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The Venom Protocols
From the award winning author of The N Days
“You should have left me alone.”
Charlotte Corday was once called the most dangerous woman on the planet by the FBI until she retired. But it's not so easy to remain retired when the past is determined to drag her back into the hell she wanted to leave behind her.
To uncover the origins of the mysterious Valkyrie program, Charlotte fights through her own dark past, dredged up by those determined to keep her out of retirement... or out of the business permanently... and to find solace in her own razor blade filled mind.
Her own words—her own warning—will come to haunt them.
They should have listened.
“You should have left me alone.”
Charlotte Corday was once called the most dangerous woman on the planet by the FBI until she retired. But it's not so easy to remain retired when the past is determined to drag her back into the hell she wanted to leave behind her.
To uncover the origins of the mysterious Valkyrie program, Charlotte fights through her own dark past, dredged up by those determined to keep her out of retirement... or out of the business permanently... and to find solace in her own razor blade filled mind.
Her own words—her own warning—will come to haunt them.
They should have listened.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2018
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
John Murray McKay
5 books34 followersWell you've found my profile page, thus you've already qualified for an attaboy award (a pat on the head and a chuck on the shoulder).
Now comes the part where I tell you about myself (I'll wait for you to get some popcorn and get comfy).
I am a 20 something writer out of South Africa (Howzit my lanies, ons klap dit stukkend hier!), I am a professional cat herder, with other words a teacher. My favourite authors are Clive Cussler and Terry Pratchett and I am a Marvel comics addict! My inspiration for writing starter with the Johnny Castaway screensaver which I took as inspiration for my first novel "Man on an island.". I have moved onto the horror/ Sci fi fields now and I can proudly say I am a serial writer and I love doing it!
I love writing about people and strong female characters like Quentin does in his movies.
Something interesting about me? I am wanted for various unstated crimes by the Tunisian Sock Merchant Mafia
Now comes the part where I tell you about myself (I'll wait for you to get some popcorn and get comfy).
I am a 20 something writer out of South Africa (Howzit my lanies, ons klap dit stukkend hier!), I am a professional cat herder, with other words a teacher. My favourite authors are Clive Cussler and Terry Pratchett and I am a Marvel comics addict! My inspiration for writing starter with the Johnny Castaway screensaver which I took as inspiration for my first novel "Man on an island.". I have moved onto the horror/ Sci fi fields now and I can proudly say I am a serial writer and I love doing it!
I love writing about people and strong female characters like Quentin does in his movies.
Something interesting about me? I am wanted for various unstated crimes by the Tunisian Sock Merchant Mafia
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, the action was on point for the very beginning. So you have this girl who is just trying to live her life even if it is trying to get away from her own shadow. She is going down the wrong road in life, she starts off as a streetwalker and seems to be following in the same footsteps as her mother but then by stroke of bad luck you could say she runs into a scene that just forces her to react.
She is taken in and taught the way of the underworld and proceeds to KICK BUTT!! unfortunately it is not the way of life that she wants. So she retires to the islands but of course they don't leave her alone. By the end they wish that they would have!
I will say that this book really really reminded me of the Jason Bourne series, at some points maybe even a bit too much. I appreciated the action and the fact that the author was so comfy with the LGBT aspects! I would be interested in reading part 2!
She is taken in and taught the way of the underworld and proceeds to KICK BUTT!! unfortunately it is not the way of life that she wants. So she retires to the islands but of course they don't leave her alone. By the end they wish that they would have!
I will say that this book really really reminded me of the Jason Bourne series, at some points maybe even a bit too much. I appreciated the action and the fact that the author was so comfy with the LGBT aspects! I would be interested in reading part 2!
November 6, 2018
This book is fast-paced and full of action. It is also an emotional roller coaster and at the end we all want the same thing - good things for Charlie.
The emotions Charlie experiences are intense and we are pulled right along with her into the world of New York's underbelly.
Love the book and the visuals are amazing. The characters are gritty and real and I'd love to have a friend like Charlie.
The emotions Charlie experiences are intense and we are pulled right along with her into the world of New York's underbelly.
Love the book and the visuals are amazing. The characters are gritty and real and I'd love to have a friend like Charlie.
July 20, 2018
Charlie (Charlotte) was a lost child on her way to oblivion and then BLAMO she steps up to help and the action doesn't end from there to the end. I had to finish it yesterday and then woke up at 5a.m. worrying about what next. I was prewarned about violence, but you can't help but sympathize with her about her path which was definitely was never her choice. The Valkyrie spirits are an interesting bow to many of the women warriors of history. I have so many questions, and know that I'm not finished with Charlie's story.
August 8, 2019
I'm truly in awe
Meet Charlie, assassin extraordinaire! This book gives you her origins and how she came to be. Well written, fantastic imagination, I officially give this book five stars!
Meet Charlie, assassin extraordinaire! This book gives you her origins and how she came to be. Well written, fantastic imagination, I officially give this book five stars!
November 25, 2020
The Venom Protocols by John Murray McKay is a fast-paced novel about a female assassin. From his work, you can see that McKay is influenced by Marvel Comics, which he says that he loves in his GoodReads profile.
Charlotte Corday is hiding out in Hawaii, running from her past as a hitwoman for the mafia in New York. When a well-dressed man shows up to demand that she complete one last mission, the reader drops into her disorienting past. From her first (albeit involuntary kill) to her attempt to flee from the wicked men trying to control her, Charlie checks every box for a badass heroine. She's funny. She's dangerous. (Basically, she's as if Venom--from the Marvel movie--mixed with Jason Bourne. It's a wild but fascinating combo.)
My first gripe with the book is that McKay calls cookies biscuits. Or at least, that's what I assumed--and Aarika confirmed. One character bakes these "biscuits" badly, which is a running joke in the book. Petty, I know, but...Americans have argued about this topic with the rest of the world for years. (Also, because I'm an American from the south, reading a book set in America, I assumed he was talking about the kind of biscuits you have with gravy. Especially when they came out as hard as baseballs, which was reminiscent of when I was learning to make them.)
The second gripe is that the characters could use a little more fleshing out. While Charlotte serves as the perfect comic book hero, she doesn't exactly have the depth that a novel requires. She's taking in by Peter and Richard for no other reason than "She's family." She has sparse memories about being involved in laboratory experiments and sees visions of female assassins whose legacy she shares (The visions were, without a doubt, the coolest part of the book.), but she never fully understands this sisterhood. A sisterhood, which includes a brief side story about a Russian "sister," who is called to come help take her out.
Peter and Richard serve as a hilarious supporting cast who provide guns for the Mafiosos through their unassuming hair salon, but we don't know much more about them than that they're gay and ex-military. With that in mind, I don't usually laugh out loud while I'm reading and McKay's dialogue between these two made me laugh so hard that people looked at me weirdly.
Vince, the liaison between Charlie and the mafia, sticks his neck out for her. However, he seems to serve only as the vehicle to get Charlie from one place to the next in the story as he always shows up at precisely the right moment.
However, I understood that McKay's breathtakingly fast action required this. He gave them each their own speech pattern, and he described them. But any more than that would've slowed the story. So, while I prefer character driven fiction, I do appreciate McKay's dedication to speed. The book reads like a blur, which is pretty cool.
All in all, the book was a solid read. If you like strong female leads, you'll like it. If you like books that don't get bogged down in details, you'll like it. I personally give it three stars because it is an enjoyable story, and I will be keeping an eye out for McKay's future works.
Reader's Guide
Sexual Content: 3 out of 5
Violence: 5 out of 5
Language: 5 out of 5
Until next time, my bookish friends!
Jayna Gerhart
Co-host of the Two Bluestockings Podcast
If you would like to hear the Two Bluestockings talk about this book, you can check out this link: https://www.Buzzsprout.com/1334503/64...
Charlotte Corday is hiding out in Hawaii, running from her past as a hitwoman for the mafia in New York. When a well-dressed man shows up to demand that she complete one last mission, the reader drops into her disorienting past. From her first (albeit involuntary kill) to her attempt to flee from the wicked men trying to control her, Charlie checks every box for a badass heroine. She's funny. She's dangerous. (Basically, she's as if Venom--from the Marvel movie--mixed with Jason Bourne. It's a wild but fascinating combo.)
My first gripe with the book is that McKay calls cookies biscuits. Or at least, that's what I assumed--and Aarika confirmed. One character bakes these "biscuits" badly, which is a running joke in the book. Petty, I know, but...Americans have argued about this topic with the rest of the world for years. (Also, because I'm an American from the south, reading a book set in America, I assumed he was talking about the kind of biscuits you have with gravy. Especially when they came out as hard as baseballs, which was reminiscent of when I was learning to make them.)
The second gripe is that the characters could use a little more fleshing out. While Charlotte serves as the perfect comic book hero, she doesn't exactly have the depth that a novel requires. She's taking in by Peter and Richard for no other reason than "She's family." She has sparse memories about being involved in laboratory experiments and sees visions of female assassins whose legacy she shares (The visions were, without a doubt, the coolest part of the book.), but she never fully understands this sisterhood. A sisterhood, which includes a brief side story about a Russian "sister," who is called to come help take her out.
Peter and Richard serve as a hilarious supporting cast who provide guns for the Mafiosos through their unassuming hair salon, but we don't know much more about them than that they're gay and ex-military. With that in mind, I don't usually laugh out loud while I'm reading and McKay's dialogue between these two made me laugh so hard that people looked at me weirdly.
Vince, the liaison between Charlie and the mafia, sticks his neck out for her. However, he seems to serve only as the vehicle to get Charlie from one place to the next in the story as he always shows up at precisely the right moment.
However, I understood that McKay's breathtakingly fast action required this. He gave them each their own speech pattern, and he described them. But any more than that would've slowed the story. So, while I prefer character driven fiction, I do appreciate McKay's dedication to speed. The book reads like a blur, which is pretty cool.
All in all, the book was a solid read. If you like strong female leads, you'll like it. If you like books that don't get bogged down in details, you'll like it. I personally give it three stars because it is an enjoyable story, and I will be keeping an eye out for McKay's future works.
Reader's Guide
Sexual Content: 3 out of 5
Violence: 5 out of 5
Language: 5 out of 5
Until next time, my bookish friends!
Jayna Gerhart
Co-host of the Two Bluestockings Podcast
If you would like to hear the Two Bluestockings talk about this book, you can check out this link: https://www.Buzzsprout.com/1334503/64...
June 13, 2020
Action packed right from the start with people after Charlie, she may want a normal life after escaping her past but she is anything but normal and the past just won’t stay buried.
It was go, go, go from the moment she saved Vince in that alley years before. He may have needed a helping hand against five that night but that doesn't mean he and the mob can't handle themselves – something that comes in handy later. Charlie has been searching for who she really is and what she is capable of from that night on. Looking deeper down the rabbit hole takes her into the path of the Mafia. Working for them when needed but not by choice. They aren't the only ones wanting something from her. The skills she has, and what secrets her DNA holds, are the key to something bigger. She’s like a weaponized machine acting on pure instinct alone. Time almost slows down as she's taking people down. No training needed, her mind lets go and her darker self comes to the surface. This skill is the start of becoming a most feared assassin. But is there more to her skills than meets the eye?
She's not someone to be messed with that's for sure. With how it ends you know she won't be out clear and free. More sides closing in, it's just a matter of time to see who gets there first and what reception Charlie will have waiting for them. She may not know who Venom are but knows they are after her. Creating someone doesn’t mean you can own or control them. Something they are sure to learn as she is coming for them.
Peter and Richard were great characters, loved them whenever they showed up. Gave her the family she had always wanted. Most rounded characters of the story I think. Charlie almost felt unfinished. Like she was a machine on autopilot going through the motions when in the zone.
Intriguing read from start to finish that had me hooked in a one read afternoon sitting. You will definitely feel a bit of a Jason Bourne vibe throughout, just with a woman in his place instead. Action from the start but filled with quite a lot of violence so be pre-warned with what it throws at you. Charlie may want a normal life but soon learns that 'normal' doesn't really apply to her with the secrets locked inside her mind. Will she get what she's searching for before others get her? Leaves on a bit of a cliff hanger with what might be coming her way next.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
It was go, go, go from the moment she saved Vince in that alley years before. He may have needed a helping hand against five that night but that doesn't mean he and the mob can't handle themselves – something that comes in handy later. Charlie has been searching for who she really is and what she is capable of from that night on. Looking deeper down the rabbit hole takes her into the path of the Mafia. Working for them when needed but not by choice. They aren't the only ones wanting something from her. The skills she has, and what secrets her DNA holds, are the key to something bigger. She’s like a weaponized machine acting on pure instinct alone. Time almost slows down as she's taking people down. No training needed, her mind lets go and her darker self comes to the surface. This skill is the start of becoming a most feared assassin. But is there more to her skills than meets the eye?
She's not someone to be messed with that's for sure. With how it ends you know she won't be out clear and free. More sides closing in, it's just a matter of time to see who gets there first and what reception Charlie will have waiting for them. She may not know who Venom are but knows they are after her. Creating someone doesn’t mean you can own or control them. Something they are sure to learn as she is coming for them.
Peter and Richard were great characters, loved them whenever they showed up. Gave her the family she had always wanted. Most rounded characters of the story I think. Charlie almost felt unfinished. Like she was a machine on autopilot going through the motions when in the zone.
Intriguing read from start to finish that had me hooked in a one read afternoon sitting. You will definitely feel a bit of a Jason Bourne vibe throughout, just with a woman in his place instead. Action from the start but filled with quite a lot of violence so be pre-warned with what it throws at you. Charlie may want a normal life but soon learns that 'normal' doesn't really apply to her with the secrets locked inside her mind. Will she get what she's searching for before others get her? Leaves on a bit of a cliff hanger with what might be coming her way next.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
January 21, 2019
The Venom Protocols is a thriller with a twist on the typical genetically-enhanced military solution gone wrong scenario. Charlotte was all but living on the streets when she jumped into the middle of an alleyway fight. When she came around in hospital, she discovered she’d saved the life of a Mob enforcer - leading to Charlotte becoming the local Mob’s ace-in-the-hole. Unlike most ex-junkie teenage girls, Charlotte had an affinity for any weapon that came handy. Unfortunately those skills came with a price, and Charlotte found herself one unintended massacre ahead of jail-time, trying to find out what made her how she was.
The basic story for the book is a solid classic that fans of the TV show ‘Dark Angel’ will be familiar with, albeit with a semi-mystical twist that adds interest. I found the underlying concept to be good, but the protagonist didn’t really keep my attention; Charlotte read as a bundle of sensory information and not much else, and didn’t elicit much sympathy as a character. The two drag queen secondary characters, Richard and Peter, were the ones that stole the show, to my mind. In addition, there were minor ongoing technical issues in the book. While they weren’t major enough to derail the read completely, they were annoying.
I couldn’t help but feel that this book would have profited from a bit more character development, to draw the reader in, and a detailed copy-edit to keep them from being yanked out of the story by absent punctuation or a clunky bit of phrasing.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
The basic story for the book is a solid classic that fans of the TV show ‘Dark Angel’ will be familiar with, albeit with a semi-mystical twist that adds interest. I found the underlying concept to be good, but the protagonist didn’t really keep my attention; Charlotte read as a bundle of sensory information and not much else, and didn’t elicit much sympathy as a character. The two drag queen secondary characters, Richard and Peter, were the ones that stole the show, to my mind. In addition, there were minor ongoing technical issues in the book. While they weren’t major enough to derail the read completely, they were annoying.
I couldn’t help but feel that this book would have profited from a bit more character development, to draw the reader in, and a detailed copy-edit to keep them from being yanked out of the story by absent punctuation or a clunky bit of phrasing.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
June 28, 2018
She never saw herself as a citizen of any country. Simply a name on a passport with a face you'd soon forget once you looked away. She was known as Charlie O'Donnell, an artist who chose to move away from the mainland to pursue her career in Hawaii. It didn't matter that she wasn't the world's best painter, it brought her a needed peace and inner release. Yes, she needed those because no one could walk away from a bloodied and storied history and not expect retribution along the way. By all accounts, the woman she WAS died three years ago. Now someone was blackmailing her. Without thinking and only running, she knew her demons were alive and coming for her. Charlie O'Donnell is dead. Her name is Charlotte Corday and she was an assassin for the Italian mafia. The FBI called her the most dangerous human being on the planet and her codename was "Venom".
This is the first book of John Murray McKay's I've read and it was one memorable ride. He has created characters and sub characters that will immediately grab your attention and pull you through the maze of a young street urchin. Along the way you'll meet her two gay guardian angels, the Italian Mafioso, a NYPD detective, and numerous others. This is a fast paced book with plenty of intrigue to keep your inner sleuth working overtime until the very end. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the story and judging by this one, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
This is the first book of John Murray McKay's I've read and it was one memorable ride. He has created characters and sub characters that will immediately grab your attention and pull you through the maze of a young street urchin. Along the way you'll meet her two gay guardian angels, the Italian Mafioso, a NYPD detective, and numerous others. This is a fast paced book with plenty of intrigue to keep your inner sleuth working overtime until the very end. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the story and judging by this one, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
December 2, 2018
The Venom Protocols is a different take on the "Sleeper" agent. It was an intriguing story and it kept me interested in the story the entire time. The reason I am not giving it a five out of five stars is because of a few things.
One, the main character does quite a bit of introspective thinking on what she is going through. Which is fine, but it feels like more than there really should be for this story. It might be due to my second reason I am giving it a four star.
Two, the book is written mainly from the main character's point of view, which would be fine, but that it tends to slow down the story a tad. I feel that if it was written in a different point of view it might be easier to offer more perspective to certain sections of the book (sorry about the vagueness, but I do want you to read it for yourself and do not want to give away anything).
All in all, I really did like the book. I hope Mr. McKay comes out with the next one as I am curious to see what happens next.
One, the main character does quite a bit of introspective thinking on what she is going through. Which is fine, but it feels like more than there really should be for this story. It might be due to my second reason I am giving it a four star.
Two, the book is written mainly from the main character's point of view, which would be fine, but that it tends to slow down the story a tad. I feel that if it was written in a different point of view it might be easier to offer more perspective to certain sections of the book (sorry about the vagueness, but I do want you to read it for yourself and do not want to give away anything).
All in all, I really did like the book. I hope Mr. McKay comes out with the next one as I am curious to see what happens next.
December 22, 2020
This is an action-filled thriller that is pretty engaging, though I will admit I found it escaped reality somewhat. Perhaps that was intended by the author, but I would have been more entertained if it had kept a bit closer to the believable.
The ending sounds very much like a dangling thread, wanting to lead to into a sequel—of which there is none. It leaves you hanging. Given the publication date of 2018, I'm wondering if a sequel was intended and just never got written. There are a few editorial errors that need correcting as well.
The premise is good: an engineered human being designed to be the ultimate assassin. The science is flawed, however, says this reader with a background in genetic engineering. Perhaps the book will be more entertaining for those less versed in the science behind the premise. Still, I wouldn't pass it up if you like a fast-paced thriller.
The ending sounds very much like a dangling thread, wanting to lead to into a sequel—of which there is none. It leaves you hanging. Given the publication date of 2018, I'm wondering if a sequel was intended and just never got written. There are a few editorial errors that need correcting as well.
The premise is good: an engineered human being designed to be the ultimate assassin. The science is flawed, however, says this reader with a background in genetic engineering. Perhaps the book will be more entertaining for those less versed in the science behind the premise. Still, I wouldn't pass it up if you like a fast-paced thriller.
January 11, 2019
Amazing read!!!! Not my normal sort of genre to read, but so glad I did it kept me intrigued the whole time, needing to know more.
Charlotte Corday, Code name Venom, is the most dangerous Human alive. New York in 1980 is full of Drugs and Prostitutes and Gangs and the Mafia, the streets are deadly. After witnessing a Gang beating on a man in an alley on her way home, Charlotte is surprised when she automatically responds to help the man, killing The gang members with precision instantly. She is shocked that she seemed to know exactly how to kill them as she did. As this story unfolds it brings lots of twists and turns that has you turning the pages to find out more. I Highly recommend it.
Charlotte Corday, Code name Venom, is the most dangerous Human alive. New York in 1980 is full of Drugs and Prostitutes and Gangs and the Mafia, the streets are deadly. After witnessing a Gang beating on a man in an alley on her way home, Charlotte is surprised when she automatically responds to help the man, killing The gang members with precision instantly. She is shocked that she seemed to know exactly how to kill them as she did. As this story unfolds it brings lots of twists and turns that has you turning the pages to find out more. I Highly recommend it.
June 4, 2019
Wow!! This book just blew my mind with vivid imagery created by John McKay's words. The use of pop culture references and all the small details just made the story so authentic, you can imagine yourself right there in the thick of things. Charlie is such an amazing character, strong and independent and seriously bad ass. The book basically tells of her life as a teenager living in NYC, the choices she makes and where they lead her. It is a violent path, filled with action, suspense, loads of blood and gore (all the good stuff) and the ending lends itself to a sequel which I for one will buy without a second thought. Victor needs a book, just saying. Okay, so maybe a whole series will be necessary...
July 7, 2018
Brilliant!!!
Charlotte Corday (Charlie) is in Hawaii as this book opens. But she has to run.
Jump to the story really beginning and it's an action-packed roller coaster ride.
She has skills that she can't explain. Knows things but doesn't know how. Total mystery. The revelations are staggering and all add to a fabulous story.
Add wonderful characters like Peter and Richard with their touch of humour and this book is an all-round success.
I can't wait for Book 2!
MUST READ!!!
Charlotte Corday (Charlie) is in Hawaii as this book opens. But she has to run.
Jump to the story really beginning and it's an action-packed roller coaster ride.
She has skills that she can't explain. Knows things but doesn't know how. Total mystery. The revelations are staggering and all add to a fabulous story.
Add wonderful characters like Peter and Richard with their touch of humour and this book is an all-round success.
I can't wait for Book 2!
MUST READ!!!
March 16, 2019
This is an action packed read from start to finish! So many twists and turns and secrets, many secrets. The characters are well developed and three dimensional, and I do have a soft spot for Charlie's guardian angels- Richard and Peter, so full of unconditional love for their 'dahling'.
The storyline moves at a swift pace and will suck you into the underbelly world of NY in no time.
Sit down and buckle up for this one.
The storyline moves at a swift pace and will suck you into the underbelly world of NY in no time.
Sit down and buckle up for this one.
November 1, 2018
Action-packed
The Venom Protocols by McKay is definitely action-packed and filled with great story. McKay pens deep and dark characters, and it's so important to pay attention to the backstory. Charlie definitely has levels of darkness, but now she want to escape the darkness and move forward. It's a blended of past and present, and how it affects Charlie. It's thrilling and intriguing, and McKay shows a great tale. I look forward to reading more from this author. Wonderful read.
The Venom Protocols by McKay is definitely action-packed and filled with great story. McKay pens deep and dark characters, and it's so important to pay attention to the backstory. Charlie definitely has levels of darkness, but now she want to escape the darkness and move forward. It's a blended of past and present, and how it affects Charlie. It's thrilling and intriguing, and McKay shows a great tale. I look forward to reading more from this author. Wonderful read.
November 16, 2020
The writing has potential and the pace is fast and action packed, but the plot was too all over the place for my taste.
There are many inconsistencies and things that just didn’t make sense to me. I found myself having to reread entire sections to figure out what just happened. I think this book would greatly benefit from another round or two of editing.
There are many inconsistencies and things that just didn’t make sense to me. I found myself having to reread entire sections to figure out what just happened. I think this book would greatly benefit from another round or two of editing.
August 8, 2019
Really liked this book.
Five star book. Couldn't put it down. Enjoyed reading it. Yes it has some dark parts but it's still a good book. I hope others like this book.
Five star book. Couldn't put it down. Enjoyed reading it. Yes it has some dark parts but it's still a good book. I hope others like this book.
August 17, 2019
Such a good story line. There is violence but its not over done. If you love a good book with a killer plot, this is one book for you.
July 21, 2021
Fast paced, characters need fleshing out to capture interest.
April 18, 2024
Ok
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
Definitely was NOT expecting the ending! It was a great read nonetheless. Definitely give it a chance!
October 6, 2020
"They had opened Pandora's Box and let the monster out. God help them all."
Holy Hannah this was good!! This one is full of twists, betrayal, lies, death and destruction, and I loved every word of it!!
Growing up with a drug addicted mother, and left to fend for herself, Charlotte Corday is no stranger to the streets. One fateful night will change her life forever. Coming to the rescue of a man being beaten within an inch of his life, she finds herself with inexplicable skills, easily ridding the world of the culprits in a blink of an eye. But when it happens a second time, leaving bodies and blood in her wake, she's not sure who she is anymore, or what she's become.
With the mafia and an organization called Venom both vying for both her skills and her death, she's in a race to find the truth of what she is and how she came to be, and hopefully, someday, put it all behind her. But, the body count piles up behind her at an alarming rate, and she's losing the ability to control the desire to kill. Will she ever be able to put the demons back in the box and leave the past where it belongs, or will she forever be hunted? Can't they just leave her alone?
This was my first read from this author and I'm craving more! I was glued to this book! I couldn't put it down, always needing to know what was around the next corner - or who! You never knew who was truly friend and who was foe - who was on her side and who would betray her in a heartbeat. The mystery, the conspiracy, the scary thought that this could one day become a very true scenario - all kept me turning page after page. Now, the author does provide a warning that this book is violent. He's not lying. It's violent, and bloody, and gory. So, if you are sensitive to that, you might want to pass, or tread lightly. If you're not sensitive to it, I highly recommend you grab it!
Holy Hannah this was good!! This one is full of twists, betrayal, lies, death and destruction, and I loved every word of it!!
Growing up with a drug addicted mother, and left to fend for herself, Charlotte Corday is no stranger to the streets. One fateful night will change her life forever. Coming to the rescue of a man being beaten within an inch of his life, she finds herself with inexplicable skills, easily ridding the world of the culprits in a blink of an eye. But when it happens a second time, leaving bodies and blood in her wake, she's not sure who she is anymore, or what she's become.
With the mafia and an organization called Venom both vying for both her skills and her death, she's in a race to find the truth of what she is and how she came to be, and hopefully, someday, put it all behind her. But, the body count piles up behind her at an alarming rate, and she's losing the ability to control the desire to kill. Will she ever be able to put the demons back in the box and leave the past where it belongs, or will she forever be hunted? Can't they just leave her alone?
This was my first read from this author and I'm craving more! I was glued to this book! I couldn't put it down, always needing to know what was around the next corner - or who! You never knew who was truly friend and who was foe - who was on her side and who would betray her in a heartbeat. The mystery, the conspiracy, the scary thought that this could one day become a very true scenario - all kept me turning page after page. Now, the author does provide a warning that this book is violent. He's not lying. It's violent, and bloody, and gory. So, if you are sensitive to that, you might want to pass, or tread lightly. If you're not sensitive to it, I highly recommend you grab it!
February 18, 2019
Just Wow!
I am floored by this book. Absolutely incredible! The story is dark, gritty, raw and full of suspense. Playing out in an 80's New York City where the city was run by the mafia bosses of the Gambino, Genovese, Ghotti families and Cosa Nostra. What I love about this book is the historical aspects that play into the writing. Charlie's character is disturbing but yet so broken. In the claws of Venom she is pushed to commit crimes she, at one point, is unable to control. Her only hold is her new family she finds in Richard and Peter. Pushed to her breaking point she has to make a decision that could potentially end her life.
This was my very first read by John Murray McKay and I will continue reading his books. I was drawn in by the suspense of it and was not able to put the book down. Great read!
I am floored by this book. Absolutely incredible! The story is dark, gritty, raw and full of suspense. Playing out in an 80's New York City where the city was run by the mafia bosses of the Gambino, Genovese, Ghotti families and Cosa Nostra. What I love about this book is the historical aspects that play into the writing. Charlie's character is disturbing but yet so broken. In the claws of Venom she is pushed to commit crimes she, at one point, is unable to control. Her only hold is her new family she finds in Richard and Peter. Pushed to her breaking point she has to make a decision that could potentially end her life.
This was my very first read by John Murray McKay and I will continue reading his books. I was drawn in by the suspense of it and was not able to put the book down. Great read!
January 13, 2021
This book was great! I took a break from a string of psychological thrillers to read this and am glad I did.
No spoilers here... the main character is a female assassin. The story takes us through her origin/history and we get to know multiple characters and scenarios in her life.
I don’t want to say too much, as I recommend going in knowing little about the story. I do recommend if you love assassin thrillers and stories about women who are strong and powerful.
Looking forward to a sequel
No spoilers here... the main character is a female assassin. The story takes us through her origin/history and we get to know multiple characters and scenarios in her life.
I don’t want to say too much, as I recommend going in knowing little about the story. I do recommend if you love assassin thrillers and stories about women who are strong and powerful.
Looking forward to a sequel
June 12, 2018
Wow! What a thrill ride!!
Absolutely loved it! The story developed at a breakneck pace, Charlotte (Charlie) Corday is a bad, bad woman to know, and I’m glad I do!! If you want to read something fast paced and awesome then pick this up now! Also Richard and Peter will grow on you and never let go! They (besides Charlie) are the best part of the book!! Book two soon please!!! Bravo Mr McKay!!
Absolutely loved it! The story developed at a breakneck pace, Charlotte (Charlie) Corday is a bad, bad woman to know, and I’m glad I do!! If you want to read something fast paced and awesome then pick this up now! Also Richard and Peter will grow on you and never let go! They (besides Charlie) are the best part of the book!! Book two soon please!!! Bravo Mr McKay!!
July 1, 2018
Keeps you on your toes
Charlie lives in the edge. Never truly fitting in. She doesn't know the reasons why. And believe me, you won't believe why either. This book has so many twists and turns and things you'll never see coming. One of the best things though is how descriptive everything is. Your not just reading it, your seeing it as you go. For myself, that always makes for a better read.
Charlie lives in the edge. Never truly fitting in. She doesn't know the reasons why. And believe me, you won't believe why either. This book has so many twists and turns and things you'll never see coming. One of the best things though is how descriptive everything is. Your not just reading it, your seeing it as you go. For myself, that always makes for a better read.
April 9, 2019
Wow!!! What a shocker!!
I could tell this was getting dark....but didn't expect that!
Love the banter between Peter and Richard and their relationship with Charlie.
Twists I didn't see coming with some pretty gruesome scenes.....I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of Charlie!!
I'm still in shock!!!....and now to wait for book two......highly recommended!
I could tell this was getting dark....but didn't expect that!
Love the banter between Peter and Richard and their relationship with Charlie.
Twists I didn't see coming with some pretty gruesome scenes.....I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of Charlie!!
I'm still in shock!!!....and now to wait for book two......highly recommended!
January 5, 2020
Wpw
Absolutely amazing.o
Hooked from the first page to the last! Definitely a must read for and crime reader. My favourite book this year
Absolutely amazing.o
Hooked from the first page to the last! Definitely a must read for and crime reader. My favourite book this year
April 15, 2018
This was an interesting read. The main character is discovering herself and trying to keep those she cares for safe. It moves along at a brisk pace and has several interesting supporting characters. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
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