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Crosscurrents
Could you kill your brother to save yourself?
A senator proposing a weapons' control bill. A hitman with amnesia. When the hitman instinctively saves the senator, his target from another assassin, the hitman's memory returns.
Knowing the senator is his brother, does he refuse the hit and place himself in the crosshairs, or does he go through with it to save himself?
A story about power and greed, good versus evil and a family caught in the crosscurrents.
A senator proposing a weapons' control bill. A hitman with amnesia. When the hitman instinctively saves the senator, his target from another assassin, the hitman's memory returns.
Knowing the senator is his brother, does he refuse the hit and place himself in the crosshairs, or does he go through with it to save himself?
A story about power and greed, good versus evil and a family caught in the crosscurrents.
- GenresThriller
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2018
15 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bierdz
9 books55 followersTom Bierdz, a retired psychotherapist, was born and raised in Kenosha,WI. He earned a BA degree from Marquette University and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Chicago. He worked in public welfare in Milwaukee and Kenosha before becoming the Director of Catholic Social Services in Racine, WI. From there he went into the private practice of psychotherapy.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 22, 2018
Crosscurrents, by Tom Bierdz, is a fast paced, page turning, suspenseful read!
Two young brothers are separated as the result of a tragedy. Years later ones becomes a senator and the other a assassin. What will happen when their lives conflict?
Would you kill your brother to save yourself?
I highly recommend this intense and thrilling novel.
Two young brothers are separated as the result of a tragedy. Years later ones becomes a senator and the other a assassin. What will happen when their lives conflict?
Would you kill your brother to save yourself?
I highly recommend this intense and thrilling novel.
May 6, 2018
4.5 Stars
A hitman is a particular kind of assassin. All hitmen are assassins but not all assassins are hitmen. A hitman is a killer for hire, who kills people for money, usually people he doesn't even know. He doesn't understand the reasons, he just does a job for money.
This hitman is a little bit different ... he has amnesia from his first 12 years of life. He was found washed up on the rocks, almost drowned. No one claimed him, so the man who found him raised him as his own.
His new target is a Senator who is close to passing new legislation in gun control. This is something close to his heart as his older son was killed and his wife paralyzed by gang members shooting at each other.
The hitman is on a very short schedule to kill the Senator. Maybe it's time he calls it quit ... he's having nightmares ... or is his memory returning? And what he discovers about the Senator changes everything ......
This is a story about power and greed, good versus evil and a family caught in the crosscurrents. The author has outdone himself with character development. There are layers upon layers and lies and secrets and twists and turns which all weave together to keep the reader enthralled from the very first page.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of CROSSCURRENTS. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
A hitman is a particular kind of assassin. All hitmen are assassins but not all assassins are hitmen. A hitman is a killer for hire, who kills people for money, usually people he doesn't even know. He doesn't understand the reasons, he just does a job for money.
This hitman is a little bit different ... he has amnesia from his first 12 years of life. He was found washed up on the rocks, almost drowned. No one claimed him, so the man who found him raised him as his own.
His new target is a Senator who is close to passing new legislation in gun control. This is something close to his heart as his older son was killed and his wife paralyzed by gang members shooting at each other.
The hitman is on a very short schedule to kill the Senator. Maybe it's time he calls it quit ... he's having nightmares ... or is his memory returning? And what he discovers about the Senator changes everything ......
This is a story about power and greed, good versus evil and a family caught in the crosscurrents. The author has outdone himself with character development. There are layers upon layers and lies and secrets and twists and turns which all weave together to keep the reader enthralled from the very first page.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of CROSSCURRENTS. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 28, 2018
This is a highly intense psychological story. When two boys are separated when they are young, they grow up in two different worlds and become total strangers. One becomes a senator the other a paid hit man. As luck would have it, their paths cross, and the hit man who had suffered from amnesia gets his memory back to discover his target... the senator is actually his brother! How will this play out? You will have to read the book to find the answer. Make some coffee or tea, get comfy, you won't be moving for awhile! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and this is my opinion.
December 28, 2021
As the author of the political thriller gold medal winner I gave a few of these away for Christmas. Since I couldn't remember some of the finer points in the book, I thought I should read it again. It's a damn good read!
April 20, 2018
I received an ARC of this book. What follows is an honest review.
Cross currents is an enjoyable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat through the book. This is the forth book by the author that I have read and have enjoyed each one of them.
Two brothers separated at a young age because of the mistakes of an abusive father. One goes on to become a crusading senator. The other gets amensia and becomes hit man for hire. As we wander through the life that each one has, and the people around them who love and support them, we see how intertwined their lives really are.
The big problem is that the men they have grown up to be are on a colision course when the crusading senator had become the target of the hitman when a contract is taken out on him. A knock on the head heals the amnesia, but is it to late.
Mr. Bierdz has written well developed characters. There are no throw aways here. Even the minor charachters are given something to flesh them out. All of the people stay true to their identies. Even when the times are frighing to them, they stay true to themselves.
I would recommend this to older teens and above. Obviously because when you have a hit man you have violence. There is also a degree of sexual activity. For the most part it is not written in heavy detail, but it is scattered throughout the book. If a movie I would say it would get an R rating. Let that be your guide if you would read it or not. I have enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good thriller.
Cross currents is an enjoyable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat through the book. This is the forth book by the author that I have read and have enjoyed each one of them.
Two brothers separated at a young age because of the mistakes of an abusive father. One goes on to become a crusading senator. The other gets amensia and becomes hit man for hire. As we wander through the life that each one has, and the people around them who love and support them, we see how intertwined their lives really are.
The big problem is that the men they have grown up to be are on a colision course when the crusading senator had become the target of the hitman when a contract is taken out on him. A knock on the head heals the amnesia, but is it to late.
Mr. Bierdz has written well developed characters. There are no throw aways here. Even the minor charachters are given something to flesh them out. All of the people stay true to their identies. Even when the times are frighing to them, they stay true to themselves.
I would recommend this to older teens and above. Obviously because when you have a hit man you have violence. There is also a degree of sexual activity. For the most part it is not written in heavy detail, but it is scattered throughout the book. If a movie I would say it would get an R rating. Let that be your guide if you would read it or not. I have enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good thriller.
June 14, 2018
4.5
From the first chapter, Crosscurrents will keep you on the edge of you seat with it's fast-paced feel, engaging story line, and dynamic characters. A hitman is hired to take down a senator who is proposing a weapon's control bill, but in the moment he is about to make his mark, his instincts take over preventing him from following through. Much to his dismay, the senator is his brother who he once forgot due to amnesia. This decision changes the entire course of his journey as another mark is now placed on his own life. He is forced to make a decision to save his own life or risk himself for the sake of saving his long-lost brother.
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel and how it always felt as though something exciting was happening. There was never a moment when I felt bored or I had a desire to put it down. In fact, I found it incredibly difficult to stop reading, especially as I made a quarter of the way through! I would say the highlight of Crosscurrents involves the suspenseful plot and intriguing characters. It was thought provoking as I pondered what I could do...save myself or try to save a sibling who I completely forgot was part of my life. Tom not only develops his main characters, but he left room for the supporting characters to have an impact on the story as well. The novel was focused on mystery, thrilling scenarios, and well-thought out characters. However, I found the scene descriptions to be a little lacking for my taste, but where the story lacked in scene details, it definitely made up for in plot structure. This novel is well-written and plays out with an elegant style.
Crosscurrents will take you on an adventure of suspense, mystery, and even a touch of romance. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thriller that will leave you engrossed in the characters and flipping the pages at high speed!
From the first chapter, Crosscurrents will keep you on the edge of you seat with it's fast-paced feel, engaging story line, and dynamic characters. A hitman is hired to take down a senator who is proposing a weapon's control bill, but in the moment he is about to make his mark, his instincts take over preventing him from following through. Much to his dismay, the senator is his brother who he once forgot due to amnesia. This decision changes the entire course of his journey as another mark is now placed on his own life. He is forced to make a decision to save his own life or risk himself for the sake of saving his long-lost brother.
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel and how it always felt as though something exciting was happening. There was never a moment when I felt bored or I had a desire to put it down. In fact, I found it incredibly difficult to stop reading, especially as I made a quarter of the way through! I would say the highlight of Crosscurrents involves the suspenseful plot and intriguing characters. It was thought provoking as I pondered what I could do...save myself or try to save a sibling who I completely forgot was part of my life. Tom not only develops his main characters, but he left room for the supporting characters to have an impact on the story as well. The novel was focused on mystery, thrilling scenarios, and well-thought out characters. However, I found the scene descriptions to be a little lacking for my taste, but where the story lacked in scene details, it definitely made up for in plot structure. This novel is well-written and plays out with an elegant style.
Crosscurrents will take you on an adventure of suspense, mystery, and even a touch of romance. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thriller that will leave you engrossed in the characters and flipping the pages at high speed!
April 19, 2018
Crosscurrents - a review by Rosemary Kenny
This taughtly-written psychological political thriller by Tom Bierdz ticks all the boxes for the intelligent murder-mystery fan of Day of the Jackal, the Bourne Identity or James Bond thrillers.
Deadly assassin Demetrius Kariakos, (aka 'Iceman') has retired from his professional hit man/ex-Mossad life, until tempted by a $5 million fee to do one last hit for an anonymous client, set up by handler Gabriel, to take out a 'troublesome' Senator, George Tobias, who's likely to pass a Crime Bill through the Senate to reduce gun and armored weapons sales permanently.
What time limit does Iceman have for the hit? What stops him making his first attempt?
Who is Amara and where does she become involved in the situation?
Why can't Iceman remember the first 12 years of his life - and what event changes that?
Who is Iceman's real father? Who is Amara's birth mother? How does this change things?
As the plot twists and turns the reader is drawn into the question of what is real and who is not what they claim to be. Engaging characters and lush scenery add to the enjoyment of the search whose answers will define the protagonists for the rest of their lives. Great stuff - more please!
This taughtly-written psychological political thriller by Tom Bierdz ticks all the boxes for the intelligent murder-mystery fan of Day of the Jackal, the Bourne Identity or James Bond thrillers.
Deadly assassin Demetrius Kariakos, (aka 'Iceman') has retired from his professional hit man/ex-Mossad life, until tempted by a $5 million fee to do one last hit for an anonymous client, set up by handler Gabriel, to take out a 'troublesome' Senator, George Tobias, who's likely to pass a Crime Bill through the Senate to reduce gun and armored weapons sales permanently.
What time limit does Iceman have for the hit? What stops him making his first attempt?
Who is Amara and where does she become involved in the situation?
Why can't Iceman remember the first 12 years of his life - and what event changes that?
Who is Iceman's real father? Who is Amara's birth mother? How does this change things?
As the plot twists and turns the reader is drawn into the question of what is real and who is not what they claim to be. Engaging characters and lush scenery add to the enjoyment of the search whose answers will define the protagonists for the rest of their lives. Great stuff - more please!
April 18, 2018
This book is a thriller with real depth, both to the plot but perhaps even more importantly to the characters. The main 'baddie', Evers, for example, is a multi-faceted invention who presents two very different sides to his personality, and is of the best written characters I have come across recently.
The storyline has lots of pleasing twists and turns, which meant that I always wanted to read 'just a bit more' to see what was going to happen next.
I also enjoyed the multi-layered style of writing which delivers a thriller, with lots of suspense, some romance and even a bit of morality about corporate greed and ruthlessness included.
This isn't a book to skim through, it rewards careful, detailed reading to extract the most from the complex story and equally complex cast of characters.
If you are looking for an intelligent thriller, this should be very near the top of the pile. It's that good.
I did receive an advance copy of the book, but the review is all my own opinions.
The storyline has lots of pleasing twists and turns, which meant that I always wanted to read 'just a bit more' to see what was going to happen next.
I also enjoyed the multi-layered style of writing which delivers a thriller, with lots of suspense, some romance and even a bit of morality about corporate greed and ruthlessness included.
This isn't a book to skim through, it rewards careful, detailed reading to extract the most from the complex story and equally complex cast of characters.
If you are looking for an intelligent thriller, this should be very near the top of the pile. It's that good.
I did receive an advance copy of the book, but the review is all my own opinions.
April 18, 2018
Let me start by saying I absolutely LOVED this book and really had to make myself put it down to do other things or sleep! It is so well written and the characters are so well developed you can actually picture yourself there in the scenes as a bystander taking in what's going on. The chapters address the activity and backgrounds of different people in the story, and as you leave one chapter to move to the next, you are able to tie the stories together and see how they fit in with each other. There is tons of action, and don't forget the evil, twists and turns, lies, mystery, and a touch of romance that engage you completely, albeit an unpredictable conclusion. Tom Bierdz does an excellent job with this tale of brother vs brother and makes this book work completely.
April 19, 2018
"Everything is for sale at the right price."
Crosscurrents is a quick and easy read which certainly keeps the reader gripped. But it is more thriller as fairy tale, defying, with all of it's coincidences, any real sense of reality. Certainly, for this reader, it pushed the suspension of disbelief that little bit too far.
Nevertheless, it is exciting, with a real underlying question, "How will he get out of this?" The characterisation of Demetrius, the main protagonist, is well executed and the writing style is simple but immediate, using strategically located flashbacks to fill in the background lives of the players.
Twists and turns, political intrigues, mutder, family solidarity... As it says towards the latter part of the story, "How convoluted could it get?"
Crosscurrents is a quick and easy read which certainly keeps the reader gripped. But it is more thriller as fairy tale, defying, with all of it's coincidences, any real sense of reality. Certainly, for this reader, it pushed the suspension of disbelief that little bit too far.
Nevertheless, it is exciting, with a real underlying question, "How will he get out of this?" The characterisation of Demetrius, the main protagonist, is well executed and the writing style is simple but immediate, using strategically located flashbacks to fill in the background lives of the players.
Twists and turns, political intrigues, mutder, family solidarity... As it says towards the latter part of the story, "How convoluted could it get?"
April 24, 2018
This book gave me chills from the moment I began reading. There were so many twists and turns that I had no idea how the author was going to find a way to pit brother against brother as the advance blurb says. But, he did and it was amazing! I don't want to give details to spoil the read for anyone else, but all I can say is don't expect the obvious. Sister, brother, assassin, father, illegal gun sales, terrorists, crooked authorities, all combine for one heck of a finish. It will keep you guessing!
I was given an ARC of this book and I provide this review because I think the book deserves it!
I was given an ARC of this book and I provide this review because I think the book deserves it!
April 9, 2018
Definitely unpredictable…
Wow! What an intense read! I thoroughly enjoyed Crosscurrent by Tom Bierdz. Great character development and lots of layers in this novel. It was a long read, and I had a very difficult time putting it down and looked forward to the next chance I could pick it back up to read. Mr. Bierdz wrote so many plot twists that I just couldn’t figure out what would happen next – definitely unpredictable! If you enjoy mystery thrillers that promise a gripping ride, then this book is definitely for you!
Wow! What an intense read! I thoroughly enjoyed Crosscurrent by Tom Bierdz. Great character development and lots of layers in this novel. It was a long read, and I had a very difficult time putting it down and looked forward to the next chance I could pick it back up to read. Mr. Bierdz wrote so many plot twists that I just couldn’t figure out what would happen next – definitely unpredictable! If you enjoy mystery thrillers that promise a gripping ride, then this book is definitely for you!
April 18, 2018
Tom Bierdz has done it again - another fast paced, nail biting, page turning roller coaster of a book. Not one of his Grant Garrick series, but great in a different way. Not a book you can do justice to if you are skim reading as there are many different facets to the characters, but at the same time, there is no way you could leisurely browse through it as you will get caught up in the story and there is no getting off this ride.
Intelligent, enthralling, totally addictive, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
I received an ARC, but this is my honest review
Intelligent, enthralling, totally addictive, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
I received an ARC, but this is my honest review
April 19, 2018
This is a brilliantly well written suspenseful book. The sniper assassin character had me supporting him from the beginning, how can that be? His character is so well written, the storyline such a good one, you’ll be on his side as well! All of the characters are real in this very believable story. The plot is such an emotional one, with betrayal from old friends and the expected confusion from new memories surfacing. From an excellent authour with an amazing imagination comes this exceptional book. It’s a great read you won’t be able to put down till the ending. Highly recommend it.
April 9, 2018
This book was enthralling I started reading it this morning and only put it down when it was absolutely necessary. Tom Bierdz has a writing style that is easy to read, the plot is incredible, a combination of a love story and a thriller which I really enjoyed and it had a happy ending which I wasn’t expecting. It is definitely a book to be recommended.
April 15, 2018
What an unbelievable fast paced story that has you gripped until you’re finished and wishing for more. Each book, if possible gets better than the last one. Received a free copy and reviewed because I loved it.
April 18, 2018
An intense and unpredictable thriller, with a very layered protagonist and a plot tight, really well done and complex, this is one of those books you have a really hard time putting down even to go to sleep.
It has a perfect mix of action and romance, a fast pace and it's wonderfully written. This book is a great choice for anyone who loves thrillers.
It has a perfect mix of action and romance, a fast pace and it's wonderfully written. This book is a great choice for anyone who loves thrillers.
April 30, 2018
I was given this book and I chose to review it. I thought this book was well written and it was very suspenseful.
April 18, 2018
Wow, thrilling action from the start which continued throughout. Great, well thought out story, great characters - I absolutely loved it!
April 15, 2018
The author wastes no time setting the plot and the characters in motion. This fast paced novel is a gripping tale that is a brilliant weave of people, places and twists galore. It was hard to put down and not many books can accomplish that. I’d like a part two of this book to see how the characters progress in their new lives. If you enjoy thrillers with a twist, this is a must read.
November 24, 2018
Amazing
The action is quick. The storyline confusing as the chapters vary from character to character then back again. Ideas a cliff hanger and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book by New to me author Tom Bierdz
The action is quick. The storyline confusing as the chapters vary from character to character then back again. Ideas a cliff hanger and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book by New to me author Tom Bierdz
June 1, 2018
A wonderfully crafted story! Excellent character development and a believable plot full of twists and turns. Definitely a page turner, so be prepared to stay up all night to finish it once you have read the first page.
April 24, 2018
I thought the book was great, what a twisted fate of life for George and David and Mary Catherine and Amara. Brothers separated by fate, mother and daughter worst to be apart. Along with this story line you add the evil tales of a hired killer and arms dealers, great writing.
April 19, 2018
Intriguing story of espionage, family secrets and political manipulation. A worthy addition to my mystery collection.
March 12, 2020
Crosscurrents is the first book that I have read by Tom Bierdz that is not part of the Psychiatrist Grant Garrick series. Though there are some phycological components (amnesia, sibling love, killing for money, etc), the book is not a psychological thriller.
Demetrius, an assassin, is hired to kill George Tobias, a senator whose proposed anti-crime bill would affect illegal arms sales. As Demetrius studies his target, he sees his sister Amara close to George and postpones the kill. Later, the siblings reunite and discuss the secret their mother revealed on her death bed. Things happen and Demetrius learns that George is his brother. Does he decide to continue with the assassination plan?
This story is convoluted with many interweaving subplots that too conveniently get resolved. Crosscurrents is a quick read, enjoyable as a thriller, but not as satisfying for me as other Tom Bierdz books.
Demetrius, an assassin, is hired to kill George Tobias, a senator whose proposed anti-crime bill would affect illegal arms sales. As Demetrius studies his target, he sees his sister Amara close to George and postpones the kill. Later, the siblings reunite and discuss the secret their mother revealed on her death bed. Things happen and Demetrius learns that George is his brother. Does he decide to continue with the assassination plan?
This story is convoluted with many interweaving subplots that too conveniently get resolved. Crosscurrents is a quick read, enjoyable as a thriller, but not as satisfying for me as other Tom Bierdz books.
April 13, 2021
Twisty, Turn-filled Thriller
This book had so many twists and turns in a roller coaster thrilling ride that for a bit it was difficult to keep all of the characters straight. But it got much easier pretty soon. Then the task was to, as always, try to figure out whodunit. The story moved quickly so any perceived problem with characters, plot and story-telling were negligible. If you are into thrillers with worldwide travel, romance, good guys versus bad guys (be careful not to confuse just who is what - or - which) a complex plots, you're gonna LOVE this book! It features siblings who, or are they? There's dead relatives who - aren't? You've got wonderful parents who have some deep, dark secrets that no one can ever know. How's that sound to you?
This book had so many twists and turns in a roller coaster thrilling ride that for a bit it was difficult to keep all of the characters straight. But it got much easier pretty soon. Then the task was to, as always, try to figure out whodunit. The story moved quickly so any perceived problem with characters, plot and story-telling were negligible. If you are into thrillers with worldwide travel, romance, good guys versus bad guys (be careful not to confuse just who is what - or - which) a complex plots, you're gonna LOVE this book! It features siblings who, or are they? There's dead relatives who - aren't? You've got wonderful parents who have some deep, dark secrets that no one can ever know. How's that sound to you?
April 22, 2018
Tom Bierdz 's Crosscurrents is a political thriller. AND MORE!!! Compelling, engaging, entertaining and fun. I received this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily posting this review. Good vs. evil brothers who have no knowledge of being brothers. The three main characters... Their lives collide. Become entangled. Each others' survival or destruction?!? The book's discription is perfect. The author takes readers on an Action packed ride. Which unfolds page by page. Oh so clever. One Unpredictable twist and turn, after another. Nonstop. At the end leaving readers Ready for more. I hope to see MORE of Demetrius, George and Amara!!!
May 5, 2018
Was having trouble keeping the many characters apart at the beginning of the book, but before long they all sorted out..... the many twists & turns make this book enjoyable for the mystery/thriller buff. There are some aspects that are more James Bond, but still enjoyable parts of the book. This wild ride keeps you going until the very last chapter of the book! Enjoy & many thanks to the Author for allowing me to read, enjoy & review his book.
May 4, 2018
Tom Bierdz creates a world of intertwined characters both good and evil. Politics, crime and family are all mixed into this fantastic story. A delightful blend of good and evil grace the pages of this epic saga. Crosscurrents- must read!
September 24, 2018
A Top Notch Thriller!
I loved this book! I could not put it down until I read it all. This has it all, politics, murder, love, jealousy, rivalry, global arms dealing, and a great plot. If you enjoy a well written story with non- stop suspense, read this book.
I loved this book! I could not put it down until I read it all. This has it all, politics, murder, love, jealousy, rivalry, global arms dealing, and a great plot. If you enjoy a well written story with non- stop suspense, read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews