Summer 1944. When German sniper Dieter Rohde’s older brother is unjustly shot for desertion by the SS, he will stop at nothing to win the Iron Cross medal and redeem his family’s name by targeting as many Allied troops as possible. Rohde’s deadly efforts bring him into direct confrontation with American sniper Caje Cole. Rohde may be driven by ambition, but he hasn’t encountered an adversary like Cole, the so-called hillbilly sniper who is as hard as the mountains he calls home and as wily as a backwoods fox. As the final pitched battle for France takes place around them at the Falaise Pocket, these two snipers declare war on each other.
David Healey made his publishing debut with SHARPSHOOTER, a what-if historical thriller about an attempt to assassinate Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, published by an imprint of Penguin Putnam. That novel was the result of years of research into the Civil War that included time as a reenactor at Gettysburg and other battlefields.
In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."
Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.
He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.
In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books
This is an exciting, fast paced story of WWII sniper, Cole, as he and the allies push the retreating Germans back across France towards the end of the war. There is lots of action and tension in this story and you get the feel of what it is like to the hunter and the hunted. The narrator did an excellent job of showing the excitement and tension and giving the characters their own voices. Even though it is the 3rd book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
A solid second entry into this entertaining sniper series that pits professional and considered killer against professional considered killer in the grim (literal) killing fields of Normandy. The main protagonist is not an entirely likeable character, but then you can see how this plays well for his chosen speciality profession. Interesting detail about the sniping business and the planning and patience required to become an expert in dealing death at a distance. Lots of other elements of this confused stage of the war are bought in with other believable characters successfully showing how terrible life was for most on all sides of the conflict, and how no-one remained unscathed or untainted. I will be reading the third in the series.
This and the other books in the series are excellent reads I have enjoyed. Them very much but it makes me wonder histricly speaking
Speaking about history were our soldiers so depraved to do some of the things you have written about but then I remember how easy it is for men to allow Satan to manipulate them and get a blood lust , just read the Jaredite record found in the book of Ether in turn located in The Book of Mormon
Book 2 in the Caje Cole series in Iron Sniper. This is a good read. Cole continues his sniper role in France. How he manages to keep his wits about him as he fights the German soldiers, and especially the Sniper who wants to get Cole so he can be awarded the Iron Cross. Cole displays his quick reactions in battle, making the right choices--trusting his gut to get out of tight spots. I loved the story and look forward to reading more in the series and from this author.
You read and watch movies regarding the role the snipers played during the war. David Healey puts you right into the actual happenings in the novel of Iron Sniper. You might find it gruesome at times as David Healey defines the battle field. The history is all educational and a worth while read.
Very good sequel as the second book in the series. Recommended
There are nine books in the series and this is the second of nine. This one is set in the breakout and Falaise Gap. Plenty of action with a great story line and characters. Very good recreational reading, definitely recommended.
This book just didn't quite do it for me. I found it was too slow in respect to the "sniper" battle. I also thought it was a bit ironic that the woman in the farmhouse actually killed the sniper. Too much time was spent explaining trivial details that meant nothing to the story. There was very minimal action for 3/4 of the book. I expected way more action scenes then the final 10% of the book.
A set of very good books. Nice quick reads, straight to the point no silly side stories to distract from, the non stop action. Once again Cole is the hero, just goes to show how one man can put fear into his enemy with only a couple of well placed shots.
Heatley is now one of my favorite authors. Reliable action and knowledge of weapons. Written as life is lived . Everyone ,everyone has a storey. Good ,bad, tragic, sometimes unbelievable our stories shape our lives .
If you enjoyed Ghost Sniper you will like this book. Mr. Healy writes a very realistic story that is easy to read and follow. I look forward to reading the rest of the sniper books.
Good continuing story from previous book, nice finish. Good mix of fiction and history. I can recommend the series so far. I don't think I will be disappointed with the others.
I'm too picky; I don't know which flag Cole had in his helmet. The Confederate battle flag or the Stars and Bars. I also doubt there were any 18" bayonets this late in the war.
While I really enjoyed book one of this series I was not as engaged with this book. I felt like the main character became a secondary character in the book. When I’m reading a series I want to see the main character developing as the series goes along. I felt the book just had Cole showing up on occasion to ruin the German sniper’s day. Again, I enjoyed the book’s story, just didn’t like the main character getting so little stage time.
Mr Healey does a good job of writing about the men, the equipment, and the time. His mention of the G-43 is very insightful, though it is only fair to note that there was also a G-41.
I made the mistake of reading Ghost Sniper, loved it just finished Iron Sniper. Had trouble putting them down. Just started Gods and Snipers. Got a few more to read. Hopefully David Healey will keep writing them, and I’ll keep reading them.
Following on from the first this story took a similar approach but with several unexpected turns and still great knowledge of the subject matter, another splendid book
Good story, well written a story about what a man will do for glory and a metal. We also got to see what people will do to survive war. Can't wait to read more about Cole.
Once again Cole pits himself against one of Germanys top sniper ,this time he is a psycopath who will stop at nothing even murder to earn the Iron Cross.