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The Extractor #2
Broken Boys
Roxanne MacFarlane is the Extractor, a former CIA agent who rescues people from dangerous situations. When she's asked to find a correctional wilderness camp and bring home a troubled teenage boy named Josh, she's skeptical—about the father who wants his son back and her own ability to conduct a successful mission.
Then another teenager turns up missing, and she fears that the bootcamp and its owner might be deadly. Determined to find and rescue both boys, Rox works around the clock to locate the camp. But someone tips off the director, making her job nearly impossible. When Josh's mother is murdered shortly after, Rox thinks the boys know a dark secret and are living on borrowed time. But can she find the base camp and extract the kids before the assailant moves to silence them?
Then another teenager turns up missing, and she fears that the bootcamp and its owner might be deadly. Determined to find and rescue both boys, Rox works around the clock to locate the camp. But someone tips off the director, making her job nearly impossible. When Josh's mother is murdered shortly after, Rox thinks the boys know a dark secret and are living on borrowed time. But can she find the base camp and extract the kids before the assailant moves to silence them?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2017
71 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Sellers
57 books477 followersI write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 9, 2017
At the time of writing this, Goodreads has the book listed slightly wrong. It is actually Book 2 of the series, the opener is Guilt Game.
I've followed this author since I first got my Kindle back in 2011. At this time, she was still self-published but there was something that drew me to her books and, well, to cut a story short. I've read and enjoyed every book she has published since, be-it a Jackson, a Dallas, a stand-alone or one of these, her new series featuring Roxanne MacFarlane, Extractor. The story contained within this volume is pretty much complete but, as with all series books, especially ones that feature complex characters such as these, it is always best to start from book one and read in order. This only being book two, it shouldn't be much of a hardship and as Guilt Game is a great read in itself, what's to lose!
So, Roxanne is hired by the father of young man, Josh. He claims that his ex-wife and her new partner have sent Josh to some kind of behavioural boot camp and won't tell him where. He is worried for his son as, although a bit on the wild side, he is vulnerable and becomes all the more suspicious when his ex won't tell him the truth of exactly where his son is. Initially reluctant to take the case, especially when her client is arrested, Roxanne then goes all in to figure things out. Her fight becomes more interesting when another concerned party approaches her, and things really hot up as the feelers she put out requesting information start to come back exposing some rather nasty truths and making Roxanne question her path in life.
I said in my review for Guilt Game that I connected with Roxanne and step-father Marty right from the off. I am pleased to say that that connection held firm throughout this book too. I think I say in ever book review I do for this author's work that one of the things she's really good at is her characterisation. Here we also have Roxanne's condition and the way she is trying to change her way of thinking. We follow her as she has a couple of pretty big decisions to be made regarding the treatment she has been having and, although nothing really to do with the case in hand, I do love seeing this side of characters as it speaks for their vulnerability and personality and also, a case in point in this book, explains some of their decisions.
The story itself, the way the kids are taken, what happens to them, and why is actually quite scary as it comes across to be extremely believable. I know from previous books how meticulous this author is with her research and I am fully able to buy into the whole wilderness survival boot camp that she portrays herein. I have no doubt that things like this exist and the fact that it is written about so convincingly makes this all the more worrisome.
Pacing was just perfect and totally matched the narrative. We have some quieter moments which reflect the fact finding and observation parts of building the case and then, when all the data is in and the plan is made, the action really ramps up and doesn't let up right until the end. It's not just action that flies thick and fast at the end though, there are also some swiftly delivered curve balls, some of which were already bubbling under for me but others delivered as a sucker punch, but totally credible with hindsight I hasten to add.
All in all, a great follow up to what I thought was a very good opener. Cementing this series alongside Dallas and Jackson on my "ones to watch" list.
I've followed this author since I first got my Kindle back in 2011. At this time, she was still self-published but there was something that drew me to her books and, well, to cut a story short. I've read and enjoyed every book she has published since, be-it a Jackson, a Dallas, a stand-alone or one of these, her new series featuring Roxanne MacFarlane, Extractor. The story contained within this volume is pretty much complete but, as with all series books, especially ones that feature complex characters such as these, it is always best to start from book one and read in order. This only being book two, it shouldn't be much of a hardship and as Guilt Game is a great read in itself, what's to lose!
So, Roxanne is hired by the father of young man, Josh. He claims that his ex-wife and her new partner have sent Josh to some kind of behavioural boot camp and won't tell him where. He is worried for his son as, although a bit on the wild side, he is vulnerable and becomes all the more suspicious when his ex won't tell him the truth of exactly where his son is. Initially reluctant to take the case, especially when her client is arrested, Roxanne then goes all in to figure things out. Her fight becomes more interesting when another concerned party approaches her, and things really hot up as the feelers she put out requesting information start to come back exposing some rather nasty truths and making Roxanne question her path in life.
I said in my review for Guilt Game that I connected with Roxanne and step-father Marty right from the off. I am pleased to say that that connection held firm throughout this book too. I think I say in ever book review I do for this author's work that one of the things she's really good at is her characterisation. Here we also have Roxanne's condition and the way she is trying to change her way of thinking. We follow her as she has a couple of pretty big decisions to be made regarding the treatment she has been having and, although nothing really to do with the case in hand, I do love seeing this side of characters as it speaks for their vulnerability and personality and also, a case in point in this book, explains some of their decisions.
The story itself, the way the kids are taken, what happens to them, and why is actually quite scary as it comes across to be extremely believable. I know from previous books how meticulous this author is with her research and I am fully able to buy into the whole wilderness survival boot camp that she portrays herein. I have no doubt that things like this exist and the fact that it is written about so convincingly makes this all the more worrisome.
Pacing was just perfect and totally matched the narrative. We have some quieter moments which reflect the fact finding and observation parts of building the case and then, when all the data is in and the plan is made, the action really ramps up and doesn't let up right until the end. It's not just action that flies thick and fast at the end though, there are also some swiftly delivered curve balls, some of which were already bubbling under for me but others delivered as a sucker punch, but totally credible with hindsight I hasten to add.
All in all, a great follow up to what I thought was a very good opener. Cementing this series alongside Dallas and Jackson on my "ones to watch" list.
August 6, 2017
This is actually #2 in the Extractor series...It is listed wrong on Goodreads. Rox is the Extractor and her step-father Marty is her partner. Her job is to rescue young people from a dangerous situations and return them to their parents. In Broken Boys, Rox and Marty must extract Josh from an abusive wilderness camp that is supposed to reform him. The book takes place over a short span of time and is fast paced. Rox is an unusual character and Marty is on the verge of a heart attack, which makes you hang onto the edge of your seat wondering how that will turn out. I think that if I were to see Rox walking down the street in real life, I would definitely recognize her. There's a hint of romance for Rox and her step-father also seems to have found a girlfriend. I'm am thinking that the Extractor series could be another long series. I am looking forward to that!
August 7, 2017
I had the privilege of reading LJ Sellers new book Broken Boys. Guys, I loved it. It is so good!!! I really like how this series is evolving and I adore Roxane. Her character is constantly evolving and becoming more complex. In this book, Rox and her dad Marty are hired to find a young man named Josh. His father suspects that his ex wife, Joshs mother, has sent Josh to a "behavioral wilderness camp" and he wants him back. At first, Rox is skeptical about taking the case but the more research she does convinces her that these camps are nothing more than torture camps. A lot of chaos ensues. lol (I'm a no spoiler kind of gal). This book is fast paced and very intense with a spectacular ending! If you haven't read anything by the wonderful LJ Sellers I highly recommend this book. it gets 5 stars from me!!!
May 4, 2025
A terrific series
When they get hired for another extraction, none of them have any idea what kind of horrendous, appalling, and atrocious incidents they're about to uncover. One thing seemed to set off a chain reaction that no one could control. However, as situations occur and time goes by, it quickly became apparent that there was much more going on than they knew. It's not a story to be missed.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
When they get hired for another extraction, none of them have any idea what kind of horrendous, appalling, and atrocious incidents they're about to uncover. One thing seemed to set off a chain reaction that no one could control. However, as situations occur and time goes by, it quickly became apparent that there was much more going on than they knew. It's not a story to be missed.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
October 3, 2018
Interesting book
I've read most of her Detective Jackson books, and now the first two Extractor books, and enjoy her writing. Her characters are flawed and human, which is a nice change from the superhero kind.
I've read most of her Detective Jackson books, and now the first two Extractor books, and enjoy her writing. Her characters are flawed and human, which is a nice change from the superhero kind.
July 8, 2019
A GUT-WRENCHING 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ READ!!
The story opens with Josh being kidnapped; his hands and feet are bound together.
Roxanne MacFarlane is an ex-CIA agent; she's now a Private Investigator and Extractor. She continues the "Magnetic Stimulation Therapy" - the purpose is to change her way of thinking and of her emotions. Since the treatment, she's able to read people's expression; side effects are headaches and hearing loss.
Marty is Rox's stepdad and an ex-police officer; now he assists with Rox's investigations and extractions. They share a duplex and they are really close.
Rox gets a phone call - she answers, using her alias, "Karina Jones". On the phone is Isaac Lovejoy. He wants her to find his son, Josh. Isaac tells "Karina" his ex-wife, Carrie, has sent their son to a wilderness correctional camp. Isaac tries calling his ex but she doesn't answer - Josh needs drug treatment - not a military school. He believes that Josh is being abused and mistreated.
She agrees to meet with Isaac - he's to bring her fee of $10,000 and a recent photo of Josh. Isaac says Carrie sent Josh away for the summer; it's a camp where he would learn to behave. Carrie belongs to a church: "Comman Community Fellowship". Rox is going to check out the church and finds out where Carrie works - Columbia YMCA.
Rox goes to the YMCA to get a look at Carrie - then she calls and asks Carrie about a wilderness camp - she recommends an exclusive camp - Ridgeline.
Josh is being picked on by a counselor named "Ace". He's been kicked, slapped, starved and humiliated - he hopes he dies a quick death.
Rox and Marty begin their investigation and come to the conclusion that Josh is at the "Ridgeline Wilderness Health" camp. Rox sets up Instagram and Craigslist accounts so she could put a notice about the RWH and see if anyone responds.
In the meantime, Rox gets another call - Scott Goodwin - he wants "Karina" to find his nephew, Tommy. He believes Tommy's mom, Donna, has sent him to an outdoor camp.
"Karina" meets Carrie at the YMCA - she wants to put up notices to see if anyone has seen her son. Carrie tells her about RWH but tells her not to tell anyone where she got the information.
Rox meets with Scott Goodwin - he believes Tommy is at Ridgeline Wilderness Health camp. Tommy's mom goes to the Comman Community Fellowship - just like Carrie - there must be a connection.
Then Rox finds out that Carrie was...murdered! Who killed her and why?
What happens next is a roller coaster of twists and turns! It's a great who-done-it story. I won't give anything away - you'll just have to read it yourself!
L.J. has once again weaved a story of deception, betrayal and abuse. Josh has endured so much: he's battered and his self-confidence is gone - most importantly - he's lost his will to live. Places like Ridgeline Wilderness Health camp rob teenagers of their mind, body and spirit. She has created characters you care about: Roxanne, Marty, Kyle - you sympathize with Rox and her desire to be "normal" instead of being quirky. Rox loves her stepdad and Marty loves her. Kyle, a detective, is Rox's ex-boyfriend - they still care about each other. L.J.'s attention to detail is vivid! From the lush green hills to the rivers and lakes then to the appalling and abusive conditions at the camp - the reader gets a sense of the scenes as the story continues.
This is Book 2 of "The Extractor" series - I highly recommend this book - you won't be disappointed! I hope there's a Book 3 in the future!
The story opens with Josh being kidnapped; his hands and feet are bound together.
Roxanne MacFarlane is an ex-CIA agent; she's now a Private Investigator and Extractor. She continues the "Magnetic Stimulation Therapy" - the purpose is to change her way of thinking and of her emotions. Since the treatment, she's able to read people's expression; side effects are headaches and hearing loss.
Marty is Rox's stepdad and an ex-police officer; now he assists with Rox's investigations and extractions. They share a duplex and they are really close.
Rox gets a phone call - she answers, using her alias, "Karina Jones". On the phone is Isaac Lovejoy. He wants her to find his son, Josh. Isaac tells "Karina" his ex-wife, Carrie, has sent their son to a wilderness correctional camp. Isaac tries calling his ex but she doesn't answer - Josh needs drug treatment - not a military school. He believes that Josh is being abused and mistreated.
She agrees to meet with Isaac - he's to bring her fee of $10,000 and a recent photo of Josh. Isaac says Carrie sent Josh away for the summer; it's a camp where he would learn to behave. Carrie belongs to a church: "Comman Community Fellowship". Rox is going to check out the church and finds out where Carrie works - Columbia YMCA.
Rox goes to the YMCA to get a look at Carrie - then she calls and asks Carrie about a wilderness camp - she recommends an exclusive camp - Ridgeline.
Josh is being picked on by a counselor named "Ace". He's been kicked, slapped, starved and humiliated - he hopes he dies a quick death.
Rox and Marty begin their investigation and come to the conclusion that Josh is at the "Ridgeline Wilderness Health" camp. Rox sets up Instagram and Craigslist accounts so she could put a notice about the RWH and see if anyone responds.
In the meantime, Rox gets another call - Scott Goodwin - he wants "Karina" to find his nephew, Tommy. He believes Tommy's mom, Donna, has sent him to an outdoor camp.
"Karina" meets Carrie at the YMCA - she wants to put up notices to see if anyone has seen her son. Carrie tells her about RWH but tells her not to tell anyone where she got the information.
Rox meets with Scott Goodwin - he believes Tommy is at Ridgeline Wilderness Health camp. Tommy's mom goes to the Comman Community Fellowship - just like Carrie - there must be a connection.
Then Rox finds out that Carrie was...murdered! Who killed her and why?
What happens next is a roller coaster of twists and turns! It's a great who-done-it story. I won't give anything away - you'll just have to read it yourself!
L.J. has once again weaved a story of deception, betrayal and abuse. Josh has endured so much: he's battered and his self-confidence is gone - most importantly - he's lost his will to live. Places like Ridgeline Wilderness Health camp rob teenagers of their mind, body and spirit. She has created characters you care about: Roxanne, Marty, Kyle - you sympathize with Rox and her desire to be "normal" instead of being quirky. Rox loves her stepdad and Marty loves her. Kyle, a detective, is Rox's ex-boyfriend - they still care about each other. L.J.'s attention to detail is vivid! From the lush green hills to the rivers and lakes then to the appalling and abusive conditions at the camp - the reader gets a sense of the scenes as the story continues.
This is Book 2 of "The Extractor" series - I highly recommend this book - you won't be disappointed! I hope there's a Book 3 in the future!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews