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Catherine Ling #5
Vendetta
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen comes a new explosive, compelling thriller.
With his dying breath, Carl Venable, head of the CIA task force on terrorism and Jude Brandon’s final link to terrorist ringleader Max Huber, gives Brandon a keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at any cost. But Rachel Venable has a shocking, twisted past of her own, one that comes rushing back after her medical clinic in Guyana is attacked by Huber—the same man who murdered her father and kept her imprisoned for months.
Brandon and Catherine Ling, Rachel’s longtime ally and fierce protector, are determined to keep Rachel out of danger, but she knows that it’s impossible to stay hidden when Max Huber wants you dead.
As Rachel and Brandon race against the clock to bring Huber down before he can orchestrate a disaster that will lay waste to half the country, they also fight a growing attraction to each other – an attraction that could prove just as dangerous as Huber himself.
In this gripping, fast-paced novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, one thing is everyone has a vendetta, and no one will rest until they get their revenge.
With his dying breath, Carl Venable, head of the CIA task force on terrorism and Jude Brandon’s final link to terrorist ringleader Max Huber, gives Brandon a keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at any cost. But Rachel Venable has a shocking, twisted past of her own, one that comes rushing back after her medical clinic in Guyana is attacked by Huber—the same man who murdered her father and kept her imprisoned for months.
Brandon and Catherine Ling, Rachel’s longtime ally and fierce protector, are determined to keep Rachel out of danger, but she knows that it’s impossible to stay hidden when Max Huber wants you dead.
As Rachel and Brandon race against the clock to bring Huber down before he can orchestrate a disaster that will lay waste to half the country, they also fight a growing attraction to each other – an attraction that could prove just as dangerous as Huber himself.
In this gripping, fast-paced novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, one thing is everyone has a vendetta, and no one will rest until they get their revenge.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
1171 people are currently reading
3189 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,327 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
October 11, 2019
We have all read them, those books that say they are “fast-paced, edge of your seat thrillers”, the kind that reminds you of the ultimate James Bond and Jason Bourne movie combined into one. These books are the ones that start on page one with danger and don’t stop until the last page.
They promise that you’ve never seen a thriller like this before and you will barely have a chance to catch your breath.
So you get the book and plop yourself down on the couch ready for a rollercoaster ride of an afternoon but suddenly you start reading and you realize that an afternoon of nonstop action and adventure turns into a ride on the baby rollercoaster that even four year olds aren’t afraid to ride. You eventually get off the so-called thrill ride and tell yourself that there’s an afternoon that I won’t get back.
So it’s easy to find yourself skeptical and cautious when the next so-called thriller comes out.
Well let me say that there are books that deliver that stomach in your throat feeling and Iris Johansen’s, Vendetta, will have you wishing for and wanting more than the 404 pages we are given.
As Carl Venable, CIA terrorism task force head, is shot and lies dying, his last request to Agent Jude Brandon is to keep his daughter Rachel safe.
Rachel Venable, currently in Guyana as a medical researcher has baggage of her own. Protecting her will not be an easy task.
While protecting Rachel is job enough, Brandon must also take down Max Huber. He and Rachel must figure out a way to stop Max Huber before he sets off a nuclear weapon that will change the geographical map of the West Coast. While protecting Rachel and stopping the bombing of the West Coast, Brandon also knows that Max Huber has a personal vendetta against Rachel. Max’s father was killed - you guessed it, by Rachel.
In a race against time, Brandon and Rachel’s longtime friend and protector Catherine Ling, take up the job of protector and savior simultaneously.
404 pages of nonstop action, intriguing characters, well planned plot, and attention to detail make Vendetta a blockbuster thriller.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #netgalley #vendetta
They promise that you’ve never seen a thriller like this before and you will barely have a chance to catch your breath.
So you get the book and plop yourself down on the couch ready for a rollercoaster ride of an afternoon but suddenly you start reading and you realize that an afternoon of nonstop action and adventure turns into a ride on the baby rollercoaster that even four year olds aren’t afraid to ride. You eventually get off the so-called thrill ride and tell yourself that there’s an afternoon that I won’t get back.
So it’s easy to find yourself skeptical and cautious when the next so-called thriller comes out.
Well let me say that there are books that deliver that stomach in your throat feeling and Iris Johansen’s, Vendetta, will have you wishing for and wanting more than the 404 pages we are given.
As Carl Venable, CIA terrorism task force head, is shot and lies dying, his last request to Agent Jude Brandon is to keep his daughter Rachel safe.
Rachel Venable, currently in Guyana as a medical researcher has baggage of her own. Protecting her will not be an easy task.
While protecting Rachel is job enough, Brandon must also take down Max Huber. He and Rachel must figure out a way to stop Max Huber before he sets off a nuclear weapon that will change the geographical map of the West Coast. While protecting Rachel and stopping the bombing of the West Coast, Brandon also knows that Max Huber has a personal vendetta against Rachel. Max’s father was killed - you guessed it, by Rachel.
In a race against time, Brandon and Rachel’s longtime friend and protector Catherine Ling, take up the job of protector and savior simultaneously.
404 pages of nonstop action, intriguing characters, well planned plot, and attention to detail make Vendetta a blockbuster thriller.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #netgalley #vendetta
January 4, 2019
Another fabulous thriller by the amazing Iris Johansen!!! I love her thrillers she's a amazing storyteller and her characters are so friggin awesome!! When Carl venable head of terrorism for the CIA is shot and killed it sets off a dangerous series of events and his daughter rachel is put into the crosshairs of a demented madman who wants revenge against Rachel for poisoning his father!! When max Huber comes gunning for her, Jude Brandon a agent who has been working with venable to take down terrorist ring leader is their to get her away,but they must keep on the run. Brandon is another of johansen's dark hero's and he's a strong alpha male who's lines are blurred and who is used to using and manipulating those around him,but with Rachel it's not so easy. Rachel is a doctor who not only heals withcallingntual medicine but is also well versed in potions and poisions. When she was thirteen she was kidnapped and tortured mentally and physically for months until the mysterious HuChang came and helped her to get released and took her to live with him.Between HuChang and Catherine ling they helped her to heal and become strong and she was also taught about potions and poisons.But Rachel is pulled into the dark once again,she's a strong woman who refuses to be a victim again but it's going to take all her strength when old ghosts of the past come calling, but with help from Brandon,Catherine and huchang and the mysterious cameron they just might out smart this madman because not only does he want Rachel's head on a silver platter,but he has big plans to cause chaos and death to those on the west coast to show everyone how powerful he is!! 💖😉
October 21, 2018
I received an ARC copy of Vendetta by Iris Johansen from Goodreads for my honest review.
A fast paced thriller with dynamic characters! Carl Venable, CIA agent and head of the terrorism task force is dying. He asks Jude Brandon to get his daughter, Rachel, and to keep her safe. Brandon who is still on the trail of terrorist ringleader, Max Huber and the Red Star organization, soon discovers that this task is going to be harder than he thought.
Rachel is a doctor, is working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana. She barely escapes death when Max Huber organizes a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. Who can be trusted and is anyone really safe?
A fast paced thriller with dynamic characters! Carl Venable, CIA agent and head of the terrorism task force is dying. He asks Jude Brandon to get his daughter, Rachel, and to keep her safe. Brandon who is still on the trail of terrorist ringleader, Max Huber and the Red Star organization, soon discovers that this task is going to be harder than he thought.
Rachel is a doctor, is working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana. She barely escapes death when Max Huber organizes a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. Who can be trusted and is anyone really safe?
November 25, 2018
I've read several Iris Johansen books, but VENDETTA is the first I've read in the Catherine Ling series, not that I let that stop me. I love Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series, so getting a chance to read a book in one of her other series was great.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
September 28, 2018
These are the most ridiculously OTT, high drama, high action wish fulfilment novels you can buy - and that's precisely why I love them.
The men are all sexy sex masters of sex land, lithe like tigers, dangerous and mysterious, with a do-what-I-say attitude and killer competence. But no, it's not the misogyny fest you might think because the ladies are all clever, irresistible, do-what-I-want, save the day, overcome it all, take charge of when the sex happens, incomparably awesome and really-in-charge characters. Do I want a seductive, special forces type, morally ambiguous but loyal, rich and/or supernaturally talented to come save me from evil people while I also save him and perhaps the world? Of course I do. I study ancient history and language, I am literally waiting for my time to decipher some scrolls that will change the course of the past and the future. If there's a super special guy involved, all the better. I'm ready.
In conclusion, nobody talks like this or lives like this but I sure do want to. Throw your quibbles out the window and enjoy the ride.
ARC via Netgalley
The men are all sexy sex masters of sex land, lithe like tigers, dangerous and mysterious, with a do-what-I-say attitude and killer competence. But no, it's not the misogyny fest you might think because the ladies are all clever, irresistible, do-what-I-want, save the day, overcome it all, take charge of when the sex happens, incomparably awesome and really-in-charge characters. Do I want a seductive, special forces type, morally ambiguous but loyal, rich and/or supernaturally talented to come save me from evil people while I also save him and perhaps the world? Of course I do. I study ancient history and language, I am literally waiting for my time to decipher some scrolls that will change the course of the past and the future. If there's a super special guy involved, all the better. I'm ready.
In conclusion, nobody talks like this or lives like this but I sure do want to. Throw your quibbles out the window and enjoy the ride.
ARC via Netgalley
August 8, 2018
Vendetta by Iris Johansen
Rachel is a doctor volunteering at a medical clinic in Guyana. The clinic is attacked by Max Huber, a terrorist who wants Rachel dead, while planning an attack to devastate America.
Enter Jude Brandon, sent by Rachel’s father ( head of the CIA) who arrives in time to save her. The threat is however not over by a long shot. Rachel and Brandon must join forces with Catherine Ling, her friend and CIA agent, to thwart Huber’s promised attack.
I enjoyed the Eve Duncan novels and was eager to start this one, I am going to say upfront that my review may be considered harsh.
I only managed to get to 80% before giving up and it took me nearly a week to get that far because I read another book in between. The dialogue is monotonous, carries on for pages and does nothing to further the plot, most of it is extraneous to the story. The repetition is extremely frustrating, if I had to read one more conversation about how strong Rachel insisted she was while everyone around her was over protective, I may have done my iPad some damage. She was so whiny I am surprised those charge with protecting her didn’t shoot her themselves.
Needless to say, there was the ubiquitous chemistry between her and Brandon. In fact it is so strong that while running for her life through the jungle, she has time to admire his body. I will confess to much eye-rolling while reading this book.
If thriller lite crossed with frustrated lust and then some bodice ripping appeals to you then this is the book for you.
Rachel is a doctor volunteering at a medical clinic in Guyana. The clinic is attacked by Max Huber, a terrorist who wants Rachel dead, while planning an attack to devastate America.
Enter Jude Brandon, sent by Rachel’s father ( head of the CIA) who arrives in time to save her. The threat is however not over by a long shot. Rachel and Brandon must join forces with Catherine Ling, her friend and CIA agent, to thwart Huber’s promised attack.
I enjoyed the Eve Duncan novels and was eager to start this one, I am going to say upfront that my review may be considered harsh.
I only managed to get to 80% before giving up and it took me nearly a week to get that far because I read another book in between. The dialogue is monotonous, carries on for pages and does nothing to further the plot, most of it is extraneous to the story. The repetition is extremely frustrating, if I had to read one more conversation about how strong Rachel insisted she was while everyone around her was over protective, I may have done my iPad some damage. She was so whiny I am surprised those charge with protecting her didn’t shoot her themselves.
Needless to say, there was the ubiquitous chemistry between her and Brandon. In fact it is so strong that while running for her life through the jungle, she has time to admire his body. I will confess to much eye-rolling while reading this book.
If thriller lite crossed with frustrated lust and then some bodice ripping appeals to you then this is the book for you.
November 24, 2019
Vendetta was a fun, thrilling read that works well as a standalone despite being the fifth book in the Catherine Ling series.
Carl Venable, head of the CIA terrorism task force, has relentlessly hunted Max Huber, head of one of the deadlist terror organizations, for years. When Venable is ambushed while meeting an informant, before dying he asks former Special Forces soldier Jude Brandon to keep his daughter Rachel safe at any cost. When Huber comes after Rachel, Brandon and Venable’s friend Catherine Ling are determined to keep Rachel hidden while they hunt for Huber with renewed force. But as the clock ticks down on Huber’s threatened attack on the city of San Francisco, Rachel and Brandon are in a race to stop Huber while fighting their growing attraction to one another.
When I was initially interested in this book I thought it was a stadalone only to find out later it was the fifth book in the Catherine Ling series. After reading this I was a bit surprised by that as Catherine very much seems like a side character in this book. Yes she does have numerous scenes from her perspective, but the book’s main focus was on Rachel and Brandon’s side of the story. Personally I was a bit disappointed by that as Catherine ended up being my favorite character in the book. She’s a strong, capable woman who is fiercely protective of those she cares about and I admired her quite a bit.
Rachel is where this book started to fall apart for me. She’s incredibly restricted emotionally and while I did understand why after learning her background, it made it hard for me to connect with her character. I also felt that at times she was incredibly stubborn and refused to see reason even when it became clear her way would put more people in danger. Brandon was a good contrast to her character as he was very level-headed and big on coming up with a plan after learning everything he could first. While their characters did complement each other in their different styles, I didn’t understand why there needed to be a romance between them. I likely would have rated this book higher if the romance aspect hadn’t been included which is an odd thing for me to say as a primarily romance reader.
The plot in this book was in my opinion one of the strongest aspects of the book. The race to stop the terrorist cell provided the perfect amount of suspense and Max Huber was a great villain. The book does bounce around between a few plot points, but the author does a good job tying everything back to Huber and his organization. There were a few things that surprised me along the way which was nice as thrillers like this can get a bit formulaic. The final showdown was well done with good pacing and the ending left me intrigued enough to pick up the next book in the series to see how a few threads get tied up.
Ultimately I did enjoy Vendetta despite my issues with Rachel’s character and the romance aspect. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this series in the future as Catherine’s character was one of my favorites.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Carl Venable, head of the CIA terrorism task force, has relentlessly hunted Max Huber, head of one of the deadlist terror organizations, for years. When Venable is ambushed while meeting an informant, before dying he asks former Special Forces soldier Jude Brandon to keep his daughter Rachel safe at any cost. When Huber comes after Rachel, Brandon and Venable’s friend Catherine Ling are determined to keep Rachel hidden while they hunt for Huber with renewed force. But as the clock ticks down on Huber’s threatened attack on the city of San Francisco, Rachel and Brandon are in a race to stop Huber while fighting their growing attraction to one another.
When I was initially interested in this book I thought it was a stadalone only to find out later it was the fifth book in the Catherine Ling series. After reading this I was a bit surprised by that as Catherine very much seems like a side character in this book. Yes she does have numerous scenes from her perspective, but the book’s main focus was on Rachel and Brandon’s side of the story. Personally I was a bit disappointed by that as Catherine ended up being my favorite character in the book. She’s a strong, capable woman who is fiercely protective of those she cares about and I admired her quite a bit.
Rachel is where this book started to fall apart for me. She’s incredibly restricted emotionally and while I did understand why after learning her background, it made it hard for me to connect with her character. I also felt that at times she was incredibly stubborn and refused to see reason even when it became clear her way would put more people in danger. Brandon was a good contrast to her character as he was very level-headed and big on coming up with a plan after learning everything he could first. While their characters did complement each other in their different styles, I didn’t understand why there needed to be a romance between them. I likely would have rated this book higher if the romance aspect hadn’t been included which is an odd thing for me to say as a primarily romance reader.
The plot in this book was in my opinion one of the strongest aspects of the book. The race to stop the terrorist cell provided the perfect amount of suspense and Max Huber was a great villain. The book does bounce around between a few plot points, but the author does a good job tying everything back to Huber and his organization. There were a few things that surprised me along the way which was nice as thrillers like this can get a bit formulaic. The final showdown was well done with good pacing and the ending left me intrigued enough to pick up the next book in the series to see how a few threads get tied up.
Ultimately I did enjoy Vendetta despite my issues with Rachel’s character and the romance aspect. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this series in the future as Catherine’s character was one of my favorites.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
June 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Strong characters, action and intrigue. What could be better? Okay, don't answer that. Everything is a little better with magic and dragons and wizards, etc. This was a great story though.
I loved the slew of characters that were thrown at you. It went to building a team that was very diverse in their talents and personalities. Some of those characters were very intriguing to stay the least. Cameron would be the most interesting and odd. He made you want to delve into his character more deeply. You don't get that though; maybe that is to come.
The main antagonist is Rachel. She is the daughter of a CIA agent. Their relationship was very estranged. She was a very interesting woman. Taken at the age of 15 by the terrorists, she was tortured and raped. Then she went with an asian man, Hu Chang (another very interesting character that you want to get to know better). He heals her through her trauma and teaches her many things, one of them being creating potions (medical and poison). She becomes a doctor as she wants to heal people instead of hurting. I found her character very well rounded. I liked that she was intelligent and tough, but still had nicely rounded emotions.
Rachel's best friend is Catherine who was also taken in by Hu Chang. She is a CIA agent who worked closely with Rachel's father. She is very protective of Rachel. Another great character who is intelligent and strong. She ties in with the every intriguing Cameron. Although, you never really find out how or what that history is.
Then there is Brandon, who also worked very closely with Rachel's father. He seemed to be more of a contractor though, not part of the CIA. He pulls together an interesting team. He is falling for Rachel through the book and also becomes very protective of her. I love the relationship. It's not too much to take away from the story.
The story is great. Huber and Kraus are the baddies. Although, Kraus can't stand Huber and you know he's bound to make a move to take over the organization. They are a full on terrorist organization with what seems to be a lot of resources and they are able to stay well hidden. Great story and full of action. I don't want to give more away that I have. I thought it was great.
I loved the slew of characters that were thrown at you. It went to building a team that was very diverse in their talents and personalities. Some of those characters were very intriguing to stay the least. Cameron would be the most interesting and odd. He made you want to delve into his character more deeply. You don't get that though; maybe that is to come.
The main antagonist is Rachel. She is the daughter of a CIA agent. Their relationship was very estranged. She was a very interesting woman. Taken at the age of 15 by the terrorists, she was tortured and raped. Then she went with an asian man, Hu Chang (another very interesting character that you want to get to know better). He heals her through her trauma and teaches her many things, one of them being creating potions (medical and poison). She becomes a doctor as she wants to heal people instead of hurting. I found her character very well rounded. I liked that she was intelligent and tough, but still had nicely rounded emotions.
Rachel's best friend is Catherine who was also taken in by Hu Chang. She is a CIA agent who worked closely with Rachel's father. She is very protective of Rachel. Another great character who is intelligent and strong. She ties in with the every intriguing Cameron. Although, you never really find out how or what that history is.
Then there is Brandon, who also worked very closely with Rachel's father. He seemed to be more of a contractor though, not part of the CIA. He pulls together an interesting team. He is falling for Rachel through the book and also becomes very protective of her. I love the relationship. It's not too much to take away from the story.
The story is great. Huber and Kraus are the baddies. Although, Kraus can't stand Huber and you know he's bound to make a move to take over the organization. They are a full on terrorist organization with what seems to be a lot of resources and they are able to stay well hidden. Great story and full of action. I don't want to give more away that I have. I thought it was great.
March 25, 2020
Tragically, Carl Venable, who has been pivotal in CIA Agent Catherine Ling's life has been mortally wounded and when Jude Brandon finds him, Venable asks him to find and protect his daughter Rachel. Will Brandon be able to locate Rachel and keep her free from danger? Brandon does find Rachel, but she is unwilling to follow him to safety until she completes something that is very important to her.
Meanwhile, the clinic she runs in Guyana is attacked by a man named Huber and he will do anything to get his hands on Rachel. Brandon and Rachel race to get one step ahead of Huber, and this includes pulling Catherine Ling in to assist. Catherine is a superb agent but Huber is pulling out all the stops to create a dangerous situation every step of the way.
Rachel had a difficult past and was estranged from her father. However, she excelled in a unique way as she became under the protection of the enigmatic Hu Chang when she was a teenager, much like Catherine Ling. Rachel went on to become a doctor and uses both skills in order to succeed.
I loved this book by Iris Johansen. Before reading this book and series, I binge read the Eve Duncan series. This series is just as compelling. This story moves at a rapid pace and is truly thrilling. I also love how there is always a bit of romance in these connected series. I really enjoy Catherine and her son Luke and hope to see more of them in the future.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile, the clinic she runs in Guyana is attacked by a man named Huber and he will do anything to get his hands on Rachel. Brandon and Rachel race to get one step ahead of Huber, and this includes pulling Catherine Ling in to assist. Catherine is a superb agent but Huber is pulling out all the stops to create a dangerous situation every step of the way.
Rachel had a difficult past and was estranged from her father. However, she excelled in a unique way as she became under the protection of the enigmatic Hu Chang when she was a teenager, much like Catherine Ling. Rachel went on to become a doctor and uses both skills in order to succeed.
I loved this book by Iris Johansen. Before reading this book and series, I binge read the Eve Duncan series. This series is just as compelling. This story moves at a rapid pace and is truly thrilling. I also love how there is always a bit of romance in these connected series. I really enjoy Catherine and her son Luke and hope to see more of them in the future.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 6, 2018
Have you ever read a book where every character is the same? If not, read Vendetta, because every character is the exact same character, male and female. The synopsis from amazon makes it sound a lot more interesting than it was:
With his dying breath, Carl Venable, head of the CIA task force on terrorism and Jude Brandon’s final link to terrorist ringleader Max Huber, gives Brandon a mandate: keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at any cost. But Rachel Venable has a shocking, twisted past of her own, one that comes rushing back after her medical clinic in Guyana is attacked by Huber―the same man who murdered her father and kept her imprisoned for months.
Brandon and Catherine Ling, Rachel’s longtime ally and fierce protector, are determined to keep Rachel out of danger, but she knows that it’s impossible to stay hidden when Max Huber wants you dead.
As Rachel and Brandon race against the clock to bring Huber down before he can orchestrate a disaster that will lay waste to half the country, they also fight a growing attraction to each other – an attraction that could prove just as dangerous as Huber himself.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and while it says it is an "Eve Duncan Novel" it is not as there is no character named Eve Duncan, so I am hoping that there is a fix in the cover before this novel is released in October.
While the book synopsis makes this sound like an interesting book, this is a flat book. All of the characters are exactly the same, with the same types of speech patterns, and the same physical attributes or movements. I couldn't get involved in any of the characters because they were all blunt and forward, and they ended up blending into each other. I would have liked at least one character who wasn't trying or pretending to be strong. In fact the most interesting character was Huber, because he had childish outbursts, which made him stand out from other characters.
Also, this book is a little long, and it took a while to get through. I wasn't interested enough and some of the scenes could have been deleted. I just wasn't a fan.
I think that, to be honest, I am not a fan of Iris Johansen's writing, so I will most likely not read another one of her books.
With his dying breath, Carl Venable, head of the CIA task force on terrorism and Jude Brandon’s final link to terrorist ringleader Max Huber, gives Brandon a mandate: keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at any cost. But Rachel Venable has a shocking, twisted past of her own, one that comes rushing back after her medical clinic in Guyana is attacked by Huber―the same man who murdered her father and kept her imprisoned for months.
Brandon and Catherine Ling, Rachel’s longtime ally and fierce protector, are determined to keep Rachel out of danger, but she knows that it’s impossible to stay hidden when Max Huber wants you dead.
As Rachel and Brandon race against the clock to bring Huber down before he can orchestrate a disaster that will lay waste to half the country, they also fight a growing attraction to each other – an attraction that could prove just as dangerous as Huber himself.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and while it says it is an "Eve Duncan Novel" it is not as there is no character named Eve Duncan, so I am hoping that there is a fix in the cover before this novel is released in October.
While the book synopsis makes this sound like an interesting book, this is a flat book. All of the characters are exactly the same, with the same types of speech patterns, and the same physical attributes or movements. I couldn't get involved in any of the characters because they were all blunt and forward, and they ended up blending into each other. I would have liked at least one character who wasn't trying or pretending to be strong. In fact the most interesting character was Huber, because he had childish outbursts, which made him stand out from other characters.
Also, this book is a little long, and it took a while to get through. I wasn't interested enough and some of the scenes could have been deleted. I just wasn't a fan.
I think that, to be honest, I am not a fan of Iris Johansen's writing, so I will most likely not read another one of her books.
September 26, 2018
This was a fast-paced thriller with a fantasy feel. Carl Venable enlists Jude Brandon to protect his daughter Rachel from terrorist Max Huber when Brandon attempts to rescue Venable. Unfortunately, he too late. But Venable tells Brandon that his daughter has a secret about Huber that makes her a target.
Rachel Venable is a doctor who is with a humanitarian organization and is currently working in Guyana. She is estranged from her father and has a complicated relationship with him. Venable has been a CIA agent all of Rachel's life which means, to Rachel, that he has always put the needs of the country about the needs of his family.
When Rachel was fifteen, she was captured by the Taliban in the same accident that killed her mother and brother. Venable was responsible for negotiating to get Rachel out of the Taliban's hands. It took him five months. During those months Rachel was being tortured and raped and each time her father was being blamed. In Venable's defense, his informant in the prison was telling him that Rachel was being well-treated.
Rachel was finally gotten out of the prison by Hu Chang, a mysterious figure in the espionage world, who taught her how to heal and how to concoct many untraceable poisons. As a doctor, she is secretly using her talents to concoct medicines that cure.
Brandon rescues Rachel just ahead of Huber's men. He wants to protect Rachel but he also wants to bring down Huber before he can successfully execute a "bigger than 9/11" terrorist event in San Francisco. Huber is responsible for killing Brandon's father and he wants revenge for that too.
Also involved in protecting San Francisco is Catherine Ling who is also a protegee of Hu Chang's and one of Rachel's best friends. Trailing her is Richard Cameron who brings in the paranormal element. Cameron is using his mental abilities to create a utopia. He and Catherine have a complex relationship. They are intensely physically attracted but have very different philosophies.
Besides being a fast-paced thriller this story had tons of emotional intensity. Rachel is so conflicted about her relationship with her father and so conflicted about using her skills as an apothecary to harm as well as heal.
Fans of Johansen's work won't want to miss this story. It is a real page-turner.
Rachel Venable is a doctor who is with a humanitarian organization and is currently working in Guyana. She is estranged from her father and has a complicated relationship with him. Venable has been a CIA agent all of Rachel's life which means, to Rachel, that he has always put the needs of the country about the needs of his family.
When Rachel was fifteen, she was captured by the Taliban in the same accident that killed her mother and brother. Venable was responsible for negotiating to get Rachel out of the Taliban's hands. It took him five months. During those months Rachel was being tortured and raped and each time her father was being blamed. In Venable's defense, his informant in the prison was telling him that Rachel was being well-treated.
Rachel was finally gotten out of the prison by Hu Chang, a mysterious figure in the espionage world, who taught her how to heal and how to concoct many untraceable poisons. As a doctor, she is secretly using her talents to concoct medicines that cure.
Brandon rescues Rachel just ahead of Huber's men. He wants to protect Rachel but he also wants to bring down Huber before he can successfully execute a "bigger than 9/11" terrorist event in San Francisco. Huber is responsible for killing Brandon's father and he wants revenge for that too.
Also involved in protecting San Francisco is Catherine Ling who is also a protegee of Hu Chang's and one of Rachel's best friends. Trailing her is Richard Cameron who brings in the paranormal element. Cameron is using his mental abilities to create a utopia. He and Catherine have a complex relationship. They are intensely physically attracted but have very different philosophies.
Besides being a fast-paced thriller this story had tons of emotional intensity. Rachel is so conflicted about her relationship with her father and so conflicted about using her skills as an apothecary to harm as well as heal.
Fans of Johansen's work won't want to miss this story. It is a real page-turner.
May 2, 2020
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC of Vendetta in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
This was an honor!
In the 5th Catherine Ling thriller, a team of intelligence operatives must work together to locate and bring down the Red Star terrorist group before they wreak havoc on the west coast. I was expecting to see more of Catherine, but she plays a supporting role to Rachel Venable (Carl's daughter) and they make a strong female team. Brandon, Hu Chang, Nate, Monty, and Cameron make up a great supporting cast of characters. I found the characters to be one of the strong points in the book - their relationships and access to international intrigue.
Johansen's writing style is absorbing and easy to read. My one qualm is that she used "jerkily" and "dryly" quite a few times- strong or distinct words like those stand out FAR too much to be used as frequently. I know that Johansen has a vast vocabulary to pull from and likely she didn't realize she was doing it. Speaking of oddball items - Cameron threw me off as well, where does one supernatural(ish) man fit into the world? He really does not and I feel like he takes away from the book, but just ever so slightly.
The plot and story itself are amazing. I love the deep level of intrigue between the CIA, Red Star, Nemesis, and the various other groups trying to vie for information and results. At times there was too much talking, sitting around the house, chatting on the veranda.... The background is interesting and important but there is just too much of it, then the action came and went rather quickly. Very awesome and intense action though, I couldn't stop reading once it started heating up.
Overall I would recommend it to Johansen fans and fans of action thrillers. It does work as a stand alone novel but doesn't do Catherine a lot of justice so I wouldn't start with it.
Again, thank you NetGalley and the aforementioned, I really was thrilled to be able to read and review this!
This was an honor!
In the 5th Catherine Ling thriller, a team of intelligence operatives must work together to locate and bring down the Red Star terrorist group before they wreak havoc on the west coast. I was expecting to see more of Catherine, but she plays a supporting role to Rachel Venable (Carl's daughter) and they make a strong female team. Brandon, Hu Chang, Nate, Monty, and Cameron make up a great supporting cast of characters. I found the characters to be one of the strong points in the book - their relationships and access to international intrigue.
Johansen's writing style is absorbing and easy to read. My one qualm is that she used "jerkily" and "dryly" quite a few times- strong or distinct words like those stand out FAR too much to be used as frequently. I know that Johansen has a vast vocabulary to pull from and likely she didn't realize she was doing it. Speaking of oddball items - Cameron threw me off as well, where does one supernatural(ish) man fit into the world? He really does not and I feel like he takes away from the book, but just ever so slightly.
The plot and story itself are amazing. I love the deep level of intrigue between the CIA, Red Star, Nemesis, and the various other groups trying to vie for information and results. At times there was too much talking, sitting around the house, chatting on the veranda.... The background is interesting and important but there is just too much of it, then the action came and went rather quickly. Very awesome and intense action though, I couldn't stop reading once it started heating up.
Overall I would recommend it to Johansen fans and fans of action thrillers. It does work as a stand alone novel but doesn't do Catherine a lot of justice so I wouldn't start with it.
Again, thank you NetGalley and the aforementioned, I really was thrilled to be able to read and review this!
December 29, 2018
The book follows the story of Rachel Venable, the daughter of a CIA operative, and her mission to take down a terrorist group. The story starts off slow in my opinion, but definitely picks up in pace towards the middle and end. Definitely found the action to be compelling and it did leave me wanting to continue reading the novel. All in all, I feel like it was your typical action story, with a couple of twists along the way.
October 23, 2018
3.5 STARS
Johansen always seems to meet my expectations. This is an action packed, fast paced addition to the series. I missed one or two book of this series, but had no issues understanding all the characters and events. There is always an excellent refresher of past events. (Catherine has appeared in Eve Duncan Series too).
The main aspect that kept this from being a four star read was the lack of emotion and somewhat dull romantic chemistry between Brandon and Rachel. I adored Brandon but Rachel was too robotic. Despite her background, her plight just didn't affect me like I had anticipated. Despite her aloofness, I enjoyed the storylines. Johansen does a wonderful job of balancing realistic criminal justice procedures and keeping readers entertained; everything is believable but thrilling.
Overall, this is a solid addition to the series, and I can't wait for the installment. I definitely recommend this author/world to romantic suspense fans.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my advanced view copy!
Johansen always seems to meet my expectations. This is an action packed, fast paced addition to the series. I missed one or two book of this series, but had no issues understanding all the characters and events. There is always an excellent refresher of past events. (Catherine has appeared in Eve Duncan Series too).
The main aspect that kept this from being a four star read was the lack of emotion and somewhat dull romantic chemistry between Brandon and Rachel. I adored Brandon but Rachel was too robotic. Despite her background, her plight just didn't affect me like I had anticipated. Despite her aloofness, I enjoyed the storylines. Johansen does a wonderful job of balancing realistic criminal justice procedures and keeping readers entertained; everything is believable but thrilling.
Overall, this is a solid addition to the series, and I can't wait for the installment. I definitely recommend this author/world to romantic suspense fans.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my advanced view copy!
June 17, 2023
I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. The cover of my ARC said An Eve Duncan Novel. It is not-- it is a Catherine Ling Novel. I haven't read the first 4 Catherine Lings, and I still don't feel like I read one, as she was not the main focus of this book. This book centered around Rachel Venable and Jude Brandon. I was much more interested in Catherine and Richard Cameron, even though their role was secondary and occurred in the latter half of the book.
The story was okay for a thriller, but the book was really dialogue heavy. It just went on and on, and much of the conversations were repeated. Also, people don't talk like this in real life. It was one of those books where you know that you are reading a conversation, instead of getting immersed in the book and feeling like you are "listening" to the characters. It took away from the story at times.
The story was okay for a thriller, but the book was really dialogue heavy. It just went on and on, and much of the conversations were repeated. Also, people don't talk like this in real life. It was one of those books where you know that you are reading a conversation, instead of getting immersed in the book and feeling like you are "listening" to the characters. It took away from the story at times.
February 22, 2019
Yawn!
The protagonists are straight out of Central Casting - Beautiful, Strong, Independent, Noble, Just, And Sexual Dynamos. the Antagonists is a brutal, selfish, evil child.
Its a paint-by-the-numbers melodrama fit for a bad Hallmark Movie.
The protagonists are straight out of Central Casting - Beautiful, Strong, Independent, Noble, Just, And Sexual Dynamos. the Antagonists is a brutal, selfish, evil child.
Its a paint-by-the-numbers melodrama fit for a bad Hallmark Movie.
October 30, 2018
Vendetta is the fifth in the Catherine Ling series but the first that I have read and I had no problem reading it as a standalone. I have read and enjoyed books by Iris Johansen in the past and I am glad that I requested this one. This is a fast paced thriller that grabs from the first page to the end. Dr. Rachel Venable is a physician who has a calling to treat patients around the world. Her estranged father, Carl, is CIA and when he is dying, he sends his co-worker Jude Brandon to look for Rachel in Guyana because he knows that she will be tracked down by a terrorist Max Huber. Rachel and Carl were responsible for his father's death. Brandon's job is to get Rachel and keep her safe. This starts an adventure of not only keeping Rachel safe but also trying to find the terrorist, Max Huber, and stopping his plans to do damage in San Francisco and get revenge on Rachel.
This is a suspense filled adventure with a great cast of characters and an intense plot with bombs, kidnapping, poisons and cyber investigations with a little twist at the end that has me looking forward to the next book. There is a great group of side characters that enhance the story. I plan to go back and read more of the series.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.
This is a suspense filled adventure with a great cast of characters and an intense plot with bombs, kidnapping, poisons and cyber investigations with a little twist at the end that has me looking forward to the next book. There is a great group of side characters that enhance the story. I plan to go back and read more of the series.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.
November 7, 2018
3.5 stars. CIA boss Venable dies from a gunshot would but not before asking operative Brandon to find and take care of his daughter Rachel. Rachel, a doctor working in Guyana, and her medical team come under attack because the bad guys who killed Venable are after her. She poisoned Max Huber's father and the son is coming for her. Brandon rescues her and they travel back to San Francisco where Huber vows to change wreak havoc that will change the California coastline.
This 5th book in the Catherine Ling series kills off Venable and gives Rachel and Brandon main story lines. I liked both these characters. The book is classic Iris Johansen. I can always tell when I'm reading one of her books by the dialogue she creates between characters. I'm guessing she will create a spinoff series with Rachel and Brandon. The end of the book opens several possibilities.
This 5th book in the Catherine Ling series kills off Venable and gives Rachel and Brandon main story lines. I liked both these characters. The book is classic Iris Johansen. I can always tell when I'm reading one of her books by the dialogue she creates between characters. I'm guessing she will create a spinoff series with Rachel and Brandon. The end of the book opens several possibilities.
October 29, 2018
Vendetta by Iris Johansen introduces new characters in this story involving many characters who are all motivated for revenge. I enjoyed the novel quite a bit and am intrigued by Rachel and Catherine the two female lead characters. I really enjoyed getting a deeper look into the characters. Vendetta is more than just a good guys versus bad guys, save the world from disaster thriller. It digs into the deepest wounds and vulnerabilities of the main characters and has this reader doing some soul searching. How far would I go for vengeance? Would I stay in defense mode or offense mode once I knew I was targeted? What choices would I make to meet my goals and would they waver?
I like the romance between Jude Brandon and Rachel Venerable. The inclusion of Catherine Ling was great so that readers can catch up with what is going on in her life too. (Features her point of view too which is awesome!) The pace was slower for me than other Iris Johansen novels I have read. The beginning starts out pretty quick with an urgent rescue mission, then it starts to slow down before picking up again with strong action.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader copy of this book for me to review. As always, my opinions are my own.
I like the romance between Jude Brandon and Rachel Venerable. The inclusion of Catherine Ling was great so that readers can catch up with what is going on in her life too. (Features her point of view too which is awesome!) The pace was slower for me than other Iris Johansen novels I have read. The beginning starts out pretty quick with an urgent rescue mission, then it starts to slow down before picking up again with strong action.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader copy of this book for me to review. As always, my opinions are my own.
September 27, 2018
A nice change of pace from the Eve Duncan series (which I hadn't realized until this one, had been becoming stale to me) Easily read as a standalone (though having read the prior books will give you some background) this book is labeled as a Catherine Ling book but I didn't really find her to be the focal point so much as the side character who had a large part at times.
We get a peak into Carl Venable, his background, his life, and his daughter in this installment, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do find that sometimes things drag on a bit, and that I lose nothing by scanning a few pages when things tend to droll on a bit, but nonetheless I remained engaged. My biggest problem? That there are SO many people in her books that seem to have had unbelievable backgrounds and are now just trying to be "normal" Joe's. I don't know how else to explain it, it's just a miss for me. Regardless, well worth picking up, especially for those of you loyal to Iris Johansen, but kind of over Eve Duncan.
Thank you netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
We get a peak into Carl Venable, his background, his life, and his daughter in this installment, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do find that sometimes things drag on a bit, and that I lose nothing by scanning a few pages when things tend to droll on a bit, but nonetheless I remained engaged. My biggest problem? That there are SO many people in her books that seem to have had unbelievable backgrounds and are now just trying to be "normal" Joe's. I don't know how else to explain it, it's just a miss for me. Regardless, well worth picking up, especially for those of you loyal to Iris Johansen, but kind of over Eve Duncan.
Thank you netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2018
Rachel’s CIA Agent Father has sent Brandon to her to protect her. She has gained the attention of the head of a terrorist organization. The head of the organization is obsessed with getting revenge on Rachel and will stop at nothing to get it. He also has an event scheduled that will cause massive death and havoc. Rachel and Brandon, with the help of Catherine and Cameron are trying to keep Rachel safe and stop the attack.
This was a stand alone book by Johansen. I was leaning towards a 4 til the end, I wasn’t happy with how it was left hanging. Maybe there is a follow up book coming? I also found the story a bit convoluted for me. It wasn’t lacking in suspense. Readers who have enjoyed Johansen in the past will probably find this book worth their time. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Sent from my iPad
December 23, 2018
Why do female authors mistake a woman being a pain in the a** for strength? By the time I got to page 35, I was ready to shoot Rachel Venable myself. A selfish, inconsiderate, hypocritical know-it-all is not a strong person; they're just a selfish, inconsiderate, hypocritical know-it-all.
Fun drinking game: take a drink every time you read the phrase "His/Her lips twisted". You will be in a coma before you get through a single chapter. Maybe Santa will bring Iris Johansen a thesaurus for Christmas....
Fun drinking game: take a drink every time you read the phrase "His/Her lips twisted". You will be in a coma before you get through a single chapter. Maybe Santa will bring Iris Johansen a thesaurus for Christmas....
December 27, 2018
Ugh, will not be reading any more from this author. Too over the top and she constantly kept saying “her lips twisted”...what does that even mean and why would her editors allow her to write that every couple of pages?
May 17, 2018
Review of Advance Reader Copy
Although the book cover indicates that this is “An Eve Duncan Novel,” it is actually the fifth book [following “Your Next Breath”] in the Catherine Ling series.
Mortally wounded, CIA terrorism task force head Carl Venable gives Jude Brandon a mandate to keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at all costs. But Brandon, still on the trail of terrorist ringleader Max Huber and the Red Star organization, finds that task more problematic than he’d anticipated.
Rachel Venable, working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana, narrowly escapes death when Max Huber orchestrates a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and impassioned protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. With the truth tangled in secrets and lies, and no way to know who can be trusted, will Max Huber finally exact his revenge?
Strong characters people this riveting tale of terrorism and vengeance. Drawn into the story from the first page, readers will find that, as the clock ticks toward a deadline promising massive destruction and death, the continually-building suspense permeates the ominous story with an underlying uneasiness. The unfolding of this gripping narrative promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final unexpected reveal that could change everything.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program
Although the book cover indicates that this is “An Eve Duncan Novel,” it is actually the fifth book [following “Your Next Breath”] in the Catherine Ling series.
Mortally wounded, CIA terrorism task force head Carl Venable gives Jude Brandon a mandate to keep his daughter, Rachel, safe at all costs. But Brandon, still on the trail of terrorist ringleader Max Huber and the Red Star organization, finds that task more problematic than he’d anticipated.
Rachel Venable, working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana, narrowly escapes death when Max Huber orchestrates a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and impassioned protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. With the truth tangled in secrets and lies, and no way to know who can be trusted, will Max Huber finally exact his revenge?
Strong characters people this riveting tale of terrorism and vengeance. Drawn into the story from the first page, readers will find that, as the clock ticks toward a deadline promising massive destruction and death, the continually-building suspense permeates the ominous story with an underlying uneasiness. The unfolding of this gripping narrative promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final unexpected reveal that could change everything.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program
November 26, 2018
Filled with intrigue, action and romance, this is one book you will not want to put down.
Unforgettable characters all trying to prevent a horrible act of terrorism.
As Carl Venable, a CIA operative is dying, he persuades Jude Brandon to protect his daughter Rachel
from his enemy Max Huber. Jude has been searching for Huber, who is a terrorist, threatening to cause a national disaster. When he finds Rachel and takes her to a safe house, he discovers that she had been imprisoned by Huber when she was fifteen. Many years later, when Rachel becomes a physician , Carl Venable uses his daughter’s medical skills to cause the death of Huber’s father.
Catherine Ling does everything she can to protect Rachel, who is her closest friend, but it is almost too late when she tries to sacrifice herself for the life of one of her patients. Everyone races to save Rachel and stop Huber from causing mass destruction. It seems as if revenge is wanted by all.
I received this ARC as a gift from Goodreads and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Highly recommend!!
Unforgettable characters all trying to prevent a horrible act of terrorism.
As Carl Venable, a CIA operative is dying, he persuades Jude Brandon to protect his daughter Rachel
from his enemy Max Huber. Jude has been searching for Huber, who is a terrorist, threatening to cause a national disaster. When he finds Rachel and takes her to a safe house, he discovers that she had been imprisoned by Huber when she was fifteen. Many years later, when Rachel becomes a physician , Carl Venable uses his daughter’s medical skills to cause the death of Huber’s father.
Catherine Ling does everything she can to protect Rachel, who is her closest friend, but it is almost too late when she tries to sacrifice herself for the life of one of her patients. Everyone races to save Rachel and stop Huber from causing mass destruction. It seems as if revenge is wanted by all.
I received this ARC as a gift from Goodreads and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Highly recommend!!
December 19, 2020
In Iris Johansen's Vendetta, the 5th installment in the Catherine Ling thriller series, this newest chapter is fierce and red-hot with tons of dangerous and thrilling adventures. Right after Carl Venable died before her eyes, Jude Brandon promised to find his daughter Rachel and to protect her from danger. Brandon and his team searched for her in the Brazilian rain forest and rescued her before she was targeted. From there, Rachel brings Maria, one of her patients, and her mother, Blanca, along for the ride to safety and out of harm's way. She also learns about her father's death and who killed him. At first, Jude and Rachel had a volatile beginning when they worked together as friends and joined forces to recruit Catherine Ling, one of Venable's former operatives. They needed to bring down Max Huber, a fearless leader of a militia terrorist group, to seek revenge against those who killed his father's a few years ago. This trio had to come up with a witty plan to stop him at his tracks before people would get hurt and lives would be lost in one of his self-destructive ways with a fiery ending that will give you goosebumps right down to the climax.
July 27, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Strong characters, edge of your seat action. This book got my attention from the first page and Couldn't put it down.
Carl Venable, CIA agent and head of terrorism task force knows he is dying and asks Jude Brandon to get his daughter and keep her safe. Rachel, A doctor and someone who has already gone through so much is strong and capable. working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana, narrowly escapes death when Max Huber orchestrates a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. Will Max Huber finally get what he wants?
I love being introduced to new characters but love seeing my favorites as well. This book has both. had a lot of twists and Turns and a couple of surprises a long with it. Looks as though the story will continue and can't wait for the next book.
Carl Venable, CIA agent and head of terrorism task force knows he is dying and asks Jude Brandon to get his daughter and keep her safe. Rachel, A doctor and someone who has already gone through so much is strong and capable. working with the One World Medical team in Nalez, Guyana, narrowly escapes death when Max Huber orchestrates a deadly assault on the hospital camp. Catherine Ling, Rachel’s friend and protector, is determined to keep the young woman safe, but Rachel holds secrets of her own. Will Max Huber finally get what he wants?
I love being introduced to new characters but love seeing my favorites as well. This book has both. had a lot of twists and Turns and a couple of surprises a long with it. Looks as though the story will continue and can't wait for the next book.
February 13, 2019
Another enjoyable read from Iris Johansen. Rachel seems like a meek, mild volunteer Dr. Her strength and determination are outstanding. Johnson's books keep adding new characters. Almost to many stories branching out.
October 1, 2018
This was a slow and thorough read for me. The team of protagonists was large and varied. The plot was full of twists and turns. At times it was so complex it verged on the convoluted yet each time the author brought it back on track. Each of the side trips actually served to accentuate the plot. All in all it was excellent reading with memorable characters and an unforgettable plot. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC for an honest review.
November 7, 2020
Started out slow but got good
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