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Commander John Hart #2
8 Seconds to Midnight
8 Seconds to Midnight takes the reader on a non-stop thrill-ride that begins with the clandestine transfer of nuclear material from a secure Pakistani military installation thirty miles north of Islamabad to a group of radical Islamists bent on the destruction of the West. It culminates in the streets of New York -- minutes before the impending detonation of a fifteen kiloton nuclear bomb.
The city's survival hinges on one man, Commander John Hart, and his ability to ferret out the perpetrators, discern where the weapon is hidden, and disable it before midnight on December 31. Hart must rely on equal measures of brawn, brain, and prayer to stop the cadre of jihadists whose plan has been in the making for sixteen years.
Should he fail, the job of healing America's potentially mortal wound will fall squarely on the shoulders of Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins. It is a job she did not ask for, and hopes never materializes.
The city's survival hinges on one man, Commander John Hart, and his ability to ferret out the perpetrators, discern where the weapon is hidden, and disable it before midnight on December 31. Hart must rely on equal measures of brawn, brain, and prayer to stop the cadre of jihadists whose plan has been in the making for sixteen years.
Should he fail, the job of healing America's potentially mortal wound will fall squarely on the shoulders of Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins. It is a job she did not ask for, and hopes never materializes.
358 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2018
12 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
John Leifer
7 books57 followersJohn Leifer has a keen interest in national defense, and has written numerous articles on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. His point of view has been shaped by interaction with key governmental agencies, independent scientists, and noted observers. His interviewees have ranged from the former chief nuclear weapons designer at Los Alamos to Nobel Laureates. Leifer has served on various panels, including a presidential panel charged with investigating the level of information sharing between CIA, NSA, DIA, and other branches of the intelligence community following 9/11. When not focused on national defense, Leifer writes extensively about health care issues. He is the author of two non-fiction books: After You Hear It's Cancer and The Myths of Modern Medicine (both published by Rowman & Littlefield). John is passionate about hiking and photography, and has a number of gallery showings to his credit.
HEALTH CARE BIO:
John Leifer worked for more than 30 years with the major factions comprising healthcare delivery in the United States, including some of the nation’s leading hospitals. Most recently, he served as a senior vice president for a 10-hospital system in the Midwest.
Leifer founded and published The Leifer Report, a healthcare publication that featured contributors ranging from President Bill Clinton to Newt Gingrich.
He has written extensively on healthcare issues and has been published in newspapers and magazines, such as Modern Healthcare, Hospitals & Health Networks, Washington Monthly, and The Kansas City Star. Leifer has also been profiled in several prominent magazines, including Money and Fortune.
HEALTH CARE BIO:
John Leifer worked for more than 30 years with the major factions comprising healthcare delivery in the United States, including some of the nation’s leading hospitals. Most recently, he served as a senior vice president for a 10-hospital system in the Midwest.
Leifer founded and published The Leifer Report, a healthcare publication that featured contributors ranging from President Bill Clinton to Newt Gingrich.
He has written extensively on healthcare issues and has been published in newspapers and magazines, such as Modern Healthcare, Hospitals & Health Networks, Washington Monthly, and The Kansas City Star. Leifer has also been profiled in several prominent magazines, including Money and Fortune.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book as part of a good reads giveaway.
I enjoyed this book. It pretty much followed the equation that most terrorist/spy/disaster stories follow, but that didn’t make it any less entertaining.
The story follows a terrorist sleeper cell in the US who are set to explode a nuclear bomb in NY city, and the people in the government/FBI/CIA who try to find them and stop the attack. The hero of the story is Commander John Hart who is a Navy SEAL, doctor, works for the CIA, and personal anti-terrorist tool of the President (that was the first really hokey part of the book, so I just ignored it). The second hokey part was CDR Hart’s girlfriend, also a doctor. She really had nothing to do with the story, except maybe try to make CDR Hart more human, but it was forced and awkward. She could have never made an appearance and nothing would have been lost in the story. One other thing that was sort of weird was that all the main characters, on both sides, kept referring to a previous attack that took place, almost like this was a sequel to another book.
If you enjoy Tom Clancy, I think you’ll like this. Not as detailed or as long as Mr. Clancy’s books, but the action keeps going. I would read more fiction by the author.
I enjoyed this book. It pretty much followed the equation that most terrorist/spy/disaster stories follow, but that didn’t make it any less entertaining.
The story follows a terrorist sleeper cell in the US who are set to explode a nuclear bomb in NY city, and the people in the government/FBI/CIA who try to find them and stop the attack. The hero of the story is Commander John Hart who is a Navy SEAL, doctor, works for the CIA, and personal anti-terrorist tool of the President (that was the first really hokey part of the book, so I just ignored it). The second hokey part was CDR Hart’s girlfriend, also a doctor. She really had nothing to do with the story, except maybe try to make CDR Hart more human, but it was forced and awkward. She could have never made an appearance and nothing would have been lost in the story. One other thing that was sort of weird was that all the main characters, on both sides, kept referring to a previous attack that took place, almost like this was a sequel to another book.
If you enjoy Tom Clancy, I think you’ll like this. Not as detailed or as long as Mr. Clancy’s books, but the action keeps going. I would read more fiction by the author.
November 15, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A bunch of terrorists hatch a plot to detonate a nuke in NYC, and Commander Hart and Company have to stop them. Fairly decent, although the excessive amount of exposition stalled the momentum of the story, in what should be a breakneck plot.
A bunch of terrorists hatch a plot to detonate a nuke in NYC, and Commander Hart and Company have to stop them. Fairly decent, although the excessive amount of exposition stalled the momentum of the story, in what should be a breakneck plot.
October 16, 2019
We are proud to announce that 8 SECONDS TO MIDNIGHT by John Leifer is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
October 23, 2019
I'll be honest: I was skeptical about this book. The author was kind enough to gift me a digital copy (which I tried to read before giving up and realizing that I just. don't. enjoy. reading. e-books.), but I ended up purchasing a paperback copy for my reading. I was skeptical because this type of book isn't generally what I read. And I admit that it took me a little bit to really get into the story and get to the point where I was thinking about what would happen next when I wasn't reading. Ultimately, though, I'm glad I expanded my reading horizon to include this thriller.
In 8 Second to Midnight, the United States has survived a biological attack by the United Islamic State. But another is coming--this one is to be a nuclear attack that surpasses the devastation of Hiroshima. The story pulls together multiple perspectives, from national security staff to sleeper cell jihadists, to those who are only peripherally related to the action. It kind of felt like a book version of Law & Order on a super-sized scale! Lots of action, a very quick pace, and good storytelling.
My thanks to the author for introducing me to his work!
In 8 Second to Midnight, the United States has survived a biological attack by the United Islamic State. But another is coming--this one is to be a nuclear attack that surpasses the devastation of Hiroshima. The story pulls together multiple perspectives, from national security staff to sleeper cell jihadists, to those who are only peripherally related to the action. It kind of felt like a book version of Law & Order on a super-sized scale! Lots of action, a very quick pace, and good storytelling.
My thanks to the author for introducing me to his work!
December 4, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: 8 Seconds to Midnight
Author: John Leifer
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A tense thriller packed full of intriguing and often rather sinister characters. With a strong hero to root for, this is gripping thriller.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘This is one of those thriller were there are simply no greys, just black (terrorists) and white (Americans). If you want an exciting thriller with a ton of twists, this is for you. If you want any sort of commentary on the many problems the world is facing, including terrorism, it’s probably not. Popcorn fun like a Stallone film.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘Well-written with tons of pace, I thought this was a blast – pardon the pun.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘The author is skilled at offering the reader a blockbuster style novel. Reminded me a bit of Clive Cussler. All very macho and America, of course, must save the day. There’s nothing wrong with that; undoubtedly the American market will love it. The author works particularly well with setting and works hard to develop the characters, unusual in this genre. I think the author did an excellent job.’ Female reader, aged 60
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly plotted thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: 8 Seconds to Midnight
Author: John Leifer
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A tense thriller packed full of intriguing and often rather sinister characters. With a strong hero to root for, this is gripping thriller.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘This is one of those thriller were there are simply no greys, just black (terrorists) and white (Americans). If you want an exciting thriller with a ton of twists, this is for you. If you want any sort of commentary on the many problems the world is facing, including terrorism, it’s probably not. Popcorn fun like a Stallone film.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘Well-written with tons of pace, I thought this was a blast – pardon the pun.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘The author is skilled at offering the reader a blockbuster style novel. Reminded me a bit of Clive Cussler. All very macho and America, of course, must save the day. There’s nothing wrong with that; undoubtedly the American market will love it. The author works particularly well with setting and works hard to develop the characters, unusual in this genre. I think the author did an excellent job.’ Female reader, aged 60
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly plotted thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
December 24, 2018
A page turner about a 20 year old sleeper cell of men in the US who work in different nuclear related jobs who are able to put together a nuclear weapon and an old enemy who wants to take out NYC on New Year's Eve. Commander John Hart is on the job and with the help of his fiance Dr. Liz Wilkins they try to avert a crisis. Failure isn't an option for either side.
This was a page turner. It was fast paced. As a native of Worcester I was also pleasantly surprised to see Worcester, MA figure in the book. I was disappointed by the portrayal of Liz. She started off feeling like she would be fleshed out but then flattened to be like a shaddow of a person. Other characters started off with promise to be fleshed out but turned into cliches. Hart was the star of the book but at times he seemed to be a cardboard cut out of what some people think a super hero looks like, an unfeeling-unless it is passion or rage-get the job done. There are glimmers of life at times but it is inconsistent. We know he is a flawed hero because we hear his brother died in some accident that he was present. Because this is a second book - Terminal was the first in the John Hart series - maybe some of his earlier history in already known. Because of the hints of events in Terminal I can't wait to read this too.
It really is a page turner and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The beginning did a good job of setting the stage and making me believe that the scenario could really happen. At times the detail seemed to go on and on. The plot was great. The ending was very quick in comparison.
Thank you goodreads, Earhartpress, and John Leifer for the Kindle book in return for an unbiased review.
This was a page turner. It was fast paced. As a native of Worcester I was also pleasantly surprised to see Worcester, MA figure in the book. I was disappointed by the portrayal of Liz. She started off feeling like she would be fleshed out but then flattened to be like a shaddow of a person. Other characters started off with promise to be fleshed out but turned into cliches. Hart was the star of the book but at times he seemed to be a cardboard cut out of what some people think a super hero looks like, an unfeeling-unless it is passion or rage-get the job done. There are glimmers of life at times but it is inconsistent. We know he is a flawed hero because we hear his brother died in some accident that he was present. Because this is a second book - Terminal was the first in the John Hart series - maybe some of his earlier history in already known. Because of the hints of events in Terminal I can't wait to read this too.
It really is a page turner and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The beginning did a good job of setting the stage and making me believe that the scenario could really happen. At times the detail seemed to go on and on. The plot was great. The ending was very quick in comparison.
Thank you goodreads, Earhartpress, and John Leifer for the Kindle book in return for an unbiased review.
February 12, 2020
8 Seconds to Midnight
By John Leifer
2020
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 4 stars
In chapter one readers meet Dr. Ayesha Naru, daughter of General Omar Malik, the top-ranking Pakistani military officer. Professionally the doctor uses her late mother’s maiden name at an attempt to keep her work separated from her father’s renown.
Chapter two introduces the setting of the novel to which the American public is unaware.
“A year and change had elapsed since the United Islamic State had launched a biological attack on the four busiest airports in America. … They almost succeeded.”
Readers now meet Commander John Hart, the leading bio warfare expert in the United States, a physician, Navy Seal, and senior intelligence officer. It was he who “led the team responsible for liberating the vaccine from a clandestine laboratory in Pakistan.”
Hart works with, and is engaged to, Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins, the preeminent virologist who runs the Bio level IV lab at the CDC, the US Health protection agency.
Fifty-four action filled chapters keep readers engrossed in the story of bioterrorism, nuclear warfare, deceit, and personal interactions around the globe right up to its satisfying conclusion. It is a timely tale reflecting the shades of involvement, as well as the personal consequences, revolving around these and the other characters introduced.
https://amzn.to/3btWPL7
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
By John Leifer
2020
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 4 stars
In chapter one readers meet Dr. Ayesha Naru, daughter of General Omar Malik, the top-ranking Pakistani military officer. Professionally the doctor uses her late mother’s maiden name at an attempt to keep her work separated from her father’s renown.
Chapter two introduces the setting of the novel to which the American public is unaware.
“A year and change had elapsed since the United Islamic State had launched a biological attack on the four busiest airports in America. … They almost succeeded.”
Readers now meet Commander John Hart, the leading bio warfare expert in the United States, a physician, Navy Seal, and senior intelligence officer. It was he who “led the team responsible for liberating the vaccine from a clandestine laboratory in Pakistan.”
Hart works with, and is engaged to, Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins, the preeminent virologist who runs the Bio level IV lab at the CDC, the US Health protection agency.
Fifty-four action filled chapters keep readers engrossed in the story of bioterrorism, nuclear warfare, deceit, and personal interactions around the globe right up to its satisfying conclusion. It is a timely tale reflecting the shades of involvement, as well as the personal consequences, revolving around these and the other characters introduced.
https://amzn.to/3btWPL7
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
November 24, 2018
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was my first book by this author, although I believe it is part of a series, I enjoyed reading it without having read the first book of the series. The book was well-written and a fast paced read, things were constantly happening so I didn't get pulled down by a slow read, that tends to bring down the pleasure I get out of reading a book. I certainly would recommend it to others.
August 3, 2018
Solid
A good book overall biut i especially liked the point of view from different characters. I havent read the first book(i will keep my eyes open for it)... but this one does just fine on it own. Giveaway win
A good book overall biut i especially liked the point of view from different characters. I havent read the first book(i will keep my eyes open for it)... but this one does just fine on it own. Giveaway win
September 2, 2019
Amazing - Page turner thriller.
Commander John Hart showed nerves and smartness to identify and control the situation. His composure is what I admire and not to frazzle in tough times.
Commander Hart - Better Than Jack Ryan.
Commander John Hart showed nerves and smartness to identify and control the situation. His composure is what I admire and not to frazzle in tough times.
Commander Hart - Better Than Jack Ryan.
November 21, 2018
Kept my interest from the first page to the last
January 3, 2020
Interesting read look forward to reading the next installment of hart's adventures
May 26, 2020
Good thriller. Sounds like the first book in the series may have dealth with a pandemic.
February 4, 2021
One of those stories where you can tell that it is well researched, making it a great read...and a bit unnerving to know how plausible the scenario might actually be.
August 4, 2018
good book--very tense through the entire book. Kept you alert.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews