a witness Jana insisted on doing. I wasn't invested at all because I felt like I knew the ending from the start of the book. And I was right, unfortunately. No surprises, no twist, and not much excitement. Just a bunch of main characters that needed to get a grip.

[Neera Sawhney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jana Baker's story, and what a story!! Nathan Goodman has as usual written a superb book- fast paced,well characterized and well- developed, with unexpected twists and turns. Jana starts off as a normal woman, who finds herself in a situation way over her head. but the way that she handles the situation, and conducts herself is an absolute joy to read.She has the spunk, the intuition and the daring instincts of a natural Agent. It will be very interesting to see her hone her skills. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty girl is just a pretty girl. A pretty girl with guts and a brain is something else. While getting a dream job, Jana Baker discovers she is working for terrorists. It isn't obvious until she is informed by FBI agent Chuck Stone. He's approached her to enlist her help in finding out what her bosses, cousins Rune and Jeffrey Dima, are planning. It's a dangerous idea, but Jana is more than willing to help. And she also develops a strong relationship with Agent Stone, even going so far as to call him Dad. Good plot!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first in the Protocol books but won't be my last. It is really good and left me wanting more.

I just loved the character Jana Baker, was in her corner all the way. I like how she is tough and determined. She begins as an intern then finds herself going undercover for the FBI. This is fast moving, full of excitement, a real suspenseful thriller

Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down until the end. I really will have to read the others now .......

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little short story.
I enjoyed Jana's perspective, it was refreshing to see a male author write from a females perspective and actually get it right, but I did find myself mostly skipping Agent Stone's as I found that he tended to waffle on.
It would also have been great to flesh out more of the FBI management perspective but for a short story Nathan Goodman did his best.

Overall I enjoyed Protocol One.

[Francis Bacon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

The story could be any episode of an FBI TV thriller so nothing particularly original or special about it. That said, it's well written and worth the effort to read. I finished the whole book in a single sitting. I liked the pace and the atmosphere. Characterisation was well done.
If the story had more originality and the plot less obvious, I'd have given it a higher rating.

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the books that were released previously but come 'after' in sequence. Enjoyed the read and was familiar with the characters already.

A good book, shorter than expected approx80% of the download as rest is a prologue as such to other writing. As with other thriller writers that run a particular series of characters you need to read them all, and I have. Worth a read.

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protocol One. Nathan Goodman

Jana Baker just got the job of her dreams, the future is unlimited. Success is waiting for her. Then everything unravels...The FBI, Special Agent Stone contacts her. Her new employers are not who the appear to be. There funding terrorists. Jana agrees to help and all Hell breaks loose. This is a fast paced and fabulous read!! I highly recommend!!

[Connie Charron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, I found a new author to follow! I was very pleased with the storyline of Jana Baker. The book flowed beautifully and now I'm reading 14th Protocol. I wish I had more time to read. I highly recommend this series. Nathan Goodman does an excellent job of pulling you into the story and keeping you there until the end.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers.

Great fun. Starts a little too fast without much motivation for the lead character, but if you like fast paced, gripping action novels you’ll love this one.

Could use a bit more in the character development area, but a fast and good read for those who enjoy suspense.

[Margot Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was complimentary from Voracious Readers Only. It is a taut thriller filled with action and believable characters. I always enjoy twists and turns and this one has plenty! This is the first in a series featuring Jana Baker, FBI Secret Agent. I recommend this book if you appreciate a good, thrilling read!