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Jonathan Grave #10
Scorpion Strike
An island paradise held hostage. A band of dangerous killers unleashed. A sinister plot that could push the superpowers to the brink of war. The perfect formula for explosive suspense in John Gilstrap's electrifying new Jonathan Grave thriller . . .For Jonathan Grave and Gail Bonneville, the Crystal Sands Resort is the perfect getaway--until gunshots shatter the night. Wealthy guests are yanked out of their sleep, herded like animals, forced to submit to their captors' demands. But Jonathan and Gail are no ordinary vacationers. The assassins who invade their bungalow receive a deadly surprise. And two determined, skilled operatives escape into the jungle.
Jonathan and Gail are not the only free agents on the island. Cut off from his usual tactical team, with a pair of unlikely allies he can't fully trust, Grave's only hope of reliable back-up is his partner Boxers, who's hundreds of miles--and hours--away. It won't be long before the invaders turn this tropical paradise into the powderkeg that will set off global chaos. Grave may be without weapons, but he's never without resources. Bold action is the only solution. Like the scorpion, Grave must strike fast and hard . . .
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
864 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,209 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 14, 2018
Jonathan (Digger) Grave and Gail Bonneville are having a romantic vacation at an exclusive private island resort when bad guys come agunnin'. Before slipping away, and calling for help, they kill a couple of the bad guys, making them unpopular. Mother Hen/Venice and Big Guy answer their call for help by gathering a rag tag group of folks who owe their lives to Grave. Venice manages to find someone with equal computer skills, and he becomes a useful ally, disclosing the true motive for the island attack. While there was plenty of action and heroics, the hallmark of this series is the close bond between Digger and Big Guy, which was necessarily absent as they were not together this time. Also, I thought the retribution for the mercenaries was a bit light given their actions against both adults and children at the resort.
October 13, 2021
Tenth book in the Jonathan Grave series is a bit of a departure. Digger and Gail take a vacation to a island retreat that soon becomes the target of some terrorists. Which turns into Die Hard at a island retreat. It starts off well, but then becomes fairly routine in the final third. Still fun.
May 20, 2018
See this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
Jonathan Grave is back for more action in John Gilstrap’s explosive new thriller, Scorpion Strike.
Following the events of Final Target (2017), Jonathan Grave, codenamed Scorpion, takes some time off to slip away with Gail Bonneville for some much-needed R&R. Together, the operators, who’ve recently become a couple, head to the Crystal Sands Resort where they’ve rented out a private, secluded bungalow. Sadly, their vacation is suddenly interrupted when Grave hears automatic gunfire in the middle of the night.
Realizing the bursts of gunfire are getting closer to them, Grave is forced to slip out of bed and fumble in the darkness for his clothes. In the distance, more shots ring out as other guests from the high-end resort are rounded up and taken hostage. When the two gunmen finally enter Grave and Bonneville’s bungalow, Jonathan is able to dispatch both shooters with nothing more than a tactical knife. With little time to act, though, the duo — who are joined by another couple they rescued — is forced to flee into the jungle in order to put distance between themselves and the attackers. . .
Continue reading this spoiler-free review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/04/30...
Jonathan Grave is back for more action in John Gilstrap’s explosive new thriller, Scorpion Strike.
Following the events of Final Target (2017), Jonathan Grave, codenamed Scorpion, takes some time off to slip away with Gail Bonneville for some much-needed R&R. Together, the operators, who’ve recently become a couple, head to the Crystal Sands Resort where they’ve rented out a private, secluded bungalow. Sadly, their vacation is suddenly interrupted when Grave hears automatic gunfire in the middle of the night.
Realizing the bursts of gunfire are getting closer to them, Grave is forced to slip out of bed and fumble in the darkness for his clothes. In the distance, more shots ring out as other guests from the high-end resort are rounded up and taken hostage. When the two gunmen finally enter Grave and Bonneville’s bungalow, Jonathan is able to dispatch both shooters with nothing more than a tactical knife. With little time to act, though, the duo — who are joined by another couple they rescued — is forced to flee into the jungle in order to put distance between themselves and the attackers. . .
Continue reading this spoiler-free review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/04/30...
September 17, 2021
Another excellent Grave book. Gilstrap is underrated. Gilstrap is excellent. This time Scorpion was the PC. This time was different. But it was still the same outstanding type of story.
February 5, 2021
The Scorpion on holliday? Read Scorpion Strike by John Gilstrap like I did and find out more. It seems like Jonathan has a girlfriend.... Trust the bad guys of the world to ruin this vacation on a tropical island. This time it's a different kind of hostage rescue for Big Guy. He is not comfortable with the situation but he gather a team and sets off. I must say i am so glad when I find a series I can read back to back and find it good. I am a seriesholic.
July 19, 2018
After the previous book in the series which I didn’t like much, I looked forward to this one.
I liked it. It was the usual enjoyable read from the Jonathan Grave series.
I was glad to see Digger & Gail were back together. I think those characters complement each other well & have good chemistry.
And I love Boxers! I have a thing for secondary characters in books. (ie. Hawk, Joe Pike, Curran) Per a discussion w/Mr. Gilstrap who said that Boxers isn’t the type to be a lead in a book, I took offense. But later when I thought about it, I realized he was right. (duh!)
What I like about the sidekicks in stories is that they have some freedom that the leads don’t. They don't have to carry it just like the supporting actors in a film. Their strength is being the back-up. (whether it’s the comic relief, the dark to the hero’s light, the yang to their ying, etc) There is also the added uncertain element that b/c not being the hero in the story, they’re not invincible.
That being said, I enjoyed Big Guy mounting a plan to save Scorpion & Gunslinger by putting a team together. It was also cool to have a return of characters from previous books.
It was an intriguing twist to the typical plot.
The story moves at a quick pace w/the suspense level high.
And I’m glad that Venice may have a romantic interest soon. It’s about time!
One negative was the ending. I prefer a more conclusive/wrapped up one.
I look forward to the next book. Per the preview in the back of this one, it appears we’ll have a story focusing on the PI part of the Security Solutions company. I think it’ll be a great new element.
I liked it. It was the usual enjoyable read from the Jonathan Grave series.
I was glad to see Digger & Gail were back together. I think those characters complement each other well & have good chemistry.
And I love Boxers! I have a thing for secondary characters in books. (ie. Hawk, Joe Pike, Curran) Per a discussion w/Mr. Gilstrap who said that Boxers isn’t the type to be a lead in a book, I took offense. But later when I thought about it, I realized he was right. (duh!)
What I like about the sidekicks in stories is that they have some freedom that the leads don’t. They don't have to carry it just like the supporting actors in a film. Their strength is being the back-up. (whether it’s the comic relief, the dark to the hero’s light, the yang to their ying, etc) There is also the added uncertain element that b/c not being the hero in the story, they’re not invincible.
That being said, I enjoyed Big Guy mounting a plan to save Scorpion & Gunslinger by putting a team together. It was also cool to have a return of characters from previous books.
It was an intriguing twist to the typical plot.
The story moves at a quick pace w/the suspense level high.
And I’m glad that Venice may have a romantic interest soon. It’s about time!
One negative was the ending. I prefer a more conclusive/wrapped up one.
I look forward to the next book. Per the preview in the back of this one, it appears we’ll have a story focusing on the PI part of the Security Solutions company. I think it’ll be a great new element.
July 5, 2018
Excellent
Riveting and action packed. I can’t wait for the next book to come out which I hope is soon! Thanks for the entertainment.
Riveting and action packed. I can’t wait for the next book to come out which I hope is soon! Thanks for the entertainment.
June 27, 2018
Loved this book by John Gilstrap. Met him a few months ago at the Maryland Writers Association conference. He is a very interesting speaker and a better writer. Scorpion Strike kept me reading straight through in a day. Great action and an interesting premise. Terrorists show up at a resort island, only to get more than they bargained for when they begin executing hostages. Two of the guests are special ops members trying to have a romantic vacation. Before long, they are disarming bad guys and furiously trying to save the other hostages. Can they slow the carnage until reinforcements arrive? Well written. Highly recommend. https://amzn.to/2tuOMt6
May 17, 2021
Wow, what a ride. In retrospect, I should have expected it. I have loved most of Gilstrap's Jonathan Grave series. This one was a nail biter from start to finish. The book gave us the thrills and excitement and the "I can't put it down" syndrome. It would be nice to have read the previous books in the series-but not necessary. 4.5 stars
July 9, 2018
Simply getting better & better.
July 21, 2018
John Gilstrap has mastered the action thriller like no one else, and Scorpion Strike is the best in his Jonathan Grave series to date. I loved this book!
June 13, 2022
Die Hard on Epstein Island, only the book doesn't really go there, if you know what I mean.
Most of the people are too stupid to live.
Fun, but not top tier.
Most of the people are too stupid to live.
Fun, but not top tier.
June 29, 2018
You Can't Go Wrong by Choosing a Jonathan Grave Book to Read
I just wish we didn't have to wait so long between installments. Once you start the action, it seems that it never stops. Just love it!
I just wish we didn't have to wait so long between installments. Once you start the action, it seems that it never stops. Just love it!
October 7, 2018
The story begins with heartpounding action as a group of terrorists come in with guns blazing to take over a resort island hotel. Guests are herded outside together and those who resist are immediately killed. Jonathan Grave and girlfriend Gail are in an outlying cabana and have a couple minutes more of warning than other guests. That's all Jonathan needs since he and Gail are no ordinary couple. After he kills two gun wielding terrorists with only a knife, he and Gail escape into the jungle. They know the terrorists will not be far behind but they also know they can't leave the rest of the hotel guests to be massacred.
This book is #10 in the series but my first. I did get a bit confused with the different code names of Grave and all his associates that he called upon for help so I had to take notes. The action is practically non-stop. I recommend the book for military readers and those who like action packed stories. I'd like to find more books in this series. I received a hardback copy of this book in an author giveaway and I'll be donating it to my library so more readers can enjoy.
This book is #10 in the series but my first. I did get a bit confused with the different code names of Grave and all his associates that he called upon for help so I had to take notes. The action is practically non-stop. I recommend the book for military readers and those who like action packed stories. I'd like to find more books in this series. I received a hardback copy of this book in an author giveaway and I'll be donating it to my library so more readers can enjoy.
December 10, 2018
At age 19, Tyler Stratton is the pampered stepson of Baker Sinise, owner of Crystal Sands Resort. The posh private island retreat is off Mexico’s west coast, where Gail (Gunslinger) Bonneville and Jonathan (Scorpion) Grave are on a romantic getaway. “Can you think of anyone more apt to find violence in paradise?”
At night, a score of terrorists take hostage hundreds of guests, killing two and dangling the bodies near a pool, threatening to do the same to anyone who attempts escape. During a spate of gunfire causing the captives to scatter, Tyler does just that. He “realized that he was not ready to die. He was, however, ready to kill.”
Encroaching sporadic gunshots roust Jonathan and Gail in their remote cottage. Unprepared for terrorism, Jonathan “had literally brought a knife to a gunfight” and now must perform “a hot operation without his lethal friend and fellow operator, Brian Van de Muelebroecke, aka Boxers” --- although “the Lurch impersonator preferred to be called Big Guy, and really did not like being called Lurch.”
The master hacker and communications director of Jonathan’s team is Venice Alexander (aka Mother Hen), who as a teen had “decided to elevate her name with a more exotic pronunciation…Ven-EE-chay. Everybody got it wrong on the first try, but that fact made for a great trap to filter out telemarketers.”
Ven-EE-chay gathers operatives from hostage situations past, seeing as how Gail and Jonathan are now the Precious Cargoes. “Being in need of rescue was a whole different animal than being the guy in charge of the rescue.”
Among those former team members are Jolaine (She Devil) Cage, who “was just three clicks too close to psychotic serial killer.” And “Dylan Nasbe, aka Boomer, was a former D-boy who’d gotten seriously sideways with Uncle Sam.” Stanley (Madman) Rollins and Henry (Conan) West “had the thick necks and heavy-shouldered look of operators.” Even Jesse Montgomery and dad Davey from FINAL TARGET appropriate a yacht “along the lines of a Sunseeker Camargue” to shuttle the assembled team to the island, and bring back the PCs. “It was good to be back with the team he’d worked with so well.” Moreover, is it possible that Ven-EE-chay meets her cyber soulmate?
The hostage situation is not run-of-the-mill. The island is the staging ground for unimaginable weapons of mass destruction. Tyler gets banged up, breaks a few ribs and comes of age. Predictably, Boxers goes BOOM! with M18 “claymore mines and five pounds of C4 explosives.” The astounding reveal is who are the sellers and buyers of those weapons --- and the scumbag munitions broker, who belatedly realizes he has brought death to many. “Karma was a very real thing.”
This Jonathan Grave installment is pure John Gilstrap…on steroids!
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
At night, a score of terrorists take hostage hundreds of guests, killing two and dangling the bodies near a pool, threatening to do the same to anyone who attempts escape. During a spate of gunfire causing the captives to scatter, Tyler does just that. He “realized that he was not ready to die. He was, however, ready to kill.”
Encroaching sporadic gunshots roust Jonathan and Gail in their remote cottage. Unprepared for terrorism, Jonathan “had literally brought a knife to a gunfight” and now must perform “a hot operation without his lethal friend and fellow operator, Brian Van de Muelebroecke, aka Boxers” --- although “the Lurch impersonator preferred to be called Big Guy, and really did not like being called Lurch.”
The master hacker and communications director of Jonathan’s team is Venice Alexander (aka Mother Hen), who as a teen had “decided to elevate her name with a more exotic pronunciation…Ven-EE-chay. Everybody got it wrong on the first try, but that fact made for a great trap to filter out telemarketers.”
Ven-EE-chay gathers operatives from hostage situations past, seeing as how Gail and Jonathan are now the Precious Cargoes. “Being in need of rescue was a whole different animal than being the guy in charge of the rescue.”
Among those former team members are Jolaine (She Devil) Cage, who “was just three clicks too close to psychotic serial killer.” And “Dylan Nasbe, aka Boomer, was a former D-boy who’d gotten seriously sideways with Uncle Sam.” Stanley (Madman) Rollins and Henry (Conan) West “had the thick necks and heavy-shouldered look of operators.” Even Jesse Montgomery and dad Davey from FINAL TARGET appropriate a yacht “along the lines of a Sunseeker Camargue” to shuttle the assembled team to the island, and bring back the PCs. “It was good to be back with the team he’d worked with so well.” Moreover, is it possible that Ven-EE-chay meets her cyber soulmate?
The hostage situation is not run-of-the-mill. The island is the staging ground for unimaginable weapons of mass destruction. Tyler gets banged up, breaks a few ribs and comes of age. Predictably, Boxers goes BOOM! with M18 “claymore mines and five pounds of C4 explosives.” The astounding reveal is who are the sellers and buyers of those weapons --- and the scumbag munitions broker, who belatedly realizes he has brought death to many. “Karma was a very real thing.”
This Jonathan Grave installment is pure John Gilstrap…on steroids!
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
October 15, 2022
Having just finished Book 10 of the Jonathan Grave series I can't help but feel disappointed. It's not a bad book but I think the synopsis is a little misleading. It outlines how Grave and Gail are trapped on a Costa Rica island that is suddenly invaded by well trained mercenaries, and how Grave has escaped into the jungle weaponless with no tactical support.
On the surface that's a great setup. Personally I've grown tired of the usual Boxers and Scorpion two man army killing hundreds of bad guys and saving the day storyline that has dominated this series, so having Grave unprepared and isolated in the jungle sounded great. I envisioned him using guerilla tactics, setting up some old school booby traps and ambushes, striking from the shadows and using whatever natural weapons were available.
Spoiler alert - That's not what occurs. Within the first few pages, Grave has armed himself with some rifles, called up Mother Hen to get eyes on the situation, and is already launching a tactical strike on his enemies. In other words, doing the same things he's done countless times before. The only thing he's missing is his precious night vision goggles, but to the surprise of no one he soon gets those back too. In the end Boxers ends up joining him along with a few secondary characters and they engage in the slaughter of the bad guys, save the day and go home. The End.
The author is obviously reluctant to change a winning formula which I can appreciate, but Book 10 may as well be Book 1 of this series because nothing's really changed. Scorpion and Boxers swoop in, kill some people, crack some jokes, save some hostages and head back home. Gail's probably the most interesting character here but in the end it doesn't really matter since she's changed her mind so often about Grave and whether she supports his completely illegal murders of bad guys that her opinion means nothing.
Like I said, I'm torn on this book and this series as a whole. It's fun, otherwise I wouldn't be at book 10, but the same story is recycled every book, with some slight changes in location and personnel. Would love to see something unpredictable happen in future books.
On the surface that's a great setup. Personally I've grown tired of the usual Boxers and Scorpion two man army killing hundreds of bad guys and saving the day storyline that has dominated this series, so having Grave unprepared and isolated in the jungle sounded great. I envisioned him using guerilla tactics, setting up some old school booby traps and ambushes, striking from the shadows and using whatever natural weapons were available.
Spoiler alert - That's not what occurs. Within the first few pages, Grave has armed himself with some rifles, called up Mother Hen to get eyes on the situation, and is already launching a tactical strike on his enemies. In other words, doing the same things he's done countless times before. The only thing he's missing is his precious night vision goggles, but to the surprise of no one he soon gets those back too. In the end Boxers ends up joining him along with a few secondary characters and they engage in the slaughter of the bad guys, save the day and go home. The End.
The author is obviously reluctant to change a winning formula which I can appreciate, but Book 10 may as well be Book 1 of this series because nothing's really changed. Scorpion and Boxers swoop in, kill some people, crack some jokes, save some hostages and head back home. Gail's probably the most interesting character here but in the end it doesn't really matter since she's changed her mind so often about Grave and whether she supports his completely illegal murders of bad guys that her opinion means nothing.
Like I said, I'm torn on this book and this series as a whole. It's fun, otherwise I wouldn't be at book 10, but the same story is recycled every book, with some slight changes in location and personnel. Would love to see something unpredictable happen in future books.
September 5, 2018
To call this story fast-paced and/or compelling is a huge understatement. From the first paragraph to the last page it's packed with action and the kind of characters guaranteed to inspire gasps of wonder and/or disbelief. And therein lies the rub. I would love to believe that such a team of heroes exists, ready and eager to do battle against the forces of evil, without regard to patriotic mumbo-jumbo and that they might be able to defy the odds and always come out victorious, but, in the end, there's just a hair too much coincidence, of the good guys being in the right spot at the perfect moment and random luck intervening for the best, as in the case of the lead romantic hero couple who just happen to be vacationing on a remote, tropical island when it's invaded by Russian mercenaries looking to purloin weapons of mass destruction from a ship that just happens to be on its way to said island. Yes, it's a thrill ride, and yes, the villains are the absolute monsters one loves to see taken down, and it's almost impossible to put it down once it's begun, but, in the end, it's just a smidgen too pat, and the heroes just a mite too glib and uber-cool. Plus there is an element of incompleteness in the end, when certain characters are simply left dangling, with no final description of consequences earned but not fully delivered. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either, so I think I'll give it three stars for a mighty effort not quite achieved.
August 3, 2018
Hostage rescue expert and sometime secret operative Jonathan "Digger" Grave is trying to relax on an exclusive island resort, taking some well-earned time off to see what might come of his relationship with Gail Bonneville.
So naturally terrorists attack.
Grave and Bonneville manage to elude being herded together with the resort's other guests, but they had to leave behind some bodies and that will give the bad guys certain knowledge that they've got a formidable enemy lurking around outside their tightly-controlled group of hostages. Although they don't know how formidable, they will learn when Grave lives up to his code name and the title of the 10th Grave book, Scorpion Strike.
Although author John Gilstrap is a good hand at an action scene and gives our team of heroes some good wise-cracking chemistry, the series has been uneven. Final Target offered some more nuance to Grave as he and his partner Boxers had to escort a group of children out of the jungle ahead of a ruthless crime lord. But Strike doesn't build on that quality, stitching together a series of set pieces that never gel and demonstrating clearly the truth of playwright Anton Chekhov's statement about how a gun shown in the first act needs to go off in the third or the audience will wonder why. Gilstrap serves up at least two different characters among the hostages who foreshadow events that never come to pass. The terrorists' reason for acting are murky and buried under two or three conspiracy layers, and their chief lacks consistent definition: Is he just brutal? Is he sadistic? Is he motivated by something else? Who knows, and as far as Strike shows us, who cares?
Other hostages, as well as the rescuers Boxers recruits to storm the island and save Grave and Bonneville, are ciphers for most of their time on stage, with clunky internal dialogue introduced now and again to show us why we are supposed to care about them or what happens to them.
In what's been a sort of middling-to-fair series, Strike does manage to stand out, but probably not in the way that Gilstrap or his publisher would want.
Original available here.
So naturally terrorists attack.
Grave and Bonneville manage to elude being herded together with the resort's other guests, but they had to leave behind some bodies and that will give the bad guys certain knowledge that they've got a formidable enemy lurking around outside their tightly-controlled group of hostages. Although they don't know how formidable, they will learn when Grave lives up to his code name and the title of the 10th Grave book, Scorpion Strike.
Although author John Gilstrap is a good hand at an action scene and gives our team of heroes some good wise-cracking chemistry, the series has been uneven. Final Target offered some more nuance to Grave as he and his partner Boxers had to escort a group of children out of the jungle ahead of a ruthless crime lord. But Strike doesn't build on that quality, stitching together a series of set pieces that never gel and demonstrating clearly the truth of playwright Anton Chekhov's statement about how a gun shown in the first act needs to go off in the third or the audience will wonder why. Gilstrap serves up at least two different characters among the hostages who foreshadow events that never come to pass. The terrorists' reason for acting are murky and buried under two or three conspiracy layers, and their chief lacks consistent definition: Is he just brutal? Is he sadistic? Is he motivated by something else? Who knows, and as far as Strike shows us, who cares?
Other hostages, as well as the rescuers Boxers recruits to storm the island and save Grave and Bonneville, are ciphers for most of their time on stage, with clunky internal dialogue introduced now and again to show us why we are supposed to care about them or what happens to them.
In what's been a sort of middling-to-fair series, Strike does manage to stand out, but probably not in the way that Gilstrap or his publisher would want.
Original available here.
August 5, 2018
Overall, I loved the story. Much better than the last book.
Tons of action and figuring it out as they go under duress. Realistic characters, good, bad, and everything in-between. Boxers getting his moment to shine. Several folks from previous books brought back to this one (nice to get an update on their lives!) and new characters introduced to keep things fresh. Regular people rising to try to save their own lives despite overwhelming odds. Wonderful description of the setting, especially as things started to deteriorate, but not so much descriptive overload that I skipped paragraphs, bored with non-essentials (which it seems I've done a lot lately with other novels, so, kudos to the author).
4-1/2 star rating (downgraded to 4 stars) for several minor inconsistencies and moments of "Really?". (example: at the beginning, Digger and Gail hear gunfire; he tells her to get dressed because of course they have to book it out of there ASAP. As an experienced Operator, why the heck would she put on cream-colored shorts and a pink blouse, while Digger kits up in clothes that actually make sense? SMH)
Otherwise, I read it start to finish in one sitting. Can't wait for Digger and gang's next adventure.
Tons of action and figuring it out as they go under duress. Realistic characters, good, bad, and everything in-between. Boxers getting his moment to shine. Several folks from previous books brought back to this one (nice to get an update on their lives!) and new characters introduced to keep things fresh. Regular people rising to try to save their own lives despite overwhelming odds. Wonderful description of the setting, especially as things started to deteriorate, but not so much descriptive overload that I skipped paragraphs, bored with non-essentials (which it seems I've done a lot lately with other novels, so, kudos to the author).
4-1/2 star rating (downgraded to 4 stars) for several minor inconsistencies and moments of "Really?". (example: at the beginning, Digger and Gail hear gunfire; he tells her to get dressed because of course they have to book it out of there ASAP. As an experienced Operator, why the heck would she put on cream-colored shorts and a pink blouse, while Digger kits up in clothes that actually make sense? SMH)
Otherwise, I read it start to finish in one sitting. Can't wait for Digger and gang's next adventure.
September 30, 2018
For many authors, getting to book 10 in a series means characters become stale and storylines become tired, but not with John Gilstrap. I feel like this series just took a giant leap. That is not to say that I haven't loved every book in this series as I have, but with Scorpion Strike Gilstrap shook the formula up by taking both main characters, Digger and Boxers, out of their comfort zone and into new roles. Instead of Digger being the rescuer of children or PC's (precious cargo) he himself needs Boxers to step up to mission command and rescue him.
This is an ingenious plot twist that shakes up the series, shines new light on loved characters, and delves into a more complex relationship between the main characters. It introduces vulnerability and a humane side to the tough guys that is a natural progression for character growth.
I LOVED it.
It was a smart move by Gilstrap to hook fans again into the dynamic of these great characters and tell a slightly different story, although one that still has all the greatness of the previous books.
If you are new to the series, you will fall in love with Digger and Boxers and if you are a returning fan you will remember exactly why you love this series in the first place.
This is an ingenious plot twist that shakes up the series, shines new light on loved characters, and delves into a more complex relationship between the main characters. It introduces vulnerability and a humane side to the tough guys that is a natural progression for character growth.
I LOVED it.
It was a smart move by Gilstrap to hook fans again into the dynamic of these great characters and tell a slightly different story, although one that still has all the greatness of the previous books.
If you are new to the series, you will fall in love with Digger and Boxers and if you are a returning fan you will remember exactly why you love this series in the first place.
September 2, 2018
Some of the Jonathan Grave books are better than others, as with any series. I've really enjoyed some of them, but this wasn't one of those. I don't know if the author was short on ideas and needed to crank out a book, but "far fetched" doesn't even begin to describe how the story comes to be.
A highly unlikely terrorist/hostage situation takes place, amidst nefarious government acts (Mr. Gilstrap is big on evil government conspiracies), and the attack occurs at a small, elite resort that just happens to be playing host to super-special operator Jonathan Grave and his girlfriend & fellow team member, Gail.
This book feels too much like it's written by a civilian who's never seen a shot fired in anger writing about a good guys vs. bad guys fantasy. I'm hoping the next in the series is a little more believable. It also wouldn't be bad if the author could manage to step away from his obsession with deep state-type conspiracy theories. The little comments were here and there in the book--aside from the nefarious plan that supposedly started the terrorist situation--and it just detracts.
A highly unlikely terrorist/hostage situation takes place, amidst nefarious government acts (Mr. Gilstrap is big on evil government conspiracies), and the attack occurs at a small, elite resort that just happens to be playing host to super-special operator Jonathan Grave and his girlfriend & fellow team member, Gail.
This book feels too much like it's written by a civilian who's never seen a shot fired in anger writing about a good guys vs. bad guys fantasy. I'm hoping the next in the series is a little more believable. It also wouldn't be bad if the author could manage to step away from his obsession with deep state-type conspiracy theories. The little comments were here and there in the book--aside from the nefarious plan that supposedly started the terrorist situation--and it just detracts.
February 17, 2019
I have a high tolerance for mediocre books, but could not finish this one. The terrorists show up an island controlled by Costa Rica, which does not have an army (!?), so the terrorists have no fear of reprisal (!!) - i suppose the author thought this slick, but I thought it was stupid. Our hero, Jonathon Grave and his girlfriend are on the island, escape capture, and after 170 pages are still hiding in the jungle. The dialogue is filled with childish insults and juvenile smart-alecky comments that never come off as clever. Jonathon's assistant is the world's greatest hacker who, with her friends, can find any piece of information in a couple of hours (thank goodness she never uses her skills for evil!). The dialogue is dull or stupid, the story plodding, way too little action (at least in the half of the book I read), and flat characters - the good guy, the bad guy, the kid who is a loser but rises to the occasion, and so on. There are plenty of books in this genre that are way better.
May 21, 2024
For Jonathan Grave and Gail Bonneville, the Crystal Sands Resort is the perfect getaway--until gunshots shatter the night. Wealthy guests are yanked out of their sleep, herded like animals, forced to submit to their captors' demands. But Jonathan and Gail are no ordinary vacationers. The assassins who invade their bungalow receive a deadly surprise. And two determined, skilled operatives escape into the jungle.
Jonathan and Gail are not the only free agents on the island. Cut off from his usual tactical team, with a pair of unlikely allies he can't fully trust, Grave's only hope of reliable back-up is his partner Boxers, who's hundreds of miles--and hours--away. It won't be long before the invaders turn this tropical paradise into the powderkeg that will set off global chaos. Grave may be without weapons, but he's never without resources. Bold action is the only solution. Like the scorpion, Grave must strike fast and hard ."
Jonathan and Gail are not the only free agents on the island. Cut off from his usual tactical team, with a pair of unlikely allies he can't fully trust, Grave's only hope of reliable back-up is his partner Boxers, who's hundreds of miles--and hours--away. It won't be long before the invaders turn this tropical paradise into the powderkeg that will set off global chaos. Grave may be without weapons, but he's never without resources. Bold action is the only solution. Like the scorpion, Grave must strike fast and hard ."
July 24, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I really enjoyed it. The book opens with Digger Graves (Scorpion) and his new girlfriend Gail off to a lovely resort for some downtime. Before you know it, terrorists have taken over the resort and are going from bungalow to bungalow rounding up guests and killing anyone who resists. Unfortunately for 2 of the bad guys they take on Digger who brings a knife to a gunfight and wins. Digger and Gail slip away and call his friend Boxers for backup before more people are killed. Turns out the island is considered part of Costa Rica and they have no military to swoop in and save everyone. Plus, it turns out the bad guys are there for a really nefarious reason. Soon Boxers has rounded up some very lethal help to go to the rescue. From that point on it is non-stop action.
September 30, 2018
If you are looking for a nice, pleasant friendly read to lull you to sleep -- DO NOT pick up Scorpion Strike.
Gilstrap is at his peak form in this thriller, which I think ranks among his best. Hostage rescuer Jonanthan Grave and his co-worker / part-time lover Gail Bonneville are spending some R&R time at the Crystal Sands Resort when all hell breaks loose. A gang of terrorists take over an upscale Caribbean Island Resort, shooting and blowing things up in the opening pages. And the level of action goes up from there.
Grave and Gail escape, but without taking casualties among the bad guys. But there is no way off the confining island. Out-manned and out-armed, they pick up a few other escapees, then hunker down until Grave's brother in arms, Boxer, can assemble an assault force.
It's one helluva ride. MUST READ for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
Gilstrap is at his peak form in this thriller, which I think ranks among his best. Hostage rescuer Jonanthan Grave and his co-worker / part-time lover Gail Bonneville are spending some R&R time at the Crystal Sands Resort when all hell breaks loose. A gang of terrorists take over an upscale Caribbean Island Resort, shooting and blowing things up in the opening pages. And the level of action goes up from there.
Grave and Gail escape, but without taking casualties among the bad guys. But there is no way off the confining island. Out-manned and out-armed, they pick up a few other escapees, then hunker down until Grave's brother in arms, Boxer, can assemble an assault force.
It's one helluva ride. MUST READ for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
July 17, 2023
Jonathon and Gail are vacationing at an exclusive resort when they hear the sounds of gun fire. Russians have invade the island and Jonathon and Gail do not want to be a hostage. They first kill the team that comes to their cottage and now the Russians know there is someone loose that has some killing skills. They also run into the step son of the owner and the maintence guy.
Once Jonathon calls the Venice back in the states and she wakes up Boxer. Boxer throws together a team to go rescue them, calling in favors all over the place. Boxer knows Jonathon will want to rescue the hostages but he only wants to rescue Jonathon and Gail.
Then they figure out why the Russians are there..... the island is a place for arms dealing to go on and now it is NOT only about the rescue but preventing the Russians from getting some chemical weapons.
Once Jonathon calls the Venice back in the states and she wakes up Boxer. Boxer throws together a team to go rescue them, calling in favors all over the place. Boxer knows Jonathon will want to rescue the hostages but he only wants to rescue Jonathon and Gail.
Then they figure out why the Russians are there..... the island is a place for arms dealing to go on and now it is NOT only about the rescue but preventing the Russians from getting some chemical weapons.
October 11, 2018
corpion Strike by John Gilstrap is book 10 in the Jonathan Grave series. “Jonathan and Gail take some R & R at the exclusive Crystal Sands resort. A group of dangerous killers lands and takes the guests hostage. Jonathan and Gail slip away and now must find a way to stop the attackers before more lives are lost. Digger may be without weapons but he’s never without resources. That’s when he’s most lethal...”
Another great thriller from Gilstrap. Before you dismiss it as not your book type consider a couple of things. There are strong female characters and Gilstrap poses some interesting questions about right and wrong. Sort of existential testosterone 🤔 A great read for the beach 🏖 or for waiting out a hurricane.
Another great thriller from Gilstrap. Before you dismiss it as not your book type consider a couple of things. There are strong female characters and Gilstrap poses some interesting questions about right and wrong. Sort of existential testosterone 🤔 A great read for the beach 🏖 or for waiting out a hurricane.
October 24, 2020
It is book #10 in the Jonathan Grave series so you are either a big fan or you randomly picked this off the shelf and didn't realize there were 9 books leading up to this one.
The great thing about the author, John Gilstrap, is that for the Jonathan Grave series he is able to come up with a completely different environment, backdrop and plot for each of the books. I know, you are thinking, isn't that the point of having a continuing character with multiple books? But after reading a number of action series with a continuing protagonist it is not always the case.
The Scorpion Strike was a great read which is again unlike any of the previous books and very absorbing and hard to break away until finished.
The great thing about the author, John Gilstrap, is that for the Jonathan Grave series he is able to come up with a completely different environment, backdrop and plot for each of the books. I know, you are thinking, isn't that the point of having a continuing character with multiple books? But after reading a number of action series with a continuing protagonist it is not always the case.
The Scorpion Strike was a great read which is again unlike any of the previous books and very absorbing and hard to break away until finished.
May 28, 2018
Thank you Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced edition of Scorpion Strike.
John Gilstrap is one of my favorite authors in the thriller genre and the Jonathan Grave series is one of the best. This is a great book and I wasn't able to put it down.
It begins with Jonathan vacationing with Gail Bonneville on a private island when it is attacked by a team of mercs. Without his usual team and gear, Jonathan must find a way to stay alive long enough for his team to reach him. The action is non-stop and Gilstrap opens doors for future plotlines.
I highly recommend this book (and series).
John Gilstrap is one of my favorite authors in the thriller genre and the Jonathan Grave series is one of the best. This is a great book and I wasn't able to put it down.
It begins with Jonathan vacationing with Gail Bonneville on a private island when it is attacked by a team of mercs. Without his usual team and gear, Jonathan must find a way to stay alive long enough for his team to reach him. The action is non-stop and Gilstrap opens doors for future plotlines.
I highly recommend this book (and series).
July 2, 2018
I had to read it twice!
I was one of the lucky John Gilstrap fans who got a pre release copy of Scorpion Strike in paperback format. When it arrived in the mail I devoured it and read it the same day that I got it. It was action packed from the beginning and I couldnt put it down. The problem with binge reading is that in the rush to see what happens next you don't get to savour the flavour of great writing. Fortunately I had preordered the Kindle version of the book and it went into my account a month later so I was able to read it slower and appreciate the great writing by a great author. I am looking forward to his next book.
I was one of the lucky John Gilstrap fans who got a pre release copy of Scorpion Strike in paperback format. When it arrived in the mail I devoured it and read it the same day that I got it. It was action packed from the beginning and I couldnt put it down. The problem with binge reading is that in the rush to see what happens next you don't get to savour the flavour of great writing. Fortunately I had preordered the Kindle version of the book and it went into my account a month later so I was able to read it slower and appreciate the great writing by a great author. I am looking forward to his next book.
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