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Alex Shepherd #1
Absolute Vengeance
On the first day of school in a New Orleans suburb, terrorists hijack a school bus full of children. Corporal Alex Shepherd, decorated Sheriff’s Deputy and SWAT sniper, is critically injured trying to stop the attack and save his wife and daughter.
Waking from a month-long coma, Shepherd finds his girls are gone and the world has moved on. With no arrests made, his frustration at the system’s failures forces him to take matters into his own hands.
His thirst for vengeance leads him from New Orleans to the brutal battlefields of Syria, where he gains fame as a ruthless sniper. ISIS targets him, wanting his death to be a gruesome propaganda display. But as the bodies stack up, Shepherd learns there’s no compromise in the war against evil.
With nothing left to lose, he must confront the people responsible for the murder of his wife and daughter . . . or die trying.
Waking from a month-long coma, Shepherd finds his girls are gone and the world has moved on. With no arrests made, his frustration at the system’s failures forces him to take matters into his own hands.
His thirst for vengeance leads him from New Orleans to the brutal battlefields of Syria, where he gains fame as a ruthless sniper. ISIS targets him, wanting his death to be a gruesome propaganda display. But as the bodies stack up, Shepherd learns there’s no compromise in the war against evil.
With nothing left to lose, he must confront the people responsible for the murder of his wife and daughter . . . or die trying.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2017
About the author
C.W. Lemoine
18 books141 followersC.W. Lemoine is the author of the military/espionage thriller novels SPECTRE RISING, AVOID. NEGOTIATE. KILL., ARCHANGEL FALLEN, EXECUTIVE REACTION, BRICK BY BRICK, and STAND AGAINST EVIL.
A Louisiana native, Lemoine is a graduate of the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in New Orleans. After graduating college, Lemoine joined the Air Force Reserve where he flew the F-16 and accumulated one thousand hours including a combat tour in Iraq.
Lemoine later transferred to the Navy Reserve where he flew F/A-18A+ Hornets.
In 2011, Lemoine received his Instructor Certification in Survival Krav Maga and his Brown Belt in 2012. He is also a Louisiana P.O.S.T. - 1 certified Law Enforcement Officer and former National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certified EMT-Basic.
Lemoine lives in New Orleans with his two rescue dogs Sniper and Kaiser Von Ruff. When he's not flying or writing, he enjoys volunteering with local law enforcement, working out, and running with his two dogs.
Website
http://www.cwlemoine.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/cwlemoine/
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/CWLemoine/
A Louisiana native, Lemoine is a graduate of the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in New Orleans. After graduating college, Lemoine joined the Air Force Reserve where he flew the F-16 and accumulated one thousand hours including a combat tour in Iraq.
Lemoine later transferred to the Navy Reserve where he flew F/A-18A+ Hornets.
In 2011, Lemoine received his Instructor Certification in Survival Krav Maga and his Brown Belt in 2012. He is also a Louisiana P.O.S.T. - 1 certified Law Enforcement Officer and former National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certified EMT-Basic.
Lemoine lives in New Orleans with his two rescue dogs Sniper and Kaiser Von Ruff. When he's not flying or writing, he enjoys volunteering with local law enforcement, working out, and running with his two dogs.
Website
http://www.cwlemoine.com
http://www.facebook.com/cwlemoine/
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/CWLemoine/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 31, 2017
A timely, emotionally charged revenge thriller about a veteran sniper’s battle against the terrorists that killed his family. Highly recommended for military thriller fans.
When terrorists hijack a school bus in New Orleans, Sheriff’s Office SWAT sniper Alex Shepherd risks his life to save his wife and daughter. Weeks later, he wakes from a coma only to discover that he was the sole survivor. Stricken with grief, he leaves for Syria to do what he does best: kill.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
When terrorists hijack a school bus in New Orleans, Sheriff’s Office SWAT sniper Alex Shepherd risks his life to save his wife and daughter. Weeks later, he wakes from a coma only to discover that he was the sole survivor. Stricken with grief, he leaves for Syria to do what he does best: kill.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
June 21, 2018
Alex Shepard is a deputy sheriff in Louisiana when terrorists strike a school bus full of children. Shepard's wife is also on the bus. Everyone is killed, including the terrorists, some by Shepard's action.
Not a bad story. It would have been better if Lemoine hadn't spent the first third of the book with Shepard agonizing over the death of his family. How many times can a reader picture the main character putting his service pistol to his chin to kill himself. When the book finally moves into the meat of the story, revenge, it does so in a manner unlike other action/thriller/terrorist hunter, novels. Shepard goes to Syria searching for the ISIS leader who was behind the killing of his family. In the process he becomes a fighter for the Kurds in their struggle. Interesting concept for this type book.
A lot of skimmable pages in the first portion of the book. After that the pace picks up.
Not a bad story. It would have been better if Lemoine hadn't spent the first third of the book with Shepard agonizing over the death of his family. How many times can a reader picture the main character putting his service pistol to his chin to kill himself. When the book finally moves into the meat of the story, revenge, it does so in a manner unlike other action/thriller/terrorist hunter, novels. Shepard goes to Syria searching for the ISIS leader who was behind the killing of his family. In the process he becomes a fighter for the Kurds in their struggle. Interesting concept for this type book.
A lot of skimmable pages in the first portion of the book. After that the pace picks up.
July 17, 2017
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
What happens when an ordinary, small-town cop witnesses his beloved wife and daughter ruthlessly murdered, along with a school bus full of little kids? In C M Lemoine’s Absolute Vengeance it sends Swat Team Leader Alex Shepherd on a mission of Absolute Vengeance to Iraq and Syria to wipe out the murdering terrorists who organised and orchestrated the heinous attack on his family and the small town’s children. Alex Shepherd has a death wish! He believes he failed miserably in his one role in life to protect and cherish his wife, his daughter and the small town he is sworn to serve. He should have died along with the rest of them, but he didn’t and now all that consumes him is a quest for vengeance.
I really enjoyed the fast-paced nature of this book. Although it is not for the squeamish it examines our motivations for life. Alex is a character who is consumed by hatred and the desire to die and be with his family. He discovers when he reaches Syria, that his unique desire for retribution is not as unique as he first thought. His encounters with the local Kurdish militia show him the pain and suffering that a people torn apart by violence and war go through. I felt the author brought these feelings of pain, suffering, and guilt alive for the reader, exceptionally well. Absolute Vengeance is a well-written, well-researched war thriller dealing in the area of Special Forces and ex Special Forces. For readers of this genre, this book will be an absolute winner. It is a fine effort from C M Lemoine and I suspect we will hear much more in the future of Alex Shepherd aka Wolf. Great job by the author.
What happens when an ordinary, small-town cop witnesses his beloved wife and daughter ruthlessly murdered, along with a school bus full of little kids? In C M Lemoine’s Absolute Vengeance it sends Swat Team Leader Alex Shepherd on a mission of Absolute Vengeance to Iraq and Syria to wipe out the murdering terrorists who organised and orchestrated the heinous attack on his family and the small town’s children. Alex Shepherd has a death wish! He believes he failed miserably in his one role in life to protect and cherish his wife, his daughter and the small town he is sworn to serve. He should have died along with the rest of them, but he didn’t and now all that consumes him is a quest for vengeance.
I really enjoyed the fast-paced nature of this book. Although it is not for the squeamish it examines our motivations for life. Alex is a character who is consumed by hatred and the desire to die and be with his family. He discovers when he reaches Syria, that his unique desire for retribution is not as unique as he first thought. His encounters with the local Kurdish militia show him the pain and suffering that a people torn apart by violence and war go through. I felt the author brought these feelings of pain, suffering, and guilt alive for the reader, exceptionally well. Absolute Vengeance is a well-written, well-researched war thriller dealing in the area of Special Forces and ex Special Forces. For readers of this genre, this book will be an absolute winner. It is a fine effort from C M Lemoine and I suspect we will hear much more in the future of Alex Shepherd aka Wolf. Great job by the author.
December 27, 2018
I am absolutely loving every book this author is producing. This book can be read stand-alone, but it’s far more enjoyable after having read the Spectre series of books by the same author. I knew this was an adjunct to the Spectre series, and and for that reason I actually delayed starting this one, fearing it might be too predictable and repetitive. Not so. From the point of view of Alex Shepherd, it has its own compelling story. Even knowing what was going to happen, it put the reader so completely in the mind of the main character that at times I found myself surprised at certain events. After finishing the book, I immediately downloaded the next book in the series right on my Kindle.
For anyone interested in military-style action stories, these books are fantastic. I also loved Tom Clancy years ago, but the way in which the author uses his extensive knowledge of military and para-military tactics to put us up close and immersively in the heat of the action is what draws me to the stories. As a retired fighter pilot a I can vouch for the authenticity of the action scenes, complete with the “fog of war” elements that can throw a wrench into any plan. “Mover” (Lemoine) has clearly been there and done that, but also he possesses a knack for coming up with well-imagined story lines.
I was unable to put this down after I got into it. Even with the kids visiting from 5 hours away for Christmas, I found myself taking every spare moment to read the next few pages.
For anyone interested in military-style action stories, these books are fantastic. I also loved Tom Clancy years ago, but the way in which the author uses his extensive knowledge of military and para-military tactics to put us up close and immersively in the heat of the action is what draws me to the stories. As a retired fighter pilot a I can vouch for the authenticity of the action scenes, complete with the “fog of war” elements that can throw a wrench into any plan. “Mover” (Lemoine) has clearly been there and done that, but also he possesses a knack for coming up with well-imagined story lines.
I was unable to put this down after I got into it. Even with the kids visiting from 5 hours away for Christmas, I found myself taking every spare moment to read the next few pages.
March 15, 2020
Author also has a great YouTube video channel named “MOVER Ruins the Movie.” All HorryWoood CGI effects and aircraft hi-jinks in movies to basically call BS on what’s believable and what’s not.
Author of the SPECTRE series, Mr.Lemoine has penned a story about a SWAT cop who survives a terrorist attack. After he wakes up in the hospital, AFTER he has lost his family in the most horrific way, he no longer wishes to go on living. Taking the death of his family as a way to channel his anger and torment, he embarks on a quest to extract justice for his lost family.
[Cue John Clark in Without Remorse and Mitch Rapp in American Assassin] Crank it up to 9.8 and Alex Shepard is off and running down the Terrorists, their facilitators and their funding techniques. Shades of ‘The Brave’ and ‘Jason Bourne’ Alex manages to elude the FBI, Homeland Security and the TSA to fly into Kuwait and they into Northern Iraq to join up with the Kurdish Militia units fighting against ISIL/ISIS/DAESH trying to run down the primary architect of his family’s deaths. GET SOME, Alex Shepard !
Author of the SPECTRE series, Mr.Lemoine has penned a story about a SWAT cop who survives a terrorist attack. After he wakes up in the hospital, AFTER he has lost his family in the most horrific way, he no longer wishes to go on living. Taking the death of his family as a way to channel his anger and torment, he embarks on a quest to extract justice for his lost family.
[Cue John Clark in Without Remorse and Mitch Rapp in American Assassin] Crank it up to 9.8 and Alex Shepard is off and running down the Terrorists, their facilitators and their funding techniques. Shades of ‘The Brave’ and ‘Jason Bourne’ Alex manages to elude the FBI, Homeland Security and the TSA to fly into Kuwait and they into Northern Iraq to join up with the Kurdish Militia units fighting against ISIL/ISIS/DAESH trying to run down the primary architect of his family’s deaths. GET SOME, Alex Shepard !
September 19, 2017
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose... - Kris Kristofferson
Alex Shepherd lives through (barely) a waking nightmare. His young daughter and his teacher wife are brutally slaughtered by terrorists in front of his eyes along with a whole school bus load of children.
Shepherd wakes up a month later from the coma he's been in to his destroyed life. He goes back and forth between wanting to kill himself and swearing vengeance for his loved one's deaths.
Shepherd had been a Deputy Sheriff and a SWAT sniper before this happened but he doesn't want to go back to that.
By chance he happens upon an advertisement that MIGHT allow him to combat terrorists and terrorism.
I liked most of this story. I felt like some parts held together and some didn't but I'm glad I read it. I think anyone that says they could never kill someone else just hasn't been given the right motivation.
I received this book from CWL Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Alex Shepherd lives through (barely) a waking nightmare. His young daughter and his teacher wife are brutally slaughtered by terrorists in front of his eyes along with a whole school bus load of children.
Shepherd wakes up a month later from the coma he's been in to his destroyed life. He goes back and forth between wanting to kill himself and swearing vengeance for his loved one's deaths.
Shepherd had been a Deputy Sheriff and a SWAT sniper before this happened but he doesn't want to go back to that.
By chance he happens upon an advertisement that MIGHT allow him to combat terrorists and terrorism.
I liked most of this story. I felt like some parts held together and some didn't but I'm glad I read it. I think anyone that says they could never kill someone else just hasn't been given the right motivation.
I received this book from CWL Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
October 5, 2017
The author, C W Lemoine is certainly leading an interesting and adventurous life. I have read all of his previous books and rated them highly. CW is a military fighter pilot and his previous work was around the subject of high performance aviation stories and I’m an old pilot so naturally I loved those books. It was with a little trepidation that I bought his new book Absolute Vengeance: The Alex Shepard Story, I felt CW was stepping out of his area of expertise and wondered if I would enjoy it as much as his other works? I needn’t have worried, CW is a very skilled author and story teller, and his tenacious research rendered up an exciting adventure indeed. I give this book 5 Stars. I look forward to following “Wolf” on future missions. Well done “Mover”! (“Mover” is CW’s military call sign.) I highly recommend this book.
September 20, 2017
You never know what a person is capable of until circumstances are put upon them. Alex Shepherd watched his family killed by terrorists. He himself is wounded trying to save them and others. No arrests were made in the death of his family and everyone else has moved on with life, except for Alex. Alex becomes a sniper and goes after those he feels are responsible. I personally don't like "war" stories, but this one kinda hit home with everything that is going on in the world now. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and CWL Publishing. The review is done voluntarily and of my own opinion.
October 19, 2023
Different slant in an older story
We usually see storyline’s like ‘ex SOF sniper just wants to be alone when trouble finds him’.
This one is similar but not the same as Alex does what anyone would do given the chance - seek revenge. It’s the way he does it that makes the difference.
Really good character building and enough unpredictability to make a predictable story different.
Liked it, liked the writing, liked the characters and liked the premise of ‘this COULD happen. Thank you Mr Lemoine that was a good read.
We usually see storyline’s like ‘ex SOF sniper just wants to be alone when trouble finds him’.
This one is similar but not the same as Alex does what anyone would do given the chance - seek revenge. It’s the way he does it that makes the difference.
Really good character building and enough unpredictability to make a predictable story different.
Liked it, liked the writing, liked the characters and liked the premise of ‘this COULD happen. Thank you Mr Lemoine that was a good read.
October 7, 2017
Received a copy from Goodreads Giveaways.
This book is a little different from what I normally read, but I found it to be well written and researched. It was a fast-paced and exciting read. Very emotional writing. A little gruesome in parts, but overall a very good read.
Definitely recommend.
This book is a little different from what I normally read, but I found it to be well written and researched. It was a fast-paced and exciting read. Very emotional writing. A little gruesome in parts, but overall a very good read.
Definitely recommend.
June 30, 2020
Alex Shepard, reluctant hero!
This is the first in what I hope is a multi book series! Louisiana swat sniper, responds to a report of a body and a missing school bus. He figures out his little girl and his wife, a teacher is on that bus. They’ve been taken by radical Islamic terrorist! I won’t say anymore, that would give it away. But, I just went and bought book 2!
This is the first in what I hope is a multi book series! Louisiana swat sniper, responds to a report of a body and a missing school bus. He figures out his little girl and his wife, a teacher is on that bus. They’ve been taken by radical Islamic terrorist! I won’t say anymore, that would give it away. But, I just went and bought book 2!
August 24, 2022
The same story as book six in the specter series, only from Alex Shepherd's point of view. That is a good concept. Unfortunately the first part of the book is Alex in emotional turmoil which is not helped by an unbelievable scene of his boss braiding him the day he gets back from the hospital. Part two of the book is much better.
October 15, 2017
Received a copy from Goodreads Give Aways.
Very emotional read. Very well written. Fast-paced with plenty of action. Was cheering for the good guys the whole way.
Definitely recommend. Really enjoyed Alex Shepherd! Will be looking for more by C.W. Lemoine.
Very emotional read. Very well written. Fast-paced with plenty of action. Was cheering for the good guys the whole way.
Definitely recommend. Really enjoyed Alex Shepherd! Will be looking for more by C.W. Lemoine.
September 27, 2023
As a husband and a father this book has hit me harder than any other book I’ve read. This great depiction of internal struggles and overcoming insurmountable odds is unlike any other. If you want a great read and an emotional roller coaster this book is exactly what your looking for.
October 12, 2023
great reading
A great first book in this series. Alex Shepherd is a good character and the other supporting characters all rock as well. Good plot, good realism and actions scenes. We’ll written and presented. I’m hooked. On to the next book in this series! Highly recommend
A great first book in this series. Alex Shepherd is a good character and the other supporting characters all rock as well. Good plot, good realism and actions scenes. We’ll written and presented. I’m hooked. On to the next book in this series! Highly recommend
July 13, 2021
Unbelievably Great Action
This man is a very good storyteller. The plot is believable; the action is designed to take you right into battle.
This man is a very good storyteller. The plot is believable; the action is designed to take you right into battle.
July 10, 2022
Kind of ridiculous but it flowed well and was fun to read. Some bits were laughable.
May 28, 2025
Not a bad read but didn’t enjoy it as much as the Spectre series.. just seemed to tell the Spectre story through Sheppard’s eyes..
February 13, 2026
Great read, as always
Well written to show Shepherd's love, anger, pain, suffering all while giving him a purpose. Much different than Spectre but just as good!
Well written to show Shepherd's love, anger, pain, suffering all while giving him a purpose. Much different than Spectre but just as good!
February 1, 2020
- Lemoine, C.W. Wow, a compelling story that elicits all types of emotions, I couldn’t put it down. C. W. you outdid yourself. What a fabulous ride and thank you for it. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who miss Vince Flynn, you won’t regret it. 5+
Second Read : Grabs you right from the getgo. Tough tale for any family to have to endure. Inspired motivation which the reader can easily understand. Slows down after Alex gets over in Iraq, just some interesting battles. Starts picking up near the end , especially when he join Odin. Great Read.
Second Read : Grabs you right from the getgo. Tough tale for any family to have to endure. Inspired motivation which the reader can easily understand. Slows down after Alex gets over in Iraq, just some interesting battles. Starts picking up near the end , especially when he join Odin. Great Read.
February 28, 2025
Not bad for a new author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews