Rogue: A Tom Black Novella #2

by Mike Winter

Who do you trust when everyone has their own agenda? Novice Government Assassin, Tom Black is sent to Hong Kong to track down a rogue agent who has sold top secret information to the Chinese. In a cat and mouse chase through the bustling city, Black must ensure that he identifies and takes out the disgraced agent, but at the same time be wary of his colleagues who are all pursuing their own interests.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2017

Reviews

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill one of our agents...

Tom Black receives new orders to go to Hong Kong and remove an agent who is selling information to the Chinese. He finds several things happening that are totally out of character, as the Boss, Hamilton, is in the city. And so is an agent who has been with the TEP since 9/11, Jones. The person meeting him to give him details for his assignment seems a bit too nice, are the things he is saying truthful?
Back at the office a new woman is in charge, Black has no idea what is going on, he just wants to finish the mission and get home. Several twists keep you engaged in this story,I enjoy learning more about the agents and the agency.
Great thriller that keeps you guessing!

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second novella in the early missions of Tom Black an operative for TEP (Threat elimination and Prevention). In this undercover operation he is required to fly to Hong Kong and exposed a rogue TEP agent who has been selling secrets to the Chinese. His contact is Jerrard an ex CIA officer.
Good build of tension; on one level it seems a twisting story with unexpected problems to overcome. However, it is rather drab once the subterfuge is uncovered. The plot is very like the first one with the need to kill a traitor and his contact.
Black’s youthful looks and inexperience continue to keep opinions of him divided but Hamilton’s belief in him continues to propel his career.
His job is a variation of a 00 spy - he basically kills on behalf of the government but one step removed from MI5?
Some nice observations of Hong Kong but the location was wasted as most scenes again happen in ubiquitous hotel rooms. Once more I like the character of Black but find the stories he is placed in lack imagination and credibility. Not sure the back story is that compelling either with a forbidden relationship, a flirtation with alcohol and the stalking of his family.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/14/2008, Hong Kong, China. Thomas Wood (aka Tom Black, government assassin) finally arrived at the Harbour Plaza Hotel.
Jerrard claims a TEP agent was selling intelligence secrets to the Chinese Government.
Tequila Bar (Davis St.). Jerrard met with Tom Wood.
12/15/2008, Why did Thomas go see Tang Li (50, government official).
At the door Rachel Hamilton (wife) greeted Stephen Jones (TEP Agent rogue).
She informed him Will Hamilton (husband, TEP director, ex-CIA, M15) came home, packed a bag & took off in a hurry.

Will Tom be able to find Will?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written international thriller (novella) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; DN Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this short story, "Rogue" by Mike Winter even though it's the first for me by this author. Tom Black is ordered to kill one of their own - an agent who went rogue and shared confidential information with the other side. There is potential to further build on this story so readers learn more about Tom Black and those he works for. However, it kept me second guessing and kept my interest. Some typos and added words, but they won't cause readers any discomfort and can be completed within an hour or two.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was interesting and the principal characters were more than one-dimensional. I'll probably read more by this author to see how his work progresses. The work suffers a bit from the need for better proofreading, exhibiting a sprinkling of excess apostrophes to incorrectly form plurals of common nouns, the absence of apostrophes needed to form possessives, and the occasional grammatical mistake ("her ... said" instead of "she ... said"). I realize such errors are common in today's self-publishing world, but they distract from enjoying the story.

[Jim B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. A typical damaged hero with a twist; revealing the twist would be a spoiler - not from me. Fewer wrong words than in The First Time. Better editing or more care? I am looking forward to the first full length novel and hope the author has time and space to develop some of the side characters more.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom Black returns in another short story, this time sent to hunt down a fellow agent, who is passing secrets to the Chinese. This is a good story, that is setting up character nicely for the first full length novel.

[Rachel Silverwoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Kept me guessing all the way through, couldn't wait to find out more, the description of the main character really paints a mental picture and I feel I'm living the story with him, can't wait to read more from promising author Mike Winter

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

You Never Know

People selling secrets to other countries. Tom Black is sent to Hong Kong to track a rogue agent. Little does he know the agent may be in his own backyard. Short, but decent story.

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short more than I should have. Winter has an easy to read writing style combined with a fast paced plot and good character development. The MC (Black) is so cold you can feel the chill coming off the page. This story lays the groundwork for an exciting series, yet it has an ending.

[patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rouge: A Tom Black Novella

I truly enjoyed most of your writing- knowing that I am only going to get one story , is not the way I like to read.
You should have said Short Stories.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Novella

This is the second Tom Black Novella I’ve read and I found this as entertaining as the first one. I hope the author continues the Series with a full length story!

[Sandy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Black Does It For Me!

An Excellent Read. Can't wait till the full length book is out. Highly recommended!
Get the first one as well, The First Time!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2

This was another great read. Lots of twist and turned and of course surprises. I will be looking forward to the next book.

[Mike milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tantalizing

Black has a hard time ahead of him. He has to make a life and death decision, it's either him or the other. Read the story and get the answer.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great thriller in short form-not an easy task, but Mr. Winter manages to pack a lot of action, intrigue and suspense-with a great twist-into a novella. Hazzah!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat with a psychological twist.

[Nancy Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I like the main character and the storyline. A good lead in to the series. Recommend.
This book was received for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michael Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Quick Read

As always wish they were longer, but it is a novella. Keep writing them. I 'll keep reading them. Done