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Karl Adams Espionage Thriller #1
The Man from Murmansk
Karl Adams is a new CIA officer undercover and immersed in Murmansk, Russia, as a Spanish graduate student at the local university. On a cold February night, while flying a drone, he takes video of a missile on a transporter erector launcher being loaded aboard a merchant ship. This could be a violation of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty signed by Reagan and Gorbachev. Karl is recalled to America, but not for long. The Agency wants him to continue with his mission, which brings him to a tumultuous South American country. As the U.S. Navy tracks the Russian ship across the Atlantic, it soon becomes clear that a new Cold War could turn hot, bringing the two superpowers to the brink of war. With Karl being the son of legendary CIA officers Jake Adams and Toni Contardo, he definitely has the DNA to complete this mission. But in the cat and mouse spy game, nobody is safe. “A damned good writer.”—David Hagberg, New York Times bestselling author. “I enjoyed it very much. . .akin to Ludlum and Higgins. . .your background and writing skill should make this one a slam dunk. . .”—Dale Brown, New York Times bestselling author “Non-stop action and intrigue from the first page! Get this book and enjoy the thrill ride!”—Scott McEwen, #1 New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of American Sniper on Cyber Shot “A riveting thriller all the way through.”—Midwest Book Review on The Cold Edge “Watch out Jason Bourne, you had met your match with Jake Adams!”—Suspense Magazine “Not as technical and certainly shorter than Tom Clancy’s books but can be read in lieu of them.”—Library Journal “Trevor Scott never fails to please.”—Midwest Book Review “Vital Force is the riveting novel of rapidly paced, non-stop, action adventure. The stuff of which block-buster movies are made, Vital Force is very highly recommended reading for those who enjoy a well-crafted spy-thriller story.”—Midwest Book Review “Author Trevor Scott takes us on a thrill ride full of spycraft, geo-political espionage, advanced weaponry, treason, and a man’s fine appreciation for the female body, even when its owner is a stone killer.”—Jules Brenner, Mystery Scene Magazine “Strong Conviction is a good crime story with interesting characters and solid writing. Trevor Scott weaves a web of small-town controversy that entraps our hero...with vivid description he paints characters who breathe and sets up believable conflict.”—Pine Bluff (Arkansas) Commercial “Previous titles have fit the Tom Clancy techno mold, but this topical tale of DNA research and a possible cure for heart disease falls more in the James Bond tradition of fancy cars and fast women.”—Publishers Weekly on The Dolomite Solution “Scott has the high-tech jargon down pat...he takes readers around the world for a thrill-packed adventure. Technothriller fans looking for an alternative to Clancy will find Scott a somewhat smaller-scale but perhaps even more authentic alternative.”—Booklist on Extreme Faction “The formidable protagonist zooms through densely detailed, entertaining...international adventures.”—Publishers Weekly on Extreme Faction “While the story is almost too close to reality…kudos to Scott for a job well done and expectations of more to come.”—AudioFile “Trevor Scott’s action-packed post-Cold War spy thriller is certainly that—a thriller.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2017
344 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Scott
286 books73 followersTrevor Scott is the best selling author of more than 65 mystery/thriller novels in the Jake Adams International Espionage Thriller Series, the Karl Adams Series, and the Max Kane Series. He has sold more than a million copies of his books in a number of languages. He earned a master's in creative writing from Northern Michigan University, and a bachelor's in writing from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He served in the U.S. Navy as an ordnanceman on the flight deck of aircraft carriers, and as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War and the first Gulf War, where he retired as a captain. He has traveled to more than 100 countries and seven continents, and he currently resides in Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 30, 2019
I never read works by this author that I recall, but I quickly picked it up this was the start of a new super spy series, with the hero, Karl Adams, being a chip off the old block James Bond type, the son of two legendary CIA agents named Jake Adams and Toni Cartardo who had both seen much activity in earlier series by the author.
It was the title that attracted me. I have been reading a range of nonfiction and history about the North Sea trade routes and their cultural influence in the past year, and thought this might have some nice tie ins.
What I discovered was a very simple and direct sort of plot flow. The hero and his hot babe girlfriend agent, who might or might not be a double agent, and their distaff Soviet counterparts, who they meet up with occasionally aboard yachts or in secluded niche hotel rooms, spend most of the book flying from one exotic location to another and checking in and out of nice hotels. They shower and have sex constantly, but everything that happens is a very declarative summary, skeleton description. He also is constantly calling his dad on a Satellite phone for advice, and they connect with tough talk and bro kidding. It wasn't that exciting, to be honest; I guess I just prefer books with a bit more depth in establishing setting or the complexity of what is going on with the espionage. This all seemed very obvious and a bit shallow to me.
One detail irritated me for some reason. A couple different times high ups in the CIA hierarchy are discussing the Russian ship's move to Sao Tome and Principe off the west coast of Africa. When that former Portuguese colony comes up, no one has ever heard of it before. Well I had, and I really expected CIA international experts to know African geography, too, especially countries with major oil concerns!
It was the title that attracted me. I have been reading a range of nonfiction and history about the North Sea trade routes and their cultural influence in the past year, and thought this might have some nice tie ins.
What I discovered was a very simple and direct sort of plot flow. The hero and his hot babe girlfriend agent, who might or might not be a double agent, and their distaff Soviet counterparts, who they meet up with occasionally aboard yachts or in secluded niche hotel rooms, spend most of the book flying from one exotic location to another and checking in and out of nice hotels. They shower and have sex constantly, but everything that happens is a very declarative summary, skeleton description. He also is constantly calling his dad on a Satellite phone for advice, and they connect with tough talk and bro kidding. It wasn't that exciting, to be honest; I guess I just prefer books with a bit more depth in establishing setting or the complexity of what is going on with the espionage. This all seemed very obvious and a bit shallow to me.
One detail irritated me for some reason. A couple different times high ups in the CIA hierarchy are discussing the Russian ship's move to Sao Tome and Principe off the west coast of Africa. When that former Portuguese colony comes up, no one has ever heard of it before. Well I had, and I really expected CIA international experts to know African geography, too, especially countries with major oil concerns!
April 11, 2024
Overall a decent read. Nothing great. Plenty of action. But, shallow characters. Not a lot of depth to the characters and the story. But, makes for an easy read. And, oh my goodness.... lots of love making. Karl Adams and Maya make love as many times as they eat food it seems. Fortunately, not too gratuitous. But, the story moves along at a good pace. Chasing down a weapon from Russia, where it will end up nobody knows. Travels the globe from Murmansk to Finland, to the US, to Aruba, to Venezuela, and finally ending back in America again. Fun read. May take another look at more Karl Adams Espionage Thrillers.
September 26, 2019
hmmm . Well I really didn't like the ending - it just happened and of course with a bit of a cliff hanger w/mom's letter being opened but not shared.
Overall this just fell flat for me. I was initially thinking it would ramp up but even the confrontation with the Russians did not stir up any excitement. This apparently is just a slow start up to a single story over numerous books. The series would need to be binge read as I will certainly not remember this in a few months.
Overall this just fell flat for me. I was initially thinking it would ramp up but even the confrontation with the Russians did not stir up any excitement. This apparently is just a slow start up to a single story over numerous books. The series would need to be binge read as I will certainly not remember this in a few months.
September 18, 2017
Great first Karl Adams novel!!
I loved all the Jake Adams novels, but found this first novel with his son, Karl, EXCELLENT !!! It was a great international espionage thriller, with a great plot, and twists and turns that keep the reader unsure of what will happen next ! Highly recommended!!!! I can't wait for book 2 in the Karl Adams novel series!!!! A must read !
I loved all the Jake Adams novels, but found this first novel with his son, Karl, EXCELLENT !!! It was a great international espionage thriller, with a great plot, and twists and turns that keep the reader unsure of what will happen next ! Highly recommended!!!! I can't wait for book 2 in the Karl Adams novel series!!!! A must read !
October 22, 2019
Jack Ryan meets James Bond
An interesting young agent with the sex drive of James Bond and the quick thinking of Jack Ryan. The down side to this type of series is a lack of conclusion. Too much time was spent to peak the reader's interest in the next book and not on the storyline itself. I will read the next "episode" to see if it improves.
An interesting young agent with the sex drive of James Bond and the quick thinking of Jack Ryan. The down side to this type of series is a lack of conclusion. Too much time was spent to peak the reader's interest in the next book and not on the storyline itself. I will read the next "episode" to see if it improves.
July 8, 2020
Face-paced thriller, roller coaster ride
What are the Russians up to? And who is following the couple whose drone captured the loading of a possible nuclear missile onto a trawler, heading to who knows where.... Multi-leveled story that grabs you quickly & keeps up the pace throughout. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
What are the Russians up to? And who is following the couple whose drone captured the loading of a possible nuclear missile onto a trawler, heading to who knows where.... Multi-leveled story that grabs you quickly & keeps up the pace throughout. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
May 13, 2017
Excellent continuation
Book keeps up the Adams legacy in the path of Jake and Toni. Keep up the series Trevor because I am a true fan and follower. This is very much like Mitch Rapp and Scot Harvath character by Thor and Flynn. Any fan of theirs will love these books.
Book keeps up the Adams legacy in the path of Jake and Toni. Keep up the series Trevor because I am a true fan and follower. This is very much like Mitch Rapp and Scot Harvath character by Thor and Flynn. Any fan of theirs will love these books.
June 1, 2017
Good steady plot and good character development.
Reminds me of some of the older cold war novelists. Keeps your interest and is very entertaining.
Reminds me of some of the older cold war novelists. Good character development and is very entertaining.
Reminds me of some of the older cold war novelists. Keeps your interest and is very entertaining.
Reminds me of some of the older cold war novelists. Good character development and is very entertaining.
June 6, 2017
Review of Man from Murmnk
I liked the way it was written,and the contiguous action. I was
expecting the main character to end up with the woman that
Was such a big art of the whole book
I liked the way it was written,and the contiguous action. I was
expecting the main character to end up with the woman that
Was such a big art of the whole book
June 20, 2017
Ending, #&$%@-#"!
I liked the book well enough but became irritated with the ending. Went to find book 2 in the series and can't seem to find it???? Hopefully I will stumble across the correct book 2. Would be nice to know what mom said in the letter.
I liked the book well enough but became irritated with the ending. Went to find book 2 in the series and can't seem to find it???? Hopefully I will stumble across the correct book 2. Would be nice to know what mom said in the letter.
July 10, 2017
Better than a lot of special agent stories
It was well-written and edited. This author has the experience and history of good novels. Taking several current country situations and parlayed into an excellent story.
It was well-written and edited. This author has the experience and history of good novels. Taking several current country situations and parlayed into an excellent story.
August 3, 2017
Agents galore
I found this character unmistakable and look forward to seeing him again. If there's a sequel, I'm in. The discovery of the letter was a huge surprise, But more surprise to be left hanging.......
I found this character unmistakable and look forward to seeing him again. If there's a sequel, I'm in. The discovery of the letter was a huge surprise, But more surprise to be left hanging.......
August 1, 2019
Believable story with real-world scenarios and compelling characters.
A great rainy weekend read. Good segue into book two with Karl and--hopefully--Maya at his side. We may have a new hero to follow!
A great rainy weekend read. Good segue into book two with Karl and--hopefully--Maya at his side. We may have a new hero to follow!
August 3, 2019
My first book by Trevor Scott, and I was impressed. A spy thriller with nice characters who act pretty rationally (I've read quite a few books where that was not the case, unfortunately). I'll be reading more from this author.
August 11, 2019
Spy vs. Spy
In a classic spy vs. Spy the CIA. and the Russians are vying for power and informational supremacy. Action suspense and romance makes this a thrilling and entertaining read !
In a classic spy vs. Spy the CIA. and the Russians are vying for power and informational supremacy. Action suspense and romance makes this a thrilling and entertaining read !
August 16, 2019
A pretty good opening will see how the series progresses
The characters are at the moment somewhat sketchy but the setting is interesting. I'm interested enough to continue reading at least another episode.
The characters are at the moment somewhat sketchy but the setting is interesting. I'm interested enough to continue reading at least another episode.
August 18, 2019
So much for orientation!!
This story hits the ground running as our hero Karl goes from an agent in immersion training to a full blown field agent like a vette going from 0 to 60. Fun read!
This story hits the ground running as our hero Karl goes from an agent in immersion training to a full blown field agent like a vette going from 0 to 60. Fun read!
August 24, 2019
I enjoyed reading this action thriller. Yes, as my good friend Michelle recently posted, "It is so unreal". It is a preposterous story line and situations, but lots of fun to read. I may not be rushing back for more by Trevor Scott soon, but I liked this one.
October 27, 2019
Excellent espionage thriller
This novel introduces Jake Adams son Karl to Trevor Scott ‘s readers. It had all the bells and whistles from his previous novels. It was very enjoyable. Now I’m ready for Book #2
Happy reading!!! Dr. C. 🎉🎊😊
This novel introduces Jake Adams son Karl to Trevor Scott ‘s readers. It had all the bells and whistles from his previous novels. It was very enjoyable. Now I’m ready for Book #2
Happy reading!!! Dr. C. 🎉🎊😊
January 10, 2020
A real page turner
Ooh, I love this book. It's got lots of intrigue and excitement! Is there a double agent? What was the real reason for all of this? There are no slowdowns and the characters are well developed. A real fun read.
Ooh, I love this book. It's got lots of intrigue and excitement! Is there a double agent? What was the real reason for all of this? There are no slowdowns and the characters are well developed. A real fun read.
August 14, 2020
True thriller!
This book is a true espionage thriller that incorporates high tech with an interesting plot. The author spins a web of deceit that captures the reader from start to finish. This book is one of those that you will want to read in one sitting.
This book is a true espionage thriller that incorporates high tech with an interesting plot. The author spins a web of deceit that captures the reader from start to finish. This book is one of those that you will want to read in one sitting.
August 24, 2020
The Man from Murmansk is great!
Trevor did an awesome job of integrating realistic action Along with time your imagination had to work. So much of the story opens a lot of room for thought. Most of the action was realistic and certainly possible. Waiting for the next wave.
Trevor did an awesome job of integrating realistic action Along with time your imagination had to work. So much of the story opens a lot of room for thought. Most of the action was realistic and certainly possible. Waiting for the next wave.
November 25, 2020
From Russia to Venezuela quite a journey.
Karl Adams, undercover CIA operative working with the lovely Maya as they follow a Russian nuclear weapon headed who knows where? Well that's what they are trying to find out.
Karl Adams, undercover CIA operative working with the lovely Maya as they follow a Russian nuclear weapon headed who knows where? Well that's what they are trying to find out.
November 8, 2021
Engaging characters make this story a fun and quick read
There were enough twists and turns to keep this interesting. Even at the end, many questions have been answered but some remain so you find yourself looking forward to the next book in the series.
There were enough twists and turns to keep this interesting. Even at the end, many questions have been answered but some remain so you find yourself looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 7, 2017
Well written
Enjoyed this book well written, kept me going behind to end. Looking forward to additional books on Karl Adams Great!
Enjoyed this book well written, kept me going behind to end. Looking forward to additional books on Karl Adams Great!
June 11, 2017
Good
I don't usually read spy novels but this was a good one. I especially liked Karl Adams and his dad Jake.
I don't usually read spy novels but this was a good one. I especially liked Karl Adams and his dad Jake.
June 14, 2017
Rating
Very good. I assume there will be a book 2?
I would give this 5 stars. Looking for next book.
Very good. I assume there will be a book 2?
I would give this 5 stars. Looking for next book.
August 5, 2019
Great fun! Engaging!
loved it, can't wait to read more from this author! Good news! There's plenty more by this author in several different series as available!
loved it, can't wait to read more from this author! Good news! There's plenty more by this author in several different series as available!
August 6, 2019
Average run of the mill super agent/spy novel.
August 8, 2019
I’m not finishing this book. It is so not real. All this family business, they are all spooks and all nonchalant about killing people. Not to believable. So no more of this book life is too short
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews