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Outsourced #2
Primed
Defense Intelligence agent Bridget Mason is back! Recently recovered from her gunshot wounds, she is assigned an 'easy' case' which turns out to be anything but. Nic Stiles confesses what really happened in India and Phil Beasley takes a deadly decision when they find themselves threatened by the Bratva Russian Mafia.
In the second book in the 'Outsourced' series, the protagonists are thrust into a situation where lies and deceit are the norm and murders a common occurrence. Even they have secrets to hide!
In the second book in the 'Outsourced' series, the protagonists are thrust into a situation where lies and deceit are the norm and murders a common occurrence. Even they have secrets to hide!
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About the author
Eric J. Gates
28 books153 followersAward-winning author Eric J. Gates has had a curious life filled with the stuff of thriller novels. Writing Operating Systems for Supercomputers, cracking cryptographic codes under extreme pressure using only paper and pen and teaching cyberwarfare to spies are just a few of the moments he’s willing to recall. He is an ex-International Consultant who has travelled extensively worldwide, speaks several languages, and has had articles and papers published in six different countries, as well as radio and TV spots. His specialty, Information Technology Security, has brought him into contact with the Military and Intelligence communities on numerous occasions. He is also an expert martial artist, holding 14 black belt degrees in distinct disciplines. He has taught his skills to Police and Military personnel, as well as to the public.
He now writes thriller novels, drawing on his experiences with the confidential and secret worlds that surround us.
He now writes thriller novels, drawing on his experiences with the confidential and secret worlds that surround us.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 29, 2016
Another amazing, incredible page-turner from master thriller-writer Eric Gates. The long awaited sequel to Outsourced, Primed reacquaints us with the brave and daring Major Bridget Mason who is back to work after extensive injuries and a lengthy rehab. Mason's been ordered to 'keep a low profile' and 'lay low' by her superiors. Authors Nic Stiles and Beasley are back constantly disagreeing and quibbling with each other. The story-line is complex and tightly woven, the dialogue quick and actionable and the characters memorable. I particularly liked The Dane, a NYPD detective who is working with Major Mason investigating the questionable suicide of a government contractor tied to the Russian mafiya.
If you liked Outsourced, you're going to love Primed. All in all, the book is a page-turner, compelling, and masterfully brilliant. Recommended without reservation.
If you liked Outsourced, you're going to love Primed. All in all, the book is a page-turner, compelling, and masterfully brilliant. Recommended without reservation.
November 20, 2019
Trust has to be earned. But then there’s the pen. I enjoyed the story and the puzzles and recommend the book.
December 29, 2018
Having read, and enjoyed, Eric J. Gates thriller, ‘Outsourced’, I could hardly wait to immerse myself in its sequel, ‘Primed.’ I was not disappointed.
It is a terrific read and opens with a bang. As was the case with ‘Outsourced’, the storyline, plot, is complex and demands a reader’s attention; fast read, page-flippers are advised to slow down. But the rewards are commensurate and worthwhile.
I was especially pleased to meet again that spirited lady, Major Bridget Mason; a female protagonist in a macho, male-dominated world is just so refreshing.
Recovering from injuries incurred in the climax of the previous book, Mason is placed on light duty, given a purported ‘easy task’ assisting an NYPD cop, a long, lean laconic fellow nicknamed ‘the Dane’. And the repartee and dialogue between these two are fascinating.
The duo is tasked with investigating the suspicious suicide of a government contractor. This leads to a confrontation with the villains of the story; the ‘Bratva’, the Russian mafia.
Villains are as important to any story as the good guys, a point many writers fail to grasp, but one Mr. Gates knows well. And what a superb, dirty finger-nailed bunch of characters his bad guys turn out to be. Hard bastards who enjoy their work. Tooled up, Spetsnaz trained, they are efficient, brutal, and pitiless in dealing with adversaries and threats to their territory.
On a lighter side, our two squabbling writer friends, Stiles and Beasley are back playing their parts. And though not seen and kept hidden in the background, the tantalizing and awesome ‘Pen’ is also back on the scene.
Though it’s a sequel, ‘Primed’ carries sufficient backstory to make it a stand-alone novel. Nevertheless, for greater enjoyment, I advise readers to pick up ‘Outsourced’ first and follow it with ‘Primed.’
‘Primed’ is pretty high octane stuff. A tight, gripping thriller with a plot that’s pure magic, sharp characters, great dialogue and written in Mr. Gates engaging, fluent and inimitable style. And I’ll wager that it’s not a sequel at all, but rather number II in a developing series. I do hope so if only to meet again the lovely Bridget Mason.
‘Primed’, a novel, gets my best compliment; I could read it again. Highly recommended. Thank you, Mr. Gates.
August 3, 2016
As you may already know, I reviewed book one, “Outsourced” so when Eric came to me asking if I wanted to read and review this one, I jumped at the chance. My husband and I dearly loved the first book, it was a five star read, and can also be found within my blog.
“Primed” begins where “Outsourced” left you with Defense Intelligence Agent Bridget Mason who had recently recovered from her gunshot wounds. (By the way, Agent Mason is/was a Major in the military too!) And as I picture Mason, she is one beautiful strong woman.
The Agency determines that it would be better if Agent Mason would slip back into her job with an easier case. So they do just that, they assign Agent Mason was given what she is told is to be an easy case, and low and behold it turns out to be anything but. But she of course, doesn’t let that slow her down.
Agent Mason obtains a confession from a seemingly tasteful looking guy named: Nic Stiles, about what really happened in India. This causes Phil Beasley to make a deadly decision himself, and this causes further problems because now they will be threatened by the Bratva Russian Mafia.
Agent Mason is thrust into the middle of lies, deceit and of course murder, where she must learn and find and of course determine what is the truth, and solve the mystery. Can and will she do it?
This book, is another five star read by Eric, which will lead you on a roller coaster ride, in solving a mystery, and riding along learning about the Russian Mafia, and an Agent who will do her best at her job, to solve whatever problem comes her way. “Primed” kept my husband and I on the edge of our seats, visualizing once again, another one of Eric’s books as a very entertaining movie! This is an excellent book, a definite five-star book and should be a movie! Check it out!
“Primed” begins where “Outsourced” left you with Defense Intelligence Agent Bridget Mason who had recently recovered from her gunshot wounds. (By the way, Agent Mason is/was a Major in the military too!) And as I picture Mason, she is one beautiful strong woman.
The Agency determines that it would be better if Agent Mason would slip back into her job with an easier case. So they do just that, they assign Agent Mason was given what she is told is to be an easy case, and low and behold it turns out to be anything but. But she of course, doesn’t let that slow her down.
Agent Mason obtains a confession from a seemingly tasteful looking guy named: Nic Stiles, about what really happened in India. This causes Phil Beasley to make a deadly decision himself, and this causes further problems because now they will be threatened by the Bratva Russian Mafia.
Agent Mason is thrust into the middle of lies, deceit and of course murder, where she must learn and find and of course determine what is the truth, and solve the mystery. Can and will she do it?
This book, is another five star read by Eric, which will lead you on a roller coaster ride, in solving a mystery, and riding along learning about the Russian Mafia, and an Agent who will do her best at her job, to solve whatever problem comes her way. “Primed” kept my husband and I on the edge of our seats, visualizing once again, another one of Eric’s books as a very entertaining movie! This is an excellent book, a definite five-star book and should be a movie! Check it out!
April 27, 2023
***** Another Page-turner!
Having read this author before, I figured going in, he would probably start out powerfully. Well, he certainly did. The opening of this book was chilling; an opening, where the slowest, most tortuous choice ever has to be made by Chuck Taylor, as he stands on the edge of a high-storied building.
We soon are introduced to Major Bridget Mason from book 1. After months of recovery from a murderous attack on her, she finds out that because she has become known as “tainted goods,” she has been placed on assignment with the Department of National Intelligence for “light duty.”
Then, in order to find out clues for Chuck Taylor’s death, she is teamed up with a NYPD homicide detective named Hansen––otherwise known as “The Great Dane.” One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the two of them developing a working relationship; not always easily because of their very different styles. He’s considered to be old school; she’s more modern in her approach. Still, they develop a true respect for one another.
Still, the bottom line is what was Taylor working on? Was it suicide or murder? Was he honest or did he leak highly important documentation? With two other characters from Book 1 floating in, Phil Beasley and Nic Styles, the book becomes filled with secret codes, puzzles, invisible inks, “skulking software,” surveillance cameras, and here and there, small traditional clues. Very well written and certainly page turning, I definitely recommend this book!
Having read this author before, I figured going in, he would probably start out powerfully. Well, he certainly did. The opening of this book was chilling; an opening, where the slowest, most tortuous choice ever has to be made by Chuck Taylor, as he stands on the edge of a high-storied building.
We soon are introduced to Major Bridget Mason from book 1. After months of recovery from a murderous attack on her, she finds out that because she has become known as “tainted goods,” she has been placed on assignment with the Department of National Intelligence for “light duty.”
Then, in order to find out clues for Chuck Taylor’s death, she is teamed up with a NYPD homicide detective named Hansen––otherwise known as “The Great Dane.” One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the two of them developing a working relationship; not always easily because of their very different styles. He’s considered to be old school; she’s more modern in her approach. Still, they develop a true respect for one another.
Still, the bottom line is what was Taylor working on? Was it suicide or murder? Was he honest or did he leak highly important documentation? With two other characters from Book 1 floating in, Phil Beasley and Nic Styles, the book becomes filled with secret codes, puzzles, invisible inks, “skulking software,” surveillance cameras, and here and there, small traditional clues. Very well written and certainly page turning, I definitely recommend this book!
May 30, 2016
...refreshingly original crime fiction...
...in crime fiction, it’s hard, really hard, to write one book, let alone a series, which is so refreshingly original as those which Eric J Gates has produced... PRIMED is the second in the OUTSOURCED series, and I highly recommend readers to grab the first title and read that before getting immersed in PRIMED... the narrative is strong in its own right, but enhanced even further with parts of the back story from its predecessor... the clarity and characterisation of each of the proponents is magnificent... from the determined agent Major Bridget Mason to the laconic Dane, the NYPD detective with whom she is thrown together (what a superb role he plays, almost Colombo-esque in his singlemindedness); from the grumpy, not-so-old men writers Beasley and Stiles, to the sinister villains, carved separately from professional badness... the story itself is cleverly crafted, with pace to die for (in some cases, literally)... the almost coincidental centre of the story, the Pen, with its powerful qualities, features in snippets, leading the players’ motives, but no spoilers here... a treat and a superb read to enjoy...
...in crime fiction, it’s hard, really hard, to write one book, let alone a series, which is so refreshingly original as those which Eric J Gates has produced... PRIMED is the second in the OUTSOURCED series, and I highly recommend readers to grab the first title and read that before getting immersed in PRIMED... the narrative is strong in its own right, but enhanced even further with parts of the back story from its predecessor... the clarity and characterisation of each of the proponents is magnificent... from the determined agent Major Bridget Mason to the laconic Dane, the NYPD detective with whom she is thrown together (what a superb role he plays, almost Colombo-esque in his singlemindedness); from the grumpy, not-so-old men writers Beasley and Stiles, to the sinister villains, carved separately from professional badness... the story itself is cleverly crafted, with pace to die for (in some cases, literally)... the almost coincidental centre of the story, the Pen, with its powerful qualities, features in snippets, leading the players’ motives, but no spoilers here... a treat and a superb read to enjoy...
May 27, 2016
Primed is the sequel to Outsourced. Perhaps you remember, Outsourced as the book I read last year that had me so caught up in it’s dramatic conclusion that I didn’t get out of bed in time to brush my teeth before my friend came to visit. (True story.)
But I’ve learned my lesson. When I started nearing the end of Primed I made sure I was ready for bed with nothing to lose but sleep. And a good thing, because twists started twisting and cliff hangers started hanging and things got exciting. Which is saying something because things, involving two writers, a DIA agent, a homicide detective, a mysterious device and the Russian mob start out fairly exciting even before the twists start twisting and the turns start turning!
Also, I’m tired now.
Would I recommend it?
If high octane mysteries are your style, check these books out. Just be sure to start with Outsourced and clear your calendar!
But I’ve learned my lesson. When I started nearing the end of Primed I made sure I was ready for bed with nothing to lose but sleep. And a good thing, because twists started twisting and cliff hangers started hanging and things got exciting. Which is saying something because things, involving two writers, a DIA agent, a homicide detective, a mysterious device and the Russian mob start out fairly exciting even before the twists start twisting and the turns start turning!
Also, I’m tired now.
Would I recommend it?
If high octane mysteries are your style, check these books out. Just be sure to start with Outsourced and clear your calendar!
October 15, 2019
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that some of the reading was way over my head. I felt that I was reading a foreign language at times. Other than that I enjoyed the story line. It was a fast moving, good guys don't always win except in the end reading. Mr. Gates is full of large words that I had to look up on my Kindle, but he certainly knows how to keep you intrigued.
September 10, 2022
Primed is the first book I’ve read by Eric Gates, and I have found a new author to devour! I read Primed before Outsourced, but I recommend you go ahead and read Outsourced first, as it will clarify things. Regardless, I found Primed to be a high-octane thriller that had me turning pages late into the night. You get reacquainted with Agent Bridget Mason as she has healed from her injuries in Outsourced. She’s supposed to take it easy, so she’s given an ‘easy’ assignment. You guessed it, it’s anything but easy. Agent Mason is immediately entrenched in a case of deceit and murder that forces her to wade through the lies to find the truth. As a bonus, you get a solid education about the Russian mafia along the way! This super fast-paced thriller proves Eric Gates to be excellent at research and a pro at writing action and danger into an intricate plot. Before starting any Eric Gates novel, ensure you have plenty of time or a healthy disrespect for sleep because you won’t want to stop until Agent Mason does!
May 29, 2020
Eric Gates knows his stuff. The action and investigative scenes are so vivid and compelling, I am convinced the author has real-world, insider knowledge on matters concerning cybersecurity, military intelligence and policing procedures. This made PRIMED especially intriguing to this reader, as I have become disenchanted with typical book research that reaches no further than factoids skimmed from Google.
My belief in the veracity of Gates' storytelling is all the more remarkable as it has a metaphysical/fantasy component within a gritty plot concerning the Russian Mafyia, cyber crimes, and national security. And yet, rather than being a distraction, this metaphysical element actually adds to the immediacy and relevance of the story arc. In telling this story, Gates doffs his hat to the writer's craft, as two of the principal characters are best selling authors, and in doing so successfully buttresses the adage, the 'pen is mightier than the sword.'
Finally, Eric Gates is an author that respects his readers! I tend to steer a wide birth from multi-volume books. Typically, Book 1 is deliberately incomplete; Book 2 drops the reader into a confusing environment of backstory missed, characters incomplete, and again, another inconclusive ending; and Book 3 is more of the same with another cheap cliff-hanger so the reader is compelled to buy the the next volume. So manipulative.
Well, PRIMED is none of those things. The characters' prior legend from book 1, OUTSOURCED is woven comfortabley into Book 2 without stalling the plot, and we get to know the extraordinary federal officer, Bridget Mason a good deal better. So, I am happy to report that the PRIMED narrative is fully rendered and a most satisfying read.
My belief in the veracity of Gates' storytelling is all the more remarkable as it has a metaphysical/fantasy component within a gritty plot concerning the Russian Mafyia, cyber crimes, and national security. And yet, rather than being a distraction, this metaphysical element actually adds to the immediacy and relevance of the story arc. In telling this story, Gates doffs his hat to the writer's craft, as two of the principal characters are best selling authors, and in doing so successfully buttresses the adage, the 'pen is mightier than the sword.'
Finally, Eric Gates is an author that respects his readers! I tend to steer a wide birth from multi-volume books. Typically, Book 1 is deliberately incomplete; Book 2 drops the reader into a confusing environment of backstory missed, characters incomplete, and again, another inconclusive ending; and Book 3 is more of the same with another cheap cliff-hanger so the reader is compelled to buy the the next volume. So manipulative.
Well, PRIMED is none of those things. The characters' prior legend from book 1, OUTSOURCED is woven comfortabley into Book 2 without stalling the plot, and we get to know the extraordinary federal officer, Bridget Mason a good deal better. So, I am happy to report that the PRIMED narrative is fully rendered and a most satisfying read.
May 9, 2016
I have the same problem now with Eric Gates' books, as I had in my youth with the novels of Alastair Maclean and Hammond Innes: I cannot read them in a number of short sessions. The nature of the tales and the compelling way in which they are written demand that I set aside one or two several-hour sessions so I can consume them quickly. As you can imagine, that does not make me popular with the family. It also means I have to clear my diary ahead.
But enough of my personal time management issues.
As usual, Gates' book does exactly what it says on the tin - keep you gripped from page one until the end. And another feature of his writing that I like is his use of female protagonists taking roles usually reserved for macho male types.
'Primed' is a worthy sequel to 'Outsourced', though I would recommend a new reader grab the first in the series before embarking on this one.
Without giving away spoilers, this is high octane stuff and highly recommended for those who like their action and incidents coming at them thick and fast.
PS I love Bridget Mason
But enough of my personal time management issues.
As usual, Gates' book does exactly what it says on the tin - keep you gripped from page one until the end. And another feature of his writing that I like is his use of female protagonists taking roles usually reserved for macho male types.
'Primed' is a worthy sequel to 'Outsourced', though I would recommend a new reader grab the first in the series before embarking on this one.
Without giving away spoilers, this is high octane stuff and highly recommended for those who like their action and incidents coming at them thick and fast.
PS I love Bridget Mason
May 8, 2016
A superb story teller
Eric J. Gates has done it again! I just finished reading ‘Primed’, the second book in the 'Outsourced' series and found it amazing. With his fluent and sophisticated writing, Gates has created another fast paced high tech story that makes you think. It’s a pleasure to read and just as striking and original as 'Outsourced’. I enjoyed getting another chance to hang out with hard-nosed federal agent Major Bridget Mason and writer friends Beasley and Stiles. In ‘Primed’, Mason is partnered with an NYPD detective, a captivating character called The Great Dane. They make an entertaining team as they investigate the death of a government contractor tied to the Russian mafia on the eastern coast of the US. A case that was supposed to be a walk in the park, turns out to be nothing but. A brilliant thriller. I highly recommend it.
Eric J. Gates has done it again! I just finished reading ‘Primed’, the second book in the 'Outsourced' series and found it amazing. With his fluent and sophisticated writing, Gates has created another fast paced high tech story that makes you think. It’s a pleasure to read and just as striking and original as 'Outsourced’. I enjoyed getting another chance to hang out with hard-nosed federal agent Major Bridget Mason and writer friends Beasley and Stiles. In ‘Primed’, Mason is partnered with an NYPD detective, a captivating character called The Great Dane. They make an entertaining team as they investigate the death of a government contractor tied to the Russian mafia on the eastern coast of the US. A case that was supposed to be a walk in the park, turns out to be nothing but. A brilliant thriller. I highly recommend it.
October 31, 2022
Invisible Ink…thought that notion was a fallacy? Think again…
Primed (Outsourced Book Two) is a sequel and resumes with the recoveries of some main characters from Outsourced – Book One. But I was easily able to pick up where Book One stopped, due to the skillful way the talented author, Eric J. Gates, weaves the information from the past to the present. Yep, the author is just that good – outstanding and most appreciated.
When a man working for the DOD (Department of Defense) jumps to his death leaving behind a suicide note, Bridget Marsh and The Great Dane, AKA Kristoffer Hansen, a Norwegian detective on the NYPD, meet to investigate his death as a possible homicide – especially in lieu of the fact the deceased was working on a top-secret project that may or may not have been leaked. Or have other implications, later in this tale.
The cast: Bridget Marsh, a secret agent, has recently recovered from a serious accident and injuries from a previous job, and her boss has taken her off her former case, the one that almost cost her life – (since when do serious-minded agents listen to their superiors?)
Also: Phil Beasley, a writer with PTSD, is always into conspiracy theories and this time he may be right. When he gets hacked after snooping where he doesn’t belong via an advert, he consults with his collaborator Nic Stiles, who’s a person of interest to all concerned as well. He-he-he.
I’m an avid fan of espionage, crime thrillers, etc. and this novel was so well conceived in topic matter and clever details, I read while eating lunch and dinner, and forgot I was finished until I noticed the plate was empty. The DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), the Russian mafia, and the GRU (Russian Intelligence Agency) are key organizations creating mayhem throughout this slick thriller and there’s never a dull moment. The dynamic premise and coinciding events are brain-ticklers, and those puzzles and mysterious ads within make a reader wonder who and what’s lurking behind the corner via the next chapter.
Where sacrifice and murder may await, aside from the obvious villains…and a pen. What about that pen?
Oops, I’m beginning to get carried away, and because I never review with spoilers, suffice to say Primed is an entertaining work of art, with plenty of conflicts, leads, and pretend dead ends to keep the reader intrigued. Five golden stars were awarded for this epic tale of espionage and for sending my deep appreciation for this genre to a whole new level. Mr. Gates, you’re a gifted, masterful storyteller, with the knowledge you must’ve acquired during a former calling. Bravo!
(Note: I laughed out loud when character Beasley’s main concern was book piracy after his computer was hacked for Bitcoin ransomware - it’s a bummer a writer can totally relate to and lends good fun to the story).
Primed (Outsourced Book Two) is a sequel and resumes with the recoveries of some main characters from Outsourced – Book One. But I was easily able to pick up where Book One stopped, due to the skillful way the talented author, Eric J. Gates, weaves the information from the past to the present. Yep, the author is just that good – outstanding and most appreciated.
When a man working for the DOD (Department of Defense) jumps to his death leaving behind a suicide note, Bridget Marsh and The Great Dane, AKA Kristoffer Hansen, a Norwegian detective on the NYPD, meet to investigate his death as a possible homicide – especially in lieu of the fact the deceased was working on a top-secret project that may or may not have been leaked. Or have other implications, later in this tale.
The cast: Bridget Marsh, a secret agent, has recently recovered from a serious accident and injuries from a previous job, and her boss has taken her off her former case, the one that almost cost her life – (since when do serious-minded agents listen to their superiors?)
Also: Phil Beasley, a writer with PTSD, is always into conspiracy theories and this time he may be right. When he gets hacked after snooping where he doesn’t belong via an advert, he consults with his collaborator Nic Stiles, who’s a person of interest to all concerned as well. He-he-he.
I’m an avid fan of espionage, crime thrillers, etc. and this novel was so well conceived in topic matter and clever details, I read while eating lunch and dinner, and forgot I was finished until I noticed the plate was empty. The DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), the Russian mafia, and the GRU (Russian Intelligence Agency) are key organizations creating mayhem throughout this slick thriller and there’s never a dull moment. The dynamic premise and coinciding events are brain-ticklers, and those puzzles and mysterious ads within make a reader wonder who and what’s lurking behind the corner via the next chapter.
Where sacrifice and murder may await, aside from the obvious villains…and a pen. What about that pen?
Oops, I’m beginning to get carried away, and because I never review with spoilers, suffice to say Primed is an entertaining work of art, with plenty of conflicts, leads, and pretend dead ends to keep the reader intrigued. Five golden stars were awarded for this epic tale of espionage and for sending my deep appreciation for this genre to a whole new level. Mr. Gates, you’re a gifted, masterful storyteller, with the knowledge you must’ve acquired during a former calling. Bravo!
(Note: I laughed out loud when character Beasley’s main concern was book piracy after his computer was hacked for Bitcoin ransomware - it’s a bummer a writer can totally relate to and lends good fun to the story).
May 13, 2023
What a fabulous read. Having read Eric J. Gates’s previous thriller, ‘Outsourced,’ I was anxious to see what happens in this sequel, Primed (Outsourced Book 2). It is terrific and chilling, opening with the death of a government contractor named Chuck Taylor. His death brings about the reappearance of Major Bridget Mason, a strong and spirited woman in a macho-dominated world.
Injured by a murderous attack at the end of the previous book, Major Bridget is placed on lighter duty to investigate Taylor’s death. She is teamed up with an NYPD homicide detective named Hansen, who is lanky, laconic, and nicknamed the Great Dane. Their growing and sometimes prickly relationship is fascinating to watch evolve, with terrific dialogue as they investigate and soon collide with the brutal Russian mafia. What follows is high octane action in a fast-paced thriller, with a plot that is brilliant. The characters are sharply drawn, and the story is such a stunner that you might want to read it again. I do. And though this thriller is a sequel, there is enough backstory to make it a stand-alone novel. But for even greater enjoyment, you may want to read ‘Outsourced’ first, and then read ‘Prime.’ Together, they make a gripping, entertaining read that will stay in your mind. Big thanks to the author, Eric Gates, for these two marvelous reads.
Injured by a murderous attack at the end of the previous book, Major Bridget is placed on lighter duty to investigate Taylor’s death. She is teamed up with an NYPD homicide detective named Hansen, who is lanky, laconic, and nicknamed the Great Dane. Their growing and sometimes prickly relationship is fascinating to watch evolve, with terrific dialogue as they investigate and soon collide with the brutal Russian mafia. What follows is high octane action in a fast-paced thriller, with a plot that is brilliant. The characters are sharply drawn, and the story is such a stunner that you might want to read it again. I do. And though this thriller is a sequel, there is enough backstory to make it a stand-alone novel. But for even greater enjoyment, you may want to read ‘Outsourced’ first, and then read ‘Prime.’ Together, they make a gripping, entertaining read that will stay in your mind. Big thanks to the author, Eric Gates, for these two marvelous reads.
July 24, 2024
Primed is a fast-paced thriller and book 2 in the Outsourced series.
The heroine, Major Bridget Mason, is tough as nails in spirit and will. She’s still recuperating from an injury when the death of a government contractor, who’d been working on a top-secret project, catapults her back into the field…well, into light duty actually, to investigate the murder along with a NYPD homicide detective aka The Great Dane. Toss in Phil Beasly, a writer and conspiracy theorist who stumbled onto something he shouldn’t have, and the Russian Mafia, and you have yourself a fast-paced, action-packed thriller you won’t be able to put down.
The characterization of Bridget and The Great Dan is fabulous. The dialogue between the two is snappy and on the mark. The gripping plot is well thought out and executed with scenes so vivid I felt I was right in the midst of the action.
Though this is book 2 in a series it can be read as a standalone as the author weaves in just the right amount of backstory to make it possible. You’ll find yourself thinking about this book, the plot, and the characters long after you’ve finished reading it!
The heroine, Major Bridget Mason, is tough as nails in spirit and will. She’s still recuperating from an injury when the death of a government contractor, who’d been working on a top-secret project, catapults her back into the field…well, into light duty actually, to investigate the murder along with a NYPD homicide detective aka The Great Dane. Toss in Phil Beasly, a writer and conspiracy theorist who stumbled onto something he shouldn’t have, and the Russian Mafia, and you have yourself a fast-paced, action-packed thriller you won’t be able to put down.
The characterization of Bridget and The Great Dan is fabulous. The dialogue between the two is snappy and on the mark. The gripping plot is well thought out and executed with scenes so vivid I felt I was right in the midst of the action.
Though this is book 2 in a series it can be read as a standalone as the author weaves in just the right amount of backstory to make it possible. You’ll find yourself thinking about this book, the plot, and the characters long after you’ve finished reading it!
August 30, 2022
This is my third Eric J. Gates novel and each book is better than the previous one. The story starts with Chuck Taylor standing on the top floor ledge of a twenty-two-story building ruminating on how long it will take his body to hit the ground. The reader will wonder about the reason this man is standing there. As we continue to read, we find he is making the ultimate sacrifice for his wife and children. He is doing it to protect them. Sinister forces are watching him, making sure he keeps his end of the bargain. At the end of this short chapter, he does.
And thus starts another outstanding thriller from master story-teller Eric J. Gates.
Fast-paced, well-researched, with continuous action, and a compelling plot, Primed should be required reading for any fan of the suspense/thriller genre. The use of a female protagonist, Bridgett Mason, makes the novel even more unique as most books of this type have a hard-core male lead. Ms. Mason makes the novel. Without her, I do not believe the story would be as captivating.
All in all, this is a solid piece of writing and entertainment. I highly recommend it.
And thus starts another outstanding thriller from master story-teller Eric J. Gates.
Fast-paced, well-researched, with continuous action, and a compelling plot, Primed should be required reading for any fan of the suspense/thriller genre. The use of a female protagonist, Bridgett Mason, makes the novel even more unique as most books of this type have a hard-core male lead. Ms. Mason makes the novel. Without her, I do not believe the story would be as captivating.
All in all, this is a solid piece of writing and entertainment. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews