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Julian Mercer #1
Condemned
After witnessing an attempted murder, this ex-SpecOps mercenary will stop at nothing to find the truth.
His business card reads security specialist, but there isn't much that Julian Mercer won't do. Ever since his forced retirement, Mercer and his team have been negotiating the safe return of kidnapping victims, but that isn't enough to satisfy Julian's darker desires. His own life-altering tragedy has left him on the brink of insanity, and only his team and his job keep him from falling over the edge.
After stumbling upon the scene of a botched assassination, Mercer vows to protect a newspaper heiress from an unidentified killer. But she wants more than a bodyguard. She wants a mercenary who will hunt down the animal responsible for nearly murdering her fiancé.
Violence and mayhem decimate the city as Mercer and his team race against the clock to stop a contract killer, but the hired gun is just a symptom of the underlying disease. Until the man pulling the strings is stopped, a life hangs in the balance. Left with limited options, Mercer may have to abandon his morality or sacrifice himself in order to keep his promise.
His business card reads security specialist, but there isn't much that Julian Mercer won't do. Ever since his forced retirement, Mercer and his team have been negotiating the safe return of kidnapping victims, but that isn't enough to satisfy Julian's darker desires. His own life-altering tragedy has left him on the brink of insanity, and only his team and his job keep him from falling over the edge.
After stumbling upon the scene of a botched assassination, Mercer vows to protect a newspaper heiress from an unidentified killer. But she wants more than a bodyguard. She wants a mercenary who will hunt down the animal responsible for nearly murdering her fiancé.
Violence and mayhem decimate the city as Mercer and his team race against the clock to stop a contract killer, but the hired gun is just a symptom of the underlying disease. Until the man pulling the strings is stopped, a life hangs in the balance. Left with limited options, Mercer may have to abandon his morality or sacrifice himself in order to keep his promise.
273 pages, ebook
First published April 4, 2015
About the author
G.K. Parks
81 books197 followersG.K. Parks has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After spending some time in law school, G.K. changed paths and earned a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Now, that education is being put to use, creating a fictional world based upon years of study and research.
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/
Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GKParks
My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.
The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**
The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing
The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds
The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn
Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 1, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads novel.
Julian Mercer is a hostage recovery specialist. Whilst in Chicago, he hears a woman scream and saves the day. Details are murky, but it appears her fiance was shot. Mercer and his team are hired as bodyguards to protect the girl, but to do that, they have to find out who is trying to kill her, and nobody is telling the truth.
Julian himself is rather overwrought, but overall, not bad as these things go.
Julian Mercer is a hostage recovery specialist. Whilst in Chicago, he hears a woman scream and saves the day. Details are murky, but it appears her fiance was shot. Mercer and his team are hired as bodyguards to protect the girl, but to do that, they have to find out who is trying to kill her, and nobody is telling the truth.
Julian himself is rather overwrought, but overall, not bad as these things go.
October 6, 2018
I know Julian from his introduction in the Alex Parker series. His character is darker, but he and his team are smart. Bas is my favourite, jovial, brilliant, and a bottomless pit of hunger while he’s quitting smoking.
Mercer hears a woman crying for help and finds her fiancé has been shot. So begins a complex tale about so many people lying and betraying each other, it’s a wonder it gets sorted.
Want to see more of Donovan and Hans, as well as Bas, but look forward most to learning more about how Julian ticks.
KU
Mercer hears a woman crying for help and finds her fiancé has been shot. So begins a complex tale about so many people lying and betraying each other, it’s a wonder it gets sorted.
Want to see more of Donovan and Hans, as well as Bas, but look forward most to learning more about how Julian ticks.
KU
December 4, 2022
The plot was good but there was something about the way it was written that kept me from fully enjoying this story. I liked Bastian.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
February 22, 2018
AWESOME fast paced read!!
Julian Mercer and his Special Forces crew, are proficient in solving kidnappings and such. Julian happens upon a shooting in an alley in the U.S. Things go totally south from there. Can Julian and his crew solve this tangled up mess? You almost need a score card, to keep track of the players in this story...lol. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Julian Mercer and his Special Forces crew, are proficient in solving kidnappings and such. Julian happens upon a shooting in an alley in the U.S. Things go totally south from there. Can Julian and his crew solve this tangled up mess? You almost need a score card, to keep track of the players in this story...lol. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!
April 21, 2018
Swift paced thriller.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced thriller that grabs you at the beginning and goes full tilt to the end. Julian and his band are an interesting group of characters. I look forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced thriller that grabs you at the beginning and goes full tilt to the end. Julian and his band are an interesting group of characters. I look forward to the next book.
February 25, 2018
Liar
Action packed, fast moving, multi layered, murder mystery with an international flavor. Could have used less internal angst in the hero though. Definitely a recommend read.
Action packed, fast moving, multi layered, murder mystery with an international flavor. Could have used less internal angst in the hero though. Definitely a recommend read.
May 10, 2019
Book 1
Liked the book. It kept your interest, jumped from English to American with the grace of a good writer. Good story.
Liked the book. It kept your interest, jumped from English to American with the grace of a good writer. Good story.
July 22, 2017
Daddy Manipulates
I chose a 5 star rating for this first novel in this series because I find Mercer to be an interesting character. I was familiar with him from the Alexis Parker series. Since this is a spinoff series, I couldn't resist reading it. The plot was fast paced and Mercer along with his team use many methods to stop the bad guys? Julian Mercer has his own demons that he carries around so that makes him more likeable and not a mercenary out for blood money.
I chose a 5 star rating for this first novel in this series because I find Mercer to be an interesting character. I was familiar with him from the Alexis Parker series. Since this is a spinoff series, I couldn't resist reading it. The plot was fast paced and Mercer along with his team use many methods to stop the bad guys? Julian Mercer has his own demons that he carries around so that makes him more likeable and not a mercenary out for blood money.
January 3, 2021
A decent plot but a tad disjointed.
I had a hard time liking the main character. I felt that the start of the book was a little disjointed. It really was a decent plot but I had a hard time getting through it. I also felt there was took many characters to keep up with. I like his Alexis Parker series better.
I had a hard time liking the main character. I felt that the start of the book was a little disjointed. It really was a decent plot but I had a hard time getting through it. I also felt there was took many characters to keep up with. I like his Alexis Parker series better.
September 8, 2018
Good read
It’s usually some guy stumbling into becoming a detective. I enjoyed following a problem solver falling into the detective business.
Thanks for a good, I’m looking forward to following this path.
It’s usually some guy stumbling into becoming a detective. I enjoyed following a problem solver falling into the detective business.
Thanks for a good, I’m looking forward to following this path.
January 18, 2019
Story is based around the time Mercer hears a woman crying for help and finds her fiancé has been shot. Interesting story of who did what to who and why, and there is a lot of lying and deceit to sort out, but it finally happens. It was a good story, and I enjoyed reading this book.
August 16, 2022
Too banal
I am happy to read almost anything but this book feels like a first novel that hasn’t been edited; banal and boring* Maybe it got better but I couldn’t stick with it; unlikable characters and dull writing did me in
I am happy to read almost anything but this book feels like a first novel that hasn’t been edited; banal and boring* Maybe it got better but I couldn’t stick with it; unlikable characters and dull writing did me in
November 28, 2016
This is very well written book I actually enjoyed reading it. I am now looking into more books by G. K. Parks to read. I do believe this thriller is a must to buy and read.
April 29, 2017
Decent suspenseful novel
This book is a decent novel, although not particularly gripping. It also lacks some in the area of character development.
This book is a decent novel, although not particularly gripping. It also lacks some in the area of character development.
May 17, 2018
The book was a little slow, and the main character was self centered. I read, although I will not follow up with anymore of his books.
October 15, 2018
It was touted to be as good as Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. It wasn't (nothing is!!). Not bad but I was disappointed a bit after the hype. Actually a good book all in all....
October 29, 2018
Condemned
Loved this book. Had lots of thrills which kept the book really interesting. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this book.
Loved this book. Had lots of thrills which kept the book really interesting. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this book.
February 26, 2021
Julian 1
I met Julian Mercer and his team in an Alexis Parker novel. They are all ex SAS retired and have formed a team that negotiates the release of kidnap victims all over the world. They just concluded their business in London where Julia's wife was murdered and the killer was never found. They leave for Chicago for a job that they chose not to take when Julian finds a woman in the alley next to his hotel holding her fiance that had been shot. Mercer agrees to let her father hire the team to protect Katia and they decide to include the fiance, Ben in their job. They have to pull out all the stops to protect the couple, find the assassin and the person that hired him. There are a lot of twists and turns but they finally get their man.
I met Julian Mercer and his team in an Alexis Parker novel. They are all ex SAS retired and have formed a team that negotiates the release of kidnap victims all over the world. They just concluded their business in London where Julia's wife was murdered and the killer was never found. They leave for Chicago for a job that they chose not to take when Julian finds a woman in the alley next to his hotel holding her fiance that had been shot. Mercer agrees to let her father hire the team to protect Katia and they decide to include the fiance, Ben in their job. They have to pull out all the stops to protect the couple, find the assassin and the person that hired him. There are a lot of twists and turns but they finally get their man.
January 21, 2026
Great beginning
I absolutely love this author's Alexis Parker series and Liv DeMarco series. I decided to try the Julian Mercer series. This author does really well with writing intriguing characters, humorous dialogue, and interesting storylines. This book was definitely a great start to a new series. I was hoping that Alexis Parker would be in this book, but she hasn't appeared in this book.
I absolutely love this author's Alexis Parker series and Liv DeMarco series. I decided to try the Julian Mercer series. This author does really well with writing intriguing characters, humorous dialogue, and interesting storylines. This book was definitely a great start to a new series. I was hoping that Alexis Parker would be in this book, but she hasn't appeared in this book.
November 20, 2022
Great start to another great series
Great start to another great series. After reading about Alexis Parker, Condemned is a great turn of characters. Loving forward to the next book.
Great start to another great series. After reading about Alexis Parker, Condemned is a great turn of characters. Loving forward to the next book.
January 8, 2023
Kept my interest
I like mysteries but usually figure them out rt away. This kept my interest and while I did figure it out I didn't know whom the backstabber was for sure. This book was unlike anything I normally read and I loved the trip.
I like mysteries but usually figure them out rt away. This kept my interest and while I did figure it out I didn't know whom the backstabber was for sure. This book was unlike anything I normally read and I loved the trip.
January 30, 2023
Not my thing
Although I didn't absolutely love the book, I liked parts of it. I just thought the main character had some unattractive and detrimental anger issues. The victim's girlfriend was way too whiny too.
Although I didn't absolutely love the book, I liked parts of it. I just thought the main character had some unattractive and detrimental anger issues. The victim's girlfriend was way too whiny too.
August 10, 2026
A decent “who done it” type of story told in a British voice in an American city. The characters are not well developed or well thought out but the story is pretty fun and not too long. The narration of the audiobook is very good.
January 22, 2019
Long!
While the plot was good, I found the book too long & repetitious! Unfortunately(or fortunately) by the time I read a few chapters, had to know who was guilty! 😊
While the plot was good, I found the book too long & repetitious! Unfortunately(or fortunately) by the time I read a few chapters, had to know who was guilty! 😊
August 30, 2019
Grammatically well written. That is the only positive thing I can say about this book.
June 21, 2020
Light, but not that imaginative. Good pandemic stuff.
Read
December 26, 2020Good spy thriller
The main character was the strong silent type. He had his own demons to deal with. Would definitely read more from this author.
The main character was the strong silent type. He had his own demons to deal with. Would definitely read more from this author.
Read
February 12, 2021Good read
Lots of twists and turns keep you guessing as to who the bad guys are. Going on to the next book
Lots of twists and turns keep you guessing as to who the bad guys are. Going on to the next book
September 23, 2022
Great read
None stop action. Twists and turns. You never know what direction you headed to next but you will be surprised
None stop action. Twists and turns. You never know what direction you headed to next but you will be surprised
September 26, 2022
Amazing!
A strong plot with plenty of twists and turns. Main characters with plenty of desire to see things through to the end.
A strong plot with plenty of twists and turns. Main characters with plenty of desire to see things through to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews