After the circumstances of Agent 17's death, the CIA turns to a specialist to help track down the man they think is responsible--John Smith. Though Recker knows Centurion is coming, he doesn't change how he operates and winds up on police surveillance cameras. Feeling the walls closing in, Jones wants to pack up and move to a new city, though Recker has reservations about leaving. It all boils down to a final confrontation between Recker and his former employers--one he may not survive.
Mike Ryan is a writer living in Bucks County, PA. He's married, has three kids, and three dogs. He's used to a hectic and busy household. During his free time, he enjoys watching sports, movies, and music.
Mike's a huge Star Wars fan and loves just about anything with superheroes in it (both Marvel and DC). He also loves to interact with his readers via his blog, Twitter, or email. Follow him on Twitter @Mike_Ryan36 or email at mikeryan36@verizon.net.
Mike also offers a few readers on his mailing list the chance to be beta readers for all books before they're published.
Note: Books 1-4 have been combined into a box set in both ebook & audio.
These are best read/listened to in order and events in this book build off of what happened in earlier books. As such this review may contain spoilers to books 1-3.
There’s a TV episodic feel both in length & story structure. I like that while these are easy to listen to, they aren’t overly predictable.
This one has a Jason Bourne-ish feel to it as the CIA/Centurion is now determined to find Recker (known to them as Smith) and ascertain whether he was behind the killing of Agent 17. David is strongly suggesting they relocate as their vigilantism has drawn too much attention. Things change with Mia (my personal Yay! stamp on this).
Brian Hutchison continues to be a solid choice for the series. He does a good job with the various characters’ personalities and voices. I’m enjoying his performance.
Mike Wrecker has finally ended the life of the man who killed his girlfriend, but that also means he's now alerted his former employers at the CIA that he's a problem that remains a loose end. In other words, the folks who run the Centurion program, who used to run him, want to kill him. And they're very good at killing. In "Blowback," author Mike Ryan brings in a lot more intrigue and high suspense than his previous novels in the series. He introduces several characters from the CIA and finally explains Wrecker's back story. He also further explains the motivations behind Wrecker's fall from grace in the Centurion program, basically why his employers decided to kill him and send Agent 17 to snuff out his girlfriend. And, of course, Ryan does it without spending a whole lot of time on tangential story lines or drama or mind-numbing detail. He gets to the action. This was my favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed the new character, especially the woman from the agency who is tasked with either killing him or bringing him in.
Finally at episode 4 of this TV series (see my previous reviews of books 1-3), this comes into its own! I’m now tempted to read book 5!
Mia now has a boyfriend (who Recker doesn’t trust), so I dare say there’s scope for her to further get on my nerves in future episodes! Recker and Jones are making plans to relocate because the CIA have finally located, Recker. The tensions and interests behind these factors are now starting to make this series more of a novel than previously. However it is STILL episodic and really has definite links to the ‘Person Of Interest’ TV Show. I discovered today that POI was written first! It ran for 5 seasons (I think) and was really good. I hope that this series now goes from strength to strength! Not quite 5 stars yet!
I listened to the audiobook version of this title. It was ably narrated by Brian Hutchison.
Never Had a Bad Guy I Want To Cheer For Like Michael Recker!
Starting this book seemed gloomy since the CIA was closing in on Michael Recker and David Jones. He's a vigilante but a benevolent one. No innocent gets hurt but the criminal? Buh-bye. But somebody inside the CIA has her head on straight-a Ms Dawson, who is in the Company but not a wild card contractor. She sees value in Recker. Too bad the Director who ran Recker before all this is such a douche bag. Yes, Mike gets shot again, but now Mike has an ally in the Company. Maybe life will get better for Michael Recker et al. Hmmmm?
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title from within the series set box. (Audible.com.au)
After the death of Agent 19, the CIA used the anti on finding his killer. Three months later, the Director was chomping at the bit and when he looks into the situation was not impressed by the Centurion's abilities to find the culprit. He was even less impressed when he found out about the attempt to annihilatie John Smith and the killing of an innocent, his girlfriend. So, the Director brought his own person in to get results. What happens next may surprise you.
I really enjoyed this Silencer series and found out there are 15 novels. Since I breezed through four of these novels consecutively in a number of days, it is quite possible I will complete the entire series in a month or sooner. The author is a good storyteller and I enjoyed the development of the stories, characters and cases as they continue to unfold. Reading sure beats spending all of my time watching TV and movies. Highly recommended.
I can’t believe it I became so involved I did not realize I finished my book in the last book he saves his friends and now the people who want him dead are getting close he and his friend begin to talk about a change but thing just out of control you won’t believe what happened I was what at the end found out I have to find the next book you will get addicted to this series
Unable to stay focused while reading this book. Not exciting, did not keep me guessing and was relieved to finish. Would not recommend this book to anyone and consider it a waste of time and money.
Our good guy, John Smith, has he become the Judge, jury, and executioner? Regardless what his intentions are questionable at best, I cant wait to see how His story unfolds. Happy ever after? Reading on to see.
When attempting to thwart a jewelry store heist, Mike raises his exposure to the police and the CIA. Discussions about leaving Philadelphia and moving to another city to decrease exposure are planned, but can they do it in timeto prevent apprehension?
I listened to this book and had a hard time putting it down. it was great and kept me on edge...everything you'd expect from a good book. The reader was good as you'd hope. Not a book you can/should pick up without reading the first books in the series. Enjoy as I am queuing up book (audio) #5
Book 4 in the Silencer series does not disappoint. With the CIA hot on their trail, Mike and David decide to move locations but need to pull off one more job. But can they do it before the CIA find them.
★★★½: - A solid book with some weaknesses. I liked the storyline a lot, and was looking forward to the ending. But I felt the ending was rushed and not delved into or fully flushed out, if you will. I was left with questions. I wanted to give it a higher rating, but the ending brought it down.
Mike Recker has come to the end of his running. The reader learns all about Centurion and the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Great Plot! A satisfactory ending to the fourth in the series.
Books 1 - 4 are best read in sequence as there is poor plot resolution in books 2 and 3 without having read book 1. Book 4 is the best but not without having read the others.