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Jacob Thorne wakes in a locked room, his arms and legs handcuffed to a chair, an IV in his elbow attached to a bag of saline solution. A note informs him to make the liquid last, as that it is all he gets. 
 Emma Kane is abducted by armed mercenaries told that unless she finds the missing daughter of a ruthless billionaire, her partner and lover Jacob Thorne will die of thirst, trapped in a hidden room. She has eleven days before his fluid runs out to crack a three-year-old cold case that no one has yet been able to solve. This is the wealthy father’s Hail Mary plan to save his daughter before she’s murdered by an unknown kidnapper. 
Will Kane find the missing girl before her lover dies? Do Thorne and Kane have a Hail Mary plan of their own, before it’s too late?

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2018

69 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Todd Travis

10 books187 followers
Todd Travis’ interests include conspiracy theories, the poetry of Michael O’Donoghue and pop music and movies of the 80s. He is single and moves around a lot. His current whereabouts are at this time unknown. He dislikes cable news, views cellphones with suspicion and don’t even get him started on email. He also believes poker is not a sport and therefore should never be allowed on ESPN.

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5 stars
194 (62%)
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91 (29%)
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16 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Mort.
Author 3 books1,632 followers
March 18, 2018
This Indie Author is more consistent than some very well established names in this business. When it comes to Kane/Thorne, I can't think of a single reason why any crime fan should not be blown away.

In this, the fourth installment, both Jacob Thorne and Emma Kane gets kidnapped. Thorne is held hostage, tied to a chair, with a saline IV drip in his arm...it's just enough liquid to keep him alive for 11 days, if he uses it sparingly.

Kane gets the almost impossible task of finding a billionaire's daughter who disappeared more than three years before. If she doesn't solve the mystery and get the daughter back alive, Thorne will die of thirst.

Will she be able to save him?

There is one thing I have to tell you before you read this one:
You should read the second installment in the series, TROPHIES, before you read this book. Don't get me wrong, this book works as a stand-alone, but it will give a lot away about TROPHIES and the way it ended. This will be bad because 1) You will WANT to read the entire series after you've read this one, and 2) Mr. Travis knows how to throw some twists in there, especially at the end of a book.

I can't emphasize enough how much I love the Kane/Thorne series, and I hope this author gets international recognition one day, because he is just that damn good.

Well done, sir!

Recommended to all crime and thriller fans, especially those who like to read about profiling.
Profile Image for Mihir.
660 reviews310 followers
March 18, 2018

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: As far serial killer thrillers go, Silence Of The Lambs casts a big shadow among the books and the film genre. Since then many writers have taken their shot and given their versions of creepy serial killer stories and have left their individual marks. serial killer thrillers have their own tropes as do epic fantasies and it’s rare to find stories that are set within the mold but have their own twists. Author Todd Travis debuted with Creatures Of Appetite in 2013 and came to my notice in the end of 2016 when I first read it. It introduced us to two characters Emma Kane & Jacob Thorne who were unlike any I’ve read in this genre. The first book was also set in Nebraska unlike the urban settings which are usually to be found in such stories. The way the story ended, I was a fan and I definitely wasn’t alone. The next book was the one that cemented Todd Travis’s status in my mind. The third book was a prequel and focused on both the protagonist’s pasts.

The most recent book (the fourth of the series) is actually a sequel in terms of chronology to Trophies (book 2) and is set nearly two months later than the climax of Trophies. We meet Emma and Jacob as they arise thoroughly changed after the ferocious events of the climax of Trophies. Emma is back from her sojourn outside the country and is looking forward to her reunion with Jacob. Thorne on the other hand is even more gung-ho about it as he looks forward to seeing how Emma emerges amidst her recent turmoil. But before they can meet, Jacob unceremoniously is disappeared of the face of the earth. Emma is told about his abduction and given a mission by a billionaire to find his daughter who’s trial has long gone cold. Told that she has eleven days to find any trace of his daughter before Jacob Thorne dies. Emma is once again forced into machinations by the wealthy and will have to go even further than before to locate the missing daughter, potentially rescue Jacob and also deal with security that has been assigned to her.

As you can see from the chaotic description, there’s a solid timeclock running in the background to this chapter. After the fantastic events showcased in Trophies, I enjoyed how the author undercut reader expectations by not directly giving us a sequel (he did something similar with the second book as it was set seven years later than the events of the first). This book allows the readers to get immersed in to the world and timeline when we last read about Kane & Thorne. The book’s pace is solid as ever and the storyline is twisted, dark and almost entirely unpredictable as its predecessors.

As always it’s the characters who stand prominent in the story, Emma Kane and Jacob Thorne are disturbing & scary individuals (to put it mildly). Readers got to see why Jacob is the way he is, through events showcased in Talents. In this book, we get another solid peek into his childhood and the beginnings of who he is. Jacob Thorne whom we have met before is a gruff, scary, asshole whose genius level IQ predisposes him to hate humanity. Emma Kane on the other hand is a hero in the most solid, badass meaning of the word. However since Trophies, we have seen her actions blur the line between outright heroism and vigilante justice. The events in this book are a similar step in this direction but as was the case in the previous chronological story, the actions are entirely warranted and none of the readers would fault her for that. In a way, I feel that these books are character studies of two people who could go in either direction of heroism or vigilantism but the readers will be riveted nonetheless. Todd Travis’ world is a dark one and the author doesn’t pull any punches in mirroring certain current realities to make the stories gritty beyond most others in the genre. The story touched upon several levels & types of abuse (psychological, sexual, parental, etc.) and for those who prefer their fiction light might most definitely want to avoid this series.

This realism as well as the rich characters make his stories stand out easily, the twisted plot and the breakneck pace are the cherry atop this dark, imaginative cake. New readers will be shocked and certainly want to know more, returning readers will get their viewpoints clarified that much more. Lastly the way this book ends, I most certainly want to know what happens next, I love how the author achieved this without a cliffhanger. There’s also the humor which is present sneakily but it certainly delivers and I couldn’t stop guffawing over this line “I always said I was one harassment claim away from being shit-canned, and here we go.” You would have to read the story to understand the context and hopefully you'll find it as hilarious as the author intended it to be.

Unlike Trophies, which for me a five star read, there are some stumbling blocks to this story. Firstly there’s a side character who I felt was a bit wasted, what I mean is that the character’s arc is set up tantalizingly but the resolution seemed a bit haphazard and definitely not up to the standards that Todd Travis has so efficiently exhibited. Also the story’s epilogue also stretches credulity beyond what has been so thoroughly established in this story. This would be a personal grouse and I’m sure there will be readers who don’t even notice it.

CONCLUSION: The Hail Mary is a stunner of a story exactly as the author planned it to be, I had a couple of minor reservations about it but in no way did those stop me from enjoying this book. The Hail Mary is exactly what thriller readers want, a deep dark dive in to the human abyss wherein two souls who are all but warriors in name, showcase their version of justice and cruelty.
90 reviews
March 11, 2018
I received an advance copy of Todd Travis's book The Hail Mary in exchange for an honest review.

Todd's first book in this series left me astonished with my jaw hanging open at the way the book ended. I can honestly say I never would have guessed how the book turned out. I started reading the first book awhile after it was first published so I lucky in that I could go immediately to the second and third books in the series. Those were just as good.

For The Hail Mary (book 4 in the Emma Kane / Jacob Thorne series), I thought I had guessed what would happen about a quarter of the way through the book. But the great thing about Todd Travis's writing is that he keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It wasn't until there were only 10 pages left that everything clicked and I realized I had only solved the smallest part of the mystery.

Emma Kane and Jacob Thorne, along with a few supporting characters, have continued to develop throughout the four books in the series. We really get to understand where Thorne comes from in this book and that knowledge helps me appreciate the entire series so much more now.

My only complaint about The Hail Mary is that it was so good I finished it in a day. I've already added all of the books in the series to my "To Read" list again just so I can stay in this amazing (and scary) world Todd Travis has created a little bit longer.
80 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2018
U couldn't put this book down!

Todd Travis wrote another 5 star book, I would give it more if I could! I LOVE this series and cannot wait to read the next book in this series when it comes out! Thank you for writing such amazing books!!!😱😱😱
Profile Image for Anne.
350 reviews
March 23, 2018
I am never disappointed with Emma Kane & Jacob Thorne. I love the relationship between the two and the story line keeps you guessing. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Amy Rennocks.
33 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2020
Todd, I think you’re quickly becoming my favourite author! 🥰

I’ve recommended this series to everyone and anyone that will listen!

Thorne is my favourite book character ever, I absolutely adore him! ❤️
Profile Image for Kathryn.
524 reviews16 followers
April 4, 2022
This installment in the series has Thorne being kidnapped by a mercenary group. They’re being paid by a multi-billionaire who’s daughter was thought to have died three years prior, but new evidence has surfaced that she is alive. His hope is that by kidnapping Thorne, they can manipulate Kane to find said daughter and win the release of Thorne. This was a disappointment for me after enjoying the first 3 books in the series. If you’re a fan of these books, you already know that they’re obnoxious and fun and read it for those reasons. That didn’t work as well for me this time. For one thing, the character of Tom, who is former CIA, is so dumb, he wouldn’t have lasted a day working for the agency, let alone be recruited by a mercenary group. Another thing is that whenever somebody is asked to get some specific information, they go on and on about how hard it will be. When they do get the info, they talk about how hard it was to get, over and over. I wanted to rip my hair out. And carrying over from the last couple books is the excessive overuse of the “…….” Whenever there’s dialogue, all you see is pause after pause filled in by the dots. It’s very distracting. The only thing I did like about this book was Thorne remembering back to his childhood when he was in middle school. He’s looking to gain strength and insight while he is kidnapped. The memories with his friends, namely Liz, and what helped mold him into the man he is today was an incredible story. For that I’ll salvage 3 stars out of 5 for this book.
Profile Image for Kristy.
278 reviews
March 11, 2018
I discovered Todd Travis a few years ago through the free book service, Bookbub. It’s an email service that alerts you do book deals, either free or deeply discounted. His first book in this series, Creatures of Appetite, was free, and once I read it I was hooked and considered myself a fan. I found his fan page on Facebook and joined, hoping to be in the know for his book releases. And it worked! As soon as his books came out, he would post to let us know, and I immediately bought them. My reviews of his previous works are here Creatures of Appetite and Trophies . The fourth book in the series is available for preorder, and I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review. So here I am!

To summarize without spoilers, the Thorne/Kane series follows FBI agents Jacob Thorne and Emma Kane, unlikely partners who are trying to solve a variety of crimes. Each book focuses on a new event. The newest book leaves Kane on her own, of sorts, to solve a three-year-old cold case with only days to get the job done.

What I like most about these books is that I never see the ending coming, but they are all plausible. None of that out of the blue and doesn’t make a lick of sense business that I find so often in mystery books. Travis writes a tight book, snappy language, and clever twists that don’t make me roll my eyes and groan in frustration at the end. I highly recommend his works. If you can catch one for free on Amazon, great, but each book is definitely worth the asking price.
Profile Image for Josephine.
7 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2018
I was given an early preview copy of this book and I love, love, loved it! I think this is my favorite one in the series so far. I don’t want to give too much away, but as always you’re in for a wild ride. It’s fast paced, which is exactly what you want with this kind of book, and there is something new and exciting hiding on each page. I really liked how Todd Travis shared more details about Thorne and his youth. It tied togheter so well with the other books, and I couldn’t wait to find out more. I read the whole thing in less than a day, but regretted it after as I didn’t want it to end! I always find myself thinking about his books after I’ve finished, recounting what happened. Can’t wait for the next one, I need to know what happens next! Prepare yourself for a fast paced thriller that you won’t be able to put down until you’re done!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
32 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2018
I so love Thorne and Kane. They are so bad-ass, clever and take no prisoners kind of people. The kind of people we wish there were more of and had your back. (because who cares what you do in your spare time as long as you dont do it to me....) Essentially with the two of them split up, its disappointing because you FINALLY want to read about the chemistry between the two of them, and how is that going to be accomplished with him here and her there? Ugh...frustrating. BUT......Todd is a magician with a keyboard and an imagination that is second to none and pulls no punches in taking you down his twisted path. Both of their stories in their own chapters, one after the other, leaves you in shock, constantly, with what thoughts, memories and logic is being applied to whomever at the time. From the very first line you are drawn in, and want to know what happens next.
Just a thought....Todd.....seriously? That ending.....? Come on man. Just one or two more pages ffs. Feed the hungry dude.
3 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2018
I was given a copy prior to publication after assuring the author I would write an honest review. I have been a fan of Mr Travis since I read Creature of Appetite a couple of years ago. That book, especially the ending, astounded me. All I can say is he gets better and better. I highly recommend this book if you like a "can't put it down" thriller.
Profile Image for Maku Felix.
52 reviews19 followers
May 6, 2018
Todd Travis is a very skilled writer. Wish this book couldve been longer but I guess the way this ended worked just as fine as the first 3 books.

But holy shit, this was waaaaay more traumatic for me probably than the first one. Crazy character development and backstory game that he got here. Still hooked til the last page and cannot, and I mean, CANNOT, wait for whats next!

Still recommend this series to Crime Fiction fanatics. Really, really good.
Profile Image for Tanya.
2 reviews
March 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I am obsessed with this series! The more the books give us a look into Thorne's past and how his mind works is so fascinating. I cant get enough. I find Thorne to be a hybrid of Hannibal Lector/Sherlock Holmes. Book 4 left me wanting more... I actually read it in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down.
If you enjoy dark and real main characters, then i urge you to give this series a try. You wont regret it!!
Profile Image for Michelle Kennedy.
190 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2018
Another winner!

I really don't think there is a duo I enjoy more than Emma and Jacob. What a creative and crazy way to give us more depth of character for Jacob Thorne. Getting to peek under the lid a bit was a genius way of tying us more securely to this storyline. I'm such a fan of Todd Travis!
197 reviews
June 5, 2022
Reading any book in this series left me itching to share and talk about it and maybe leave a review and comments, spare for my lazy ass! It would be hard to give this jewel any credit without spoiling, so gearing up for some tiptoeing ahead!

Jacob is being held captive. A way for him to detach himself from his dire situation, recenter and focus is by delving back into his past and memories. This book gives an insight on Jacob's childhood and how it was living and growing in his father's shadow (is it still called a shadow if James is barely present at all?)

Not only do we get to have some of what shaped the adult Jacob, but but but... bear with me I'll stray a bit...

One of the most catching aspects of Travis Todd's series, besides the fluid writing, is that despite many misleading rounds and turns, we're given the REAL culprit only in the last few pages. And try as we might, it is always very hard to reach the conclusion our heroes' minds do!

But this time (rubbing hands while snickering maniacally)...

Ok, warning: a bit of spoiling ahead.

The specific events recounted from Jacob's childhood were too much of a parallel to the current situation Kane was working, for me not to guess the ending!!! Yayy me, I can now say I have the mind of behavioralist/analyst, or should I say serial killer? Mouahahahahaha

On a more serious note, I wish Mr Todd a prompt recovery of course hoping the best for his health, but also because I can't wait to grab the next adventures of this fab couple, The Dark Triad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
35 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2018
This man needs a publisher.

Good mystery with psychology thrown in. Too much and language but ignore. The read is sort it. I enjoyed it.
43 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2018
Another wild ride

Jacob and Emma are like cats using up their 9 lives in quick succession. More bad guys killed by bader guys. Fun read.
316 reviews
April 21, 2018
Definitely a fan of this author . I loved the insight into Thornes childhood through his memories . Kane as awesome as ever . A gripping read that you won't want to put down .
24 reviews
March 21, 2018
Great book

I have been watching for this book since Todd's last one came out. Loved seeing into Jacobs early life. Can't wait for next one.
18 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2018
The Hail Mary

Another outstanding read. Could not put it down! Can not for the next one!!! They keep getting better and better.!
Profile Image for Jim McClure.
251 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2018
Enjoyed quite a bit, quality continues in the series.
152 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2018
I love these characters and this book, as fourth in the series, has only enhanced my understanding of their complex development. I can’t wait for their next story. My only criticism is thatTodd Travis just doesn’t write these gems fast enough. A fan forever
Profile Image for Shona.
66 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2018
Love Jacob & Kane. Loved this book. Excellent series of books. Please hurry & write the next one.
Not very often I give a book 5 stars.
12 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2018
Great characters. Awesome read Todd Travis is terrific author.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
447 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2018
When is the next one?

I really enjoy the Emma Kane/ Jacob Thorne series. I am such an easy going non excitable type but I can't seem to help thinking how great it is when the bad guys get it. Interesting puzzles to follow as you get piece by piece and something maybe a bit savage too.
These can be gruesome and disturbing but it all works out of course. Maybe the fact that bad guys are getting what they deserve, there are interesting and sometimes fun gleefully unapologetic vengeful character's; feeds a spot of fanciful vigilante style justice I can only appreciate in fiction.
Or maybe it's just that well written. You were introduced to these characters and accepted them, liked them, admired how they were intelligently written.... then, you were shown some of the warts or skeletons in the closet. Too late you are already invested in them.
All I can really break down and say is
1. Let there please be more.
2. I have read the previous books more than once, and probably do so again plus this one.
3. I enjoyed these books so much that my review went past my usual, "I liked it and would read the next book, plus a little more I info in that line."
4. I bought the books even though I could have read them through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Ashley.
547 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2018
Such an intense installment! Even though Jacob wasn't really around to be his snarky self, his flashbacks to his childhood were very insightful. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Francesca.
640 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2018
Another really good book in a great series.
Profile Image for Dee.
288 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2019
Love Todd Travis's books. Always a fast read with quirky twists . He has the knack to set you on the story motorcycle , he starts the engine & he's away.........& so are you!
1,384 reviews
September 25, 2018
The newest entry has Jacob and Emma about to reconnect. Jacob is taken hostage to force Emma to solve a case for a billionaire. During his captivity, Jacob relies on remembering his childhood to keep him sane and to prepare him to get away. Emma is furious and does not want to work with the people hired by the billionaire. She know there is a leak somewhere and her life, as well as those from the private security contractor, are quickly at risk. Emma was able to solve the case though not the way the billionaire wanted. Jacob was able to get free. In the end we learn that Jacob and Emma are now very much on the same page. Honestly, every book in this series has had surprises in it regarding the main characters. I'm anxious to see what happens next.
2 reviews
August 28, 2018
I DO NOT BUY BOOKS BUT I BOUGHT THIS ONE!

I read the first book in this series in 2015 on Kindle Unlimited. I’m an avid reader and find as I grow older I can’t read printed books in small print with ease. Thank God for ereaders. Anyways back to the review. Like most KU users I search for good books and find a lot. In 2015 I was disappointed when there were no others out in the series and went on to other authors. 2 days ago the third book popped up. I liked the description and went searching for the first book to find out I had read it 3 years ago. I reread it. I then read the next two. Upon completion I found out Book 4 was not available on KU. I’m sure eventually it would be but I could not wait. I purchased it and now am anxiously awaiting book five. I will definitely buying it as soon as it releases. I could describe the book but I hope my enthusiasm is enough for anyone who likes psychological thrillers and are avid readers knows that is not necessary. You will not be disappointed.
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