A Thick Crimson Line

Mike Walton #3

by Simon Gervais

1979 Hours before the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty, eight American-trained SAVAK intelligence officers defect to the United States carrying with them a secret that could one day propel Iran to the rank of superpower. 2018 United When another series of peace talks over Iran’s nuclear program fails and a rogue Iranian general flees to Greece to meet with a high-ranking CIA officer, the Iranian Supreme Leader — who’s determined to redraw the map of the Middle East — orders the execution of an operation decades in the making. Within hours, key elements inside the American and Canadian governments are wiped out. With the stock market in turmoil and evidence showing that the attacks came from within, Mike Walton and his team — all covert counterterrorism assets working for the International Market Stabilization Institute — have seventy-two hours to find the traitors before the White House orders a massive retaliatory strike that would annihilate any chance of peace in the Middle East. From the tourist-filled streets of Athens to the high-rises of New York City, Mike Walton will need to cross the line he swore he’d never go over in order to protect the ones he loves. Never have the stakes been higher or the odds against him been so great. With his sanity on the line,and the lives of thousands resting on his shoulders, Mike will do what he must . . . one bullet at a time. RAVES FOR SIMON “When Simon Gervais writes about the world of high-stakes global security, he knows what he's talking about. His world-class security expertise shines through in THE THIN BLACK LINE, a high-speed, break-neck, turbo-charged thriller that takes readers behind the scenes of the war on terrorism." – David Morell, New York Times bestselling author "THE THIN BLACK LINE is a refreshingly smart and blisteringly original tale that's equal parts financial thriller and cat-and-mouse game with the survival of the United States economy hanging in the balance. Simon Gervais puts his own law enforcement background to solid use in hitting a home run his first time at the plate. A major debut that places him on the level of Nelson DeMille and Brad Thor." – Jon Land, bestselling author of STRONG VENGEANCE "A RED DOTTED LINE reminds us of what thrillers are supposed to thrilling. Gervais, a former anti-terrorist agent, knows the world that he writes about and illuminates the dark threats we all face on the global stage. A RED DOTTED LINE will entertain, educate, and engage even the most jaded reader of international thrillers." – Nelson DeMille, New York Times bestselling author "A RED DOTTED LINE is a taut and intelligent thriller chock full of excitement and authenticity. Simon Gervais shows off an expansive range of knowledge and an equally remarkable ability to keep a complex story moving along at a breakneck pace. The plotting is first rate, and the wide cast of standout characters memorable. Readers will find A RED DOTTED LINE reminiscent of the very best of Vince Flynn and David Baldacci." – Mark Greaney, New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Thriller, Espionage

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2018

About the author

Simon Gervais is a former federal agent specializing in protective operations and counterterrorism. He spent nearly twenty years in the military and in law enforcement. His assignments took him all over Europe and the Middle East. He's the New York Times and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 15 exciting thrillers, one of these titles—Robert Ludlum's The Blackbriar Genesis—was written for the Robert Ludlum estate. Simon's Clayton White series is presently being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer TV attached to produce.

Simon lives with his wife and two children. He's an avid boater, diver, and skier.

Literary Agent: Mark Tavani at David Black Agency.
Film/TV Agent: Debbie Deuble-Hill and Alec Frankel at APA.

The Caspian Anderson series:
THE ELIAS NETWORK (Sept 2024)
THE ELIAS ENIGMA (July 2025)
THE ELIAS CONSPIRACY (July 2026)

The Chase Burke series (co-written with Ryan Steck):
THE SECOND SON (December 2025)
THE MARKED SON (November 2026)

Robert Ludlum's THE BLACKBRIAR GENESIS written by Simon Gervais (October 18, 2022)

The Clayton White series:
THE LAST PROTECTOR (November 2021)
THE LAST SENTINEL (August 2022)
THE LAST GUARDIAN (October 2023)

The Pierce Hunt series
HUNT THEM DOWN (January 2019)
TRAINED TO HUNT (September 2019)
TIME TO HUNT (November 2020)

The Mike Walton series:
THE THIN BLACK LINE (March 2015)
A LONG GRAY LINE (Novella—March 2016)
A RED DOTTED LINE (November 2017)
A THICK CRIMSON LINE (April 2018)

"[An] action-packed series launch by Simon Gervais..." —Publishers Weekly

"One of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year..." —The Real Book Spy

"Gervais is a thriller writer to watch..." —Library Journal

"An action-packed thrill ride with plot twists around nearly every curve" — Kirkus Reviews

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A freight train of a novel that starts with the assassination of the Canadian prime minister by his own bodyguard, and never looks back!

A plan from the Iranian Revolution is coming to fruition, as world leaders are being assassinated. Mike Walton and his team try to figure out what's going on, only to find themselves targeting by quds.

Things go from bad to worse for the team trying to battle its way out of the conspiracy.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this the last Mike Walton? Well I haven't heard about a new book in this series from Simon Gervais. A Thick Crimson Line is by far the best book in the series and it leaves me wanting more. There are so much going on in this book it keeps you glued to the pages and it's hard to put down, the suspense and action is great and the author has no problem disposing of characters like something I have seldom seen. If you never tried any of the books from this Canadian thriller master you should start reading his books at once. He has several series and doesn't keep them going forever, which I actually like. Each new series is better than the last.

[Mysticpt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a genre I normally read and I don't think the author agrees with my politics , but a pretty decent page-turner with lots of action so rounded up to four stars. I didn't read the first two books in the series but the author gets you caught up , thanks to Jeff B for the recommendation

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Walton and his IMSI cronies are back, trying to keep the world safe from terrorists. Fresh off a job in Athens and headed to his exfil point, Mike gets the word to turn back. To the same hotel he just narrowly escaped from! Seems an Iranian general initiate a plan that has been in the works since 1979. At that time Iranian refugees infiltrated the US. Plenty of time for their offspring to grow up into respected citizens and be in positions of some authority. Starting with the assassination of the Canadian Prime Minister, the dominoes begin to fall and the IMSI has little time to identify the terrorists. Thus is drawn the thick crimson line and the red isn't roses. Another excellent Mike Walton book!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me - a thriller involving a government team fighting terrorists really isn’t my type of read but this one kept my interest more than I expected. Don’t like starting a series out of sequence so that was a downside here. The action was start-to-finish (maybe a little too jacked-up) and it was interesting to read about the author’s true background in government. I’ll say it dipped it’s toe into the four star rating for me.

[Tiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre and it suffered a little for me being #3 in a series I haven't read, but a solid 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 simply for a fascinating premise of "sleeper cells" being planted a full generation ahead. Tons of action. Thanks to Jeff B for the recommendation.

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller about Iran.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay - I really, really enjoyed the entire Mike Walton series starting with A Long Gray Line - the first in Simon Gervais' series. The creation of IMSI was super smart - and founded on an obvious need - and I loved the characters and the internationally intriguing plot. Then Gervais takes IMSI out for a spin in his 2nd book in the series, A Red Dotted Line. It was another superb read. Now A Thick Crimson Line pulls it altogether with a sensational thriller that leaves us (read as me) want more from IMSI, Mike & Lisa Walton, Zima and Eitan, et al. I love that the story line is so plausible and is goes on and on full speed ahead. This book is a super fun read, hard to put down and I highly recommend it - and the entire Mike Walton series!

Side note - I know Gervias has launched the fantastic new Pierce Hunt series but I think it is time that Pierce Hunt meets Mike Walton & IMSI in the very near future. Simon Gervais fans are ready!!

5 STARS!!

[Joe Chasko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nonsensensical scene

Really the whole book and story was fine and the characters were decent. But I had to ding at a couple stores when I come on this gem:”He felt the heat of the bullet whiz past him and heard a noise like that of a fist striking a pillow. A wet sucking sound confirmed a bullet had penetrated the terrorist’s flesh.”
No, I don’t think you feel the heat of a bullet passing you, but I sure as hell know that when an unmufflled AK47 is fired in a room it is absolutely impossible to hear the sound of the bullet strike. It’s even impossible to hear outside. This is stupid movie stuff. You can’t do that in the book because there’s more reality to our imagining than in a movie.

[Sheila Beitler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evil plot that was started in 1979. Failed peace talks over Iran's nuclear program. Defectors, murder, and it all falls on Mike Walton, his wife Lisa, and the IMSI crew to stop the madness. But -- they have to do it in 72 hours! Mike and Lisa Walton have had more than their share of heartache. Losing family, horrific injuries, these things would stop most people, but most people aren't like Mike & Lisa. This 3rd book in the Mike Walton series is by far the best. Gervais hit the mark with books 1 and 2, but he has outdone himself in this one. This is a must read for Gervais fans. You won't want to put it down as it hurtles to an explosive conclusion.

[Joanne Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book prior to reading the others in the series (thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher), and found it to be a rollercoaster ride of a book. Espionage, double-agents, triple-agents, terrorist, etc.

When a decades-old plan by the Ayotollah Khomeini (my spelling) is made operational, political assassinations are executed - starting with the Canadian Prime Minister and his wife.

Mr. Gervais knows of what he writes, as a former agent. Recommended for fans of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy (but not as weighty).

[Darcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excitement galore

The 3rd installment in the Mike Walton series this book continues the exciting and dangerous world of anti terrorism. Lisa, Mike's wife has returned to work after being tortured during their last mission. A must read novel full of patriots tired of being scared of terrorism destroying the ones they love and willing to take action to make the world a safer place.

[Kevin Stumpf · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite author. I read Thor, Silva, Rollins, Berry, Coes, Flynn/Mills, Brad Taylor, Berry, Sargeant, Greaney (ok Greaney may not have been passed yet), and Gervais is on top right now.

Characters you care about, plots that make sense with no holes, plot not rushed, despicable villains, and believable plot twists.

I only hope the ideas presented are 100% fictional or else I may not sleep for a while.

[TheMysteryMO (Mike O) · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me - a thriller involving a government team fighting terrorists really isn’t my type of read but this one kept my interest more than I expected. Don’t like starting a series out of sequence so that was a downside here. The action was start-to-finish (maybe a little too jacked-up) and it was interesting to read about the author’s true background in government. I’ll say it dipped it’s toe into the four star rating for me.

[Mags Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storyline Good, Research Great!

Author Gervais writes an excellent script every book, but having served, lived in, experienced events about which he writes and finding them spot-on reality makes for an incredible story. Con: reading until 1:30-2:00 in the morning is only tolerable because I’m retired.
The loss of good characters in the story while sad is reality. The "good guys" don't always win every skirmish, but hopefully win the war!

[Jaume Ayala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original plot with a plan defined in the long term (40 years to go).
When sleepers are activated, hard situation starts for Mike's team.
Since this book was released in 2018 (2024 when writing this down) I guess no additional books in the series although the end of the story wouldn't prevent that.
I will move to Pierce Hunt series although I can see there are only three novels released so far...

[Miquia Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the plot

Great plot. I also love that the author provides so information at the end of the book in the appendix. There were more spelling and grammar errors than I've seen in his other books, which I found distracting (and occasionally confusing - like I wasn't 100% sure what he was saying). Still, would recommend the book.

[Keith Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocking...

This title, next in the series, holds to quality of the previous entries. I won't be surprised to see them on screen; what will surprise is that the cinema version approaches the written with accuracy and quality.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

W O W !

The action never stops! Book 3 doesn't disappoint as we are reminded that long time enemies may seem to fade, but they will remain enemies. This book has a terrifying premise because you know, it could happen!

[Tom Mahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first 'Mike Walton thriller', and a pleasant surprise. Non stop action, but with a realistic and up to date story line, a tough combination to pull off. Only drawback, is a problem with translation with many singular/plural mixups and many verbs incorrectly used. Still a fun read.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fitting conclusion to the three book series

Gervais conceived s fascinating plot line that carried through three books and kept me entertained for hours on end.
This book concluded the series and left me wanting more from these characters.

[Debi Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

The Mike Walton series is such a fast paced adventure. I devoured these books. I really hope you continue adding to this series. Caution folks, you'll be reading late into the night.

[Sally Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good

These three books are the best!
I can’t get enough of this writer. He really knows his stuff
Nothing wrong with these stories

[John Crutchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Sad to see the "trilogy" come to an end, but excited to read the next series of books. Simon Gervais is an excellent story teller.

[Robert Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page tourner

Action packed just couldn't put it down. Can't wait till the next book. I am definitely hooked. Genesis is as good as Tom Clancy maybe better.

[Jack Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Another good Mike Walton book. The action keeps you going guessing what will happen next. I love that Isreal and the US agents work together.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these sort of books and was well presented good read throughout and hope there are more to come very complusive reading

[Victor Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3

Fast moving action. Some of the charactors were hard to keep up with. Enjoyed the read, will read more of Gervais.

[JpK KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Excellent job we'll see it this gets posted as the powers to be said they banned me cause I tell the truth and fix the writers mistakes