Art thieves... An international crime syndicate... And mortal peril...
A year ago, Alexis Parker turned her back on everything she knew. Walking away from the Office of International Operations proved to be both the easiest and hardest thing she had ever done. However, her newfound life in the private sector is turning out to be anything but the cushy desk job she imagined.
Now ghosts from her past have come to haunt her. Running into a former acquaintance while retrieving a painting in Paris sends Alex spiraling back to the life she hoped to leave behind. Buried traumas from her last mission at the OIO are unearthed when similarities force the present to collide with the past. Those she believed to be friends quickly become enemies, and enemies soon become allies. It's a minefield of uncertainty that can have deadly consequences if she places her trust in the wrong person.
Meanwhile, the dynamic is shifting between her and James Martin, the man she had once been hired to protect. The two are standing on an emotional precipice, teetering on the edge of will they or won't they. It will all reach a crescendo as blood is spilled and sacrifices are made. Survival isn't always a guarantee but merely a whimsical dalliance.
G.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.
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
Do you enjoy reading about strong female characters? International intrigue? Police, FBI, Interpol, and the interworking of multiple agencies on a case? Then this for you!
This was a pretty good mystery, and I enjoyed the part of the book set in France, working with the police there. I suspect it's not terribly realistic in terms of civilians being able to work so closely with the police (even if she is a former federal agent), but it is entertaining. It features a strong female detective which is always a plus for me.
I really loved Alexis, she is a strong no nonsense character. Yes she has a tendency towards profanity, but I feel it helps define her she has been through hell and back, more then once so if she feels the need to cuss go right ahead.
Her relationship with Martin was another highlight for me. True the progression of it is extremely slow, but he's still technically her boss and she has issues letting people in. Her issues are due to the reason she left the OIO, and the fact that she doesn't want anyone to get injured or killed from being in her life. That being said I really like them as a pair, and I can't wait to see it develop in later books.
For the story itself, I love the fact that it keeps you guessing. Even once the main villain was revealed you still have surprises coming. I truly enjoyed this series and I hope to read more of the series soon.
This is technically the second book in a series but it can easily be read as a stand alone. There are references to the previous book, but not enough to hinder understanding.
Alexis Parker, former agent, now Security Consultant for Martin Technologies, was leaving for Paris with James the multimillionaire owner. He to see his new VP, Guilot and Alexis to escort a valuable painting. Too many expensive art pieces were being stolen.
Alexis finds herself in the middle of international stolen art and a dangerous gambling and stolen art warlord. Worse, her capture and torture. Will Alexis survive?
Great mystery, suspense, along with dangerous stake outs, that leave you constantly terrorized.
This is the second novel by G.K. Parks that I have read, the first being Likely Suspects. I cannot recommend either. This review is about the second one – The Warhol Incident – but mostly applies to the first one as well.
Our heroine, Alexis Parker, is not quite a government agent, not quite a private eye, not quite a bodyguard, not quite a femme fatale, available for hire for duties which seem straightforward but which turn dangerous.
The product of this recipe is a cross between a detective story and a bodice ripper. Falling between these two stools, we end up with a slow-paced story populated by somewhat fungible, forgettable characters. Tedious and meticulous detail is given to room layouts, menus, décor and a myriad of unnecessary minutiae which serve merely to further slow the already leisurely pace of the narrative. Where is a blue pencil when you need one?
Minor spoiler alert: the main male character, who appears on both books, is a cardboard cutout figure. Enviably rich, impeccably dressed and coiffed, and of course drop-dead handsome (piercing green eyes a non-optional accessory), he never gets to storm the citadel of our heroine’s womanhood. But oh dear, what a lot of side-of-the-bed and couch sitting, chaste hugging and (dear Lord) bed sharing, lingering looks, cheek- and arm- caressing and so on. Perhaps the novel would have benefited from being set in the Victorian age. As it is, one might unkindly, though not entirely inaccurately, also describe our heroine as a cock-teaser.
The only reason I couldn’t go 5 stars is because I’m finding Alex’s back and forth with regards to Martin getting old. This doesn’t enhance the storyline, it simply makes her irritating, surly and unlikeable. I don’t understand why authors have to try to make their female protagonists such pains in the @#*! I get that you want them to be tough and hard core but the constant rudeness and chip on shoulder prickliness just makes her seem unpleasant and unrelatable. The storyline itself is so well written and otherwise, like I said it would be 5 star. When it’s Alex being her professional agent kind of self, the writing is tight and interesting. But this stupid back and forth and golly day, the rudeness…I want to root for her…I know she’s the good guy, but I kinda hate her personality. Martin is a bloody saint if you ask me. More banter, more insight, less navel gazing.
The second book in the Alexis Parker series, this was a good sequel. Picking up shortly after the first book left off, we find Alexis going to Paris for a new consulting job. Conveniently, James Martin is on his way there to visit the MT Paris office. We get more of Alexis' backstory in this one, meeting Jean-Pierre, whom she worked with in the past on a case with the OIO. Let's just say that he is not what he seems. This time, Alexis and Jean-Pierre are partnered on a case to ensure an authentic painting makes it from a Paris museum to the client of the insurance company they are working for. Unfortunately, Alexis gets in too deep and her work follows her back home. There is a lot of action and violence, including torture, in this one, so it is not for the faint of heart.
Alexis is asked to transport a piece of artwork from Paris to NYC. There have been some thefts lately but the piece is a fake when she gets there. What?, it was authenticated?? She works with several agencies to get to the bottom of it since her reputation is on the line. She had possession of the artwork the entire time. A friend of hers is is working for the insurance company who hired her, or is he? She also has an on again off again relationship with James Martin, very rich client who has her firm on r drainer for security. Story a little drawn out so book got. Long. But good story and next book sounds interesting.
I read the first book and liked it enough to read this one. The reason I say it's far fetched is this current need to make women into tough guys. I know many like to think men and women are the same but it just ain't so. It's not just this book in particular but others I've read as well as some tv shows. Not if we're talking mentally women can absolutely be equal or even better in some (many:-) situations, but in most cases not physically. So do I think a woman can best a man physically, sure sometimes but not as some novels make out. I also don't believe that this rich, successful man would wait around for her. Just my opinion.
Alex has an office and PI and security business now along with her retainer for MI. Her first case is to escort a painting from France to America. Three other paintings have gone missing replaced with forgeries. Her relationship with James Martin is it progressing mostly due to the fear of him getting caught in the cross fire. Everything with the job goes wrong and she ends up tortured but helps break the case. She has a contract to do one mission for OIO and puts Martin on hold until the day of his surgery.
I really wanted to like this series, but I couldn't handle the ridiculous romance anymore. It was like watching two 16 year-olds debating if their parents will let them date. The mystery and writing were very meh. I was hoping this series would get better as it went on, but I have no desire to try anymore books.
I actually read this back in April and never wrote a review. Oops. So details are vague but I do remember there was a ton of repetition and the "romance" really was the worst.
Ms. Parker has a knack for getting involved in serious matters, some involving serious injury to others. She is a tough young lady and has no hesitation when it comes physical confrontation or drawing her 9mm. Interesting story lines, believable events, good characters. I will no doubt read a few more reports of her activities.
I love the characters and the way the book is written. The intrigue kept me reading as did the complex sort-of-romance. I love the way the good parts and the bad parts of the characters are shown. My only minor complaint is that it is a bit too wordy in the middle. I speed read those parts.
A good follow-up to Alexis Parker book #1. Contnuesi the same style, with some fun, romance, and excitement too - and sme serious, scary stuff. I am not sure about the cooperation and information sharing between US law enforcing agencies firstlly, and US and French agencies. However, for the sake of the story, we can accept this. Going on to book #3 now.
I probably should add this book to my "intrepid women" shelf. Alexis is intrepid to the point of being crazy. Too many close calls and a romance that doesn't seem to progress. Looking ahead in the series, I am thinking this was enough of Alexis. It was exciting but I would like to see a stable, loving relationship for her and that does not seem to be in the future.
If they’re enjoyed first two books the Alexis Parker series. She is an intriguing character with serious strengths, and serious weaknesses. It will be interesting to see how they all intermix over the length of the series. Her on again, off again romance with James Martin will also be interesting to see where it goes overtime.
Alexis Parker and James Martin are still trying to see if there can be anything between them. Work comes between them in a most serious fashion when Alexis becomes involved investigating an international art and local Paris gambling ring. Things get mighty ruff, dangerous, and deadly. Another exciting read.
I like the fact that Alex and Martin haven't jumped into bed together...how refreshing! Instead there are serious criminal pursuits, detective reasoning and painful battles with the bad guys. Still enjoying this series!
This complex international thriller will keep you on your toes. The main character is interesting and her response to situations and other characters keeps the story moving. Not very many dull moments.
Second verse good as the first. Enjoying the series. And you can't guess what will happen next. Makes it hard to put the story down. And now on to the next story. :)
Excellent second book in the Alexis Parker series. This was a roller coaster ride for sure! Several twists and turns you don’t see coming. Now, I’m looking forward to reading Mimicry of Banshees, the next book in the series.
Story moved well; just enough character development to peak interest; Parkers generalized angst should be more realistically dealt with. Over all like the plots and characters.
I was compelled to Irish it was a really good read. But I really really don’t like torture so it took me days just to finish. And I won’t be reading another Alexis Parker book in the series even though I want to know what happens to the Alexis Martin relationship
When Alexis is hired to act as courier and guard of an expensive piece of art, she of all people, is unprepared for the Nastiness of the band of art thieves! Parks' writing keeps you completely mesmerized!
Alex is still going strong in this second book. I think I have her figured out and then she goes another way! She's strong, wise in mind but maybe not heart, I will see in the next book!
I am enjoying reading this series. Great characters and intense mystery. Alexis is a smart independent woman and interesting character. I will continue on to see what she gets into next!