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A Brit in the FBI #2
The Lost Key
An international manhunt sets the scene for an explosive thriller in the second Brit in the FBI novel featuring Special Agent Nicholas Drummond.
After working with Special Agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich, Nicholas Drummond has joined the FBI. Now, he and partner Mike Caine are in an eleventh-hour race to stop a madman from finding a cache of lost World War I gold—and a weapon unlike anything the world has ever seen...
“A thriller packed with nonstop action, real-life name-dropping and enough cutting-edge science to make you wonder how much of it could be true.”— Kirkus Reviews
After working with Special Agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich, Nicholas Drummond has joined the FBI. Now, he and partner Mike Caine are in an eleventh-hour race to stop a madman from finding a cache of lost World War I gold—and a weapon unlike anything the world has ever seen...
“A thriller packed with nonstop action, real-life name-dropping and enough cutting-edge science to make you wonder how much of it could be true.”— Kirkus Reviews
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
1733 people are currently reading
4578 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 725 reviews
August 21, 2023
This was an amazingly good FBI thriller with Nicholas Drummond and his partner Mike traveling around the world in search of clues to solve a mystery that stretches back nearly a century and that now threatens the world. Secret societies. Marie Curie. New technology. Helicopters and planes and submarines. This book had it all and was a thrilling read from start to finish!
November 11, 2016
The Lost Key by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison is a 2015 Jove publication.
Another action-packed thriller in the “Brit in the FBI” series!
The first book in this series was a very clever caper style thriller, but this second book is a globe-trotting adventure tale, and is every bit as entertaining!!
It’s Nicholas’s first official day of work for the FBI and he makes quite an impression after a man is killed on Wall Street. The story takes off from there, when several puzzling leads direct Nicholas and his partner, Mike, towards a high level organization, a cache of gold, and a very dangerous weapon, but the key they need to unlock the treasure is lost.
With the bodies piling up, Nicholas and Mike must race against the clock to prevent the weapon from falling into very dangerous hands.
The pacing here is a bit slower, but the plot is much more intricate, with a large cast of characters to keep up with.
We learn more about Nicholas’ past, but Mike’s personal life is not as fleshed out, again- as of yet, anyway, but I hope we get a little more of her backstory soon.
This story has a ‘James Bond’ feel to in a way and is purely for fun and entertainment. This story is just what the doctor ordered for me this week, offering an escape from some hefty issues. I can’t wait to find out what Nicholas and Mike will be working on next!!
4 stars
Another action-packed thriller in the “Brit in the FBI” series!
The first book in this series was a very clever caper style thriller, but this second book is a globe-trotting adventure tale, and is every bit as entertaining!!
It’s Nicholas’s first official day of work for the FBI and he makes quite an impression after a man is killed on Wall Street. The story takes off from there, when several puzzling leads direct Nicholas and his partner, Mike, towards a high level organization, a cache of gold, and a very dangerous weapon, but the key they need to unlock the treasure is lost.
With the bodies piling up, Nicholas and Mike must race against the clock to prevent the weapon from falling into very dangerous hands.
The pacing here is a bit slower, but the plot is much more intricate, with a large cast of characters to keep up with.
We learn more about Nicholas’ past, but Mike’s personal life is not as fleshed out, again- as of yet, anyway, but I hope we get a little more of her backstory soon.
This story has a ‘James Bond’ feel to in a way and is purely for fun and entertainment. This story is just what the doctor ordered for me this week, offering an escape from some hefty issues. I can’t wait to find out what Nicholas and Mike will be working on next!!
4 stars
July 30, 2020
Once again, the narrators rule. In The Final Cut the suspense and story elements were tops, but there was a serious drop in coherent story and suspense elements as a convoluted Ludlum-esque secret society’s desire to control and better the world tanked.
This secret society was the absolute worst as the high profile body count rose surely they would know that this is a tipoff to both the FBI, MI5 and anyone else pulled into investigate the number of deaths. But bad publicity doesn’t stop the bad guys that have infiltrated every part of the British empire.
PLOT: Half-British Nicholas Drummond is now a full FBI agent and is paired up with Mike Caine (female agent), and their banter, very mild sexual tension and no holds barred attempts to catch the bad guys is engaging. Nicholas’ first day doesn’t go well as he ends up killing too many bad guys for the FBI’s comfort level as well as getting the sense smacked out of him.
No worries, his butler Nigel is there in his 5 story Brownstone to make him and Mike dinner.
From there they run to England for more collateral damage and body count.
The plot and suspense were very mediocre to me, but the banter and relationship between the two protagonists was well done and enhanced by the two narrators.
4 stars for narration, 2 stars for suspense
The evil mastermind…
The 007 type- Nicholas
The FBI chick - Mike Caine
This secret society was the absolute worst as the high profile body count rose surely they would know that this is a tipoff to both the FBI, MI5 and anyone else pulled into investigate the number of deaths. But bad publicity doesn’t stop the bad guys that have infiltrated every part of the British empire.
PLOT: Half-British Nicholas Drummond is now a full FBI agent and is paired up with Mike Caine (female agent), and their banter, very mild sexual tension and no holds barred attempts to catch the bad guys is engaging. Nicholas’ first day doesn’t go well as he ends up killing too many bad guys for the FBI’s comfort level as well as getting the sense smacked out of him.
No worries, his butler Nigel is there in his 5 story Brownstone to make him and Mike dinner.
From there they run to England for more collateral damage and body count.
The plot and suspense were very mediocre to me, but the banter and relationship between the two protagonists was well done and enhanced by the two narrators.
4 stars for narration, 2 stars for suspense
The evil mastermind…
The 007 type- Nicholas
The FBI chick - Mike Caine
September 2, 2014
I read this book in two days because I had trouble putting it down. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and the plot was quite complicated, but it was riveting. I enjoyed the real WWI history that was intertwined with the fiction. Nicolas Drummond is an excellent character and Mike Caine is a strong female heroine. I look forward to reading many more adventures of a Brit in the FBI.
I received an uncorrected proof of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received an uncorrected proof of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
October 2, 2014
If you want an action-packed FBI thriller with a fascinating protagonist--Nicholas Drummond--then this is the novel for you. A man is stabbed to death on Wall Street and Drummond along with his sidekick, Mike, is assigned to the case. But it's much more than it at first seems, as the hunt takes them to Paris, Scotland and other remote places. The stakes are high, actually, they could not be higher because the fate of the world hangs in the balance. This collaborative novel, written with J.T. Ellison, is as good as it gets, and deserves five solid gold stars!
Mark Rubinstein
Author of Mad Dog Justice, Love Gone Mad and Mad Dog House
Mark Rubinstein
Author of Mad Dog Justice, Love Gone Mad and Mad Dog House
October 6, 2014
Frankly, I had forgotten I had read the first issue of this series. (Not the result the authors were hoping for, I'm sure.) At some point in time I must have heard about this book coming out and put it on hold at the library. When I looked at the cover I was a teensy bit crestfallen: yes, another-Catherine-Coulter-book-what-was-I-thinking-she's-been-a-disappointment-recently.
Then, I realized J.T. Ellison was listed as co-author. Oh, yay! The addition of Ms. Ellison has only enhanced the end product.
So, was this book over the top? Yes. Ridiculous? Yes. Borderline science-fiction? Yes. Plot (rather than character) driven? Again, yes. Worth the few hours it took to read? Absolutely. I was needing something just like that to read - my need was completely fulfilled. (Although I still wonder if the authors aren't getting paid by the page - I really don't think the book needed to be that long - the hardbacks are too hard (and heavy) to hold.)
Is this great literature? No. Not even. Great escapism and entertainment? For sure. Would I recommend it? You bet. Be prepared for something totally unrealistic and it will be an enjoyable read.
And it should be noted here - although there are a few references to sadism (which, really, aren't at all necessary) the book is clean. I don't remember any objectionable language.
Then, I realized J.T. Ellison was listed as co-author. Oh, yay! The addition of Ms. Ellison has only enhanced the end product.
So, was this book over the top? Yes. Ridiculous? Yes. Borderline science-fiction? Yes. Plot (rather than character) driven? Again, yes. Worth the few hours it took to read? Absolutely. I was needing something just like that to read - my need was completely fulfilled. (Although I still wonder if the authors aren't getting paid by the page - I really don't think the book needed to be that long - the hardbacks are too hard (and heavy) to hold.)
Is this great literature? No. Not even. Great escapism and entertainment? For sure. Would I recommend it? You bet. Be prepared for something totally unrealistic and it will be an enjoyable read.
And it should be noted here - although there are a few references to sadism (which, really, aren't at all necessary) the book is clean. I don't remember any objectionable language.
October 16, 2014
This is the 2nd book of Britt in the FBI, with ex Detective Chief Inspector Sir Nicholas Drummond of the London Metropolitan Police, now with NY FBI and teamed up with Michaela aka Mike Caine.
On his first day at work after completing his training, they are assigned to a murder case which immediately takes them on a non-stop action journey that spans back to WW2, megalomaniac villains, crazed scientists and shadowy and secret groups.
The two main characters are likeable and easy to engage with and I liked their interaction and chemistry.
Nicholas Drummond is like a sexy James Bond…complete with right English accent, a butler, a gorgeous stately English home and an English title. There’s no way Mike Caine can resist this alpha male.
A good suspenseful thriller that is entertaining and easy to read.
On his first day at work after completing his training, they are assigned to a murder case which immediately takes them on a non-stop action journey that spans back to WW2, megalomaniac villains, crazed scientists and shadowy and secret groups.
The two main characters are likeable and easy to engage with and I liked their interaction and chemistry.
Nicholas Drummond is like a sexy James Bond…complete with right English accent, a butler, a gorgeous stately English home and an English title. There’s no way Mike Caine can resist this alpha male.
A good suspenseful thriller that is entertaining and easy to read.
November 24, 2018
I really like this series! Usually I don't like books that are so over-the-top but this series grabs me. I think it's a combination of loving the relationship between Mike and Nicholas, as well as the story connections to historical figures, events, and places. I think I enjoy reading the author's notes as much as I enjoy reading the actual stories! Can't wait to read the next one!!
December 27, 2018
I had fun researching for his review and collecting my thoughts. There is some interesting stuff in this book. I loved it.
The Lost Key, the second installment in “A Brit In The FBI Series”, written by Catherine Coulter with J. T. Ellison, is a page-turner. This novel features former Scotland Yard detective, Nicholas (Nick) Drummond, now a rookie at the FBI, and his partner Michaela (Mike) Caine. The plot is extremely insightful in that it will keep the reader thinking about future dangers.
Nick is introduced in the first book of the series, The Final Cut. He is able to join the FBI because his mom is an American although he was raised in England. Having been in the Foreign Service and as a Scotland Yard Chief Detective Inspector, he uses his previous skills of being tough, smart, and a computer genius. He can be thought of as a modern day “James Bond.” To view his picture go to this link: (http://www.pinterest.com/jtellison/th...)
Catherine said "I happened to see a photo of a male model in a store window and said, "Hello, Nicholas!" This solved the problem.” While Ellison noted, “Nicholas is all Catherine while Mike is one of the characters we worked on together. In fact, I found the picture of Mike. Since every author has different views of the world we were going back and forth about these two characters. Once she sent me the picture of Nick and I sent her the picture of Mike, from that moment, everything came together.
Nick’s partner, Mike Caine is a strong, intuitive, and take no prisoners’ female heroine that is becoming an important part of the team. This becomes obvious when comparing the quotes from book to this one. In The Final Cut, Mike was asked about her partnership with Nick, “You take orders rather well, don’t you, Mike?” While in The Lost Key Mike’s attitude is “I guess it’s up to me to keep you (Nick) safe, and yes, then the world.”
The authors stated to blackfive.net, “Mike is unmarried, completely independent. She's a cowboy, free and roaming the range. Mike is becoming Nick’s equal even though Nick is more of a smart aleck. She is smart, sassy, a hard worker, and currently her job is her life. She is a study of contrasts. She looks like a librarian with her glasses, yet wears biker boots. I based her on the Federal Marshall character in BACKFIRE, Eve Barbieri. So, who's the peach? Who's the pineapple? You decide.”
The plot takes place within a two-day time frame where Mike and Nick must find who is behind the fatal stabbing on Wall Street. Through the investigation it becomes clear that the person killed, Jonathan Pearce, was more than just an antiquities book dealer. After the disappearance of his children the case takes a turn into the dangerous world of terrorism. The villain, Manfred Havelock, is pure evil who enjoys torture. But that should come as no surprise since he is German and appears to fit in perfectly with any Nazi. The plot has Mike and Nick traveling throughout Europe attempting to find and prevent Havelock from achieving his goal, placing implants in humans that would detonate a mini-nuclear bomb that takes suicide bombers to a new level.
Intertwined within the story is the history surrounding World War I. From the discovery of polonium by Marie Curie to the sunken German U-boat filled with gold and her scientific notes, the readers are once again taken back to an era sometimes forgotten. Incorporating Curie into the plot makes for a very interesting read, reminding people of her brilliance, especially since she is the only woman awarded the Nobel Prize twice.
The Lost Key is an action packed story that has an exciting climax. The interesting and riveting characters, both fictional and non-fictional, enhance the plot. Readers will be terrified and on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
The Lost Key, the second installment in “A Brit In The FBI Series”, written by Catherine Coulter with J. T. Ellison, is a page-turner. This novel features former Scotland Yard detective, Nicholas (Nick) Drummond, now a rookie at the FBI, and his partner Michaela (Mike) Caine. The plot is extremely insightful in that it will keep the reader thinking about future dangers.
Nick is introduced in the first book of the series, The Final Cut. He is able to join the FBI because his mom is an American although he was raised in England. Having been in the Foreign Service and as a Scotland Yard Chief Detective Inspector, he uses his previous skills of being tough, smart, and a computer genius. He can be thought of as a modern day “James Bond.” To view his picture go to this link: (http://www.pinterest.com/jtellison/th...)
Catherine said "I happened to see a photo of a male model in a store window and said, "Hello, Nicholas!" This solved the problem.” While Ellison noted, “Nicholas is all Catherine while Mike is one of the characters we worked on together. In fact, I found the picture of Mike. Since every author has different views of the world we were going back and forth about these two characters. Once she sent me the picture of Nick and I sent her the picture of Mike, from that moment, everything came together.
Nick’s partner, Mike Caine is a strong, intuitive, and take no prisoners’ female heroine that is becoming an important part of the team. This becomes obvious when comparing the quotes from book to this one. In The Final Cut, Mike was asked about her partnership with Nick, “You take orders rather well, don’t you, Mike?” While in The Lost Key Mike’s attitude is “I guess it’s up to me to keep you (Nick) safe, and yes, then the world.”
The authors stated to blackfive.net, “Mike is unmarried, completely independent. She's a cowboy, free and roaming the range. Mike is becoming Nick’s equal even though Nick is more of a smart aleck. She is smart, sassy, a hard worker, and currently her job is her life. She is a study of contrasts. She looks like a librarian with her glasses, yet wears biker boots. I based her on the Federal Marshall character in BACKFIRE, Eve Barbieri. So, who's the peach? Who's the pineapple? You decide.”
The plot takes place within a two-day time frame where Mike and Nick must find who is behind the fatal stabbing on Wall Street. Through the investigation it becomes clear that the person killed, Jonathan Pearce, was more than just an antiquities book dealer. After the disappearance of his children the case takes a turn into the dangerous world of terrorism. The villain, Manfred Havelock, is pure evil who enjoys torture. But that should come as no surprise since he is German and appears to fit in perfectly with any Nazi. The plot has Mike and Nick traveling throughout Europe attempting to find and prevent Havelock from achieving his goal, placing implants in humans that would detonate a mini-nuclear bomb that takes suicide bombers to a new level.
Intertwined within the story is the history surrounding World War I. From the discovery of polonium by Marie Curie to the sunken German U-boat filled with gold and her scientific notes, the readers are once again taken back to an era sometimes forgotten. Incorporating Curie into the plot makes for a very interesting read, reminding people of her brilliance, especially since she is the only woman awarded the Nobel Prize twice.
The Lost Key is an action packed story that has an exciting climax. The interesting and riveting characters, both fictional and non-fictional, enhance the plot. Readers will be terrified and on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
June 21, 2022
Re-read~
I still like my original review. They have a great dynamic as partners and maybe more. The international component and historical touch was fascinating. Loved the tad bit of the rebel or cowboy agents and look forward to more of them!
Original~
International intrigue with an historical twist that I loved! In the second book of this series we start to get more of the dynamic between Mike and Nicholas which I am loving them together. They are the first set of partners/maybe a couple in the future that I have enjoyed as much as Sherlock and Savich in CC work. We got to revisit with Nicholas dad and butler who have quickly become two of my favorites! Such loyalty, humor and character. I loved the action and quick pace of this story and the play on historical events, secret organizations and several nations as the backdrop!
I still like my original review. They have a great dynamic as partners and maybe more. The international component and historical touch was fascinating. Loved the tad bit of the rebel or cowboy agents and look forward to more of them!
Original~
International intrigue with an historical twist that I loved! In the second book of this series we start to get more of the dynamic between Mike and Nicholas which I am loving them together. They are the first set of partners/maybe a couple in the future that I have enjoyed as much as Sherlock and Savich in CC work. We got to revisit with Nicholas dad and butler who have quickly become two of my favorites! Such loyalty, humor and character. I loved the action and quick pace of this story and the play on historical events, secret organizations and several nations as the backdrop!
March 3, 2015
The second in the "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 2 main characters in Catherine Coulter' s FBI series-Sherlock and Savich are just mentioned in this book,so a new reader of hers can enjoy this book!
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS AND HOLD ON TIGHT! This book has non stop ACTION from start to finish! I highly recommend this book to all my THRILLER GR friends!
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS AND HOLD ON TIGHT! This book has non stop ACTION from start to finish! I highly recommend this book to all my THRILLER GR friends!
April 26, 2018
Pulse pounding continuation of "A Brit in the FBI" series - gotta love "Drummond, Nicholas Drummond"!
Newly graduated from Quantico, Nicholas is paired with "Mike Caine" to investigate a stabbing that happened on Wall Street in New York City. Before you know it the pair are deep into a very complicated investigation on a few different fronts. What exactly is "the lost key"? and what "lock" does it fit? Read the book!
Loving this series, 4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
Newly graduated from Quantico, Nicholas is paired with "Mike Caine" to investigate a stabbing that happened on Wall Street in New York City. Before you know it the pair are deep into a very complicated investigation on a few different fronts. What exactly is "the lost key"? and what "lock" does it fit? Read the book!
Loving this series, 4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
May 17, 2016
This book started out a bit slow for me and it took me a little while to warm up to the narrators but I ended up really liking this story and the narration once I got used to it.
This book had a conspiracy theory, a historical artifact that may be the key to the worst weapon ever, a large amount of gold bars and a secret society trying to make the world a better place. However when you have powerful people after something very important there is always a chance for someone to be subverted and when members of this secret society start to die you have to wonder if the threat is coming from the inside of the group or the outside.
I must admit to taking to MacLeod Andrews narration faster than Renée Raudman’s I thought his narrations were fabulous and all his accents seemed real and well done. Raudman though it took me a little while to enjoy her voice although by the end I was enjoying her narration. I would listen to more by both of these narrators.
This was my first book by this author and I think I will go back and listen to the first book in this series and follow this series as it progresses.
3 ½ Stars
This book had a conspiracy theory, a historical artifact that may be the key to the worst weapon ever, a large amount of gold bars and a secret society trying to make the world a better place. However when you have powerful people after something very important there is always a chance for someone to be subverted and when members of this secret society start to die you have to wonder if the threat is coming from the inside of the group or the outside.
I must admit to taking to MacLeod Andrews narration faster than Renée Raudman’s I thought his narrations were fabulous and all his accents seemed real and well done. Raudman though it took me a little while to enjoy her voice although by the end I was enjoying her narration. I would listen to more by both of these narrators.
This was my first book by this author and I think I will go back and listen to the first book in this series and follow this series as it progresses.
3 ½ Stars
October 2, 2014
Every single time I read a book from Catherine Coulter's FBI series (I have read them all, twice), I am always amazed at her ability to keep the storylines fresh, so very clever and exciting. Each book is literally an "edge of your seat" read. I particularly love her main characters, FBI Special Agents Savich and Sherlock. Now, Ms. Coulter has started a mirror FBI series with two new FBI characters, one of which is a former New Scotland Yard, aristocrat Brit Nicholas Drummond (who was introduced in Ms. Coulter's "The Final Cut"). Just out of Quantico, Nicholas is paired with FBI Special Agent Mike Caine. Nicholas and Mike have the same charisma and chemistry as Savich and Sherlock. Wonderful!
I reiterate, where does Ms. Coulter come up with these storylines? Brilliant! I absolutely loved it.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
I reiterate, where does Ms. Coulter come up with these storylines? Brilliant! I absolutely loved it.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
March 18, 2024
Another amazing read in this series!
It was very difficult to put down at many times. A ticking time bomb of a novel, I was afraid to put it down at times. The character development along the way, coupled with the nonstop action, this one nailed it out of the park.
Anxiously waiting to read the next one in the series.
A must read for thriller fans.
It was very difficult to put down at many times. A ticking time bomb of a novel, I was afraid to put it down at times. The character development along the way, coupled with the nonstop action, this one nailed it out of the park.
Anxiously waiting to read the next one in the series.
A must read for thriller fans.
August 19, 2014
Really enjoyed this one. The best from coulter that I've read in awhile. I also was bored of the savich series. Thumbs up on this one
Nicholas Drummond has just left his job in London and come to New York as a new FBI agent. His new partner is Mike Caine and on his first day they are called out to a stabbing on Wall Street. They track down the murderer only to have him commit suicide as soon as they have him in their custody. As they start investigating the victim, John Pearce, they find connections to a very old and secretive group called the Highest Order that dates back to the early 1900’s. Pearce’s dying words ‘the key is in the lock’ sends Drummond and Caine on a race around the world to try to solve the riddle of what the key is and where to find the lock. Up against a madman, Manfred Havelock, they must solve the puzzle before Havelock gets to it first. Havelock will do anything, including murder, to find the lock and key because he knows what it contains and he will use it to rule the world. Pearce’s son, Adam, is the only other person who has figured out the riddle, but he has disappeared along with his sister Sophie. If Drummond and Caine, with Sophie’s and Adam’s help, don’t stop Havelock the world will be forever changed.
This was one of the best Catherine Coulter books I have read. It was a very fast paced thriller with non-stop action.
Nicholas Drummond has just left his job in London and come to New York as a new FBI agent. His new partner is Mike Caine and on his first day they are called out to a stabbing on Wall Street. They track down the murderer only to have him commit suicide as soon as they have him in their custody. As they start investigating the victim, John Pearce, they find connections to a very old and secretive group called the Highest Order that dates back to the early 1900’s. Pearce’s dying words ‘the key is in the lock’ sends Drummond and Caine on a race around the world to try to solve the riddle of what the key is and where to find the lock. Up against a madman, Manfred Havelock, they must solve the puzzle before Havelock gets to it first. Havelock will do anything, including murder, to find the lock and key because he knows what it contains and he will use it to rule the world. Pearce’s son, Adam, is the only other person who has figured out the riddle, but he has disappeared along with his sister Sophie. If Drummond and Caine, with Sophie’s and Adam’s help, don’t stop Havelock the world will be forever changed.
This was one of the best Catherine Coulter books I have read. It was a very fast paced thriller with non-stop action.
January 6, 2020
Mystery/Thriller
Don't get me wrong, this is a good story with lots of action. The reason I didn't rate the book higher is the same reason I stopped reading Dan Brown. The plotting turns the main characters into Supermen/women. In this instance, Nick nearly dies and then a few short hours later is scuba diving and thwarts a trained assassin, etc. Mike also keeps getting punched and kicked and ending up in fights and beats every bad guy even though they are HUGE. All of this stretches the plausibility factor for me and takes me out of the story. I'll give any author some free reign, but this got to be too much. The other issue I had with the storyline is the advancement of Nick and Mike's romantic interest. The way it was addressed doesn't feel in line with their characters and at the height of the tension, it just feels clunky.
I really like these authors and this Nick/Mike combination is great. I'm sure that I will read the next book in the series to see what happens with these characters.
Don't get me wrong, this is a good story with lots of action. The reason I didn't rate the book higher is the same reason I stopped reading Dan Brown. The plotting turns the main characters into Supermen/women. In this instance, Nick nearly dies and then a few short hours later is scuba diving and thwarts a trained assassin, etc. Mike also keeps getting punched and kicked and ending up in fights and beats every bad guy even though they are HUGE. All of this stretches the plausibility factor for me and takes me out of the story. I'll give any author some free reign, but this got to be too much. The other issue I had with the storyline is the advancement of Nick and Mike's romantic interest. The way it was addressed doesn't feel in line with their characters and at the height of the tension, it just feels clunky.
I really like these authors and this Nick/Mike combination is great. I'm sure that I will read the next book in the series to see what happens with these characters.
January 23, 2020
This is the second book in the A Brit in the FBI series.
This one was a little over the top. Nicholas Drummond, the Brit in the FBI, teams up again with Mike Caine to basically stop the bad guy from destroying the world. Yes...a tad over the top. We deal with a secret society, nuclear weapons, secret underground tunnels, a missing submarine from WWI, gold bars that were owned by the Kaiser, dead men, a S/M mistress, Madam Currie and computer hacking.
This is all crammed into a story that is go, go, go. Not really giving you a chance to digest the plot because the next catastrophe is now upon the reader. If you read this in a few sittings you are just swamped with action. Too much to actually follow the underlying story.
I do enjoy the interaction between Nicholas and Mike. I have no doubt that they will be hooking up in future books in the series.
Just dial it back a little bit Coulter so we can think to ourselves "Yeah that could happen" instead of "Give me a break".
This one was a little over the top. Nicholas Drummond, the Brit in the FBI, teams up again with Mike Caine to basically stop the bad guy from destroying the world. Yes...a tad over the top. We deal with a secret society, nuclear weapons, secret underground tunnels, a missing submarine from WWI, gold bars that were owned by the Kaiser, dead men, a S/M mistress, Madam Currie and computer hacking.
This is all crammed into a story that is go, go, go. Not really giving you a chance to digest the plot because the next catastrophe is now upon the reader. If you read this in a few sittings you are just swamped with action. Too much to actually follow the underlying story.
I do enjoy the interaction between Nicholas and Mike. I have no doubt that they will be hooking up in future books in the series.
Just dial it back a little bit Coulter so we can think to ourselves "Yeah that could happen" instead of "Give me a break".
October 15, 2014
One of the problems with listening to books, is that-THAT is the voice you associate with the characters. Whilst not awful, I found the mans voice a bit "affected", some and I say, only SOME of the words he pronounces are just so wrong, it is jarring and I became fixated on how much they annoyed me. I am not sure if it is an American trying to do British and was pronouncing the words the way he thinks they should be said. I should look him up but can't be arsed just now.
I didn't love this story, I know most people give it 5 out of 5 but I guess I was expecting more of a crime story not a thriller. I now realise I do not like political/war thrillers too much.
Some of the story line is interesting, Marie Curie's discoveries, the ancient secret organisation The Order, membership being handed down from parent to child, hidden gold in a submarine in a Scottish loch.
I don't know it had just too much action in too short a time-for me.
I didn't love this story, I know most people give it 5 out of 5 but I guess I was expecting more of a crime story not a thriller. I now realise I do not like political/war thrillers too much.
Some of the story line is interesting, Marie Curie's discoveries, the ancient secret organisation The Order, membership being handed down from parent to child, hidden gold in a submarine in a Scottish loch.
I don't know it had just too much action in too short a time-for me.
November 8, 2014
THREE AND A HALF STARS....this is the second in Coulter's Brit in the FBI series, and it was lots of fun and had enjoyable international tension, but was maybe a tad too long. Don't understand why it was written by Coulter AND Ellison; I hope Ms. Coulter is not going the way of Patterson -- books with the author name in huge letters on the front but written by various other people so the main author can make more and more money at the expense of good writing and fresh plots. The ending tied everything up okay, but I am a bit nervous with a phone call in the last paragraph that points to the next book's plot. PLEASE PLEASE don't start leaving the reader stranded with no closure at the end (also like Mr. Patterson). Let's enjoy the book we're reading first, complete with a full ending. The plot here is more of the "crazy scientist threatens the world" type, but it was well done, a fine thriller, and enlarges the characterization of our main characters. I'll look for the next one.
August 6, 2014
Wow! There is sooooo much action in this book, taking place over a very short period of time. To be honest I need to go back and read The Final Cut because I pretty much forgot who Mike and the other supporting characters were. This could have been read as a stand alone. There might have been a few instances of confusion, but it wouldn't detract from the non-stop action. I was getting a little bit bored with the Savich/Sherlock books so it is nice to have new characters to root for.
March 4, 2016
Audio edition.
Another well written, if a bit hokey, thriller by Coulter. Exciting with engaging characters and a preposterous plot.
Narration by MacLeod Andrews and Renee Raudman added to experience, adding to the depth of characters.
Pet peeves: a satellite can be LEO (low earth orbit), or geosynchronous, but it can't be both. (See Kepler, Newton, et. al.) And Potassium Iodide is not a magic bullet that stops ionizing radiation.
Another well written, if a bit hokey, thriller by Coulter. Exciting with engaging characters and a preposterous plot.
Narration by MacLeod Andrews and Renee Raudman added to experience, adding to the depth of characters.
Pet peeves: a satellite can be LEO (low earth orbit), or geosynchronous, but it can't be both. (See Kepler, Newton, et. al.) And Potassium Iodide is not a magic bullet that stops ionizing radiation.
January 8, 2015
The Lost Key, the lost book
I just could not get into this book. The story was just not my cup of tea, it just wasn't believable enough for me. Usually I can overlook that in a book because that's what fiction is about. It took me weeks to finish this book. Now I'm just ready for another Savich and Sherlock novel.
I just could not get into this book. The story was just not my cup of tea, it just wasn't believable enough for me. Usually I can overlook that in a book because that's what fiction is about. It took me weeks to finish this book. Now I'm just ready for another Savich and Sherlock novel.
July 2, 2018
Awful. The writing, the dialogue, the ridiculous immediate enamoration from every single person towards Drummond, the down play of Agent Caine as the FBI agent with longer tenure, all of it was awful.
February 17, 2015
This was excellent, think sexy, smart, James Bond updated and he has a great kick butt partner. Looking forward to more collaborations.
August 29, 2018
This is a Brit in the FBI book. Nicholas Drummond has all sorts of law enforcement background, he is also what Americans call a cowboy; but he has joined the FBI and he is about to embark on his first day as a special agent. Of course, Nicholas craves adventure; but never in his wildest dreams could he have foreseen what his first few days on the job would become….
What begins with a call of a murder on federal property, will end in the death, albeit accidental, of the perpetrator at Nicholas’ hand, and an immediate suspension while the incident is investigated.
Before the investigation can be convened, Nicholas is brought back into the FBI fold and sent the UK to help stop a crazy murderer from not only killing individuals from a secret society; but, from getting his hands on a secret weapon that would mean dooms day to the earth as we know it; a weapon designed in 1917 and more dangerous than any weapon today……
What begins with a call of a murder on federal property, will end in the death, albeit accidental, of the perpetrator at Nicholas’ hand, and an immediate suspension while the incident is investigated.
Before the investigation can be convened, Nicholas is brought back into the FBI fold and sent the UK to help stop a crazy murderer from not only killing individuals from a secret society; but, from getting his hands on a secret weapon that would mean dooms day to the earth as we know it; a weapon designed in 1917 and more dangerous than any weapon today……
July 26, 2019
In this action packed thriller, the agents investigate a secret society, The Order, that was founded in 1714, to protect the Crown, and England. Agents Drummond and Caine are assigned to discover whether the society has been corrupted by power, and if it has, by whom? Their investigation leads them to the tunnels under Paris, and beyond. The book expertly blends history with the investigation by the agents, as you wonder, with the agents, who can be trusted? It is a fast paced, exciting read, filled with plot twists, and 2 characters that I enjoy reading!
May 27, 2018
this is my first time reading this author, this series of British of fb I, has keep me interested in the situations happening almost like I was watching a Indiana Jones adventure thriller movie. I almost forget to get back into the real world, thinking about the plot, historical and current events, characters locations etc
I will read more of her books. . I would recommend this to anyone likes thriller or different locations, some current themes, fast paced adventure.
I will read more of her books. . I would recommend this to anyone likes thriller or different locations, some current themes, fast paced adventure.
November 23, 2022
Book 2 in the Nicholas Drummond stories.
Freshly minted FBI agent Nicholas Drummond is barely out of his Quantico training when he and his partner, Mike Caine, are called to investigate a stabbing on Wall Street.
Fast paced action story that takes Nicholas and the reader globe trodding, always a fun read.
Freshly minted FBI agent Nicholas Drummond is barely out of his Quantico training when he and his partner, Mike Caine, are called to investigate a stabbing on Wall Street.
Fast paced action story that takes Nicholas and the reader globe trodding, always a fun read.
January 19, 2024
Awesome Greatness
I am loving this series. I was hooked from the first book and now I'm definitely invested. I have to find out what's going to come next for this team. Catherine Coulter is a brilliant and gifted writer. Thanks to my cousins for the recommendation and the introduction to this author. I'm very much grateful.
I am loving this series. I was hooked from the first book and now I'm definitely invested. I have to find out what's going to come next for this team. Catherine Coulter is a brilliant and gifted writer. Thanks to my cousins for the recommendation and the introduction to this author. I'm very much grateful.
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