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John Smith #2
Flashmob
Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2017
Gifted troubleshooter John Smith, introduced in the acclaimed thriller Killfile, must take down a shadowy figure who has weaponized the internet, using social media to put a price on the heads of his targets in this intense, unstoppable thriller from the author reviewers have compared to Michael Crichton, Brad Thor, and James Rollins.
As a fixer for America’s one percent, John Smith cleans up the messes of those rich enough to afford him. But he’s no ordinary gun for hire. Smith is a man of rare gifts, including the ability to read minds. Arriving at the wedding of Kira Sadeghi, a reality television celebrity he recently saved from kidnappers, Smith witnesses a group of gunmen open fire, hitting the bride and others. Though he’s unarmed, Smith cripples one of the killers and is able to pry one word from his mind: "Downvote."
Eager to learn more, Smith hacks into the brain of an FBI agent investigating the attack to discover the Bureau has been investigating a nefarious new threat called "Downvote," an encrypted site on the "dark net" that lists the names of celebrities and offers a hefty bounty for anyone who can kill them—unleashing an anonymous and deadly flashmob with a keystroke.
Finding a mastermind on the internet is like trying to catch air—unless you’re John Smith. Motivated by money and revenge, he traces a series of electronic signatures to a reclusive billionaire living at sea, accompanied by a scary-smart female bodyguard who becomes Smith’s partner in his quest. The hunt for their prey will lead from Hong Kong to Reykjavik to a luxury gambling resort deep in the Laotian jungle. Yet always this criminal mastermind remains one step ahead.
The only way Downvote’s creator can stop Smith is to kill him . . . because while this diabolical genius can run, there’s no hiding from a man who can read minds.
Gifted troubleshooter John Smith, introduced in the acclaimed thriller Killfile, must take down a shadowy figure who has weaponized the internet, using social media to put a price on the heads of his targets in this intense, unstoppable thriller from the author reviewers have compared to Michael Crichton, Brad Thor, and James Rollins.
As a fixer for America’s one percent, John Smith cleans up the messes of those rich enough to afford him. But he’s no ordinary gun for hire. Smith is a man of rare gifts, including the ability to read minds. Arriving at the wedding of Kira Sadeghi, a reality television celebrity he recently saved from kidnappers, Smith witnesses a group of gunmen open fire, hitting the bride and others. Though he’s unarmed, Smith cripples one of the killers and is able to pry one word from his mind: "Downvote."
Eager to learn more, Smith hacks into the brain of an FBI agent investigating the attack to discover the Bureau has been investigating a nefarious new threat called "Downvote," an encrypted site on the "dark net" that lists the names of celebrities and offers a hefty bounty for anyone who can kill them—unleashing an anonymous and deadly flashmob with a keystroke.
Finding a mastermind on the internet is like trying to catch air—unless you’re John Smith. Motivated by money and revenge, he traces a series of electronic signatures to a reclusive billionaire living at sea, accompanied by a scary-smart female bodyguard who becomes Smith’s partner in his quest. The hunt for their prey will lead from Hong Kong to Reykjavik to a luxury gambling resort deep in the Laotian jungle. Yet always this criminal mastermind remains one step ahead.
The only way Downvote’s creator can stop Smith is to kill him . . . because while this diabolical genius can run, there’s no hiding from a man who can read minds.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2017
105 people are currently reading
1715 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Farnsworth
28 books1,230 followersChristopher Farnsworth is the author of FLASHMOB (one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2017), KILLFILE, THE ETERNAL WORLD, and the PRESIDENT'S VAMPIRE series. A screenwriter and journalist, he lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 30, 2018
3 💜
A playdate with Mr. Smith, round two.
Patience has never been my strong suit.
How did you guess, John, mine, too!
“Hunt you down” started really good, I just swallowed the first 100 pages, then struggled in the middle. Sigh, in fact I wanted the book to end in the middle. The plot just didn’t hold my interest anymore, if I could, I’d make this book 100 pages shorter, because the fun returned only in the last third of the read.
(…)He’s using social media to push people into position. On-demand mayhem via the Internet. Like Pokémon Go, but with bloodshed.”
“Bullshit,” Cantrell says flatly. “How’s that even supposed to work?”
Can’t agree more with Cantrell!
That mob thing wasn’t fully convincing. The problem to me was that, ok, I could believe in such a program which floods you with the stuff you’ve searched on the Net (I get flooded like that every day) and I totally get it when unsatisfied and angry people get more unsatisfied and angry after that. It’s happening all around the world because FB and the Net rule people. But, IDK, would that make mobs kill/hurt sb that badly so often? I mean, it needs time, not just: saw it, got angry, want to kill and go on killing spree. It sounds easy, but I don’t think that it is. But that’s just my crappy POV. Go, get a mob to prove me wrong 😆
Mr. Smith is still unluckily lucky and charming, there were some scenes that really made me smile, but at the same time I couldn't see the character development he needed from book one. Like he's stuck. Though, the “I’m not alone in the world” vibe was a nice touch, added some color to his personality. I liked the insight into another country’s similar Mr. Smith style project, would have liked more info on it.
I really loved book one, it had a touch of believability and I love it in my fantasy reads. But not in “Hunt You Down”. If I had to choose an alternative, I’d pick S. King and his Bill Hodges Trilogy, I just felt that Brady (and Mr. King of course!) executed it way better than the baddie in this book.
A playdate with Mr. Smith, round two.
Patience has never been my strong suit.
How did you guess, John, mine, too!
“Hunt you down” started really good, I just swallowed the first 100 pages, then struggled in the middle. Sigh, in fact I wanted the book to end in the middle. The plot just didn’t hold my interest anymore, if I could, I’d make this book 100 pages shorter, because the fun returned only in the last third of the read.
(…)He’s using social media to push people into position. On-demand mayhem via the Internet. Like Pokémon Go, but with bloodshed.”
“Bullshit,” Cantrell says flatly. “How’s that even supposed to work?”
Can’t agree more with Cantrell!
That mob thing wasn’t fully convincing. The problem to me was that, ok, I could believe in such a program which floods you with the stuff you’ve searched on the Net (I get flooded like that every day) and I totally get it when unsatisfied and angry people get more unsatisfied and angry after that. It’s happening all around the world because FB and the Net rule people. But, IDK, would that make mobs kill/hurt sb that badly so often? I mean, it needs time, not just: saw it, got angry, want to kill and go on killing spree. It sounds easy, but I don’t think that it is. But that’s just my crappy POV. Go, get a mob to prove me wrong 😆
Mr. Smith is still unluckily lucky and charming, there were some scenes that really made me smile, but at the same time I couldn't see the character development he needed from book one. Like he's stuck. Though, the “I’m not alone in the world” vibe was a nice touch, added some color to his personality. I liked the insight into another country’s similar Mr. Smith style project, would have liked more info on it.
I really loved book one, it had a touch of believability and I love it in my fantasy reads. But not in “Hunt You Down”. If I had to choose an alternative, I’d pick S. King and his Bill Hodges Trilogy, I just felt that Brady (and Mr. King of course!) executed it way better than the baddie in this book.
February 14, 2018
4.5*. Woah this was awesome. Just as good as the first novel. Love the POV (1st person) and John Smith is just such a cool character. Different style of mission and we start off in LA with this story. Action is great, plotting is near perfect and characters are fun. Yes its a little unbelievable at stages, but thats what makes it fun. Give Killfile a shot before you read this as it will make more sense when you attack this. However can be read separate.
December 20, 2018
So, John Smith is now looking as if he's an obsolete asset... Has technology made even John Smith with his ability to read minds a thing of yesteryear? Will he join the ranks of the paper phone-book, the print newspaper, the VCR????
Another good read. I'll say that I did enjoy the first book in the series a bit more, but that is a personal decision, a matter of taste and both are excellent reads. With a crazed, mad techie using the zombies of the internet (you know, you and me) to wreak havoc and kill...can John triumph?
Read and see.
Recommended, enjoy.
Another good read. I'll say that I did enjoy the first book in the series a bit more, but that is a personal decision, a matter of taste and both are excellent reads. With a crazed, mad techie using the zombies of the internet (you know, you and me) to wreak havoc and kill...can John triumph?
Read and see.
Recommended, enjoy.
December 27, 2017
Second in the series featuring mind reader John Smith - I'm loving these to be honest. Thrillers with added mystique, the main character is compelling and both stories so far highly intriguing and with some great thrill set pieces.
Full review when I'm back to reviewing properly after my Christmas week off.
Full review when I'm back to reviewing properly after my Christmas week off.
July 10, 2017
I wasn't sure that it was possible, but Flashmob actually outdoes its predecessor, Killfile. Both are exceptionally well done, but Flashmob is near perfection, a most satisfying installment after the first in the series. The writing is intelligent and the ideas are fresh. What a delightful change after reading so many books that are disappointingly predictable. The premise of the crowd-controlling software is so brilliant, timely and honestly, very scary. As far as a techno thriller goes, this has it all: software with seriously scary potential impact on society, a global manhunt, espionage, battles with mobsters and a great cast of characters from billionaire geeks to global elites. The characters are engaging and memorable, albeit flawed. I don't use this word lightly, but this book truly brilliant. It strikes a frightening chord because of its timely premise on which it's drawn. Five mega stars for Flashmob!
July 4, 2017
Everyone wants to be able to read minds, right? Or control another person's mind so that they experience the pain of a gunshot wound or the terror invoked by the sight of an enormous shark. Right? Not if you're John Smith, spy, mind reader, bounty hunter, and all-around badass. Every time he uses his talent his body pays for it and drugs and alcohol can relieve only a fraction of the pain. His world is a miasma of other people's thoughts constantly bombarding him. However unpleasant, painful, invasive, or isolating, his curse is what keeps him employed and wealthy.
When strangers strafe a friend's wedding with automatic fire, putting her and others in the hospital, Smith is out for vengeance. But something is off; the men have no connection to his friend, no obvious reason for attacking her. They aren't paid assassins. They have no agenda. And Smith has only one clue: Downvote. When Smith learns the meaning of Downvote, the answer is quite chilling.
I won't get into too much detail, but Flashmob shows just how pervasive, and scary, the Internet has become. We wake up, pick up our phones and read the latest social media tweet or post or email. We can't leave the house or even the room without our phone in hand; it's become an appendage. The Internet influences what we wear, drink, eat, or do. It consumes us 24/7. But what if one person was able to control us using only the Internet?
That's the uptick of Flashmob. It's a cautionary tale wrapped up in an action thriller and it moves fast. From California to Iceland to Hong Kong to Thailand and back again, the book doesn't let up on the action. The characters are interesting, the story is a good one, and the book is a fun read. From his perspective, it sucks to be John Smith, but the reader will enjoy hearing what goes on in that man's head.
Here’s hoping to see him again soon.
When strangers strafe a friend's wedding with automatic fire, putting her and others in the hospital, Smith is out for vengeance. But something is off; the men have no connection to his friend, no obvious reason for attacking her. They aren't paid assassins. They have no agenda. And Smith has only one clue: Downvote. When Smith learns the meaning of Downvote, the answer is quite chilling.
I won't get into too much detail, but Flashmob shows just how pervasive, and scary, the Internet has become. We wake up, pick up our phones and read the latest social media tweet or post or email. We can't leave the house or even the room without our phone in hand; it's become an appendage. The Internet influences what we wear, drink, eat, or do. It consumes us 24/7. But what if one person was able to control us using only the Internet?
That's the uptick of Flashmob. It's a cautionary tale wrapped up in an action thriller and it moves fast. From California to Iceland to Hong Kong to Thailand and back again, the book doesn't let up on the action. The characters are interesting, the story is a good one, and the book is a fun read. From his perspective, it sucks to be John Smith, but the reader will enjoy hearing what goes on in that man's head.
Here’s hoping to see him again soon.
February 19, 2022
The first book in the series was thoroughly enjoyable. It introduced John Smith, an ex-spook with a special gift and a very amusing world view. Flashmob, book #2 in the series, is every bit as good as the first book—maybe even better. With the "getting to know John" part of the series mostly out of the way, we get to ride around in his head. He has an amusing view of the world and the people in it. Since the story is told from the first person present view, we see what John sees and get his thoughts as they cross his mind. It plays well given the character as well as the story line(s). Action, mystery, and more than a few laughs.
I picked up the hardcover for my collection but listened to the Audible audio book. The narration was perfect for the character. The infection and tone really fit with John's wit.
I can't wait for book #3!
I picked up the hardcover for my collection but listened to the Audible audio book. The narration was perfect for the character. The infection and tone really fit with John's wit.
I can't wait for book #3!
June 13, 2017
This is the type of thriller I love.
Farnsworth mixes unusual characters, a ton of action, and a very plausible and scary cyber-related crime and gives you a book that you simply can’t stop reading until you reach the end!
Now, though it’s part of a series, you absolutely can read this without reading the prior book (Killfile). The author does a fantastic job at letting the reader know the ins and outs of his very special main character. I never one felt at a loss.
As for our very plausible scenario, the author mixes social networking with mob mentality…and gives you something that could easily happen today.
This was a stellar, face-paced read. And I want more.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
Farnsworth mixes unusual characters, a ton of action, and a very plausible and scary cyber-related crime and gives you a book that you simply can’t stop reading until you reach the end!
Now, though it’s part of a series, you absolutely can read this without reading the prior book (Killfile). The author does a fantastic job at letting the reader know the ins and outs of his very special main character. I never one felt at a loss.
As for our very plausible scenario, the author mixes social networking with mob mentality…and gives you something that could easily happen today.
This was a stellar, face-paced read. And I want more.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
July 11, 2017
Hunt You Down is the 2nd book in the John Smith series. I loved the first book, Killfile and I recommend reading that book first since this one briefly discusses the characters backgrounds.
This series has become one of my favorites and I can't wait to read more. This was a fast-paced, action-packed, humorous, thrill ride. I could not put the book down. I highly recommend this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for supplying a copy of Christopher Farnsworth's "Hunt You Down" in exchange for an honest review.
This series has become one of my favorites and I can't wait to read more. This was a fast-paced, action-packed, humorous, thrill ride. I could not put the book down. I highly recommend this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for supplying a copy of Christopher Farnsworth's "Hunt You Down" in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2018
"So I did what I do best: I said some cruel and stupid things, and I pushed away someone who was trying to stay close to me.
Aside from reading minds, that's my other superpower."
Do you enjoy action movie cliches including, but not limited to, explosions, car chases, gunfights and a literal drone strike? How about Manpain, Level Four? What about main characters who don't know how not to think with their dicks? This is the book for you!
I did like most of it. Some tropes exist because they are, in fact, quite enjoyable, but when you put them all in the same book, it gets tiresome. I also don't think that the overall concept (emotional manipulation of people into mobs) will be able to overcome how dated it will become thanks to the scattered references of how it came to be (Facebook, Snapchat, reddit, 4chan, et. al). Still, I like the idea of a telepathic CIA agent-turned-mercenary and that's what kept me reading. John's interaction with Zhang, a peer from the Chinese government programs, made the second half of the book worth continuing. Because they are both telepathic, they are just black holes of thoughts to one another. Their musing on how incredibly frustrating it must be for regular people to interact, since we are only able to figure out other people's motivations and intentions through what they say, body language and facial expression, was the most amusing part.
However, I cannot tell you how little I cared about the villain in this novel - an overly smart, isolated boy with a not-so-great childhood grows up to be a smug asshole of a man with money and power because of his aforementioned intelligence and lack of morals.
Aside from reading minds, that's my other superpower."
Do you enjoy action movie cliches including, but not limited to, explosions, car chases, gunfights and a literal drone strike? How about Manpain, Level Four? What about main characters who don't know how not to think with their dicks? This is the book for you!
I did like most of it. Some tropes exist because they are, in fact, quite enjoyable, but when you put them all in the same book, it gets tiresome. I also don't think that the overall concept (emotional manipulation of people into mobs) will be able to overcome how dated it will become thanks to the scattered references of how it came to be (Facebook, Snapchat, reddit, 4chan, et. al). Still, I like the idea of a telepathic CIA agent-turned-mercenary and that's what kept me reading. John's interaction with Zhang, a peer from the Chinese government programs, made the second half of the book worth continuing. Because they are both telepathic, they are just black holes of thoughts to one another. Their musing on how incredibly frustrating it must be for regular people to interact, since we are only able to figure out other people's motivations and intentions through what they say, body language and facial expression, was the most amusing part.
However, I cannot tell you how little I cared about the villain in this novel - an overly smart, isolated boy with a not-so-great childhood grows up to be a smug asshole of a man with money and power because of his aforementioned intelligence and lack of morals.
July 13, 2017
the idea of this book was clever and different...i just didn't connect with the main characters . his special abilty was a bit all over the place and confused the story at times. just not for me... but thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book
April 3, 2018
4.5 Stars.
Enjoyable series. I'm looking forward to the next one.
The audio book was well performed by Robert Slade.
Enjoyable series. I'm looking forward to the next one.
The audio book was well performed by Robert Slade.
November 25, 2018
Mini-Review:
5 Stars for Narration by Bronson Pinchot
5 Stars for Main Concepts
5 Stars for Characters & Development
4 Stars for Pacing & Action
I wasn't sure what to expect after book one but it wasn't this. This book was much more than anything I would have guessed. It expressed some of my fears about internet mob mentality and the power of data mining & selective advertisement/search results. A person has a lot going on in life and it's hard to take the time to think about how every aspect may impact your life and what to do with it every single moment. It's easier to wave aside or detour around things that feel awkward or hard to deal with.
The second installment of the series was well balanced between character types, pacing, social theories, politics, action segments and a keen balance of doing good vs wrecking vengeance. It was a story that made you think and swept you away in an adventure across the globe. I had a lot of fun listening to this book and can't wait to see what else will come about for John Smith.
5 Stars for Narration by Bronson Pinchot
5 Stars for Main Concepts
5 Stars for Characters & Development
4 Stars for Pacing & Action
I wasn't sure what to expect after book one but it wasn't this. This book was much more than anything I would have guessed. It expressed some of my fears about internet mob mentality and the power of data mining & selective advertisement/search results. A person has a lot going on in life and it's hard to take the time to think about how every aspect may impact your life and what to do with it every single moment. It's easier to wave aside or detour around things that feel awkward or hard to deal with.
The second installment of the series was well balanced between character types, pacing, social theories, politics, action segments and a keen balance of doing good vs wrecking vengeance. It was a story that made you think and swept you away in an adventure across the globe. I had a lot of fun listening to this book and can't wait to see what else will come about for John Smith.
August 5, 2017
“Flashmob,” book 2 in the John Smith series by Christopher Farnsworth, is an intelligent and well-researched cyber suspense thriller. Although his name may be ordinary, that’s the only thing that is. Smith is a CIA trained telepath who not only ‘hears’ what people are saying, but can also project thoughts and fears into their heads.
This time, Smith is investigating a dark net website called Downvote, a secret site where stalkers and haters vent and vote on celebrities, see who can create a flashmob to kill those at the top of the list, and collect the bounty. Soon Smith and Kelsey Foster, a former associate of high-tech guru Eli Preston, are on the run and always one step behind, which may get them killed. But who can they trust? And what happens when Smith runs up against a foe equally skilled and trained?
As a fan of Farnsworth’s Nathanial Cade series, he has once again created a believable character with flaws and an intriguing backstory. “Flashmob” is an action-packed, edge of your seat thriller. And I can’t wait to see what’s next.
This time, Smith is investigating a dark net website called Downvote, a secret site where stalkers and haters vent and vote on celebrities, see who can create a flashmob to kill those at the top of the list, and collect the bounty. Soon Smith and Kelsey Foster, a former associate of high-tech guru Eli Preston, are on the run and always one step behind, which may get them killed. But who can they trust? And what happens when Smith runs up against a foe equally skilled and trained?
As a fan of Farnsworth’s Nathanial Cade series, he has once again created a believable character with flaws and an intriguing backstory. “Flashmob” is an action-packed, edge of your seat thriller. And I can’t wait to see what’s next.
July 24, 2017
Author Christopher Farnsworth's sequel to "Killfile" takes the life and times of telepathically enhanced John Smith to another level of character development, plot complexity, humor and insight. He is motivated to destroy the mysterious web creator who used his Dark Web App to gun down a close friend on her wedding day for the sole purpose of creating chaos by directed mob violence. His mission takes him and yet another lovely associate around the world in progressively more dangerous encounters in what is surely a 5 star thriller.
March 31, 2017
No surprise that I loved this, but it's one of my favorites. But wow, is it scary in its timeliness.
August 29, 2020
This wasn't quite so great as John Smith 1, but it was still terrific. A really bad villain, a great frenemy, and a satisfying ending.
September 25, 2017
Liked this one a lot.
November 30, 2017
What if...Jack Reacher could READ MINDS???
June 15, 2017
Well, this felt like a timely thriller, and believable enough. I had read about the Facebook "emotional contagion" stuff, and nefarious use of this sort of software is almost a given to follow.
At any rate, the story sucked me right in and I finished the book over the course of a day. It is eminently readable and roars right along. Now I just have to go find out what else this author has written.
I received an ARC of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has affected my review not in the least.
At any rate, the story sucked me right in and I finished the book over the course of a day. It is eminently readable and roars right along. Now I just have to go find out what else this author has written.
I received an ARC of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has affected my review not in the least.
September 11, 2017
I liked this book more than the first one. I thought the plot sounded more interesting and it turned out to be a more thrilling story. The concept of Downvote, how it affects people, and imagining that happening in real life doesn't seem farfetched, and that is what is scary. This is a great adventure story to read or listen to the audio version.
August 12, 2017
This book John Smith is the main character and the one along with a body guard from a man who owns a computer company they must find who is behind down-vote. This new underground computer vote on who becomes the next person who is the victim of this crime and could be killed. Now John Smith has his own ways of dealing with people some are them are normal and some of them are mental. Either way he is a very deadly person. This story keeps you going from the beginning to the end and I found this to be a very entertaining book with very good characters all the way around. Overall this was a very good book and worth the time for a read. I got this book from Netgalley .com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
August 18, 2017
So I am a not an ebook lover, or convert but I ignored the part of me longing for a paperback because this novel is really interestingly awesome, and has such an epic concept.
Christopher Farnswell throws us readers into a new age of computer technology and men trained to kill with telepathic skills.
The main character "John Smith" is ex C.I.A. he now is a hired hit man. But with a twist; He can read and influence minds in many ways.
After a client Smith is particularly fond of is targeted John enters the dark world of Downvote and it's zombie like-minded followers. Relying on his abilities will only get him so far with this case, especially as the creator of Downvote seems to always be one step ahead.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy a good mystery, fantasy thriller.
Christopher Farnswell throws us readers into a new age of computer technology and men trained to kill with telepathic skills.
The main character "John Smith" is ex C.I.A. he now is a hired hit man. But with a twist; He can read and influence minds in many ways.
After a client Smith is particularly fond of is targeted John enters the dark world of Downvote and it's zombie like-minded followers. Relying on his abilities will only get him so far with this case, especially as the creator of Downvote seems to always be one step ahead.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy a good mystery, fantasy thriller.
March 16, 2017
Perhaps not quite as good as the first one in terms of the character building stuff, but definitely interesting in terms of the villain (and also the secondary thing-as-villain). The addition of other elements which I shall not reveal lest I spoil up the rafters also made this fun. Interchangeable female leads (though well explained) cost this book a half-star, and the somewhat unsatisfying shell game in the middle the other half. Action and crowd sequences are still brutal and compelling, and it'll have you questioning the conventional wisdom of this thing we call society in nothing flat. More or less enjoyable if you're a cynic? Hard to say.
October 8, 2017
Biological Swarming
A pair of super geniuses created an algorithm to influence human behavior.
A powerful weapon wanted by both the USA and China and so mayhem ensues.
Using the internet to communicate to the masses that someone must go.'
Creating a mob mentality by trolling.
Think Borg 'resistance is futile'.
So we can rid ourselves of the Kardashians? Interesting.
I worry about John's alcohol and pill addiction. Maybe they can create a helmet or a copper bracelet that will block out all the noise.
Chris Farnsworth delivers another 5 star book.
A pair of super geniuses created an algorithm to influence human behavior.
A powerful weapon wanted by both the USA and China and so mayhem ensues.
Using the internet to communicate to the masses that someone must go.'
Creating a mob mentality by trolling.
Think Borg 'resistance is futile'.
So we can rid ourselves of the Kardashians? Interesting.
I worry about John's alcohol and pill addiction. Maybe they can create a helmet or a copper bracelet that will block out all the noise.
Chris Farnsworth delivers another 5 star book.
August 14, 2024
Flashmob by Christopher Farnsworth
John Smith #2
+354-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Espionage Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Featuring: Los Angeles, California; Titled Chapters, Mindrreader, Psychic, Telepath, Fixer, Russian Mafia, Sex, Reality Television Show, Orphan, Violence, Military, Revenge, Multiple Locations, Survival Trope, Intellectual Property, Dark Web, Computer Program, Christopher Farnsworth's Bibliography
Rating as a movie: R for violence and adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Renegade" by Jay-Z, "I Heard I Was in Town" by Jimmy Buffett
Books and Authors mentioned: L.A. Takedown by Michael Mann (Heat), Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🎥🔮🤯💻
My thoughts: 🔖 Page 41 of 354 [Chapter] 5 The Reid Technique - This is a bit outlandish without a clear purpose compared to book 1.
🔖137 [Chapter] 13 I’ve Thought About You - Meh.
🔖288 eighteen pages into [Chapter] 22 A Pretty Good Night four pages from [Chapter] 23 That’s My Other Superpower - The action has improved but I still feel like the plot lacks direction.
This story was choppy and okay overall. Each chapter is named after the dialogue or monologue of the MC within the chapter, Amazing Race style. At one point I was more excited to hear how he was going to use the Title in conversation than the actual plot of the story. This just was okay for me, I wasn't feeling it. I got what it was trying to do but it just seemed too much for me and I had a hard time maintaining interest. It felt like a movie's sequel. I didn't like Sarah.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I loved Killfile, this one not at all. I could see others enjoying it.
John Smith
1. Killfile (2016)
2. Flashmob (2017)
John Smith #2
+354-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Espionage Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Featuring: Los Angeles, California; Titled Chapters, Mindrreader, Psychic, Telepath, Fixer, Russian Mafia, Sex, Reality Television Show, Orphan, Violence, Military, Revenge, Multiple Locations, Survival Trope, Intellectual Property, Dark Web, Computer Program, Christopher Farnsworth's Bibliography
Rating as a movie: R for violence and adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Renegade" by Jay-Z, "I Heard I Was in Town" by Jimmy Buffett
Books and Authors mentioned: L.A. Takedown by Michael Mann (Heat), Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🎥🔮🤯💻
My thoughts: 🔖 Page 41 of 354 [Chapter] 5 The Reid Technique - This is a bit outlandish without a clear purpose compared to book 1.
🔖137 [Chapter] 13 I’ve Thought About You - Meh.
🔖288 eighteen pages into [Chapter] 22 A Pretty Good Night four pages from [Chapter] 23 That’s My Other Superpower - The action has improved but I still feel like the plot lacks direction.
This story was choppy and okay overall. Each chapter is named after the dialogue or monologue of the MC within the chapter, Amazing Race style. At one point I was more excited to hear how he was going to use the Title in conversation than the actual plot of the story. This just was okay for me, I wasn't feeling it. I got what it was trying to do but it just seemed too much for me and I had a hard time maintaining interest. It felt like a movie's sequel. I didn't like Sarah.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I loved Killfile, this one not at all. I could see others enjoying it.
John Smith
1. Killfile (2016)
2. Flashmob (2017)
November 20, 2018
I like main character John Smith. That said, I don't like Sara, the obligatory female character . Interesting that I believe in John Smith with his psychic gifts but at no point believed in Sara the bodyguard's ability to protect anyone, including herself. Why, you ask. Author Farnsworth tells you over and over again that Sara is the real deal. Well, we have a case of too much tell and too little show. John Smith saves the highly competent (?) Sara time and time again. Instances include dragging Sara behind a car to protect her from an assassin, a fight in a data warehouse where Sara hides (with her gun out but still), a drunk Sara at a nightclub, and so on. Even in the one instance when Sara beats the crap out of someone (and not a highly trained someone), John rescues her from ultimately being blown to smithereens. I call Sara's presence an unwelcome intrusion into a really good thriller. Yes - Flashmob is good: action - plentiful; a likable main character; unlikeable, shall we say evil, nemeses; multiple locations, including Iceland, Romania, Hong Kong, Laos; humor; and a satisfying ending. Read it (despite Sara).
Recommendation: Yes. You might want to start with John Smith, #1 Killfile first. For what it's worth, I always enjoy a Christopher Farnsworth book.
Recommendation: Yes. You might want to start with John Smith, #1 Killfile first. For what it's worth, I always enjoy a Christopher Farnsworth book.
July 5, 2017
As there are so many series out there, sometimes you remember liking a book, but when it's sequel comes out it takes you a while to re-acclimate yourself with the world and remember why you liked the first book. Yet, with Flashmob, Farnsworth quickly throws you into the fray with a blast of dirty action, quickly reminding you that this is a take no hold barred world full of shady characters and a hero whose skill set is nothing like you expect when a character is labeled with the psychic tag.
Flashmob takes off with a sonic boom and keeps pushing to the edge and you never are quite sure when your going to fall off. It all leads to a climatic battle that defies expectation. It's not just a worthy sequel, but a sequel so good it makes me appreciate the original even more. Add to this Bronson Pinchot's authentically human performance and you have one of the can't miss audiobook experiences of the year.
Flashmob takes off with a sonic boom and keeps pushing to the edge and you never are quite sure when your going to fall off. It all leads to a climatic battle that defies expectation. It's not just a worthy sequel, but a sequel so good it makes me appreciate the original even more. Add to this Bronson Pinchot's authentically human performance and you have one of the can't miss audiobook experiences of the year.
June 12, 2017
Second in a series and I absolutely loved the first. The timeliness of the topic is such a bullseye that it would be hard not to deliver an awesome thriller. Namely, something like a computer virus can incite sudden mobs to engage in behaviors they would not normally. How? By sending social media their way that triggers responses designed to enrage or infuriate or...doubt that which they are told. The protagonist is still hugely engaging as a former CIA-trained psychic veteran with weaponized skills that also take their toll on him. Unlike the first book, this tale suffers from a few plot and character snags, yet the great topic and protagonist still prevail. This is a really fun political thriller and once again, I'm left hoping another book follows in the series. I remain a big fan. I received my copy from the publisher through edelweiss.
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