What do you think?
Rate this book
Burn: A Sam Jameson Thriller
A mysterious note. A shadowy figure from Sam Jameson’s past. They invade Sam’s self-imposed exile to deliver shocking Alexander Wells, the man who murdered a five-year-old girl and framed Sam to take the fall, didn’t die in the fiery blast that almost claimed her life. Wells is alive. And he’s recruited a team of hardened criminal operatives with just one target in their Sam Jameson. Sam soon finds herself at the mercy of forces with unthinkable reach and resources. With rogue government elements, a brutal organized crime family, and the world’s most powerful clandestine cabal all lined up against her, Sam must escape a terrifying fate at the hands of a madman to make the most difficult choice of her life. And along the way, Sam must reconcile her growing feelings for an old friend with her heartbreak over the loss of Brock James, the man she planned to spend her life with. BURN is the most explosive installment yet in Amazon #1 Bestselling Author Lars Emmerich’s runaway international hit Sam Jameson series, loved by fans of espionage, conspiracy, and crime thrillers from masters such as James Patterson, David Baldacci, Nelson DeMille, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Catherine Coulter, and Daniel Silva. Interview with #1 Bestselling Author Lars Emmerich
Who are your influences?
Too many to list! I started out years ago as a Tom Clancy addict, and I thoroughly enjoy many of Nelson DeMille’s novels. I regularly read David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, Barry Eisler, Michael Connelly, and John Grisham. James Patterson has redefined what it means to be a working author, and I read his stuff as well. My top picks are usually espionage and private detective novels, any of the thousands of thrillers and mystery best sellers, and, of course, books featuring classic pulp heroes. And I’m greatly influenced by all sorts of nonfiction, as well. I read all the time, and I’m a bit of a magpie about the topics — science, economics, finance, politics, history, mathematics, engineering, biomechanics, medicine… It’s a big world out there, and I love learning more about it. Many of those topics find their way into my fiction, so I can justify it all as “research.”
The Sam Jameson series has become quite a phenomenon. What do you think has been the driving force behind the books’ success?
I think Sam has something of a unique voice. She says the things we all wish we could say, and she gets away with it about half of the time. The other half of the time, not so much. I think she’s also a very human heroine. She has plenty of flaws and weaknesses, yet she accomplishes some amazing things. She’s like every one of us in that regard, which resonates.
You have developed personal relationships with your readers over the years, which is a little unusual in the publishing business. Was that a conscious choice?
Absolutely. Books are intimate things. They occupy a person’s mind and thoughts for hours at a time. Good books leave a lasting impression, and great books might even change the way we think about things, but all books are a relationship. I always wanted a conversation. I wanted to learn from my readers, to hear what was on their minds, to listen to their criticism and hopefully improve the books I write. It’s been extremely rewarding, and I’m hopeful it can continue for years to come.
BURN genre Spy thriller, spy thrillers kindle books, best crime thrillers, conspiracy thrillers, espionage thrillers, mystery thrillers and suspense best sellers, female spy books
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2017
76 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Lars Emmerich
48 books93 followersYou know that feeling when a story gives you goosebumps? I love that feeling.
And the one where you read something that puts a lump in your throat and smoke in your eyes? I love that one too.
And the feeling that you know what's going to happen next, only to find out to your absolute delight that you couldn't have been more wrong? I love that feeling too.
I love reading stories that move me and challenge my assumptions and teach me something. I love the way a great author lures me in and takes me along for a fantastic ride.
I also love to write stories. It's how I spend my days and a good share of my nights, too. I'm on a quest to write the perfect story full of perfect sentences. I don't know if I'm anywhere close, but I enjoy the gentle struggle.
And the one where you read something that puts a lump in your throat and smoke in your eyes? I love that one too.
And the feeling that you know what's going to happen next, only to find out to your absolute delight that you couldn't have been more wrong? I love that feeling too.
I love reading stories that move me and challenge my assumptions and teach me something. I love the way a great author lures me in and takes me along for a fantastic ride.
I also love to write stories. It's how I spend my days and a good share of my nights, too. I'm on a quest to write the perfect story full of perfect sentences. I don't know if I'm anywhere close, but I enjoy the gentle struggle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 24, 2019
I love a good, suspenseful mystery that makes me sit on the edge of my seat and this did that! Sam Jameson is what many of us wish we could be in many ways, at least I do. She says what she wants most of the time. If she's afraid to speak up, she toughs it out and does so anyway.
There was a little five year old girl who had been murdered and a man named Alexander Wells was the real culprit/murderer, but he set up Sam and framed her for the murder. It was her desire for justice that was her motivation.
One of my favorite things about a suspenseful mystery is a good twist or two, and this book had that. And the big plus is that it isn't predictable and the twists are a total surprise! Be prepared for a completely surprise ending as well!
I highly recommend this one!
There was a little five year old girl who had been murdered and a man named Alexander Wells was the real culprit/murderer, but he set up Sam and framed her for the murder. It was her desire for justice that was her motivation.
One of my favorite things about a suspenseful mystery is a good twist or two, and this book had that. And the big plus is that it isn't predictable and the twists are a total surprise! Be prepared for a completely surprise ending as well!
I highly recommend this one!
September 18, 2017
Full disclosure, I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the author however I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Sam Jameson is back whether she likes it or not
Burn is the newest installment in the Sam Jameson series of thrillers by Lars Emmerich and chronicles heroine Sam Jameson’s life in the months after the explosive conclusion of “The Blowback Protocol”. Having lost the love of her life, Brock due to her unwillingness to leave her post at Homeland Security, Sam has fallen into a deep depression and has become a virtual recluse in South Carolina. After rejecting everything that defined her for many years, she falls into a life consisting mainly of eating, watching movies and moping. When she receives an unexpected visit by a face from her past, Sam finds herself unwillingly drawn back into the spy game. Without the protection or backing of the US Government, Sam and once adversary Peter Kitteredge match wits with the mob, the FBI and an influential power player that Sam thought was dead. Sam is pushed to her limits as she tries to discover the reason why she was dragged back into the lifestyle she had recently abandoned and may not escape a second time.
Burn is a follow up to “The Blowback Protocol” and takes place a several months after the explosion that culminates with several power players taken out while Sam looked on. Burn sees Jameson as emotional and extremely vulnerable, with that vulnerability permeating every aspect of her life. Sam’s latest adventure if you can call it that opens old wounds and resurrects even older personal demons. To say that the last quarter of this book is a shocker nowhere does this story justice. Suffice it to say that if we see another Sam Jameson thriller in our future, it will be with a much different person than we have seen thus far.
Burn is recommended for anyone who likes crime novels with a twist and a strong female lead. While this is one in a series of novels featuring Samantha Jameson, this book works well as a stand alone novel in addition to part of the larger picture.
Sam Jameson is back whether she likes it or not
Burn is the newest installment in the Sam Jameson series of thrillers by Lars Emmerich and chronicles heroine Sam Jameson’s life in the months after the explosive conclusion of “The Blowback Protocol”. Having lost the love of her life, Brock due to her unwillingness to leave her post at Homeland Security, Sam has fallen into a deep depression and has become a virtual recluse in South Carolina. After rejecting everything that defined her for many years, she falls into a life consisting mainly of eating, watching movies and moping. When she receives an unexpected visit by a face from her past, Sam finds herself unwillingly drawn back into the spy game. Without the protection or backing of the US Government, Sam and once adversary Peter Kitteredge match wits with the mob, the FBI and an influential power player that Sam thought was dead. Sam is pushed to her limits as she tries to discover the reason why she was dragged back into the lifestyle she had recently abandoned and may not escape a second time.
Burn is a follow up to “The Blowback Protocol” and takes place a several months after the explosion that culminates with several power players taken out while Sam looked on. Burn sees Jameson as emotional and extremely vulnerable, with that vulnerability permeating every aspect of her life. Sam’s latest adventure if you can call it that opens old wounds and resurrects even older personal demons. To say that the last quarter of this book is a shocker nowhere does this story justice. Suffice it to say that if we see another Sam Jameson thriller in our future, it will be with a much different person than we have seen thus far.
Burn is recommended for anyone who likes crime novels with a twist and a strong female lead. While this is one in a series of novels featuring Samantha Jameson, this book works well as a stand alone novel in addition to part of the larger picture.
October 5, 2017
Best one yet
Physics second law is the law of entropy, how everything over time DEvolves instead of evolves. Things, over time, die. This series is something that repudiates that law. Sequels seldom are as good as the first, but Lars has definitely improved in leaps and bounds in the Sam and Peter and Brock triangle. Characters get better defined. No gratuitous sex, extraneous banter, pages of cliches. Every sentence means something and adds to the plot. Twists and turns that make sense, not invented just to trick the reader. This book was crafted, not written, and the only talk asset we have, time, will be wasted waiting for the next book. Lars and I have written each other through the, I guess it's years by now, and he talked about how some of the books were darn near impossible to write, and they made up the hardest work he's ever had to do, while others write themselves. You can feel his enjoyment when things go right. His sense of humor shows through, and it's much like mine. Dialog is smooth, emotions play and I can tell he enjoyed this one. Lars, I'm waiting impatiently yet again, for the next one. Keep it up, hope the enjoyment continues, and you've already segued into the next book. Have fun, bro. Much love, Ken Gomberg
Physics second law is the law of entropy, how everything over time DEvolves instead of evolves. Things, over time, die. This series is something that repudiates that law. Sequels seldom are as good as the first, but Lars has definitely improved in leaps and bounds in the Sam and Peter and Brock triangle. Characters get better defined. No gratuitous sex, extraneous banter, pages of cliches. Every sentence means something and adds to the plot. Twists and turns that make sense, not invented just to trick the reader. This book was crafted, not written, and the only talk asset we have, time, will be wasted waiting for the next book. Lars and I have written each other through the, I guess it's years by now, and he talked about how some of the books were darn near impossible to write, and they made up the hardest work he's ever had to do, while others write themselves. You can feel his enjoyment when things go right. His sense of humor shows through, and it's much like mine. Dialog is smooth, emotions play and I can tell he enjoyed this one. Lars, I'm waiting impatiently yet again, for the next one. Keep it up, hope the enjoyment continues, and you've already segued into the next book. Have fun, bro. Much love, Ken Gomberg
October 6, 2017
All I can say holy surprise endings, Lars!
I was looking forward to learning more about Sam's background and the book definitely delivered on that promise, but the ending took my breath away and kept my interest right up to the very last word in the same way the Agatha Christie mysteries used to when I was a young girl. My heart rate was up the whole time and my brain was working the whole time to try to figure out where the story was going, but he had me stumped and pleasantly surprised up to the very end. It wasn't all sweetness and light, but it wasn't all dark and dreary so it won't send an already depressed person spiraling back into a dark place. I completed recommend this book for folks who love action packed adventure with a strong female lead who isn't a princess!
I was looking forward to learning more about Sam's background and the book definitely delivered on that promise, but the ending took my breath away and kept my interest right up to the very last word in the same way the Agatha Christie mysteries used to when I was a young girl. My heart rate was up the whole time and my brain was working the whole time to try to figure out where the story was going, but he had me stumped and pleasantly surprised up to the very end. It wasn't all sweetness and light, but it wasn't all dark and dreary so it won't send an already depressed person spiraling back into a dark place. I completed recommend this book for folks who love action packed adventure with a strong female lead who isn't a princess!
September 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved the book. Very intense. Sam Jameson thinks she has walked away from her previous life after the haunting death of a 5 year old girl and the loss of her long time boyfriend Brock. Then she receives a note from an old friend drawing her back in. Sam discovers the man responsible for all her misery has not died but is still alive. They decide to go after him and bring him to justice.. Along the way they run into the mob , the FBI and other assorted characters.Along the way, Sam starts to have feelings for her friend but she still can't forget Brock. Sam is finally captured, tortured and raped. Then she finds out that all is not what it seemed. Many twists and unexpected turns. Can't wait for the next installment.
December 16, 2019
Unpredictability and high-octane adventures all the way!
You might be tempted to initially consider this story to be about simple emotional loss, but after going through a few pages you'll realize that everything is at stake, and the only thing to lose is yourself completely to the rhythm and content of this great story. No idle moments in this collection of interesting characters and unexpected decisions. This is what I call, investing your time wisely. Please, do not forget that Lars' books are not available at the present time in this huge online regailer, so if you want to support your dear artist and want to continue enjoying his writings, remember to visit his new website h t t p s : //larsemmerich.myshopify.com/. Thanks
You might be tempted to initially consider this story to be about simple emotional loss, but after going through a few pages you'll realize that everything is at stake, and the only thing to lose is yourself completely to the rhythm and content of this great story. No idle moments in this collection of interesting characters and unexpected decisions. This is what I call, investing your time wisely. Please, do not forget that Lars' books are not available at the present time in this huge online regailer, so if you want to support your dear artist and want to continue enjoying his writings, remember to visit his new website h t t p s : //larsemmerich.myshopify.com/. Thanks
September 23, 2017
Another great Sam Jameson book. It picks up about a half year after she left the Department of Homeland Security and is full of action, twists, sarcasm, characters from the previous books, and a few surprises along the way. Once you start reading, you won't want to put the book down. There were a couple of times I felt like enough of lamenting your lost relationship with Brock, but then that is how our humans do react - we don't just all of sudden stop thinking of certain situations. Can't wait to see what awaits Sam in the next book.
September 29, 2017
Exciting new book in the series. Sam Jameson is licking her wounds from a recent crazy turn of events, he career is over, her lover has deserted her. She's minding her own business 6 months after being done with the CIA when someone drops her a note while she's out for a meal.
She quickly gets pulled back into the action, trying to figure out who is tracking her and why. This leads to a wild chase and adventure, she finds herself accused of 3 murders as people she's talked with keep ending up dead.
Fast read, great action, great set-up for next book in the series.
She quickly gets pulled back into the action, trying to figure out who is tracking her and why. This leads to a wild chase and adventure, she finds herself accused of 3 murders as people she's talked with keep ending up dead.
Fast read, great action, great set-up for next book in the series.
October 2, 2017
Sam Jameson goes through hell when she finds out Alexander Wells a child killer isn't dead after all and he is after her. He has the backing of many forces and is bound and determined to put and end to her. This is a brutal, fast paced thriller. Yes it has violence in it, but it is needed to show why Sam does the things she does in the book. Things she normally would not do. Can she escape Wells and his gang? Who can she trust? All this and she is still hurting over Brock's death. How much more can a girl take? Read the book to find out.
September 22, 2017
This is the second of Lars Emmerich's books that I have read, and I'm still not sure just what I think about it. It is an interesting thriller, albeit rather over the top and with a touch too much violence for my taste.
However I am getting to rather like the character of Sam Jameson, she is a real fighter. And there are certainly plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed.
I was also rather disappointed by the ending, cliffhangers are anathema to me.
However I am getting to rather like the character of Sam Jameson, she is a real fighter. And there are certainly plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed.
I was also rather disappointed by the ending, cliffhangers are anathema to me.
September 11, 2017
Wasn't my favorite but still great read
This one left me feeling kind of like Sam..gut punched and overwhelmed..I can't say that I loved it but I couldn't put it down..Was it one of Mr Emmerich's better ones ? No but it was intriguing ones especially given our headlines about cyber attacks. I received this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
This one left me feeling kind of like Sam..gut punched and overwhelmed..I can't say that I loved it but I couldn't put it down..Was it one of Mr Emmerich's better ones ? No but it was intriguing ones especially given our headlines about cyber attacks. I received this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 17, 2017
Once again Lars has done it. This was another fast read that at the end you are wanting more. On most books I know who did it by the end. With Lars Burn no way did i figure this one out. Also the 3rd person reading is really good. I do not want to give a way to much but I do not think you will be disappointed.
September 21, 2017
Many twists and unexpected turns and no help from others, Sam Jaminson, must rely on her skill and savvy, to overcome a team of hardened criminal operatives. Alexander Wells, the man who murdered a five-year-old girl and framed Sam, didn’t die. This installment is intense. Can't wait to read the next.
September 30, 2017
I did not want it to end
Hard to reach the end of such a book. What did she do? What did she decide. How are the guys? How does Lars sleep at night with all this adventure going on in his mind? So many questions and all to do is wait.....
Thank you Lars for creating this storyline even if it is keeping us from our beds! Good luck with your current project.
Hard to reach the end of such a book. What did she do? What did she decide. How are the guys? How does Lars sleep at night with all this adventure going on in his mind? So many questions and all to do is wait.....
Thank you Lars for creating this storyline even if it is keeping us from our beds! Good luck with your current project.
September 13, 2017
Loved it!
This story kept me reading till the wee hours and the story moved quickly. I'm usually able to guess the twists however I didn't see these coming. Great story, I was left wanting it to go further. Looking forward to the next book!
This story kept me reading till the wee hours and the story moved quickly. I'm usually able to guess the twists however I didn't see these coming. Great story, I was left wanting it to go further. Looking forward to the next book!
September 27, 2017
Exciting wonderful story
Wow hard to putdown Sam was an true warrior who stopped at nothing to see that justice is done. A very interesting story when you come up with one idea as to the next task it is different and exciting. Will read all books by this creative author
Wow hard to putdown Sam was an true warrior who stopped at nothing to see that justice is done. A very interesting story when you come up with one idea as to the next task it is different and exciting. Will read all books by this creative author
October 16, 2017
Well written, but leaves me hanging.
I missed the sex scenes of Caracas & the implied rape scenes at the end weren't really exiting, but more cruel and demeaning.
Looking forward to the reunion with Brock.
I missed the sex scenes of Caracas & the implied rape scenes at the end weren't really exiting, but more cruel and demeaning.
Looking forward to the reunion with Brock.
July 1, 2020
Just finished this book. It's the eighth book in the series that I received directly from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series. Looking forward to reading more. The writing is excellent. The concept is new and the surprise ending left me wanting more.
September 18, 2017
Fast moving
Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next. Action packed with unforseen twists. Did not see the ending coming.
Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next. Action packed with unforseen twists. Did not see the ending coming.
September 28, 2017
Burn
Very good book. Rather intense in spots and the ending was not what I expected. Now to see what the next endeavor Sam is involved in.
Very good book. Rather intense in spots and the ending was not what I expected. Now to see what the next endeavor Sam is involved in.
September 29, 2017
Enjoyed the book, as I have all of the Sam Jameson books. Just a little different this time. It was a cliff-hanger, although I was slightly disenchanted with the ending.
January 21, 2019
This is a great book from Lars Emmerich! It's as exciting as the other books in this series. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for Sam.
March 11, 2020
Sam Jameson is a ballsy red head that is not afraid to say what she thinks although it tends to get her into more trouble than Wyllie Coyote. Another great read, thanks Lars.
February 13, 2021
Strikes too close to home. Is surveillance really so all encompassing? Many of the scenarios were far fetched but it still made for an intriguing story.
April 27, 2023
Another absolute thriller in the Sam Jameson series. Action, suspense, thrills and spills from start to finish. Plot twists aplenty and a shock ending you won't see coming. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2019
This crime thriller will blow you away. One of the best thrillers out there today about an ex Homeland Security Agent who while in exile is contacted by someone from her past and is drawn into a search for a man who killed a child and set her up to take the fall. She is a strong alpha female who must fight her way through forces with unbelievable reach to save the two men who mean most to her and make a very difficult decision. The ending is one you will not see coming. This is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews