At the CIA, he used twenty-two names to spy and operate overseas. Then he left the CIA and went back to his birth name. He went back to being a normal American. Back to being a guy who trusts authorities to solve crimes and stop bad things. Back to being a guy who doesn't need to get involved. Then, Jake Beamer called. And he took on a twenty-fourth name.
The anonymous narrator and main character is an ex-CIA, ex-PI, turning to seed guy who agrees to take on one more mission in this exciting story from John Braddock. We learn at the start that his parents gave him one name and the CIA gave him 22 more making 23, although the eponymous 24th Name isn't a random alias like the others, but the name of his comrade Marine Jake Beamer.
He and Jake work together and quickly form a close working relationship, that works well as our hero has a quick, logical mind that works to their mutual advantage, as does Jake's superior fitness in a sticky situation, of which there are many. The pair bust a drugs and people-trafficking gang aided by Carly, who's an ex-cop, now insurance investigator, who knows fellow officers and informants and isn't afraid to put herself in danger while on her own mission to rescue Hannah Sanko.
What happens during the raid? Can the team rescue Hannah? Who is taken into custody? Who is Angelo and what is his part in the gang? How is Carly in danger during the raid? How is she rescued - and by whom? What is the treatment centre being used as a front for? Who gets shot?
John Braddock skilfully weaves action and counter-action, enmity and friendship and more into a web of espionage and deceit, where no-one is really who he or she says they are and the truth is hidden behind closed doors, while pretending to be out in the open. I can highly recommend this first in, (hopefully a long series to follow), to fans of Marine and spy covert missions, with believable well-developed characters and exciting locations, where the protagonists can give full rein to their many skills and intellects right from the first page to the last!
This book was a fun read that only took a few hours. Perfect for a day tending a smoker with a pork shoulder in it.
I can only imagine that this is what it would be like to read Dick Tracy detective novels back in the day. It was an easy read that was fun and easy to get into. The protagonist is easy to root for and the antagonists easy to hate. The author even squeezed in a few good takeaways about Training and "The Tallent Stack".
If Mr. Braddock comes out with more in this series I will be glad to re-read this one prior to the next one.
I have read all of John Braddock’s books and really enjoyed and learned from all of them. This book is my favorite so far. He takes several of the strategies from his other books and weaves them into a very interesting allegory on critical thinking. I am excited to see what’s next!
John Braddock continues his theme of teaching ideas and concepts that helped him in his CIA career, but this time in a fictional setting. The book contains his usual short, clipped sentences, which makes it accessible to a wider audience. The story itself is interesting and well thought out, but the jumping of time-frames made it difficult to follow at times. Maybe if some of the transitions were smoother the material would flow better. Overall, a good, solid ex-spy read. I do recommend the book.
I recently discovered "The 24th Name" by John Braddock, and it's a thrilling ride from start to finish. The protagonist is a complex and relatable character thrown into a web of intrigue and danger. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping me on edge and eager to unravel the mystery alongside him. If you're into suspenseful thrillers with well-developed characters and unexpected turns, I highly recommend giving this book a read!
John has continued his demonstration of excellent writing skills in this, his first fiction book. Laced through with the ideas and principles taken from his non-fiction books, it only takes a few pages before you are hooked into the story. Can't wait for the next one!
The author has a good voice and the action is non-stop but there simply isn't much to read. I felt like I read a story idea rather than a piece of writing. The flashback device felt a little contrived. The author clearly has talent but maybe lacks the necessary patience.
An interlocking story of women in drugs being take advantage of
A story of women hooked on drugs, used as hookers,until their insurance was used up and then killed, interwoven with another story that still to be solved
Putting you in the POV of an ex CIA officer as he jumps back and forth from memories and real time situations is really very moviesque. The analytical descriptions of what he's thinking and doing is kinda cool. I'm ready to start part 2.
Wow, this one is really damn good. Thinking mans type of writing. Good story like e and author is a wordsmith. Been awhile since reading sp.drying this ceberial.