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Harper McDaniel #2
When You Can't Stop
One woman’s quest for revenge, a dangerous international conspiracy, and ruthless corporations intertwine in this page-turner from bestselling author James W. Hall.
Despite Harper McDaniel’s best efforts, the man responsible for the murder of her husband and son was exonerated thanks to some slick legal wrangling. This blatant injustice has only made Harper more determined than ever to bring down the culprit. Her ammunition? Incriminating information about his olive oil operations in Italy. But the clues that she follows are leading her into the depths of a corrupt plot that is more poisonous and far-reaching than she realizes. And more dangerous, too, because her enemy is prepared for her pursuit.
Accompanied by her brother and mobster grandfather, Harper treks across Spain from Seville to a medieval castle, home to a successful olive farmer who is one of Harper’s closest allies. Shadowed every step of the way by a ruthless assassin, Harper is moving ever deeper into enemy territory—and questioning whom she can really trust on this personal path of justice and revenge.
Despite Harper McDaniel’s best efforts, the man responsible for the murder of her husband and son was exonerated thanks to some slick legal wrangling. This blatant injustice has only made Harper more determined than ever to bring down the culprit. Her ammunition? Incriminating information about his olive oil operations in Italy. But the clues that she follows are leading her into the depths of a corrupt plot that is more poisonous and far-reaching than she realizes. And more dangerous, too, because her enemy is prepared for her pursuit.
Accompanied by her brother and mobster grandfather, Harper treks across Spain from Seville to a medieval castle, home to a successful olive farmer who is one of Harper’s closest allies. Shadowed every step of the way by a ruthless assassin, Harper is moving ever deeper into enemy territory—and questioning whom she can really trust on this personal path of justice and revenge.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2018
268 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
About the author
James W. Hall
89 books487 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James W. Hall is an Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author whose books have been translated into a dozen languages. He has written twenty-one novels, four books of poetry, two collections of short stories, and two works of non-fiction. He also won a John D. MacDonald Award for Excellence in Florida Fiction, presented by the JDM Bibliophile.
He has a master’s degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in literature from the University of Utah. He was a professor of literature and creative writing at Florida International University for 40 years where he taught such writers as Vicky Hendricks, Christine Kling, Barbara Parker and Dennis Lehane.
James W. Hall is an Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author whose books have been translated into a dozen languages. He has written twenty-one novels, four books of poetry, two collections of short stories, and two works of non-fiction. He also won a John D. MacDonald Award for Excellence in Florida Fiction, presented by the JDM Bibliophile.
He has a master’s degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in literature from the University of Utah. He was a professor of literature and creative writing at Florida International University for 40 years where he taught such writers as Vicky Hendricks, Christine Kling, Barbara Parker and Dennis Lehane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 6, 2018
Maybe I will continue reading about Harper, but maybe not. I was fully engaged with the first book, but this one was Martial Arts Gone Wild. There were some fairly interesting challenges, but it turned out to be a tad different than what she had been figuring. No spoilers. I think it is safe to say that her main target carried over from the first book will not be figuring into the next book. I was glad to see continued involvement from her father and brother and her intelligence agency too secret to have a name.
OK, I probably will have to read the next one to make sure she gets herself settled back down in Florida and starts to live a normal life if possible.
OK, I probably will have to read the next one to make sure she gets herself settled back down in Florida and starts to live a normal life if possible.
February 5, 2023
Recently widowed Harper McDaniel is still in avenging-angel mode in this cartoonish sequel to WHEN THEY COME FOR YOU (2017). She remains a part-time photographer/part-time operative for mysterious Defense Clandestine Service, “an elite intelligence unit buried away inside a half dozen obscure agencies within the Defense Department” (p8). Accompanied by her adopted brother and superannuated mobster grandfather, Harper lunges around the E.U., seeking justice for her murdered husband and young son. As one more implausibility, the object of her crusade is a billionaire manbaby that comic actor Mike Meyers probably would love to portray. Little things bugged Mister Liberryhead throughout this silly novel. Despite being in TWO professions requiring extraordinary visual acuity, poor Harper “felt a pang of regret for all she’d failed to see in recent days” (p287). Furthermore, despite fine-tuning her martial arts skills in Spanish dojo/retreat, Harper repeatedly suffers “failure of situational awareness” (p306). WHEN YOU CAN'T STOP is proof that James W. Hall really should do exactly that – stop! – rather than go for Book Three.
August 7, 2018
I highly recommend this book. This was the first book I read of Mr. Hall's but . Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advance copy . I did have trouble getting into the first few chapters but stick with it and it grabs you.
April 16, 2019
Captivating
Intense and thrilling. Harper is tireless, focused and lethal. Pairing up with Adrian is her best bet to bring down the bad guy. Turns out to be more complicated than it appears. They work well together and triumph in the end.
Intense and thrilling. Harper is tireless, focused and lethal. Pairing up with Adrian is her best bet to bring down the bad guy. Turns out to be more complicated than it appears. They work well together and triumph in the end.
November 25, 2018
Before I do anything else I want to thank the author and publisher for an opportunity to read this book though Goodreads Giveaway Program.
This book has to be the most unbelievable book I have ever read. It was very hard to keep up with the people and their names but after awhile it got better. I was OK with that until we got to the chicken. The main villain jumped in a car and killed the old lady driving and pushed her over. The other older lady was in the backseat with her chicken. After snapping the chicken's leg off, they are not like pencils and just break nice and clean, and several miles down the road, the villain kills the other lady. The villain feels sorry for the chicken and attaches the leg back on with Duct Tape and the chicken walks away. That would never happen.
Then there is a 8 year old girl doing research and experiments to prove her father is trying to kill her. When the Pet Shop doesn't have 4 rats the right age, she throws down 200 franks to entice him to find them.
The rest of the book seems to be filler. I can say the book got a bit better toward the end, but it was a chore to finish it.
This book has to be the most unbelievable book I have ever read. It was very hard to keep up with the people and their names but after awhile it got better. I was OK with that until we got to the chicken. The main villain jumped in a car and killed the old lady driving and pushed her over. The other older lady was in the backseat with her chicken. After snapping the chicken's leg off, they are not like pencils and just break nice and clean, and several miles down the road, the villain kills the other lady. The villain feels sorry for the chicken and attaches the leg back on with Duct Tape and the chicken walks away. That would never happen.
Then there is a 8 year old girl doing research and experiments to prove her father is trying to kill her. When the Pet Shop doesn't have 4 rats the right age, she throws down 200 franks to entice him to find them.
The rest of the book seems to be filler. I can say the book got a bit better toward the end, but it was a chore to finish it.
December 31, 2020
#2 in the Harper McDaniel series. This 2018 series entry by author James W. Hall is tough to get started because it immediately follows When They Come for You (2017) and the reader has to get up to speed with the characters and the ongoing complex situation the previous book left. Once reacclimated with the back story, this novel takes off like a runaway freight train. The action takes place in Spain and Italy but the cast is international and there is a sprinkling of dialogue in Spanish and Italian, reasonably enough, but also in German and a brief encounter in Portuguese. The plot has wheels within wheels and it takes until the final page for all the alliances to be sorted out. No cliffhanger this time, in case there is a third entry in the series to come.
Despite Harper McDaniel's best efforts, the man responsible for the murder of her husband and son was exonerated thanks to some slick legal wrangling. This blatant injustice has only made Harper more determined than ever to bring down the culprit. Her ammunition? Incriminating information about his olive oil operations in Italy. But the clues that she follows are leading her into the depths of a corrupt plot that is more poisonous and far-reaching than she realizes. And more dangerous, too, because her enemy is prepared for her pursuit. Accompanied by her brother and mobster grandfather, Harper treks across Spain from Seville to a medieval castle, home to a successful olive farmer who is one of Harper's brother's closest allies. Shadowed every step of the way by a ruthless assassin, Harper is moving ever deeper into enemy territory.
Despite Harper McDaniel's best efforts, the man responsible for the murder of her husband and son was exonerated thanks to some slick legal wrangling. This blatant injustice has only made Harper more determined than ever to bring down the culprit. Her ammunition? Incriminating information about his olive oil operations in Italy. But the clues that she follows are leading her into the depths of a corrupt plot that is more poisonous and far-reaching than she realizes. And more dangerous, too, because her enemy is prepared for her pursuit. Accompanied by her brother and mobster grandfather, Harper treks across Spain from Seville to a medieval castle, home to a successful olive farmer who is one of Harper's brother's closest allies. Shadowed every step of the way by a ruthless assassin, Harper is moving ever deeper into enemy territory.
October 2, 2018
After being thwarted in her previous attempts to bring the person responsible for the death of her husband and son to justice, Harper McDaniel must resort to new tactics. When she discovers that their killer is a major player in the olive oil industry and plans to commit a fraudulent sale of his olive tree orchards, she thinks she’s found the method of her revenge. She decides to expose the details of his planned fraud but unknown to her, the man she’s targeting is more than prepared for her.
When You Can’t Stop by James W. Hall is the 2nd in what appears to be just a two-book series. Having not read the preceding book, I was a little lost as to the backstory and would recommend reading When They Come For You first. That said, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to fans of the thriller genre. The plot is well conceived and the characters I found to be quite believable. I would give this book 3/5 stars.
*A copy of this ebook is the only consideration received in exchange for this review.*
When You Can’t Stop by James W. Hall is the 2nd in what appears to be just a two-book series. Having not read the preceding book, I was a little lost as to the backstory and would recommend reading When They Come For You first. That said, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to fans of the thriller genre. The plot is well conceived and the characters I found to be quite believable. I would give this book 3/5 stars.
*A copy of this ebook is the only consideration received in exchange for this review.*
October 8, 2018
I want to thank the author and publisher for an opportunity to read this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. What a wonderful way to enjoy authors who are new to me.
I want to start by saying I did not read the others in this series and I feel I missed a lot of information/background into the characters. so I would not recommend the book on a standalone basis.
However, I did enjoy the book. The characters were very interesting. I have never read a book where two female characters are kind of Ninja types and battling it out. Would make for a good movie. I wondered how an expert could not pick up the shadow for so long, till further into the book you find out the details from a previous book about Harper's loss of husband and son. Still not sure how all of that came about, but know that Albion is somehow responsible. I wouldn't have given up either to get revenge.
Guess I will have to read the previous books to get more involved, but isn't that the delight in finding new authors you wish to follow.
Good read
I want to start by saying I did not read the others in this series and I feel I missed a lot of information/background into the characters. so I would not recommend the book on a standalone basis.
However, I did enjoy the book. The characters were very interesting. I have never read a book where two female characters are kind of Ninja types and battling it out. Would make for a good movie. I wondered how an expert could not pick up the shadow for so long, till further into the book you find out the details from a previous book about Harper's loss of husband and son. Still not sure how all of that came about, but know that Albion is somehow responsible. I wouldn't have given up either to get revenge.
Guess I will have to read the previous books to get more involved, but isn't that the delight in finding new authors you wish to follow.
Good read
October 8, 2018
If you haven't read the first book in the Harper McDaniel series, it's a much better read if you read the books in order. This volume is enjoyable particularly because it varies the settings among several European cities. The plot is a complex one and the charactersomplex nlll
are well drawn. The main character, Harper, is a young woman seeking revenge for the murders of her husband and young son. The plot is enlivened by her expertise in martial arts. My only somewhat negative thought is that every important female character is described as having long black hair. I wonder at the reason for that.
are well drawn. The main character, Harper, is a young woman seeking revenge for the murders of her husband and young son. The plot is enlivened by her expertise in martial arts. My only somewhat negative thought is that every important female character is described as having long black hair. I wonder at the reason for that.
October 10, 2019
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. I love how it introduces me to new authors and I get to read a lot more good book!!
I have not read any of the other books in the series, and I feel that I missed some things, and don't know the back story involved.
I did enjoy the book as it was, but I feel that I need to go back and read the first one.
When she discovers that the killer is involved in the olive oil industry she plans her revenge. She thinks this would work by doing a fraudulent sale of his olive tree orchards. But the target is prepared for what she is planning.
The characters were interesting, but again I think I needed more back story.
I have not read any of the other books in the series, and I feel that I missed some things, and don't know the back story involved.
I did enjoy the book as it was, but I feel that I need to go back and read the first one.
When she discovers that the killer is involved in the olive oil industry she plans her revenge. She thinks this would work by doing a fraudulent sale of his olive tree orchards. But the target is prepared for what she is planning.
The characters were interesting, but again I think I needed more back story.
November 14, 2020
The second didn't disappoint
Harper is so easy to relate to. My heart hurts for her while I feel pride at her courage and capacity to seek out justice. Hall creates tangible characters I feel as though I can see with my own eyes, and whose feelings and motives are palpable. The unraveling so slow and steady of the sordid motive here kept me reading because I didn't want to put the book down. The hint of what's to come has me excited for the next book in the series, and its going to be hard waiting for it to get here. I also wonder if we will ever discover at some future date just what becomes of miss Bonnie Albion?
Harper is so easy to relate to. My heart hurts for her while I feel pride at her courage and capacity to seek out justice. Hall creates tangible characters I feel as though I can see with my own eyes, and whose feelings and motives are palpable. The unraveling so slow and steady of the sordid motive here kept me reading because I didn't want to put the book down. The hint of what's to come has me excited for the next book in the series, and its going to be hard waiting for it to get here. I also wonder if we will ever discover at some future date just what becomes of miss Bonnie Albion?
December 11, 2018
As a big fan of Mr. Hall’s Thorn series, I feel like I missed a little by not reading the first book in this new series featuring Harper McDaniel. The writing style, as usual is top notch with excellent character developments and solid plot development. Excellent research is once again evident as I was transported to the Iberian peninsula for one woman’s quest to avenge family murders facing many complex obstacles along the way. I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
This book is the second in the Harper McDaniel series. I found this book to be less edgy and with less fleshing out of the returning characters than the first book. The McDaniel series may have run out of steam already with the resolution of the preceding story line. However I see that Hall, who is a good writer, has left the door open for several future plot lines. Not as good as the first Harper McDaniel book, and certainly not as good a read as the best Thorn series books, but worth a look.
August 23, 2018
Faced paced somewhat implausible revenge fantasy with a good female protagonist in Harper. This one mixes a global conspiracy, a quest for justice (of lethal sorts), and international settings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't mean you won't like it. It's not deep (nor is it meant to be) but it's plot driven and might be just the thing if you're facing a plane ride.
October 19, 2018
Revenge is mind numbing
Our main heroine is a person on the mend from the deaths of both her husband and her child, whose deaths she has placed blame on a man named Ablion. She has approached an old friend/ handler to help her get revenge on the condition that she will work for the friend as an undercover agent. She gets the revenge by killing the person who actually planned the killing of her family and gains a new partner to work with, Adrian Nuff.
Our main heroine is a person on the mend from the deaths of both her husband and her child, whose deaths she has placed blame on a man named Ablion. She has approached an old friend/ handler to help her get revenge on the condition that she will work for the friend as an undercover agent. She gets the revenge by killing the person who actually planned the killing of her family and gains a new partner to work with, Adrian Nuff.
August 8, 2018
I was somewhat disappointed in this book as compared to the first one in the series. The motive for revenge on Harper's part is understandable, but the means her opponent goes to for her daughter's welfare is a little far-fetched. However the fight scenes are this story's saving grace plus Harper will let nothing get in her way to extract justice for the deaths of her son and husband.
August 22, 2019
Reading on the edge
That’s how it felt reading the second in the Harper McDaniel series. I hope it’s a series; I can’t wait to read the next one!
This is suspense done with craft, and at the same time I was engrossed in the story I was admiring the skill of the writing. The best kind of book! Thanks, James W. Hall, and please... more!
That’s how it felt reading the second in the Harper McDaniel series. I hope it’s a series; I can’t wait to read the next one!
This is suspense done with craft, and at the same time I was engrossed in the story I was admiring the skill of the writing. The best kind of book! Thanks, James W. Hall, and please... more!
February 28, 2021
Hall is as good as ever!
Having followed James W. Hall for years and read all of his books, it doesn’t surprise me that he has come up with the Harper McDaniel series. His writing has always amazed me with the ease which he shifts into some very different situational works, each with its own intensity and depths. Hall is my all time favorite writer of the Key West locale.
Having followed James W. Hall for years and read all of his books, it doesn’t surprise me that he has come up with the Harper McDaniel series. His writing has always amazed me with the ease which he shifts into some very different situational works, each with its own intensity and depths. Hall is my all time favorite writer of the Key West locale.
June 12, 2021
Crossroads
Great book and the audio performance is wonderful. Harper has so much to do before she can heal from horrible loss, Hall is able to portray her grief and her determination, her humanity. Excellent writing. I know the horrible people she was pitted against had their own horrible histories, but our choices in life lead us to many crossroads.
Great book and the audio performance is wonderful. Harper has so much to do before she can heal from horrible loss, Hall is able to portray her grief and her determination, her humanity. Excellent writing. I know the horrible people she was pitted against had their own horrible histories, but our choices in life lead us to many crossroads.
August 4, 2018
When You Can't Stop is the second exciting fast-paced book in the Harper McDaniel series written by author James W. Hall. I highly recommend it, but read When They Come for You first. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advance copy.
September 18, 2018
Revenge is a Tough Road!
Very interesting group of characters for this story. The main character is all about revenge and yet manages to learn some humanity on the way. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Very interesting group of characters for this story. The main character is all about revenge and yet manages to learn some humanity on the way. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 31, 2020
Keeps you on your toes the whole time!
Harper is fantastic. Real inspiring how she keeps going and defeats all odds. The touch of family and love always add a nice balanced touch. Highly recommend this book...reading part 1 first course.
Harper is fantastic. Real inspiring how she keeps going and defeats all odds. The touch of family and love always add a nice balanced touch. Highly recommend this book...reading part 1 first course.
October 26, 2020
I'm having trouble concentrating these days and thought I'd try a highly rated suspense, conspiracy novel. Never again. Same old tough men and now tough women, violence, too many characters to remember without jotting down names, unbelievable plot.
May 25, 2025
I love this series so far
Great action, great plot and a lot of subplots. Lost of mystery and twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and an ending I didn’t expect. Wonderful reading.
Great action, great plot and a lot of subplots. Lost of mystery and twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and an ending I didn’t expect. Wonderful reading.
December 10, 2018
This is a good book, with a good plot, good flow and good characters from an experienced writer. Unfortunately there are a few factual mistakes, but all in all it's a very good read.
August 30, 2018
Excellent read, fast original content
A new leap in the world of Mr Hall.
Gritty wired bad guys.
I have always been a fan, thank you again.
A new leap in the world of Mr Hall.
Gritty wired bad guys.
I have always been a fan, thank you again.
September 17, 2018
Can't wait for the next one!
September 26, 2018
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway - thank you to everyone involved. Good book with
a good plot - really holds your interest!!
a good plot - really holds your interest!!
October 4, 2018
Excellent
So enjoyed this book, just could not put it down. Lots of action well choreographed and a great story line
So enjoyed this book, just could not put it down. Lots of action well choreographed and a great story line
October 7, 2018
Despite her best efforts the murderer of her son and husband walks free. Wanting revenge she goes after him. Can she get him before they get her? Decent read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews