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The Blackwell Files #10
Thirty Seconds to Live
One speedboat crash...15 victims...and 30 seconds before you die
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths--including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths--including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2018
920 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Freeman
68 books80 followersThriller/mystery author Steve Freeman is a former member of the US Army's Signal Corps, a thirty-four-year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited every continent but Antarctica. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 2, 2019
Awful. Thin characterization, a plot that just happens, with little or no suspense, with events and action tenuously linked. All resolved in five pages at the end with information that comes from nowhere.
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January 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/14/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
One speedboat crash...15 victims...and 30 seconds before you die
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths--including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
Blurb:
One speedboat crash...15 victims...and 30 seconds before you die
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths--including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
March 21, 2019
This story had me from the first chapter till the last page. Uncover this mystery how everyone was involved with the case of the accident. Everyone seems to be out to kill and make things go away it a good book to read
March 29, 2024
The story was interesting and read fairly quickly, but early chapters were oddly paced. Super short early chapters were odd. I hadn’t read any previous in the series but got the gist of the relationships pretty easily. Story was interesting and only moderately jumped to the solution without giving the reader a chance at similar reasoning.
August 8, 2018
As a long time fan of Steve Freeman's writing, I couldn't wait to get stuck into Thirty Seconds To Live. The funny part about this is I was reading 2 other books when this complimentary copy arrived. I just wanted to take a peek and you can guess what happened next. The other 2 books got put on the back burner as Freeman swept me, literally, into an ocean of action as a low draft jet boat went out of control, smashed into a rock slab and all passengers perished. As he always does, Freeman had me hook, line and sinker. 36 hours later, I closed Thirty Seconds to Live and sighed with satisfaction. Another great Steve Freeman adventure.
This book is #10 in the Blackwell Series that stars Alton and Mallory Blackwell who are often called in to investigate and help solve particularly complicated cases. In this case, the action starts in New Zealand and ends up sending the Blackwells to Egypt and back to the US to try and piece together just who was the primary target in this opening disaster and of course, who was behind it and why.
There are so many possibilities but will readers outguess the Mallorys? Freeman keeps readers in suspense and flipping pages as he carefully times his release of clues, in between the Mallorys being shot at time and again. Somehow the assassin is always a step ahead and knows exactly where the Mallorys will be. And that assassin is prepared to pay huge dollars for their demise. Why?
One of the reasons Steve Freeman is a joy to read is a combination of short chapters that unfold quickly because the author is so skilled in using dialogue. Dialogue keeps the action moving and this book is primarily dialogue. Little wonder I couldn't put it down: I always had to read just one more chapter! It's obvious Freeman wants us to enjoy his stories, not labour over them. And because of Freeman's personal background (check his bio) his novels ring with authenticity.
Thanks Steve for another great read. I look forward to #11 in this series, coming out in 2019.
This book is #10 in the Blackwell Series that stars Alton and Mallory Blackwell who are often called in to investigate and help solve particularly complicated cases. In this case, the action starts in New Zealand and ends up sending the Blackwells to Egypt and back to the US to try and piece together just who was the primary target in this opening disaster and of course, who was behind it and why.
There are so many possibilities but will readers outguess the Mallorys? Freeman keeps readers in suspense and flipping pages as he carefully times his release of clues, in between the Mallorys being shot at time and again. Somehow the assassin is always a step ahead and knows exactly where the Mallorys will be. And that assassin is prepared to pay huge dollars for their demise. Why?
One of the reasons Steve Freeman is a joy to read is a combination of short chapters that unfold quickly because the author is so skilled in using dialogue. Dialogue keeps the action moving and this book is primarily dialogue. Little wonder I couldn't put it down: I always had to read just one more chapter! It's obvious Freeman wants us to enjoy his stories, not labour over them. And because of Freeman's personal background (check his bio) his novels ring with authenticity.
Thanks Steve for another great read. I look forward to #11 in this series, coming out in 2019.
February 11, 2019
One speedboat crash...15 victims...and 30 seconds before you die.
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths - including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
This is the 10th book in The Blackwell Files. Although these books are a series, they can be read as a stand-alone.
I began reading the Blackwell files somewhere in the middle of the series and enjoyed the engrossing storyline and likeable characters (except for the baddies of course) so much I am gradually reading the earlier books as well as the new stories as Mr Freeman publishes them.
Thirty Seconds to Live is one of my favourites of the series to date. Multiple, seemingly unconnected murders, using different means, travel to various countries and state of the art technology are the basis of the changing direction of the investigation.
The author’s imagination, fast pace writing style, clever dialogue and short chapters have the reader turning the pages to read “just one more chapter”.
There are a lot of characters but all essential to the story and not difficult to follow. There is also no swearing or sex scenes.
A jet-boat crash sets in motion a frantic investigation to find the saboteur. But with 15 fatalities, simply identifying the intended victim among the crowd proves a challenge.
As the search for the killer continues, other victims succumb to "accidental" deaths - including the lead New Zealand investigator.
Left in the cross hairs, Alton and Mallory race to unravel the mystery before the murderer can strike again. But will the Blackwells, like each of the victims, have only thirty seconds to live?
This is the 10th book in The Blackwell Files. Although these books are a series, they can be read as a stand-alone.
I began reading the Blackwell files somewhere in the middle of the series and enjoyed the engrossing storyline and likeable characters (except for the baddies of course) so much I am gradually reading the earlier books as well as the new stories as Mr Freeman publishes them.
Thirty Seconds to Live is one of my favourites of the series to date. Multiple, seemingly unconnected murders, using different means, travel to various countries and state of the art technology are the basis of the changing direction of the investigation.
The author’s imagination, fast pace writing style, clever dialogue and short chapters have the reader turning the pages to read “just one more chapter”.
There are a lot of characters but all essential to the story and not difficult to follow. There is also no swearing or sex scenes.
February 7, 2019
This is good read, but I had already guessed how it would end. I have read many of the Blackwell series of books and all of them, so far, end with a meeting of a group of people including the Blackwells and associates, and other people involved in the plot, to come to the final reckoning. This one does exactly the same thing.
I found that some of their visits to various countries rather unnecessary, especially considering how some of them were carried out, and they seem really over the top.
I found that some of their visits to various countries rather unnecessary, especially considering how some of them were carried out, and they seem really over the top.
December 21, 2021
Thirty Seconds to Live by Steven Freeman
Initially cast in New Zealand with a Jet Boat crash killing all 14 tourists and then moving to Egypt and back to the USA spanning both coasts, this was a super fast, exciting thriller involving Alton and Mallory Blackwell and David. Excellent... probably the best of the 3 books I have read from this author. The ending was also completely unexpected. Looking forward to devour the next book.
Initially cast in New Zealand with a Jet Boat crash killing all 14 tourists and then moving to Egypt and back to the USA spanning both coasts, this was a super fast, exciting thriller involving Alton and Mallory Blackwell and David. Excellent... probably the best of the 3 books I have read from this author. The ending was also completely unexpected. Looking forward to devour the next book.
August 12, 2018
30 seconds to live by Freeman. He is the most imaginative raconteur I have come across so far. His stories move at such a fast pace that it is hard to take a break - what will the next chapter hold, what murders will ensue and will the Blackwells and David survive the murderous attempts on their lives? One has to read till close to the last chapters to find the guilty parties.
March 13, 2019
Unforgettable
A truly unforgettable read. Again Steven Freeman through the characters of the husband and wife team of the Blackwells leads us through a truly puzzling and complex scenario of murder and intrigue. Each volume with the Blackwells gets more amore intriguing. A must read for all.
A truly unforgettable read. Again Steven Freeman through the characters of the husband and wife team of the Blackwells leads us through a truly puzzling and complex scenario of murder and intrigue. Each volume with the Blackwells gets more amore intriguing. A must read for all.
January 18, 2019
Incredible Imagination
I almost put this book down after I had read only a few pages but something told me to keep reading. The idea of having Alton and Mallory electronically followed was pure fiction but interesting. Who knows, maybe 1984 will be m more than a fiction story.
I almost put this book down after I had read only a few pages but something told me to keep reading. The idea of having Alton and Mallory electronically followed was pure fiction but interesting. Who knows, maybe 1984 will be m more than a fiction story.
January 20, 2019
Exciting Mixture of Twists and Turns
Freeman does an excellent job of proofreaders hanging until the end in this action packed mystery that reaches a "Sherlock Holmes" type resolution. A bit complex and borderline futuristic but mostly enjoyable.
Freeman does an excellent job of proofreaders hanging until the end in this action packed mystery that reaches a "Sherlock Holmes" type resolution. A bit complex and borderline futuristic but mostly enjoyable.
January 22, 2019
This was an exciting book with lots of twists and turns. Lots of action that kept coming in all directions. I enjoyed this book. The characters and plot was interesting. There was lots of computer intelligence used to solve the crimes.
February 12, 2019
Great conclusion
I found the after reading about 10 chapters that this was not the type of book to hold my interest. As I continued,it got more exciting and the type of action that I like. A great conclusion that showed the detail needed to prove a guilty party.
I found the after reading about 10 chapters that this was not the type of book to hold my interest. As I continued,it got more exciting and the type of action that I like. A great conclusion that showed the detail needed to prove a guilty party.
March 19, 2019
Thank you for the read, Mr. Freeman
The book was predictable and lacked character development. Otherwise, the author's writing mechanics were good. To be fair to the author, this was my first Steven Freeman book. This book was free from Bookbub.
The book was predictable and lacked character development. Otherwise, the author's writing mechanics were good. To be fair to the author, this was my first Steven Freeman book. This book was free from Bookbub.
November 8, 2023
A whirlwind of problems
It all seem to start with a boat crashing and it wasn’t an accident. Who was the intended victim and why. More victims are dying at a rapid rate, why?
The Blackwell’s have their work cut out for them. Never a dull moment in this book
It all seem to start with a boat crashing and it wasn’t an accident. Who was the intended victim and why. More victims are dying at a rapid rate, why?
The Blackwell’s have their work cut out for them. Never a dull moment in this book
January 18, 2019
Excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the storyline was very interesting and innovative. The characters were engaging and believable. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the storyline was very interesting and innovative. The characters were engaging and believable. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
January 20, 2019
Great book
Quite a thriller. Lots of twists and turns plenty of action, escaping from an assassin throughout the book. Huge mystery wIth great investigators.
Quite a thriller. Lots of twists and turns plenty of action, escaping from an assassin throughout the book. Huge mystery wIth great investigators.
January 28, 2019
Good read
It was a good read. I couldn’t put it down. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series, but managed to get to know the characters very quickly.
It was a good read. I couldn’t put it down. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series, but managed to get to know the characters very quickly.
March 8, 2019
Great book!
I always enjoy reading Steven Freeman's books. The Blackwell Files are edge of the seat thrillers without pages of profanity. I applaud him for that.
I always enjoy reading Steven Freeman's books. The Blackwell Files are edge of the seat thrillers without pages of profanity. I applaud him for that.
March 21, 2020
Words can't describe
Somehow got to chapter 20
Had to give a star because system doesn't allow none
One of the worst 'free' books I have ever downloaded
Somehow got to chapter 20
Had to give a star because system doesn't allow none
One of the worst 'free' books I have ever downloaded
August 5, 2021
Thirty Seconds to Live
Great book to read !!!! Story almost realistic. The characters seem real and very exciting story. I would never have guessed the ending.
Great book to read !!!! Story almost realistic. The characters seem real and very exciting story. I would never have guessed the ending.
August 29, 2023
Great reading
You couldn't see it coming! Until the very end it is hard to put down. Again it became an all nighter for me.
You couldn't see it coming! Until the very end it is hard to put down. Again it became an all nighter for me.
September 3, 2023
Good book
I enjoyed this book, if you like thrillers this book is for you. The twists and turns will keep you interested to the very end.
I enjoyed this book, if you like thrillers this book is for you. The twists and turns will keep you interested to the very end.
September 3, 2023
Fair
It's one of those stories that being a agent is glamorous but not to that stretch. How many ambushes can two people escape? And the bombs. Just to far out there.
It's one of those stories that being a agent is glamorous but not to that stretch. How many ambushes can two people escape? And the bombs. Just to far out there.
November 9, 2019
Alton Blackwell and his wife Mallory are both NSA special operatives. Mallory is also an FBI agent.
Following a boating accident in New Zealand that killed all passengers on board, the duo have been sent there to investigate. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service suspect foul play. According to the New Zealand authorities the boat carrier tourists and some of them were US citizens. One of the passengers was a CIA operative sent to tail another passenger suspected in trafficking weapons.
Following a boating accident in New Zealand that killed all passengers on board, the duo have been sent there to investigate. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service suspect foul play. According to the New Zealand authorities the boat carrier tourists and some of them were US citizens. One of the passengers was a CIA operative sent to tail another passenger suspected in trafficking weapons.
July 26, 2021
Much better than the last one
This was intriguing from the very beginning because of all of the
cyber and futuristic computer AI abilities.. While all of it seemed to be coming in the future, driverless cars are already here. There was much about amazing ability of AI computers that was a little unnerving. Still, the details seemed well—researched and defined.
This was intriguing from the very beginning because of all of the
cyber and futuristic computer AI abilities.. While all of it seemed to be coming in the future, driverless cars are already here. There was much about amazing ability of AI computers that was a little unnerving. Still, the details seemed well—researched and defined.
June 18, 2019
A jet boat with 14 vacationers on it, from 5 countries which one had a target on their back. The expertise of the captain, with a device installed, was unable to do anything. It took false leads, to final set up a trap and a virus, to uncover who was behind it. With the team of Alton, Mallory and David to Out the pieces together for a good plot.
August 29, 2018
Enthralling.
Again, a thoroughly enjoyable and enthralling adventure. I found the medical research intriguing. The unveiling of the perpetrator was UN e expected. Roll on the next book!
Again, a thoroughly enjoyable and enthralling adventure. I found the medical research intriguing. The unveiling of the perpetrator was UN e expected. Roll on the next book!
May 24, 2019
Story caught my interest pretty quickly. It was an easy read but I thought the ending wrapped up a little too quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews