Deep Black

Tom Locke #2

by Sean McFate, Bret Witter

“Has an enjoyable, realistic feeling…will appeal to action junkies and armchair diplomats alike.”
   — Kirkus

Tom Locke must track a missing Saudi prince deep inside ISIS territory in this second military action thriller from the authors of Shadow War.

Disillusioned after a mission in Ukraine goes tragically wrong, military contractor Tom Locke is on the run from Apollo Outcomes, a private military corporation run by the treacherous Brad Winters. While working undercover with his surviving team members on the frontlines of ISIS-infected Iraq, they are approached by a Saudi middleman who offers good money to find the missing son of a high-ranking government official.

What Locke doesn’t know is that the missing young Prince may have been carrying the result of a secret agreement made with the Pakistanis in the 1960s, and that his father may or may not be trying to topple the Saudi government. As he pushes deeper into ISIS territory, Locke must figure out both the on-the-ground battle lines and the larger Deep State war he has stumbled into yet again.

Who is the mysterious Saudi who hired Locke’s team? Is the prince’s disappearance personal or political? And how many sides are being played against each other in a Middle East torn apart by overlapping and contradictory alliances? To complete the mission and keep his men safe, the battle-hardened Locke must use every skill he has to defeat a fanatical enemy on the ground—while a duplicitous adversary much closer to home waits for his chance to strike. . . .

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Adventure, Military Fiction, Mystery

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2017

About the author

I have been a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. A para-military contractor. An operative in the private intelligence world (think: Wall Street meets CIA). I’ve dealt with African warlords, raised armies for U.S. interest, rode with armed groups in the Sahara, conducted strategic reconnaissance for oil companies, transacted arms deals in Eastern Europe, and helped prevent an impending genocide in the Rwanda region. In between this, I earned degrees from Brown, Harvard, and a PhD from the London School of Economics.

Now I’m an author, my favorite job by far. I write about the world as I’ve witnessed it. Unlike most, I write both serious non-fiction and fiction. What I can’t discuss in my non-fiction ends up in my novels, which are like Tom Clancy for the 2020s.

You can learn more about me here http://www.seanmcfate.com and you can follow me on twitter or Instagram @seanmcfate. I appreciate your support, and answer emails from readers.

Reviews

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my usual read but very fast paced and interesting. you really want tom locke to make it through. this is a book with black ops and lots of military action.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting writing style can’t quite put my finger on it. Classic spy book was decent I’ll probably finish the series.

[James Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a gritty and non-stop action thriller that provides a realistic view of the unending military conflict in the Middle East. The action and the descriptions seem very realistic. There are lots of characters and the story is full of deceit, friendships, interesting life histories and exciting non- stop action. Some figures and their roles in the action are a bit mysterious but add intrigue to the story.

The protagonist, Thomas Locke, is a very intriguing and honorable hero with logical motivations but a flawed, sympathetic, engaging, and very believable character. The secondary characters of Boon, Wildman and Kyla are also well developed and add dimension to the story.
The writing puts the reader into the horrendous conditions of war and the setting in which it takes place. The ending is (overall) satisfying.

I will read the first (this is the second) novel in the Thomas Locke series and look forward to more!

Disclaimer: I received an uncorrected proof of this book in a Goodreads giveaway but this review is provided voluntarily.

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Black, by Sean McFate, was my kind of fast paced, high action thrill ride. The protagonist was likable but realistic about his chosen profession: paid mercenary. The story was so well written that I could almost taste the sand in my teeth and feel the hot grit under my collar. The ending was unexpected but understandable considering the real world of the military mercenary. I have already ordered another Tom Locke thriller and add McFate to my favorite authors list. Definitely a five star read. Jeff Bailey, author of The Defect.

[Jacqueline Tao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, easy, beach read. I found out about this book because I was watching some documentary on Youtube (I forgot what the topic was about) and Sean McFate was one of the experts interviewed. I thought he was credible and intelligent, and when I found out he had written a fiction book, I had to read it.

This book is no literary masterpiece by any means. In fact, it's rather pulpy. It's like most spy action thrillers you've seen. Rogue agent wrong by his former boss fighting for the good of the people and hung up about some unattainable woman. Now, to be fair, I haven't read many spy thrillers but I have seen several shows and movies about them. The thing I liked most about this book (even though it was obviously ghostwritten) was that there was a lot of technical military jargon.

I had looked up Sean McFate and even (partially) watched a Youtube documentary of his about Sun Tzu and it's clear that this guy knows his stuff about war. I have no doubt that the details about the Middle East and military stuff is accurate.

That being said, the story is ... okay. It's about a Saudi prince who wants more power so he buys nuclear weapons. He has his 2 sons retrieve various parts of the weapon, one gets the briefcase containing the controller and the other gets the key that opens the briefcase. The nuclear weapon itself is on a ship somewhere. Of course, the retrieval goes wrong. One son has the briefcase stolen from him in an ambush and the other son goes on the run. That is where is our protagonist, Tom Locke comes in. He's been tasked to find this son on the run. And, he does. Now, at this point, as it is book 2 of the series, Tom has been burned by his former boss, Brad Winters, and is now a self governing mercenary along with his 2 surviving team mates, Boon and Wildman. When Tom finds this second son, Farhan, he discovers that Farhan has run, not only due to moral reasons, but mainly because of love. The girl he loves is pregnant with his child. And due to the strict religious code of the Saudis, his father doesn't approve and wants this girl killed.

So Tom has to get Farhan and his pregnant wife out of the dangerous Middle East (they travel through several countries here) filled with insurgents and battling factions. Plus, Tom needs to make sure the key doesn't fall into the wrong hands. In the end, he ends up calling his old boss, Brad Winters. Turns out, Winterse was playing Locke all along. He was the one who planned everything. Even the idea of purchasing the nuclear weapons to the Saudi prince. Most cunning of all, he's the one who hired Locke to find Farhan.

Winters reveals all of this to Locke because he wants Locke to close up the loose ends. In other words, kill Farhan and his wife. Of course, he doesn't. He manages to incapcitate Winters and expose him, sending the Saudi prince after him. Unforunately, this means that Locke is also on the run himself, which is revealed in the epilogue and setting the stage for yet another espionage adventure.

Though the book commented on the sexism of those in the Middle East, I didn't think that they contradicted that sentiment much. There were only 3 women featured in the novel and 2 of them were just companions. Sure, Kaylah did some doctor stuff but most of the time Tom just talked about her 'sexy walk' and her appearance. And the pregnant wife, she was just there to calm Farhan. Okay, there was Lewis, who was the only female who had brains and gumption, but she hardly had any scenes. Plus, her moment of glory was thwarted by self-serving men in the end and she never got her victory. She had found the ship with the nuclear weapons, but the Pakistani government had lied and said that the weapons weren't there.

Honestly, the plot was a little convoluted. It was about meglomaniac men. A Saudi prince that wanted more power and a black ops contractor (Brad Winters) that wanted more power. And a couple of good men who wanted to save people by killing bad guys. Perhaps it's the uneducated American in me, but I did find the different countries and factions a little confusing. However, the book did a nice recap at the end to smooth over any confusion.

Overall, I enjoyed it but I didn't feel a sense of attachment to any of the characters. Would I read another Tom Locke novel? Maybe. But would I read another immediately after this one? No.

[Marianne Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Deep Black (Tom Locke#2)" by Sean McFate and Bret Witter was a fast paced high action thriller.
The action starts immediately as two Saudi princes come under attack. Tom Locke (our hero) is a military contractor working undercover in ISIS-infected Iraq. He is hired to find a missing Saudi prince, though the political ramifications of the disappearance may be more than what they appear on the surface. This action packed thriller kept me engaged and turning the pages. I really appreciated the map in the beginning of the book. I did not read the first Tom Locke novel, but intend to check it out. The thing I disliked about this book was the cover. I know that it has become common practice, but I find that not having Bret Witter's name on the cover is offensive. I am sure it is the publisher's choice, trying to catch the reader's eye with the more familiar name, but it just leaves a bad feeling...like they are either trying to pull one over on the reader or that one author is a rude egomaniac and does not want to share the cover space.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads for review purposes.

A young Saudi prince escapes from his security detail and it is up to Tom Locke to find him. Like is a former employee of Apollo Outcomes whose last mission in the Ukraine went wrong. Now working underground in Iraq with two members of his former team, he has been offered a million dollars for his current contract.

Locke comes up against Brad Winters, his boss from Apollo, and a Saudi intelligence team who are also looking for the prince. This is a high action story complete with betrayals, political intrigue and chases to keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Margit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review.

I liked it much better than I was expecting to like a book about multiple mercenary groups performing seemingly opposing actions in the Middle East amid the various local political groups and religious jihadists. It helped that Tom Locke, the leader of the underdog group of mercenaries, was a likeable character. And there were more than enough bad guys to suit anyone's taste.

[Chaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Locke must figure out both the on-the-ground battle lines and the larger Deep State war he has stumbled into yet again. Who is the mysterious Saudi who hired Locke's team? Is the prince's disappearance personal or political? And how many sides are being played against each other in a Middle East torn apart by overlapping and contradictory alliances? To complete the mission and keep his men safe, the battle-hardened Locke must use every skill he has

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK THAT TOUCHS ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN AFGHANISTAN

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written suspense/thriller novel. This book kept up a good pace that kept me reading. The writing style was enjoyable and the characters were intriguing.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Jim Ader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jeff Siegmund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed thriller. First McFate book and look forward to others.

[Peter Brickwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent detail and believable military action. I greatly enjoyed this book. I hope Tom Locke adventures on.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good action packed novel, written by two authors who know how to tell a tale!

[John Sigvald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and a good read. If you like Tom Clancy or similar I think you will love this book

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Locke heads a team of mercenaries that are on the run after their sponsor betrayed them. What follows is a race across the Middle East as his team tries to survive and find a missing person. The action packed mission had nuclear weapon, conspiracies, royal families, gunfights, and questionable loyalties. This is the second book on the Tom Locke Series.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom Locke is working undercover in Isis territory, Iraq, when a mysterious Arab offers him $1 million to find a missing mystery prince from Saudi Arabia. Complicating matters is that Tom's old boss, who in his treachery has left Tom for dead, as well as other nefarious people, are also searching for this guy.

The political intrigue, action sequences, and suspense keep the reader interested. Tom is an interesting and likable character, and there are plenty of bad guys to keep the reader's interest as well. It also gives the reader a glimpse of what life in the Middle East is like right now. The writing style is engaging.

There's lot of black ops and military action that keeps you reading. The author's blurb notes he is a former army operative, so it is presumed the novel is based somewhat on his experiences, which makes this a realistic (one imagines) read.

Thanks to the author for a review copy.

[Tom Tischler · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a mission in the Ukraine goes wrong military contractor Tom Locke is on the
run from Apollo Outcomes a private military corporation run by the treacherous Brad
Winters. While undercover Locke and his team are approached by a Saudi middleman
to find the missing son of a government official. Locke doesn't know is that the missing Prince
may be carrying the result of a secret agreement made with the Pakistanis in the 60's and
that his father may or may not be trying to topple the Saudi Government. As he pushes
deeper into ISIS territory Locke must figure out both the on the ground battle lines and
the larger Deep State war he has stumbled into. He must figure out how many sides are
being played against each other in a Middle East torn apart by overlapping and contra-
dictory alliances. This story isn't to bad even though I thought it got a bit confusing
at times. I gave it a 3

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow up to Tom Locke #1 Shadow War which I read a long time ago. I can't remember any of the details and book #2 alludes to it but you don't need to have read #1 to read this book.

Spoiler: This is basically a military contractor aka mercenary book set in Iraq. Military contracting is just mercenaries dressed up in corporate clothing with a bigger budget and more sophistication. In this book Tom Locke is hired to find a son of a Saudi Prince who is in Iraq.

As an action book it's ok. The writing is easy to read and follow. But the characters are relatively cliched and somewhat forgettable despite an effort to make them stand out. The setting could also be anywhere in the world and not as realistic as some other Iraq location action books I've read. Overall, a good way to spend a few days.

[David Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember that rush of Adrenalin ,the feeling that you have to do this again, when you completed your first Roller Coaster ride. That's the feeling I had when I finished Deep Black. I must go buy the first in the series. Deep Black was action packed from cover to cover and was obviously written by a knowledgeable Author. Tom Locke is an interesting character, tough as yesterdays baked Liver but still full of compassion for the people in this war torn country. I think all action fiction enthusiasts will enjoy Deep Black.

[Craig Wakefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are private operatives that the government such as the CIA hire always so evil and do bad things to good people. Why do these private operatives always make so much money? Is it because good people don't want to do bad things? Perhaps so. Occasionally there are private operatives that are willing to do good things. Tom Locke is one of these people. If only we had more people like him I believe that the Mideast would be a place of peace. Action packed to the end. Tom Lock will appear again. Wish him luck at staying alive.

[Patricia Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

received uncorrected proof to read and review

liked this book..a Tom Locke novel...Tom is always on the move to bring the bad guys in and make some money in the process..has a couple of seasoned warriors with him..has some lady interest on the side of the desert war. much shooting and wild riding in wadis in the desert makes for a quick read.
liked the cover for this book and leading pages. fits the title of the book.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, exciting, creative, informative, fascinating writing. a cannot put down book filled with intrigue. Cannot imagine living through these experiences and the scars left behind. Could the twists and turns, subterfuge, intelligence and counter intelligence be happening as I write?
5 stars are not enough for the writing, story, characters, morality involved.
FABULOUS BOOK.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it much better than I was expecting to like a book about multiple mercenary groups performing seemingly opposing actions in the Middle East amid the various local political groups and religious jihadists.
Captivating, exciting, creative, informative, fascinating writing. a cannot put down book filled with intrigue.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, great characters. Kept me guessing until the end. The final few pages have me wanted the next book. Plenty of action described in vivid detail. Excellent book. Look forward to reading more in this Tom Locke series. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.

[Ashley Reel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out great, but half way through I dramatically lost interest as the story really moved slowly around here and lost focus switching between the multiple small stories surrounding each character.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much fun as the first. However, on seeing 'here, here' instead of 'hear, hear', I've decided the publisher is an idiot who doesn't employ copy readers but only relies on spell check! Not a book I would care to own!