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American Ghost #1
Rogue
A deep-state US organization has a top-secret kill list—and a popular senator is on it.
Nathan Stone was killed in action while serving as a covert CIA operative. Or so everyone thought. In reality he’s become a ghost, a black-ops asset with a new identity and controlled by a secret government organization. The Commission has one aim: to hunt down and assassinate anti-establishment enemies of the state.
Its number-one target is Senator Brad Crichton, an ambitious politician with growing support. Stone is ready to take him out, but his plan is soon compromised when the Commission’s kill list is leaked to a journalist—whose own name is on the list too. And when the journalist tries to alert the senator, he is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Stone is closing in on Crichton, but must act swiftly to reach him before the truth does.
He knows that one wrong foot will put him in the firing line. But where national security is at stake, the hunter can quickly become the hunted.
Nathan Stone was killed in action while serving as a covert CIA operative. Or so everyone thought. In reality he’s become a ghost, a black-ops asset with a new identity and controlled by a secret government organization. The Commission has one aim: to hunt down and assassinate anti-establishment enemies of the state.
Its number-one target is Senator Brad Crichton, an ambitious politician with growing support. Stone is ready to take him out, but his plan is soon compromised when the Commission’s kill list is leaked to a journalist—whose own name is on the list too. And when the journalist tries to alert the senator, he is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Stone is closing in on Crichton, but must act swiftly to reach him before the truth does.
He knows that one wrong foot will put him in the firing line. But where national security is at stake, the hunter can quickly become the hunted.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2018
3207 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Turner
24 books896 followersJ.B. Turner is the bestselling author of the Jon Reznick thriller series. His next book, HARD SHADOWS (Thomas and Mercer), is published on 30 June 2026. He is a former journalist. His books have sold more than three million copies. He also wrote the American Ghost black-ops series and the Deborah Jones crime series. He has a keen interest in geo-politics. And he loves music. Everything from Beethoven to The Beatles, The Cure to Bach. And everything in between. He loves films. Well, good ones. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Godfather, The Offence, The Parallax View, Silver Linings Playbook, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Gray Man, The French Connection, Payback, It’s a Wonderful Life, Manhattan, Sideways, Annie Hall, Hell or High Water. TV shows he has enjoyed include: The Terminal List, The Kominsky Method, The Morning Show, Succession, Call My Agent!, Your Honor, The Undoing, Patrick Melrose, Colony, Bloodline, Mare of Easttown, Dead to Me, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Mosquito Coast and After Life. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married with two children.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
February 10, 2020
DNF 50%
I don’t feel like diving into details but most of the characters were flat with one identifying feature. The assassin was written almost exclusively in exposition. Like full on pages of exposition and the occasional dialogue from a superior to say something Stone already knew but the reader didn’t like he finished top in the class in some specific survival or training program—why would he need to be reminded of that? I’m sure Mr. Assassin already knows he’s qualified to kill people. Like Nathan Stone was supposed to be the driving character of this story but his scenes did nothing but bore me.
I don’t feel like diving into details but most of the characters were flat with one identifying feature. The assassin was written almost exclusively in exposition. Like full on pages of exposition and the occasional dialogue from a superior to say something Stone already knew but the reader didn’t like he finished top in the class in some specific survival or training program—why would he need to be reminded of that? I’m sure Mr. Assassin already knows he’s qualified to kill people. Like Nathan Stone was supposed to be the driving character of this story but his scenes did nothing but bore me.
June 9, 2018
Rogue features an outrageous and quite frightening scenario, yet it’s also believable and easy to imagine things like this happening somewhere.
A secret government committee has a list of people they want to have eliminated. A kill list, if you will. This list is mostly comprised of names of politicians and journalists who are deemed anti-establishment. People who are raising their voices about the current state of the country.
One such man is Senator Brad Crichton, a man who tells things as they are, whose voice is growing louder and whose support is growing. So it is decided he must be stopped. Permanently. But he’s not the only one.
Bring on, Nathan Stone. Nathan is basically a killing machine in the vain of Jason Bourne. Brainwashed, programmed, cold as ice, not showing feelings or emotions. Or at least that’s how Nathan used to be. After an accident which everyone believes left him dead, he’s been given a new identity and a new face. He’s endured years of training to restore him to his previous self. But as Nathan will discover, one wrong move and loyalty means absolutely nothing.
While the story is centred around American events, it is actually set in the glorious landscape of Scotland where Senator Crichton is attending a conference and I found the mountains and forests truly added to the atmosphere. It just wouldn’t have been the same on the streets of whatever big city, to be honest.
Rogue is intensely gripping and intriguing from the very first page. This is a well-paced, intelligently plotted and action-packed political thriller full of games and deceit with a host of unlikeable characters who only see missions and end results, without a care in the world about casualties. A quick read that makes for an enjoyable afternoon with an ending that, although maybe not entirely surprising, does set things up nicely for any follow-ups.
A secret government committee has a list of people they want to have eliminated. A kill list, if you will. This list is mostly comprised of names of politicians and journalists who are deemed anti-establishment. People who are raising their voices about the current state of the country.
One such man is Senator Brad Crichton, a man who tells things as they are, whose voice is growing louder and whose support is growing. So it is decided he must be stopped. Permanently. But he’s not the only one.
Bring on, Nathan Stone. Nathan is basically a killing machine in the vain of Jason Bourne. Brainwashed, programmed, cold as ice, not showing feelings or emotions. Or at least that’s how Nathan used to be. After an accident which everyone believes left him dead, he’s been given a new identity and a new face. He’s endured years of training to restore him to his previous self. But as Nathan will discover, one wrong move and loyalty means absolutely nothing.
While the story is centred around American events, it is actually set in the glorious landscape of Scotland where Senator Crichton is attending a conference and I found the mountains and forests truly added to the atmosphere. It just wouldn’t have been the same on the streets of whatever big city, to be honest.
Rogue is intensely gripping and intriguing from the very first page. This is a well-paced, intelligently plotted and action-packed political thriller full of games and deceit with a host of unlikeable characters who only see missions and end results, without a care in the world about casualties. A quick read that makes for an enjoyable afternoon with an ending that, although maybe not entirely surprising, does set things up nicely for any follow-ups.
October 19, 2018
Rogue is book one in the American Ghost series by J. B. Turner. Nathan Stone was assumed dead by his friends and family, and it was not the case he was a black-ops assassinate, and his target was Senator Brad Crichton. However, when a secret kill list disappeared and handed over to a top journalist, Nathan Stone assignment started to unravel. The readers of Rogue will continue to follow the twist and turns to see if Nathan Stone finished his task.
Rogue is the first book I have read of J. B. Turner, and I am pleased that I did. It was an enjoyable book to read, and it kept me engaged with the plot and the characters. I like J. B. Turner portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Rogue is well written and researched by J. B. Turner. The way J. B. Turner described his settings made me feel part of the plot of Rogue.
While reading this book, it started me thinking about government corruption and the non-transparences of government agencies and the consequences of this. Also, the readers of Rogue will begin to understand the pressure for senators and their staff and the problems this cause for everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
Rogue is the first book I have read of J. B. Turner, and I am pleased that I did. It was an enjoyable book to read, and it kept me engaged with the plot and the characters. I like J. B. Turner portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Rogue is well written and researched by J. B. Turner. The way J. B. Turner described his settings made me feel part of the plot of Rogue.
While reading this book, it started me thinking about government corruption and the non-transparences of government agencies and the consequences of this. Also, the readers of Rogue will begin to understand the pressure for senators and their staff and the problems this cause for everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
June 29, 2018
I read the first three of J.B. Turner's John Reznick series and loved them (no reason I didn't read the next two--I just got distracted; see my reviews here) so when Turner's new series came out I was excited to try it. Rogue is the first in Turner's American Ghost Thriller about a Nathan Stone who serves the American government as a black ops contract killer. Thanks to Stone's storied background...
"...flashes of himself as a young man. The untrusting, uncertain eyes. Similar background. Dirt-poor. Brutalized by a sadistic father. Mentally scarred. Pent-up fury."
"Nathan Stone has a very disturbed background. Which makes him ideal for our purposes. He is cold. Focused. Deadly. But also a brilliant critical thinker. You think you understand him. You think you know him. But no one does.”
...he is amoral with no compunctions about who he kills or why, as long as his government handler tells him to. He asks no questions and is never bothered afterwards by what he has done. His cover story is that he is a former soldier drifting through life without family, ties, or a permanent job. A serious injury in an assignment requires months (or years) of recovery which includes a new face, name, and complete separation from the only family he has ever had--a sister who killed the savage father who routinely beat both of them as children. Her actions cause her a mental break and she is in an institution with no real knowledge of what she did or the brother who holds onto her as his only connection to the past.
In this story, though he completes the murder he's ordered to do, circumstances require that he now be killed to keep the job's secret. Though his handlers know how skilled he is, they don't really realize the extent of his abilities until he goes rogue.
"He was a tough, resilient warrior. A killer. An assassin. An American ghost. And a cold-blooded machine who had served his country and the intelligence agencies for well over a decade."
I confess I didn’t like him at first or even throughout most of the book. But, as I got to know him, I realized that at his core remained a spark of humanity and though a remorseless killer, he had some lines he wouldn't cross. As I read the book, I found I enjoyed the fast pace, the deep characterizations, the well-written plot, and the carefully-woven themes. Though I struggled to find people I liked in the story, it was a credit to Turner's writing skill that I came out actually liking Stone, seeing a better future for him, and ready for his next adventure.
BTW, 'ghost' doesn't refer to the supernatural. It refers to Stone's ability to appear and disappear as though he were a ghost.
--ARC copy received from Goodreads in return for an honest review
"...flashes of himself as a young man. The untrusting, uncertain eyes. Similar background. Dirt-poor. Brutalized by a sadistic father. Mentally scarred. Pent-up fury."
"Nathan Stone has a very disturbed background. Which makes him ideal for our purposes. He is cold. Focused. Deadly. But also a brilliant critical thinker. You think you understand him. You think you know him. But no one does.”
...he is amoral with no compunctions about who he kills or why, as long as his government handler tells him to. He asks no questions and is never bothered afterwards by what he has done. His cover story is that he is a former soldier drifting through life without family, ties, or a permanent job. A serious injury in an assignment requires months (or years) of recovery which includes a new face, name, and complete separation from the only family he has ever had--a sister who killed the savage father who routinely beat both of them as children. Her actions cause her a mental break and she is in an institution with no real knowledge of what she did or the brother who holds onto her as his only connection to the past.
In this story, though he completes the murder he's ordered to do, circumstances require that he now be killed to keep the job's secret. Though his handlers know how skilled he is, they don't really realize the extent of his abilities until he goes rogue.
"He was a tough, resilient warrior. A killer. An assassin. An American ghost. And a cold-blooded machine who had served his country and the intelligence agencies for well over a decade."
I confess I didn’t like him at first or even throughout most of the book. But, as I got to know him, I realized that at his core remained a spark of humanity and though a remorseless killer, he had some lines he wouldn't cross. As I read the book, I found I enjoyed the fast pace, the deep characterizations, the well-written plot, and the carefully-woven themes. Though I struggled to find people I liked in the story, it was a credit to Turner's writing skill that I came out actually liking Stone, seeing a better future for him, and ready for his next adventure.
BTW, 'ghost' doesn't refer to the supernatural. It refers to Stone's ability to appear and disappear as though he were a ghost.
--ARC copy received from Goodreads in return for an honest review
May 17, 2018
This is an all action adventure. A deep cover agent is working to kill an American senator and his girlfriend, whilst they are on a remote Scottish island.
I found this book entertaining but completely predictable.
The best thing about it was the action – the pace didn’t let up and I thought the overall plot was pretty good. What let the book down was the utter shallowness of the characters. They are all stereotypes, and, as the body count rises and the rogue agent carries on down his relentless path, the ending didn’t hold many surprises.
Still, it was a fun Saturday afternoon read, I was just expecting more.
I found this book entertaining but completely predictable.
The best thing about it was the action – the pace didn’t let up and I thought the overall plot was pretty good. What let the book down was the utter shallowness of the characters. They are all stereotypes, and, as the body count rises and the rogue agent carries on down his relentless path, the ending didn’t hold many surprises.
Still, it was a fun Saturday afternoon read, I was just expecting more.
December 10, 2021
This must have been a total lapse in judgement on my part because I hate this genre. The so-called political thrillers, with so, so, so much violence, it becomes ludicrous! Nothing original in this book; more dirty politics and sociopathic politicians. And yes, the plight of the abused, misused, betrayed patriot soldier/assassin who takes revenge, but has no conscience while doing so.
Not my cup of tea - simply no subtlety - and too much gratuitous violence.
If only the author had balanced out his story by inserting decent people in his story. But no decent, honorable person in sight, in this book. I don't mind political thrillers, but the author should know to weigh out good versus evil. Here it's all evil - all the time.
Note to self - This genre & this author is not for me.
Not my cup of tea - simply no subtlety - and too much gratuitous violence.
If only the author had balanced out his story by inserting decent people in his story. But no decent, honorable person in sight, in this book. I don't mind political thrillers, but the author should know to weigh out good versus evil. Here it's all evil - all the time.
Note to self - This genre & this author is not for me.
June 2, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read Rogue by J.B. Turner and giving my review. This is my 3rd J.B. Turner book and I have got to say it does not disappoint! If your looking for a lot of action with some intrigue this is a good choice. Very relatable characters that you come to know and like. Well worth reading! I will be looking for the next one from this writer!
June 11, 2018
One Saturday afternoon, after lunch, I sat down with my kindle with the idea to start reading ROGUE. I didn’t expect to spend the next few hours completely absorbed in this twisty novel without realizing the time passing by.
At the center of the novel there is a secret organization that gets rid of the people considered a risk for the good of the nation. A list of targets that somehow found its way to a journalist. A well-loved senator who doesn’t know he is on the list. A woman worried about her lover. And a secret agent who many believe is dead and who is struggling with memories from his troubled past.
Nathan Stone is a ghost. Everyone believes he is dead, including his sister. He has no ties. He has no feelings and kills without remorse. That’s why he is the perfect agent to kill a senator and make it look like an accident. It should be a clean, easy job, but the list of targets is leaked to a journalist causing a chain of events that quickly spiral out of control. Also, Nathan’s memories resourface making him doubt everything he knows.
This novel is told from different points of views and in short chapters, leaving the readers to catch their breath as everything happens quickly. The characters are very well-crafted, and I really liked the character of Nathan. He is a new Jason Bourne, a man struggling with his past and his identity, with what is right and what is wrong and I am really looking forward to reading more of his adventures.
The novel is fast-paced, everything happens in a few days, and it is set between the world capital of politics, Washington DC, and the beautiful and evocative highlands of Scotland. ROGUE is a gripping, unpredictable and completely engrossing action thriller and I’d like to thank Anne Cater and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of the book and for letting me take part in the blog tour.
At the center of the novel there is a secret organization that gets rid of the people considered a risk for the good of the nation. A list of targets that somehow found its way to a journalist. A well-loved senator who doesn’t know he is on the list. A woman worried about her lover. And a secret agent who many believe is dead and who is struggling with memories from his troubled past.
Nathan Stone is a ghost. Everyone believes he is dead, including his sister. He has no ties. He has no feelings and kills without remorse. That’s why he is the perfect agent to kill a senator and make it look like an accident. It should be a clean, easy job, but the list of targets is leaked to a journalist causing a chain of events that quickly spiral out of control. Also, Nathan’s memories resourface making him doubt everything he knows.
This novel is told from different points of views and in short chapters, leaving the readers to catch their breath as everything happens quickly. The characters are very well-crafted, and I really liked the character of Nathan. He is a new Jason Bourne, a man struggling with his past and his identity, with what is right and what is wrong and I am really looking forward to reading more of his adventures.
The novel is fast-paced, everything happens in a few days, and it is set between the world capital of politics, Washington DC, and the beautiful and evocative highlands of Scotland. ROGUE is a gripping, unpredictable and completely engrossing action thriller and I’d like to thank Anne Cater and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of the book and for letting me take part in the blog tour.
April 9, 2023
ROGUE It was - very compelling- fast paced Military Thriller
Imagine you are dead, but brought back to life using millions of taxpayer dollars to totally change your face. This is what happened to Nathan Stone. He was trained to be a “ghost assassin” by a secret commission. This secret commission had devised a list of individuals who were to be assassinated, because they had a different viewpoint on how our country should be conducted. Nathan, now Tom McMasters, was slated to kill a Senator on this list. Who had enough power to construct this secret commission? How was this commission able to stay under the radar of the government? Would Nathan be able to accomplish his assignment? Would he feel guilty or be on autopilot, as he was trained? The plot was definitely different and captivating. It made the reader wonder if things like this actually could happen in our world today. The characters were very real and interesting as well. The book certainly kept the attention of the reader consistently throughout the book until the very end. It was fast paced and written with such clarity. I enjoyed this book very much.
Imagine you are dead, but brought back to life using millions of taxpayer dollars to totally change your face. This is what happened to Nathan Stone. He was trained to be a “ghost assassin” by a secret commission. This secret commission had devised a list of individuals who were to be assassinated, because they had a different viewpoint on how our country should be conducted. Nathan, now Tom McMasters, was slated to kill a Senator on this list. Who had enough power to construct this secret commission? How was this commission able to stay under the radar of the government? Would Nathan be able to accomplish his assignment? Would he feel guilty or be on autopilot, as he was trained? The plot was definitely different and captivating. It made the reader wonder if things like this actually could happen in our world today. The characters were very real and interesting as well. The book certainly kept the attention of the reader consistently throughout the book until the very end. It was fast paced and written with such clarity. I enjoyed this book very much.
December 7, 2021
I’m not sure how to rate this new series, American Ghost’s first book. I think it has promising story but the characters are quite flat.
Nathan Stone is a troubled coldblooded killer. He has every thing every top super assassin needs; strength, resilient, brain and so on and the plot only accentuate those ability to no end. Well, not sure if I like him, yet.
Another thing that really irritated me is the naivety of Stone’s boss and other high ranking characters including senator Crichton. I hate it when they try to brush off any cautions with exaggerated uncaring attitude while it’s their job to be on high alert! Sorry their demeanor did not sound like someone arrogant or overly confident but rather just sloppy and stubborn. If you have read Jon Reznick, you’d know what I’m talking about (seems like Turner’s trade) but just worst.
On the other hand…..do I want to continue the series? Hmm, I think I want to try the second book just to see which way Turner will lead Stone on; rogue assassin for hire? On the run? add a little more humanity? Yeah, that’s all.
June 15, 2018
The Rogue is and absolute cracker in my Mind J.B. Turner has done what he does every time
we get a new offering i haven't been into good reads for a few days i wont talk about the book having read all of his books I am and ardent follower and i am on his mailing list so went and put it on my Kindle pronto I wait patiently know for the sequel (American Ghost #2)
if you like a high velocity thriller this is for you .
5 well earned stars
we get a new offering i haven't been into good reads for a few days i wont talk about the book having read all of his books I am and ardent follower and i am on his mailing list so went and put it on my Kindle pronto I wait patiently know for the sequel (American Ghost #2)
if you like a high velocity thriller this is for you .
5 well earned stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2018
So glad I was able to review this book for netgalley. If you liked the Bourne series you will definitely love this. The government has a kill list and there is one in particular that needs to be killed as soon as possible. Enter in someone who has gone through brainwashing. Loved this and can’t wait for more
June 19, 2019
Not a character to like anywhere in sight. The journalist was fine, and I probably would have liked the bald headed black guy in the snack room, but otherwise...
Maybe the truth speaking mom of Jessica the aide?
Not a fan. Dull. Sad state of high ranking deceit committees. Ridiculous, irritating disbelief of senator that he could be on a kill list.
Maybe the truth speaking mom of Jessica the aide?
Not a fan. Dull. Sad state of high ranking deceit committees. Ridiculous, irritating disbelief of senator that he could be on a kill list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 15, 2024An action-packed thriller with a merciless assassin. Very good.
July 24, 2018
A year or so ago I came across a series of books written by J. B. Turner about his character John Reznick, a black ops operative who carries out assassinations for a secret government organization. Well written and easy to read I enjoyed them all. When I saw he had a new series coming out I at first thought it was more Reznick but instead discover Turner has come up with yet another black ops killer to set loose on the world, Nathan Stone.
While both characters have similar career paths, professional killers, they are nothing alike personally. Where Reznick possessed a moral compass that guided him in a different direction, Stone is more a pure psychopath formed over time and due to the circumstances of his abusive childhood. The best at what he does, Stone takes enjoyment from the cat and mouse games he plays with his prey and the ability to maneuver things to his advantage.
Thought to have been killed Stone was actually altered via plastic surgery to appear different. All of this was paid for by a group known as the Commission. Their goal is to shape the world the way they want it to be. Their most often used method to do so is by assassinating targets they deem harmful to their goals. To do so they employ the talents of men like Stone.
In this tale we’re introduced to Stone as well as learn what made him who he has become. The most major item in that category was his abusive father. Through that experience we’re introduced to his older sister who as a teen killed their father and has since been institutionalized in a mental health ward. She is the only thing Stone cares about and the Commission uses her situation, as well as reminding him of the cost it took to change his appearance, to manipulate Stone to do their bidding.
Their latest target is Senator Brad Crichton, outspoken against the Commission’s interest and on a trip to Scotland. Stone is brought in to assassinate the Senator and eliminate the problem. More issues arise when it’s learned that a journalist has been provided the hit list put together by the Commission, a list that he’s sent to Crichton’s female aide and lover who rushes to be with him. Now Stone has two targets. Will he follow through or will something change his mind? And will the Commission allow him to live once he follows through with his target?
The book reads easy and is a solid story that those who enjoy conspiracy novels will want to read. My only issue with the book (actually this and the second book RECKONING) is that Turner spends far too much time rehashing the events with Stone’s abusive father. If each provided some new insight I would have less of a problem but instead it felt like watching a loop of the same footage each time, almost like padding to extend the length of the book. Other than that the book kept me interested and looking forward to the next. Who knows, perhaps the paths of Stone and Reznick might one day cross.
While both characters have similar career paths, professional killers, they are nothing alike personally. Where Reznick possessed a moral compass that guided him in a different direction, Stone is more a pure psychopath formed over time and due to the circumstances of his abusive childhood. The best at what he does, Stone takes enjoyment from the cat and mouse games he plays with his prey and the ability to maneuver things to his advantage.
Thought to have been killed Stone was actually altered via plastic surgery to appear different. All of this was paid for by a group known as the Commission. Their goal is to shape the world the way they want it to be. Their most often used method to do so is by assassinating targets they deem harmful to their goals. To do so they employ the talents of men like Stone.
In this tale we’re introduced to Stone as well as learn what made him who he has become. The most major item in that category was his abusive father. Through that experience we’re introduced to his older sister who as a teen killed their father and has since been institutionalized in a mental health ward. She is the only thing Stone cares about and the Commission uses her situation, as well as reminding him of the cost it took to change his appearance, to manipulate Stone to do their bidding.
Their latest target is Senator Brad Crichton, outspoken against the Commission’s interest and on a trip to Scotland. Stone is brought in to assassinate the Senator and eliminate the problem. More issues arise when it’s learned that a journalist has been provided the hit list put together by the Commission, a list that he’s sent to Crichton’s female aide and lover who rushes to be with him. Now Stone has two targets. Will he follow through or will something change his mind? And will the Commission allow him to live once he follows through with his target?
The book reads easy and is a solid story that those who enjoy conspiracy novels will want to read. My only issue with the book (actually this and the second book RECKONING) is that Turner spends far too much time rehashing the events with Stone’s abusive father. If each provided some new insight I would have less of a problem but instead it felt like watching a loop of the same footage each time, almost like padding to extend the length of the book. Other than that the book kept me interested and looking forward to the next. Who knows, perhaps the paths of Stone and Reznick might one day cross.
November 6, 2022
Very disappointed with this book. For an author who claims to live in the highlands of Scotland, he shows a complete lack of simple research on his chosen locations and our customs.
Nowhere in Scotland can you order "poached eggs on Rye", never mind on a remote island!
We don't have "Gas Stations" - we have Filling Stations or Service Stations..
There is no way a fishing boat from Fraserburgh would drop its catch at Dunbar.
Its too far from home.
The M6 doesn't go to London.
Nowhere in Scotland can you order "poached eggs on Rye", never mind on a remote island!
We don't have "Gas Stations" - we have Filling Stations or Service Stations..
There is no way a fishing boat from Fraserburgh would drop its catch at Dunbar.
Its too far from home.
The M6 doesn't go to London.
March 26, 2021
very different from the other books i read but still have trouble putting it down this author is good can't wait to start the next one
June 7, 2018
Rogue is a high-octane thriller in the style of the Bourne films. If you like that kind of book or film, then you’re sure to like this. Nathan Stone was killed in action while serving with the CIA. At least that’s what everyone thought. In reality, he was whisked away by a semi-private concern, The Commission, an organisation sponsored by shady billionaires and run by former black ops military officers. He’s now an assassin tasked with eliminating people deemed to be a threat to vital American interests. There’s a kill list of Commission targets and an up and coming US Senator, Brad Crichton, is on it. Stone is tasked with doing the deed, but things get complicated.
The premise of this book in many ways is of its time. The Commission is not a government agency, though it receives tacit support from The Pentagon. As such, it’s a product of “The Deep State”. The term “Deep State” originated in Turkey (and to a lesser extent, the former Soviet Union) and refers to the idea that powerful interests in the military, security services, civil service and/or establishments exert undemocratic control and undermine the elected civilian leadership. The term was never used in a western context until recently, but post-election of Donald Trump, it’s gained currency. Supporters of Trump argue that his Presidency has been undermined from the beginning and point to a deep state conspiracy behind the allegations his election campaign conspired with Russia to discredit Hillary Clinton.
In Rogue, Brad Crichton is a charismatic senator tipped as Presidential material. He’s a committed isolationist, a man sceptical of US involvement in foreign interventions. He’s also a believer in fiscal responsibility, a man likely to want to look again at those bloated defence budgets. Seeing his potential to win his party’s nomination and then the White House, the commission deem him a national security risk. Crichton comes across here as a combination of JFK and Trump - young, charismatic, good looking and a senator, reflecting Kennedy; an isolationist sceptical of US involvement abroad, reflecting Trump (at least his positions on the campaign trail). Indeed, Trump supporters argue this is one of the reasons the alleged deep state are attempting to undermine his presidency. Of course, it’s worth noting that some of those who believe the Kennedy conspiracy theories argue he was an isolationist too, that he was on the verge of ending the Vietnam war, a move which supposedly triggered his assassination. So maybe the author’s inspiration for Crichton was wholly Kennedy.
This book then is an action-packed conspiracy thriller. As one would expect of such a tale, the narrative is fast moving, the chapters are short and concise, there’s lots of action and a good number of twists. It’s certainly and enjoyable read and in the present climate, pertinent and relevant too.
The premise of this book in many ways is of its time. The Commission is not a government agency, though it receives tacit support from The Pentagon. As such, it’s a product of “The Deep State”. The term “Deep State” originated in Turkey (and to a lesser extent, the former Soviet Union) and refers to the idea that powerful interests in the military, security services, civil service and/or establishments exert undemocratic control and undermine the elected civilian leadership. The term was never used in a western context until recently, but post-election of Donald Trump, it’s gained currency. Supporters of Trump argue that his Presidency has been undermined from the beginning and point to a deep state conspiracy behind the allegations his election campaign conspired with Russia to discredit Hillary Clinton.
In Rogue, Brad Crichton is a charismatic senator tipped as Presidential material. He’s a committed isolationist, a man sceptical of US involvement in foreign interventions. He’s also a believer in fiscal responsibility, a man likely to want to look again at those bloated defence budgets. Seeing his potential to win his party’s nomination and then the White House, the commission deem him a national security risk. Crichton comes across here as a combination of JFK and Trump - young, charismatic, good looking and a senator, reflecting Kennedy; an isolationist sceptical of US involvement abroad, reflecting Trump (at least his positions on the campaign trail). Indeed, Trump supporters argue this is one of the reasons the alleged deep state are attempting to undermine his presidency. Of course, it’s worth noting that some of those who believe the Kennedy conspiracy theories argue he was an isolationist too, that he was on the verge of ending the Vietnam war, a move which supposedly triggered his assassination. So maybe the author’s inspiration for Crichton was wholly Kennedy.
This book then is an action-packed conspiracy thriller. As one would expect of such a tale, the narrative is fast moving, the chapters are short and concise, there’s lots of action and a good number of twists. It’s certainly and enjoyable read and in the present climate, pertinent and relevant too.
June 6, 2018
CBailey31
With this being my first J.B. Turner book that I have read I went into this with an open mind. I had no idea of his writing or story telling. I was really looking forward to reading this though after reading what it was about.
From the very beginning of this book I was hooked. You were straight into the action and the scene was set. I love books like this where you are not having to read a quarter of the book to just get your bearings. It was just boom... He is to be killed, here is our man. The words leapt off the pages at a fast rate that before I knew it I was half way through the book. The story had loads of twists and turns that kept you wanting to read on. The chapters were nice and short which always meant that you could read "just one more chapter" even though you were tired and needed to sleep, and they were all packed full of action. I am not the fastest of readers but even I finished this book in under a week. As the book went on the story built and built leading up to an action packed super ending which I loved.
The characters were brilliantly written. I loved Nathan Stone the lead, a Jason Bourne type killer who had a troubled past and was trained by the US to serve his country as they needed him to. The Commission were a group I also really liked. A small group of ex-government leaders who were in charge of setting up and ordering the deaths of the people on the kill list. There was always a thought as you read on that could one or more of them be trusted, or are they not who they appear to be. There were also lots of smaller characters that kept getting involved and you knew that if they did not drop their interest they could end up on this kill list as well.
This really is a cracking book, which I fully recommend you read if you, like me, love books of this genre. This is a new series of books by the author called the American Ghost series. I am so looking forward to the next book which is out in August and I will definitely be buying this. I will also be checking out previous books by J.B. Turner as if they are anything like this one I will be a very happy reader.
With this being my first J.B. Turner book that I have read I went into this with an open mind. I had no idea of his writing or story telling. I was really looking forward to reading this though after reading what it was about.
From the very beginning of this book I was hooked. You were straight into the action and the scene was set. I love books like this where you are not having to read a quarter of the book to just get your bearings. It was just boom... He is to be killed, here is our man. The words leapt off the pages at a fast rate that before I knew it I was half way through the book. The story had loads of twists and turns that kept you wanting to read on. The chapters were nice and short which always meant that you could read "just one more chapter" even though you were tired and needed to sleep, and they were all packed full of action. I am not the fastest of readers but even I finished this book in under a week. As the book went on the story built and built leading up to an action packed super ending which I loved.
The characters were brilliantly written. I loved Nathan Stone the lead, a Jason Bourne type killer who had a troubled past and was trained by the US to serve his country as they needed him to. The Commission were a group I also really liked. A small group of ex-government leaders who were in charge of setting up and ordering the deaths of the people on the kill list. There was always a thought as you read on that could one or more of them be trusted, or are they not who they appear to be. There were also lots of smaller characters that kept getting involved and you knew that if they did not drop their interest they could end up on this kill list as well.
This really is a cracking book, which I fully recommend you read if you, like me, love books of this genre. This is a new series of books by the author called the American Ghost series. I am so looking forward to the next book which is out in August and I will definitely be buying this. I will also be checking out previous books by J.B. Turner as if they are anything like this one I will be a very happy reader.
May 25, 2023
Ahhh... Politics!
J.B. Turner always manages to catch me off-guard and flat-footed. He's done it again with this, the first in the American Ghost Thriller series.
A burgeoning cast of diverse characters makes this story convoluted, yet intriguing. From the main political figure, a presidential hopeful, and his staff, to the shadow soldiers who carry out specific agendas based on the needs of high-ranking, politically savvy leaders, these characters engage the reader. The intricate plot defies logic by taking issues that should be black and white, easily discerned, and instead creates shades of gray. Is this right because a powerful leader says so? Or because it seems best for the country? Or because it seems the best solution morally? What happens if the brilliant plan doesn't work?
Those that operated in the shadows have created a monster- an American Ghost- out of a "dead man." But they apparently never read "Frankenstein's Monster," and they're not prepared for plans that go awry.
I heartily recommend this novel for fans of political thrillers and complex suspense reads. This author not only writes a brilliant story with deep and deadly characters, but he also has no problem killing those characters off with impunity.
J.B. Turner always manages to catch me off-guard and flat-footed. He's done it again with this, the first in the American Ghost Thriller series.
A burgeoning cast of diverse characters makes this story convoluted, yet intriguing. From the main political figure, a presidential hopeful, and his staff, to the shadow soldiers who carry out specific agendas based on the needs of high-ranking, politically savvy leaders, these characters engage the reader. The intricate plot defies logic by taking issues that should be black and white, easily discerned, and instead creates shades of gray. Is this right because a powerful leader says so? Or because it seems best for the country? Or because it seems the best solution morally? What happens if the brilliant plan doesn't work?
Those that operated in the shadows have created a monster- an American Ghost- out of a "dead man." But they apparently never read "Frankenstein's Monster," and they're not prepared for plans that go awry.
I heartily recommend this novel for fans of political thrillers and complex suspense reads. This author not only writes a brilliant story with deep and deadly characters, but he also has no problem killing those characters off with impunity.
December 18, 2018
This book introduces an assassin named Nathan Stone, who is by all intents and purposes a 'ghost'. He has been groomed to do a job, to kill an American Senator on foreign soil. I felt that over-all the story was enjoyable.
The character development is a bit slow. You are given hints into his past, to see what makes him who he is and how his handlers use that information to their benefit. This story follows his return to being a ghost. This being his first assignment since he was in an accident that almost cost him his life and had to be rehabilitated.
It is an interesting dynamic between his handler and himself and it is because of this dynamic that the chain of events occurs that makes this story worth telling. Even though there is quite a bit of killing in this story, I felt that it was done well and within the storyline boundaries. The majority of the story follows this path. There were certain holes left in the story - as to why things were done the way they were done. This may be as they will be addressed in future books in the series.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book.
The character development is a bit slow. You are given hints into his past, to see what makes him who he is and how his handlers use that information to their benefit. This story follows his return to being a ghost. This being his first assignment since he was in an accident that almost cost him his life and had to be rehabilitated.
It is an interesting dynamic between his handler and himself and it is because of this dynamic that the chain of events occurs that makes this story worth telling. Even though there is quite a bit of killing in this story, I felt that it was done well and within the storyline boundaries. The majority of the story follows this path. There were certain holes left in the story - as to why things were done the way they were done. This may be as they will be addressed in future books in the series.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book.
July 5, 2025
Well from the title I was expecting a book based on ghost sightings but not this! Nathan Stone was a CIA operative who had supposedly been killed during his last op, however he wasn't. He has been reinvented, with a new face, new name and been trained to kill a Senator whose beliefs were not in alignment with the American government. This sounds ominous, and it makes you think a bit doesn't it. Anyway he is sent to follow the senator to a secret meeting in Scotland, a great place to get lost in! I'm thinking moors and mountains and not a lot of peoople. Nathan is a lean mean killing machine having been brainwashed by his handlers.
Some of the characters weren't fleshed out enough and in parts it fell a bit flat, but the story itself was very interesting and the ending when he realised he was being played in this game was thought provoking. I have to say that I had had a busy day and sat down on the swing seat in the garden not expecting a lot from this book, but what I was left with after a couple of hours reading was a very worrying feeling, I mean does america really operate like this, or rather do some presidents really operate like this?? No boundaries? Hmm.
Some of the characters weren't fleshed out enough and in parts it fell a bit flat, but the story itself was very interesting and the ending when he realised he was being played in this game was thought provoking. I have to say that I had had a busy day and sat down on the swing seat in the garden not expecting a lot from this book, but what I was left with after a couple of hours reading was a very worrying feeling, I mean does america really operate like this, or rather do some presidents really operate like this?? No boundaries? Hmm.
September 16, 2018
Nathan Stone did what he was told. He picked up the gun and shot the man in the head. He didn't know the man's identity. He just did what was expected. He's a killer. But there's more to Stone than what his employers want. And they know what they want out of him is dangerous. That's why they employ a psychologist to analyze everything about his behavior and submit regular reports. They don't want mistakes. But J.B. Turner titled his first novel in the American Ghost series "Rogue" for a reason. Stone does what he's told. But when his organization decides he's expendable, he reacts accordingly. Stone wants to survive. And to do that he must eliminate the threats to his existence. Turner's protagonist is not a nice person. He successfully completes his first assignment. People die. But that's when this action adventure gets moving. Stone is no average hero. But he does create chaos. And sometimes that chaos results in something positive. But bloody. Great stuff.
March 18, 2019
Adventurous! But completely frictional
Sometimes fiction is over the top, and turns to preposterous and turns people away from the story. Such is the case with this book.
Three incidents in the story ruin it for me:
1. AN EMP rifle small enough to fit in a backpack?!?! There isn't a chance in Hell. But even if it was true, and the accuracy was capable of delivering a pulse of sufficient quality and strength to cause a heart attack, it would have caused severe burns on the skin.
2. Scaling a sheer cliff with broken ribs only two days ago isn't possible even with the best drugs available!
3. And I feel this is the worst stretch of the imagination is the Fentanyl grenades. This is total BS! Fentanyl would kill almost all people who are exposed. If inhaled, virtually instantly, but it would also be absorbed by the body's skin.
I enjoy a good book and admire an active imagination, but keep it somewhat believable!
Sometimes fiction is over the top, and turns to preposterous and turns people away from the story. Such is the case with this book.
Three incidents in the story ruin it for me:
1. AN EMP rifle small enough to fit in a backpack?!?! There isn't a chance in Hell. But even if it was true, and the accuracy was capable of delivering a pulse of sufficient quality and strength to cause a heart attack, it would have caused severe burns on the skin.
2. Scaling a sheer cliff with broken ribs only two days ago isn't possible even with the best drugs available!
3. And I feel this is the worst stretch of the imagination is the Fentanyl grenades. This is total BS! Fentanyl would kill almost all people who are exposed. If inhaled, virtually instantly, but it would also be absorbed by the body's skin.
I enjoy a good book and admire an active imagination, but keep it somewhat believable!
June 11, 2018
I won this book as part of a giveaway, I'm glad it was free! To me this was a typical conspiracy theory book. Secret society who wants to get rid of people who don't agree with their values, all for the "greater good". Assassin "hero" who is betrayed and goes rogue, kills people who betrayed him then manages to escape and hide in plain site. It wasn't bad, but to me it was predictable.
One major thing that drove me CRAZY was the use of full names for the characters EVERY TIME they came on the scene. Nathan Stone is the main character, and the only one named Nathan in the book. There is no reason to refer to him by his full name throughout (just one example). And then, for the rest of the chapter the characters were referred to by their last names.
Again, not a bad book, but I have read better in this genre.
One major thing that drove me CRAZY was the use of full names for the characters EVERY TIME they came on the scene. Nathan Stone is the main character, and the only one named Nathan in the book. There is no reason to refer to him by his full name throughout (just one example). And then, for the rest of the chapter the characters were referred to by their last names.
Again, not a bad book, but I have read better in this genre.
May 27, 2025
A proper thriller that will keep you gripped
This author was new to me although I had heard of the Jon Reznick series but not read, yet. I like thrillers and decided to give this a go and what an absolutely rip-roaring thriller it turned out to be!
An ex killer for the US government is given a new face and identity to perform more killings but is soon found to know too much about too many things, so he is the one sanctioned to be terminated.
Not an original storyline but Nathan Stone is a strong character, a cold hearted killer which at times made me wonder if I liked him or not. But it is very well written and the pace is relentless. I'm so glad I bought the set of three books together as its straight on to the second on the series.
If you like the John Milton series by Mark Dawson then try this author if you haven't already
This author was new to me although I had heard of the Jon Reznick series but not read, yet. I like thrillers and decided to give this a go and what an absolutely rip-roaring thriller it turned out to be!
An ex killer for the US government is given a new face and identity to perform more killings but is soon found to know too much about too many things, so he is the one sanctioned to be terminated.
Not an original storyline but Nathan Stone is a strong character, a cold hearted killer which at times made me wonder if I liked him or not. But it is very well written and the pace is relentless. I'm so glad I bought the set of three books together as its straight on to the second on the series.
If you like the John Milton series by Mark Dawson then try this author if you haven't already
May 13, 2018
Book Review: Rogue (An American Ghost Thriller #1) by J.B. Turner
This is a well-written book, easy to speed-read and finish in a day or two, with a rather familiar plot where the protagonist is left for dead, has facial surgery and becomes both the executioner and a pawn, whose actions are controlled by insidious, powerful men in a deadly assassination scheme against perceived enemies. Major snag due to (wait for it...) a leak to the media!
Part "Star Chamber", part "Face/Off", part "Jason Bourne", part of another book or movie or other. Predictable, but pure reading entertainment!
Review based on an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Amazon Publishing U.K.
This is a well-written book, easy to speed-read and finish in a day or two, with a rather familiar plot where the protagonist is left for dead, has facial surgery and becomes both the executioner and a pawn, whose actions are controlled by insidious, powerful men in a deadly assassination scheme against perceived enemies. Major snag due to (wait for it...) a leak to the media!
Part "Star Chamber", part "Face/Off", part "Jason Bourne", part of another book or movie or other. Predictable, but pure reading entertainment!
Review based on an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Amazon Publishing U.K.
November 18, 2021
Well this was terrible. I read through the Reznick series earlier this year and enjoyed it, so was expecting a bit more than what I got here. The plot was very basic and generic and there was not a single likable character in the entire book. I am not sure why so much effort was put into showing just how deranged a psychopath the main character is either. Perhaps the idea is to at some point start turning him more human, but since nothing of the sort was even hinted at in this book I have no desire to keep reading to find out.
Not sure if this was ghost written by someone else or if the author tried and failed at some experiment. But the end result was just a big dull mess. NO idea how this could have a 4 star average.
Not sure if this was ghost written by someone else or if the author tried and failed at some experiment. But the end result was just a big dull mess. NO idea how this could have a 4 star average.
August 14, 2018
Definitely not worth the read!!
I had enjoyed the Reznick series, and was really looking forward to this series. I had even marked it to follow so I'd know when it came out. I was so disappointed! I had even read one review and thought "it surely couldn't be that bad!". I was wrong, and I now agree with it fully. There were NO likeable characters, nothing to get behind to understand, the plot was thin, and some scenes droned on and on. I will not continue with this series, and hope if Mr. Turner puts out another series he makes some drastic changes in writing style! I gave this book a 1 star rating, but only because there wasn't anything smaller.
I had enjoyed the Reznick series, and was really looking forward to this series. I had even marked it to follow so I'd know when it came out. I was so disappointed! I had even read one review and thought "it surely couldn't be that bad!". I was wrong, and I now agree with it fully. There were NO likeable characters, nothing to get behind to understand, the plot was thin, and some scenes droned on and on. I will not continue with this series, and hope if Mr. Turner puts out another series he makes some drastic changes in writing style! I gave this book a 1 star rating, but only because there wasn't anything smaller.
January 27, 2019
Wow just twisted
This book takes a look at how broken men are turned into weapons. One man had come from a world of strong convictions of loyalty, that loyalty lead this man to do terrible things for the men he served behind a curtain. The thing is when you break that loyalty you may not be quite sure what can happen to your highly intelligent and trained weapon, they can turn on you. This is a story of corruption with in big money and military. I hope these are just evil thrillers thought up in someone’s conspiracy story and not real. But I am not naive.
Very good book.... recommend it to someone wanting a little thriller with a scary ending.
This book takes a look at how broken men are turned into weapons. One man had come from a world of strong convictions of loyalty, that loyalty lead this man to do terrible things for the men he served behind a curtain. The thing is when you break that loyalty you may not be quite sure what can happen to your highly intelligent and trained weapon, they can turn on you. This is a story of corruption with in big money and military. I hope these are just evil thrillers thought up in someone’s conspiracy story and not real. But I am not naive.
Very good book.... recommend it to someone wanting a little thriller with a scary ending.
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