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Backdrop

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What do you get when you throw a Marine at Hollywood? 


Major Bartholomew “Andy” Andrews just stepped in it. The Marine has been dispatched by his CIA superior, the sly and secretive Kingsley Coles, to Hollywood, California, in order to recruit spies and investigate a possible terrorist infiltration on the set of a blockbuster feature film. When the film’s major investor is poisoned at a posh Hollywood party, Prince Mansour bin Saladin al Saud, heir to the Saudi throne, steps in as benefactor and moves the production to his home country.

Things are suspicious enough, but when the helicopter transporting Andy, the prince, and the film’s principle cast and crew goes down near their shooting location, Andy and company are forced to take refuge within the ruins of an ancient castle. Little do they know, the mastermind behind the ambush is the sadistic terrorist, Al-Salakhi.

Now, Andy must transform the band of Hollywood prima donnas into a well-oiled fighting machine, and stave off hordes terrorist soldiers, all the while trying to determine who among them is the traitor who sold them out.

Can they escape the castle, foil the vicious terrorist, and restore the prince to safety? Or will treachery within their ranks bring them down first?

BACKDROP is the first story in the new Corps Justice spinoff series, Stars & Spies.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2017

779 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

C.G. Cooper

87 books392 followers
C. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.

One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.

Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.

Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.

His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.

Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.

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5 stars
295 (40%)
4 stars
236 (32%)
3 stars
127 (17%)
2 stars
51 (6%)
1 star
24 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2017
Interesting story.

C. G. Cooper writes action filled interesting stories. This is the start of a new series. Hoping next book will have less gruesome killings. Like Andy character and the way his mind works. But strongly disagree with him; Hollywood doesn't look anything like Istanbul, Turkey. He's in Hollywood studio to find the ISIS terrorist.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,368 reviews28 followers
August 16, 2017
Major Andy Andrews is having to go to Hollywood to advise on a movie. He is going undercover for the government and not happy about it. Prince Mansour has invested in the movie and Andy is to investigate him. They go to Saudi Arabia to start the movie. As they approach the site the helicopter crashes. Then they are being attacked as they are trying to organize the survivors. Can they get out of this situation.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2019
This is the 1st book in this series. This is a book off of the Corps Justice series which I would read prior to this, so you can understand who the hero is and stands for.

The heroine is an overworked and budget stressed casting agent. She has friends, thankfully, in high places which will help her get her movie made. The new consultant on the film, our hero, and her butt heads, because they have different expectations.

Our hero we’ve met during the Corps Justice and you get to know him really well. However, this time he’s not joining our Corps Justice crew, he’s on his own at the CIA because he got disavowed. He went from having a huge responsibility to being a gopher for the head of CIA. Now he’s heading for California and the movie business to consult but the real reason is because intel they have say one of the movie people are involved in a terrorist cell and something is going down soon.

The plot overall isn’t bad, but the beginning with where the hero is and why he’s there is not well thought out. I’m still confused as to why he’s a military man, true disavowed, but he ends up with the CIA? Usually anyone who’s on the bad side of someone buries them in a corner of the earth and forgets about them. That part is now believable. The storyline after this is much better laid out, but the hero we learned about in the Corps Justice and the hero here (in this book) felt like 2 different men or characters. This, to me, is just weird.

This is the first from this series, I think the author/s need to step back and explain why the hero is here when he should be buried some place in a military base some place.
Profile Image for Dan Smith.
1,802 reviews18 followers
February 27, 2022
Major Bartholomew “Andy” Andrews just stepped in it. The Marine has been dispatched by his CIA superior, the sly and secretive Kingsley Coles, to Hollywood, California, in order to recruit spies and investigate a possible terrorist infiltration on the set of a blockbuster feature film. When the film’s major investor is poisoned at a posh Hollywood party, Prince Mansour bin Saladin al Saud, heir to the Saudi throne, steps in as benefactor and moves the production to his home country.

Things are suspicious enough, but when the helicopter transporting Andy, the prince, and the film’s principle cast and crew goes down near their shooting location, Andy and company are forced to take refuge within the ruins of an ancient castle. Little do they know, the mastermind behind the ambush is the sadistic terrorist, Al-Salakhi.

Now, Andy must transform the band of Hollywood prima donnas into a well-oiled fighting machine, and stave off hordes terrorist soldiers, all the while trying to determine who among them is the traitor who sold them out.

Can they escape the castle, foil the vicious terrorist, and restore the prince to safety? Or will treachery within their ranks bring them down first?
Profile Image for Randy Troyer.
75 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
Enjoyable read

Any reader familiar with the Corps Justice series will remember the character of Major Bartholomew "Andy" Andrews working with the team occasionally. This story centers on Andrews and, with the usual C.G. Cooper flair, doesn't disappoint. Action, debauchery, mystery and more at a frantic pace making it difficult to put down.
I would be lying if I said I liked it as much as the Corps Justice series and I admit I anxiously await its next installment. That being said, this is a good fast read for a plane or just a nice read. Cooper and crew have yet to let me down. A couple of misspellings and a story that became a bit disjointed at times are my only negatives and I give it a strong 4 stars.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
August 5, 2017
I have admired and respected Andy (Major Bartholomew Andrews, USMC) since he was first introduced in the 'Corps Justice Series' with Cal and the SSI crew. He has always held his duty to the United States in high regard, even when the assignment was questionable. This story line was one of those questionable duties. I love his sarcasm and ability to stay calm and make it through any circumstance that comes his way. This book was well written and well played out. I can't wait to read more. A must add to your tbr list.
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
August 14, 2017
Stars & Spies

A fantastic book. But what else could I expect from C. G. Cooper? A lone soldier up against insurmountable odds. Doing a job he didn't want to do. But, doing it all the same for his country. Trying to protect the innocent and prepare them for a battle for their lives. Flushing out traitors he makes friends with people he disliked. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Cooper has a knack for making what seems like the impossible possible. A new hero is born in Backdrop. I am waiting with bated breath to read more of this series.
489 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2017
Backdrop: Corps Justice Series (Stars & Spies #1)

Marine Major Andrews is tasked to be the military consultant on a new film involving an engagement between U.S. Marines and Afghanistan troops which is being filmed in Hollywood. Never would he have imagined that the action would end up in Afghanistan in a firefight for not only the lives of the film production crew, but also the actors, a Sunni Prince and himself. Cooper is at his best once again with a plot that will keep you turning pages to the end.
585 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2017
Wow if you want non stop action lots of intrigue and treachery this is the book to read. Former Major Bartholomew "Andy" Andrews has stopped his military career to work for the CIA. he is sent to Hollywood to look into suspicious actions using film productions. When the film production moves to Saudi Arabia the action starts when the crew's helicopter is shot down and they are trapped. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward for more in this series.
Profile Image for Phil Calkins.
98 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2017
Kind of predictable and swarmy.

The "action" was straight out of a "C" class western shooter-up. The dialog stale and unbelievable. I was really disappointed with C.G. Cooper this time. But, it's as predictable as any other spin-off from a successful series. I just hated that Cooper besmirched the U.S. Marine Corps in doing so. Put this spin-off aside and return to what made you successful.
102 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2017
Off to a slow start for me

I would like to start by saying that I am a great fan of CG Coopers work. He normally has awesome character development , thoughtful story progression, and spot on correct action when warranted.
We just missed the mark with this one for me. Possibly book 2 will get the spark in this series for me. Might just be me on this one...
87 reviews
August 23, 2017
I !ove it!!

What a great ride... Character love and Chad to hate. Tension build with sub plots upon sub plots. But, every body works together in the end. The last paragraph or two at the end earned an ironic chuckle... Something I rarely do. I wish I could have given more stars. But, all I can do is tell you to rent it or buy it...just read it!
1,477 reviews25 followers
September 12, 2018
Backdrop. C.G. Cooper

Retired USMC Major Andy Andrews works for the CIA. He's been giving what he considers an insane, absolutely ridiculous mission. Traitors in Hollywood. Producers, actors? You got to be kidding me Andrews is thinking. Insanity. But it's not. Fast paced action thriller ! Enjoyed immensely.
Profile Image for Michael.
376 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2017
Edge of the Seat Thriller

Another excellent novel by C. G. with several unexpected twists and turns. A good starting novel for a new series. I read it in one sitting and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Don.
1,027 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2017
It was good but Cal is better in the Corps Justice Series, thus the four verses five stars. Major Andy could be a better super warrior than he is. I still enjoy Cooper's ability to put a story line together.
42 reviews
August 12, 2017
I ❤️Andy

I love C G Cooper's books and this one was even better than the last! I was so glad to see Andy as the lead he has always intrigued me. Where is the next book? I am ready
For another all nighter. Thank you


29 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2017
Not Up To Par

C G Cooper has done far better. Three hours of my time I will never get back. I appreciate the efforts of authors to produce books but this one did not get my interest..
763 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2017
Dull and boring.

No emotional connection to the characters. Story plods along. Characters have no personality. Even the bad guys have no pizzazz. Too bad. Disappointed.. I loved the Corp Justice Series.
Profile Image for Jerry Costa.
69 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2017
This is a terrible book

I read a lot of the authors other books and then we're good . This one is too hard to follow it jumps around so much that he can follow the storyline . I only paid 2.99 for it I only got the chapter 27 . I never not finish a book .
1 review
September 2, 2017
Such a disappointment!

I was so looking forward to this new book by C. G. Cooper.
The storyline is so far fetched. After forcing myself to read about half of the book I had to quit.
Profile Image for Gurpreet K. Cheema.
260 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
Wonderful story love stars and spies

Wonderful story about stars and spies Andy as his friends know him is on a mission to take down terrorists and working for CIA has it perks and fallout. Read on for more details.
832 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2020
Really?

I have read about 90% of his books and loved the all. Sorry but this one does not live up to the standards set by the author. Ridiculous story line, characters you don't want to know. Oh, and boring as watching paint dry. Was it really written by Cooper?
167 reviews
November 27, 2020
major Andrews a new beginning

At first, I wasn’t sure if If this book was going to peak my interest. however, as usual the character and book lived up to the high standards of the writer and delivered.
Profile Image for Richard Cowart.
604 reviews
January 17, 2021
Continued excellence

Major Andrews finds himself in another fine CIA mess. Starting in Hollywood and winding up in Saudi Arabia the adventure has plenty of action and surprises. Thanks for great read
Profile Image for Wancket Enterprises.
632 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2017
Exciting

C. G. Cooper's books about Corp Justice featuring Cal Stokes and his team were amazing and this series will be another winner!You
Profile Image for Glenna M. Ireton.
14 reviews
August 9, 2017
Read them all.

Read all the Corps Justice. I like all of the team together, instead of separate.
Nothing much gets done, when I get my nose in one of the Corps book. : - )
Profile Image for Jan Kazimi.
139 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2017
Jk

I think the beginning sucked, but as the story takes you out of Hollywood
it gets better and then you enjoy the rest of the book
108 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2017
Quite Different

Putting the story together took quite a number of chapters. Having read many books written by C. G. Cooper it was difficult to put this story together.
Profile Image for Delores Fisher.
105 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2017
Great book!

I love C.G. Coopers books! He makes his characters come alive. If you like military thrillers then you will this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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