Retired Special Forces officer Brad Taylor's thrilling new short story features Israeli operatives, Aaron and Shoshana, as the two wed at Jerusalem's Western Wall amid a backdrop of turmoil and a new plot to attack the city's holiest site.
Taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are used to traveling all over the world for counterterrorist missions, but this time they're in the Old City of Jerusalem under happier circumstances. Their friends Aaron and Shoshana, former operatives with Israeli Mossad, are getting married and they've chosen to tie the knot at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. The holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam, the Temple Mount is a fault line between Jews and Muslims, the flash point for eons of strife--and it will still prove to be true today.
Unbeknownst to them, a cell of Palestinian terrorists has planned an attack against innocent tourists to incite the Arab world to demand that Israel retreat from the holy site. But the terrorists don't realize that they themselves are being played by an infiltrator with a subversive plot that will lead to the Arabs' loss of control of the Temple Mount. But even the infiltrator doesn't know the full scope of the terrorists' plans; they're preparing a strike much greater than he envisions--one that could split the fault line into total war. As Pike and Jennifer explore the Old City with their Israeli friends, neither the terrorists nor the infiltrator remember one immutable truth: In war, the enemy gets a vote.
Brad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
Pike Logan and his partner in life and the Taskforce go to Israel for the wedding of their Mossad friends, Aaron and Shoshanna. While on a sightseeing visit to the Temple Mount, Shoshanna realizes something bad is about to happen and triggers the other three into action.
This was a nice little novella that is probably the last meeting with our Israeli characters. It was well done and lots of action and fun. I am going to miss those two. Five stars… easy day.
ebook Review - In Brad Taylor’s short story, “The Infiltrator,” Taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are in the Old City of Jerusalem for their friends — former Israeli Mossad operatives, Aaron and Shoshana’s Jewish wedding. They have chosen to tie the knot at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam. The Temple Mount is a fault line between Jews and Muslims and the flash point for lots of strife — and it unfortunately proved to be true on Aaron and Shoshana’s wedding day. The Infiltrator is one of Brad Taylor’s best short stories featuring the Israeli Mossad couple. I love what they bring to the Pike Logan series and enjoy the bantering between Pike and Shoshana. The action in this ‘shortie’ starts fast and doesn’t let up until the end. Aaron and Shoshana’s skills are highlighted and Pike and Jennifer get serious about their future. A quick standalone short story that Taskforce fans should definitely read.
A strongly worded, fearsome plot which is hoped never happens again. This is fiction at its best. . Loved the narrator, his diction is clear, pleasant, and crisp. Some profanity. Second reading as I forgot to rate last time.
Shoshana and Aaron Tie the Knot: A Pike Logan Thriller
Pike and Jennifer are on a case in Jerusalem. There is a rumor that a terrorist cell is planning an attack on the West Wall. However, that’s not the reason they’re there. They’ve been hired to look into the illegal sale of artifacts and attend the wedding of Shoshana and Aaron.
The action is non-stop with an Israeli agent trying to use the terrorist attack to get the Arabs out of the holy city. However, the best part for me was the view of Shoshana as a bride. She’s happy and although she hasn’t lost her skills, she shows us her gentler side.
The big question is will the wedding be a factor in pushing Jennifer and Pike closer to matrimony. I wouldn’t hold my breath.
This is a great short read. The action is fast paced and the characters are delightful. I highly recommend this short novel if you’re a Pike fan, or just curious about the series.
Excellent story with plenty of action and (mostly) believable plot. Taylor explores the relationships between his protagonists as well, edging Pike and Koko closer, while explaining what really bonds Shoshana and Aaron.
Lots of authors crank out these short novellas and the factory ones (you guys know whom I mean) really get me going. It's pure greed in the form of a book. But Taylor delivers with a real, condensed book for a very reasonable price - and that's appreciated. Money well-spent.
5 Stars! I love the short stories between the novels. Brad Taylor gives you a great story that is worth it to read. I always find out something deeper about the recurring characters. While you can read the series without reading the short stories, I feel they add a richer understanding. And any story with Aaron and Shoshana is worth reading IMHO. No plot summary or giveaways here. Except to say that Pike and friends stop another terrorist threat.
This novella is, hands down, an absolute thriller! Two religious sites in Israel are about to undergo a terrorist attack of mega proportions against Israel. Pike Logan, Jennifer, and two former Mossad agents are the only ones with the knowledge and ability to stop it. Extremely fast paced and bursting with action! I highly recommend!!
Less of a tight story than "The Target", seems like a toss-off.
The reader can't help thinking, 'these characters have zero self-protection skills. ' Whether or not people are this stupid/gullible/clueless, it does not make for great reading, watching the setup with these patsies.
Interspersing that with cutesy celebrations and bonding makes for uneven reading. Both parts come across as filler.
Once the planned event starts, the story gets much better. Although the details are more plot devices than credible.
A decent story, but thin and containing excessive 'convenient' events, timings, 100% successes with zero effective resistance.
Taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are used to traveling all over the world for counterterrorist missions, but this time they're in the Old City of Jerusalem under happier circumstances. Their friends Aaron and Shoshana, former operatives with Israeli Mossad, are getting married and they've chosen to tie the knot at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. The holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam, the Temple Mount is a fault line between Jews and Muslims, the flash point for eons of strife--and it will still prove to be true today.
Unbeknownst to them, a cell of Palestinian terrorists has planned an attack against innocent tourists to incite the Arab world to demand that Israel retreat from the holy site. But the terrorists don't realize that they themselves are being played by an infiltrator with a subversive plot that will lead to the Arabs' loss of control of the Temple Mount. But even the infiltrator doesn't know the full scope of the terrorists' plans; they're preparing a strike much greater than he envisions--one that could split the fault line into total war. As Pike and Jennifer explore the Old City with their Israeli friends, neither the terrorists nor the infiltrator remember one immutable truth: In war, the enemy gets a vote.
A woman who can detect and see auras of people, especially crooks and know basically what they are thinking etc, like Counsellor Troi in Star Trek ? I kid you not, that is what she does, except she is a killer (at least supposedly on the side of good) who disturbs anyone she wants with a single withering glare. Yeh right. Contrived plot. Our heros' of course just happen to be at a location for a wedding when a terrorist plot goes down and of course they foil it. Cliques and stereotypes everywhere. Unrealistic fight descriptions. Pike wants to punch anyone who does not believe him straight away, even though these people do not know him at all. At the end he causes a tourist couple to be locked up for no valid reason other than basically he thinks they are assholes. Do not think I will read any more of his books. A lot of other authors which have a bit more credibility in their plots and characters.
I can never say enough about Brad Tayor's books and short stories. He is magnificent. His writing is top notch, his characters fantastic. I'm crazy about Pike Logan. He is my fantasy man. Jennifer the perfect woman for him. I've always loved Aaron and Shoshana and this story hit all the right points. Best wishes to them. Pike is at the top of my list with Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, Scott Harveth and a few other rough and tough men who are heroes in my book, (pun intended).
What’s better than ending a great year of books with Pike Logan? Beginning a new year with Pike Logan!!! In this short story, Pike and Jennifer travel to Jerusalem to attend the wedding of their allies and friends, Shoshana and Aaron. As is usual in the world of Pike, things don’t go to plan. A great short story that entertains with its action, wit and heart.
started finished 22nd october 2023 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner pike logan #11.5 and can be read as stand alone taylor says as much in a word i think it comes before the story. have read quite a few from taylor all good reads fast-paced jennifer and pike, shosana and aaron in jerusalem for the most. onward and upward.
A good Pike Logan novel with the usual involvement of Jennifer, Aaron and Shoshana. Pretty fast paced with some unexpected twists and turns. Read it in one sitting and look forward to another Pike Logan novel.
Another excellent interesting book. Can’t wait to start the next one. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. I just wish they could get printed faster so l wouldn’t have a wait time.
Excellent short story including several of the Taskforce members we know and love. It might be a quick read, but it is still packed with lots of action and a great story line. I hope Brad Taylor writes more of these!
This is another good book by Brad Taylor but too short. Glad everything worked out the way it did. It could have explained a few more things better at the end but overall it was good.
I know the author is developing the characters of the Israeli couple, but the character I always find most interesting is Jennifer. Perhaps it is because I found my own “Jennifer” and married her.
Small fast paced book describing a Jewish wedding with some anti terrorist intervention thrown in for a good measure. The hero's save the day without the oversight council on the task-force being involved.
It’s has been 3 years since I read a Brad Taylor book (or any book). Great reintroduction for me to these characters. Pike is a great character and Brad a Taylor is a wonderful Thriller author. Can’t wait to start Operator Down.
This book is short but sweet. It centers around Pike’s Israeli friends who try and get married. Of course things go haywire and our merry group save the day.
I have to say I liked this one more than the longer stories.
This is another of Brad Taylor's short stories, explaining things that have only been mentioned. This one explains and describes the wedding of Aaron and Shoshana, and the storm that takes place in the venue chosen for the service. I look forward to reading more of these novellas.