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Ed Maddux Cold War Spy Thriller #1
King of Queens
New York City, Spring 1964.
When Charles Pritchett recruits Ed Maddux as a civilian asset for the CIA, Maddux never imagined the shadow world that exists around him . . . or the danger that lurks in his own city.
Maddux, whose father mysteriously disappeared, is enlisted to help provide the CIA with surveillance on a long-time friend, city councilman Nicholas Dunn. But Maddux hesitates to help, unsure that what the CIA is suggesting is true. But when he becomes suspicious of Dunn—and he sees the chance to learn more about his father’s disappearance—Maddux agrees to help.
With the help of Pritchett and Technical Services Division tech Rose Fuller, Maddux must enter into a shadowy world to stop a deadly attack that would turn the Cold War into a full-fledged conflict.
In the tradition of James Bond, this 1960s Cold War spy thriller will have readers on edge until the final page.
When Charles Pritchett recruits Ed Maddux as a civilian asset for the CIA, Maddux never imagined the shadow world that exists around him . . . or the danger that lurks in his own city.
Maddux, whose father mysteriously disappeared, is enlisted to help provide the CIA with surveillance on a long-time friend, city councilman Nicholas Dunn. But Maddux hesitates to help, unsure that what the CIA is suggesting is true. But when he becomes suspicious of Dunn—and he sees the chance to learn more about his father’s disappearance—Maddux agrees to help.
With the help of Pritchett and Technical Services Division tech Rose Fuller, Maddux must enter into a shadowy world to stop a deadly attack that would turn the Cold War into a full-fledged conflict.
In the tradition of James Bond, this 1960s Cold War spy thriller will have readers on edge until the final page.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2017
34 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Jack Patterson
41 books40 followersThis is the Profile that Author R.J. Patterson originally released under.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 28, 2018
Firstly may I thank Jack Patterson( R. J Patterson) for making this available for my group " A Good Thriller" free for a Read a Long January 2018.
An interesting first read of this author for me, also a rare read for a cold war thriller for me.
Liked the lead character Ed Maddux, and find this an easy reading story/plot to follow.
When Charles Pritchett recruits Ed Maddux as a civilian asset for the CIA, Maddux never imagined the shadow world that exists around him . . . or the danger that lurks in his own city.
Maddux, whose father mysteriously disappeared, is enlisted to help provide the CIA with surveillance on a long-time friend, city councilman Nicholas Dunn. But Maddux hesitates to help, unsure that what the CIA is suggesting is true. But when he becomes suspicious of Dunn—and he sees the chance to learn more about his father’s disappearance—Maddux agrees to help.
With the help of Pritchett and Technical Services Division tech Rose Fuller, Maddux must enter into a shadowy world to stop a deadly attack that would turn the Cold War into a full-fledged conflict.
In the tradition of James Bond, this 1960s Cold War spy thriller will have readers enjoying this easy reading thriller. A reasonably short book at just over 200 pages.
Three stars from me. Just lacked the great tension, pace of some thriller authors I read.
An interesting first read of this author for me, also a rare read for a cold war thriller for me.
Liked the lead character Ed Maddux, and find this an easy reading story/plot to follow.
When Charles Pritchett recruits Ed Maddux as a civilian asset for the CIA, Maddux never imagined the shadow world that exists around him . . . or the danger that lurks in his own city.
Maddux, whose father mysteriously disappeared, is enlisted to help provide the CIA with surveillance on a long-time friend, city councilman Nicholas Dunn. But Maddux hesitates to help, unsure that what the CIA is suggesting is true. But when he becomes suspicious of Dunn—and he sees the chance to learn more about his father’s disappearance—Maddux agrees to help.
With the help of Pritchett and Technical Services Division tech Rose Fuller, Maddux must enter into a shadowy world to stop a deadly attack that would turn the Cold War into a full-fledged conflict.
In the tradition of James Bond, this 1960s Cold War spy thriller will have readers enjoying this easy reading thriller. A reasonably short book at just over 200 pages.
Three stars from me. Just lacked the great tension, pace of some thriller authors I read.
January 26, 2018
*2.5 stars rounded up.
Ed Maddux is forty-three, divorced, a patriotic WWII veteran, working in the marketing department at General Motors in NYC when he is approached by a CIA agent with a proposal. He wants to enlist Ed as a civilian agent because of his close relationship with the Queens borough councilman, Nicholas Dunn. They believe Dunn has agreed to work with Russian agents to plot an attack on the upcoming World's Fair (April, 1964). Nick and Ed have been friends since college days so Ed cannot believe his old buddy would be involved in anything that would harm his country...but he does agree to take a look. And what he sees, he doesn't like.
I have always enjoyed a good spy story since the days I first read Ian Fleming and later John LeCarre, Robert Ludlum, et al. This story is hurt by the comparison to those great authors, I'm afraid. It's a little rough around the edges but is definitely filled with lots of action and drama and is a quick read. Ed is a likable character with a lot to learn in this spy business but it looks like the CIA is willing to give him that chance. And maybe along the way he'll learn the truth of what really happened to his father.
I wish to thank the author for providing members of A Good Thriller group with a free copy of his book for the January Readalong.
Ed Maddux is forty-three, divorced, a patriotic WWII veteran, working in the marketing department at General Motors in NYC when he is approached by a CIA agent with a proposal. He wants to enlist Ed as a civilian agent because of his close relationship with the Queens borough councilman, Nicholas Dunn. They believe Dunn has agreed to work with Russian agents to plot an attack on the upcoming World's Fair (April, 1964). Nick and Ed have been friends since college days so Ed cannot believe his old buddy would be involved in anything that would harm his country...but he does agree to take a look. And what he sees, he doesn't like.
I have always enjoyed a good spy story since the days I first read Ian Fleming and later John LeCarre, Robert Ludlum, et al. This story is hurt by the comparison to those great authors, I'm afraid. It's a little rough around the edges but is definitely filled with lots of action and drama and is a quick read. Ed is a likable character with a lot to learn in this spy business but it looks like the CIA is willing to give him that chance. And maybe along the way he'll learn the truth of what really happened to his father.
I wish to thank the author for providing members of A Good Thriller group with a free copy of his book for the January Readalong.
January 28, 2018
Even though I'm into thrillers, I should start by stating this is not the kind of thriller I like, so I'm sure my rating was influenced by it.
It's the middle of the Cold War. Maddux works in the publicity department of GM when he is asked by the CIA to help spy on Dunn, a friend of his from college. Would Dunn betray his country to work with the Russians? Maddux doubts it, but the chance to find out about his long-missing father inserts him in the middle of an intelligence war that could lead to the death of innocent people.
Even though I wasn't into Maddux and had a hard time believing someone like him could be so wanted by both Americans and Soviets, the story itself was quick-paced and writing easy enough to allow me to have some fun.
However, I wish the author had worked better in bringing the reader into the story. Things happen so fast in the beginning we barely know who Maddux is before the big change. I missed some more time with simple Maddux instead of newbie-spy-prodigy Maddux. The same goes to the time of the story. Patterson clearly seems to know well of this period but I kept forgetting the narrative didn't place in the present day—what's with Russia being back on the headlines since the last election, the issue couldn't be more timely.
While I didn't like how the romance began, I had fun with the subsequent scenes featuring the couple. Rose is a decent, smart female character that really made a difference for me. She was my favorite in the whole book. I hope we get to see (much) more of her.
As I said, I'm not into this sort of thriller but if you like action-packed scenes or have ever dreamed of an invitation to cooperate with the CIA, I'd say you'll have fun with the story. Even though this is a series, this first one is a closed arc so you can just try and see what you think.
Honest review based on a copy offered by the author. Many thanks to R. J. Patterson and the A Good Thriller discussion group for the opportunity.
It's the middle of the Cold War. Maddux works in the publicity department of GM when he is asked by the CIA to help spy on Dunn, a friend of his from college. Would Dunn betray his country to work with the Russians? Maddux doubts it, but the chance to find out about his long-missing father inserts him in the middle of an intelligence war that could lead to the death of innocent people.
Even though I wasn't into Maddux and had a hard time believing someone like him could be so wanted by both Americans and Soviets, the story itself was quick-paced and writing easy enough to allow me to have some fun.
However, I wish the author had worked better in bringing the reader into the story. Things happen so fast in the beginning we barely know who Maddux is before the big change. I missed some more time with simple Maddux instead of newbie-spy-prodigy Maddux. The same goes to the time of the story. Patterson clearly seems to know well of this period but I kept forgetting the narrative didn't place in the present day—what's with Russia being back on the headlines since the last election, the issue couldn't be more timely.
While I didn't like how the romance began, I had fun with the subsequent scenes featuring the couple. Rose is a decent, smart female character that really made a difference for me. She was my favorite in the whole book. I hope we get to see (much) more of her.
As I said, I'm not into this sort of thriller but if you like action-packed scenes or have ever dreamed of an invitation to cooperate with the CIA, I'd say you'll have fun with the story. Even though this is a series, this first one is a closed arc so you can just try and see what you think.
Honest review based on a copy offered by the author. Many thanks to R. J. Patterson and the A Good Thriller discussion group for the opportunity.
January 7, 2018
Set back in the 60’s, this story takes you on a great ride. With international flavor and a great cast of characters this was a lot of fun to read. A civilian is used by the CIA to help stop a terrorist attack at the world’s fair. Really awesome read.
August 29, 2017
King of Queens. Jack Patterson
Ed Maddux is a marketing rep for General Motors in the mid sixties. He's also a former soldier, a patriot like his father who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The CIA have had him under surveillance for a while. They need a civilian asset and he is uniquely qualified. His best friend from college is the "king of Queens." The Russians are planning a sinister Attack in New York and Ed appears to be the only way the CIA has to stop this daring attack. Suspense, action, deceit, betrayal.... This story has it all!! Enjoyed tremendously!!
Ed Maddux is a marketing rep for General Motors in the mid sixties. He's also a former soldier, a patriot like his father who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The CIA have had him under surveillance for a while. They need a civilian asset and he is uniquely qualified. His best friend from college is the "king of Queens." The Russians are planning a sinister Attack in New York and Ed appears to be the only way the CIA has to stop this daring attack. Suspense, action, deceit, betrayal.... This story has it all!! Enjoyed tremendously!!
September 1, 2017
Excellent spy story filled with enough action, intrigue, and hidden agendas to keep the reader engaged until the final sentence. Patterson's Ed Maddox series promises to be a series to follow.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.
December 26, 2022
I enjoy spy thrillers, but this one just didn't connect for me. Ed Maddux thinks very highly of himself, and I'm not sure why. Even more perplexing is everyone else seems to agree. . The way they talk in this is also odd because people don't talk that way in real life. And the excessive use of the description of characters as patriots made me want to vom. Also, I didn't realize until way late that this was set in the 60s, so maybe reading it in that context from the start would have changed things for me. Still, I don't think this is the series for me.
January 14, 2018
You can read my review at http://world-of-sleuths.blogspot.com/....
December 24, 2022
King of Queens by RJ (Jack) Patterson is a story that will take you back in history to the Cold War Era. Ed Maddux is an ordinary citizen who is "recruited" by the CIA to help stop a Russian terrorism threat to New York City. There is suspense, terror, doubted patriotism, and heroism that will keep you turning pages and hoping that all turns out well. There are gadgets worthy of James Bond that will also intrigue you. The plot and characters are well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story that was a B&N serial readout where new chapters are delivered each day to my Noon app until the story is completed. This is a great way to meet new authors or re-meet someone that you have not read for a while. I highly recommend it. Enjoy.
December 29, 2022
I suppose this could have been shelved as historical fiction as well. 😃
I kept forgetting that Edward Maddux has Army experience. It was unusual for a protagonist to be an avid rower ... interesting way to keep in shape.
I read the synopsis for the next book in the series before I finished this book, so I prematurely learned that he wouldn’t know his father’s fate by the end of this installment.
Action-packed, sprinkled with realistic tidbits.
Thanks, Barnes & Noble, for this month’s freebie serial read.
I kept forgetting that Edward Maddux has Army experience. It was unusual for a protagonist to be an avid rower ... interesting way to keep in shape.
I read the synopsis for the next book in the series before I finished this book, so I prematurely learned that he wouldn’t know his father’s fate by the end of this installment.
Action-packed, sprinkled with realistic tidbits.
Thanks, Barnes & Noble, for this month’s freebie serial read.
December 25, 2022
This was the Barnes & Noble serial read for December. Set in the 1960's, Ed Maddux is recruited as a civilian to help the CIA. His father disappeared. The CIA wants him to help get info on a long time friend, city councilman Nicolaus Dunn. He agrees to help the CIA as a chance to learn what happened to his father. He is to help stop a deadly attack on the World's Fair. A well written, fast moving, interesting story. Highly recommended.
December 25, 2022
This was a quick read and I would recommend it to fans of James Bond-type spy thrillers. It is a pretty good story without being too convoluted (like a lot in this genre seem to be). A tale of a common man who becomes caught up in Cold War antics, all because he is friends with a certain person. Then, when the Russians seem to have information he has been searching for all his life, Maddux has to decide which is more important: loyalty to America or knowledge he desperately wants to learn.
October 18, 2017
I think my 7 year old grandson can write better than this! What a waste of time.
This book was a total waste of time. The author writes like a high school freshman in his first week of the school year. I'm sorry I bought the follow up book before reading this one. Wasted my money. I won't be reading the other. I expected more from Jack Patterson.
This book was a total waste of time. The author writes like a high school freshman in his first week of the school year. I'm sorry I bought the follow up book before reading this one. Wasted my money. I won't be reading the other. I expected more from Jack Patterson.
January 14, 2019
Cold War times
Ed Maddux works for GM and is getting ready for the World's Fair. He has a friend who is a NYC councilman. Ed is approached by the CIA to work with them, and also by a Russian spy who blackmails him with information about his father, who is supposedly dead. How this all ties together makes for a great book!
Ed Maddux works for GM and is getting ready for the World's Fair. He has a friend who is a NYC councilman. Ed is approached by the CIA to work with them, and also by a Russian spy who blackmails him with information about his father, who is supposedly dead. How this all ties together makes for a great book!
January 19, 2018
This book is completely far-fetched. An advertising exec for GM is targeted by the CIA to do some undercover work and foil a Russian plot. Seriously???
Giving this 3 stars vs. 2 stars because it was an enjoyable and fast story, but completely unbelievable.
Giving this 3 stars vs. 2 stars because it was an enjoyable and fast story, but completely unbelievable.
December 26, 2022
A nice, easy read. No frills, no overboard lengthy description, but straightforward action and clear-cut characters.
A good, fast-paced Cold War spy thriller that kept me engaged and willing to find out more. Looking forward to the next chapter of the series
A good, fast-paced Cold War spy thriller that kept me engaged and willing to find out more. Looking forward to the next chapter of the series
March 6, 2018
king of Queens makes me want to live in the 1960's with all of it's patriotism. And I'm looking forward to reading the second Ed Maddux novel.
July 13, 2020
Loved the book. I am now a big fan of Ed’s.
You are an excellent writer.
You are an excellent writer.
December 24, 2022
This was the Barnes & Noble nook app serial read for December.
I was ok. It is a standard spy novel and the beginning of the series.
Nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
I was ok. It is a standard spy novel and the beginning of the series.
Nothing spectacular, but not bad either.
December 28, 2022
No idea what this was going to be about but it kept me reading. Enjoyed it.
January 1, 2023
It was okay, but certainly not the same caliber as Ian Fleming. I don't know if I would have bought this book, but it was fine to read as a free monthly Readout Book from Barnes & Noble.
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January 10, 2023Not recommended
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews