Maggie has a target on her back. After three years in hiding, she is restless and underestimates her enemies. She re-enters the real world on a weekend beach trip with her mom only to find her past is waiting for her. In an instant, Maggie's life is forever changed. Separated from her team and unsure who to trust, Maggie tries to navigate her new reality. Will she be able to choose her future or will she remain trapped in the web of enemies she has created?
Shannon is an award-winning author, renowned for her gripping Magdalena Series. Breaking new ground, she has a released new crime thriller titled “When Anna Came Home.” In this novel, Anna returns from college only to stumble upon a chilling crime scene that upends her world. Collaborating with the FBI, Anna dives into a complex web of financial crimes, illegal arms deals, and long-buried family secrets. The stakes are incredibly high as they race to expose the mastermind behind this deadly conspiracy. For those who enjoy action, tension, and emotional depth, Shannon’s books are must-read. Immerse yourself in the world of Magdalena and be captivated by Anna's journey!
"Spider's Web" is the third in the 'Magdalena' series written by author Shannon Condon. Having fallen in love with Maggie since book one, I was very much looking forward to reading about her again and I wasn't disappointed. The title of the book is aptly named considering the amount of deceit involved in this truly compelling and addictive story. It is now over three years since Maggie Murano nearly died and was badly scarred. She is married to Bernardo with her three year old daughter Francesca and is desperate to return to live op missions instead of sitting back and running logistics safe from harm. With the disappointment of not falling pregnant after many months trying, her family suggest a weekend break with her adoptive mother Celeste, but when things go disastrously wrong, she ends up in mortal danger trying to avoid Russian killers. With twists and turns, drama and tension in a web of deceit and with mysterious characters you're not sure who to trust, this is once again a fabulous, action packed, fast paced thriller that you seriously don't want to put down once started. Poor Maggie has had such a hard and intense life and it doesn't get any easier for her in "Spider's Web", either physically or emotionally and I'm in awe at her strength and determination to carry on. Maggie is an excellently created character written by a talented, imaginative and intelligent author who knows exactly how to please a reader. It has been an utter pleasure following Maggie thus far and I do hope to read more of Maggie again in the future. Although this book is part of a series and there is probably enough information for you to follow Maggie's journey as a standalone, I personally feel you do need to read the first two in order to understand where all the characters fit in with each other emotionally and experience the events first hand that Maggie has endured to comprehend her renowned strength of character. A series well worth following and one I have no hesitation in recommending to thriller readers young and old alike!
Spider's Web is fast paced, action packed, and a book that I had trouble setting down. It's full of the twists and turns, and the drama you're hoping for a with a synopsis like this has.
I'm impressed with the dialogue and characters, especially Maggie. A strong, independent female lead who keeps going when most would give up.
Though this is book 3 in the series, there was enough background to make this stand alone. However, I'm really impressed with Shannon Condon's writing and intend to read the rest of the series.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
Maggie Murano's life has been intense. This story picks up when she is married to Bernardo, has a 3 year old daughter Francesca. They are still both working under cover missions, but living very near to Shep and Celeste, her adoptive parents, and her school friend Graham and his wife Shawna.
Maggie still leads a double life, though she and Bernardo are trying to tip the balance to normal by having a second child, without success. Shep suggests that Maggie and Celeste have a break, a girls weekend in The Hamptons – he has an old friend with an apartment which would be as secure as home, where they can relax for a few days. It is all arranged quickly and the girls head off only for a dramatic turn of events ruin their plans and Maggie ends up in a very dangerous position.
Very strong, intelligent female lead character that would give James Bond a run for his money. A very fast paced drama, with lots of twists and double crossing making you wonder whether Magdelena will ever have a “normal” life. Looking forward to the next instalment!
When I accepted the arc copy of this book for my honest review, I didn’t realize that it was book three of a series. I must admit, I didn’t feel I was lost and had to read book 1 & 2 to understand what was happening in this book, but, I’m also now intrigued and want to read the first two books now to see what all happened in them too!
I loved the story and characters and thought I knew what was going to happen then changed my mind and finally came back to why didn’t I go with my original thought.
‘Ever since she can remember, that watch has been on her daddy’s wrist when he’s picked her up. She associates his arm with safety and protection. I think that’s why she chose to keep his watch. It reminds her of his embrace.’ When my grandmother passed we each picked one item of hers to keep. Some family members picked her tv because it was big, some picked a chair because it was new, some picked items because they gave them to grandma. My item was an old pillow (that had some holes in the fabric) that I used to use whenever I napped at her house. Even after 30 some years that pillow still sits proudly on my guest bed to be in admired on a regular basis! ❤️
I love when I read a book and can relate the book to myself and or my world. I had that feeling while reading this book. I felt as though I could connect.
Words of wisdom from the book: •Some things are out of our control life goes on regardless of what we do or feel
This is the best book in the series. It was a book that you did not want to put down. I am hoping for another book in this series. I would recommend this book to all.
Maggie has had a hard go of it lately. She is recovering from an injury which has taken her out of a job she loves. She is depressed and needs a change of scenery. She agrees to a girls weekend. It is what she needs, right? Until it isn't. She must overcome her fears to save herself and others. When I first read about Maggie, I was not sure I was going to like her. She whined and good bit and that got on my nerves. But, as the story unfolded she got her backbone and turned into a great character. As a matter fact, she is a person not to be messed with. Her "smarts" keep her alive and kicking. This is a quick, enjoyable, edge of your seat read. I love all the twists and turns. Maggie has no clue who is to be trusted. The web of lies and deceit really keep you guessing. I have not read the other books in this series, so this one can be picked up and read alone. I will go back and get the others, of course. You can never have too many good books!
“Spider's Web” is the first book I have read as a stand alone in the Author’s Magdalena series and I absolutely loved the writing style! I could not put it down, it is fast paced, suspenseful, dynamic and action packed. I found Author Shannon Condon’s prose, crisp dialogue, and the depth of the characters enthralling. She is a talented writer, captivating her readers throughout the story telling with ease and a sense of foreboding. I was on eggshells as I turned the pages, sensing a surprise about to unfold and the ending did not disappoint! Bravo Author Shannon Condon, I can’t wait to read the first 2 books in the series and the next installment. I recommend this book and I am a huge fan!
Some books, especially action thrillers have those terribly boring gaps between every action but Spider's Web is a whole book, one I had issues putting down after the first page.
The book is centered around Maggi Murano, a very talented secret agent and her family; part of which forms the Special Ops Alpha team she belongs to. Maggi Murano is a beautiful woman stronger than she looks both physical and otherwise. Most people would break if they went through half of what she survived. Her past comes back to haunt her and her family and they must do all they must to survive and protect themselves. Interspersed between the adrenaline pumped missions, we get a taste of intricate family drama.
I appreciate the obvious effort put in be the author in her research before this book, especially the medical/pharmaceutical research (pardon my bias, I'm a medic). Shannon Condon has a peculiar writing style and I hope to read more books by her.
Favorite line : Life goes on regardless of what we do or feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Being left at home to handle mission logistics from the computer center in the base of operations, Maggie begins to feel restless and left out in Spider’s Web by Shannon Condon. After surviving rape, attempted murder and other horrifying events in previous volumes, Maggie wavers between staying in the special ops business and being a wife, mother and college student. Trying to put things in perspective and analyze her options leads to a stunning betrayal where Maggie finds herself deep in the middle of an operation she will have to resolve pretty much on her own. The past has come back to haunt Maggie, but the present isn’t exactly what it seems as she tries to rendezvous with the team to escape Russian killers.
Things don’t go as planned, not just for Maggie but for others on the team as well. Not knowing who can be trusted makes life hard, but Maggie digs deep and finds the strength to keep on moving with the help and support of her adoptive parents. Choices are there, but making a decision is complicated by so many factors Maggie needs some kind of sign. When one appears, does it mean the future will be clear or does it only mean more trouble?
Dynamic, exciting and action packed, Spider’s Web, Book 3 in the Magdalena Series keeps you breathless as you follow Maggie and her family through an intense adventure. Crisp dialogue and deep emotion add depth to the incredible action which keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. Some big surprises await and the ending leaves you perfectly in position wanting to run to the bookstore for the next volume. Spider’s Web works great as a stand-alone story with enough hints about the past to help everything make sense. Shannon Condon is a talented writer who knows not only how to hold your interest but how to also turn up the heat.
This was a wonderful story! Told with lots of plot twists, action, and unexpected turns, it was a thrill ride from the beginning. It is the third book in the author's series, but the first one I've read. I was able to follow along and didn't feel left out by not reading the first two books. The characters were well developed and the plot was awesome. I highly recommend this book and am going to go back to read the first two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spider's Web is an amazing continuation where The Brotherhood left off. Telling the story of the love between Maggie and Bernardo and the great lengths people will go to for those they love. This book made me mad, had me crying on several occasions and turned it all around to an ending befitting Maggie Shepherd. I loved this book and I look forward to the next one.
"Spider's Web" is the first Shannon Condon book that I've read so far. It is the third installment in her Magdalena Series. I don't often read series installments out of order. That can be confusing and take away from the intended message, but, this was written well enough for me to finish it without major moments of confusion. The underlying message is about close-knit families and protecting the ones you love with whatever it takes. "Spider's Web" doesn't fit into one category. Condon gave her readers a spy thriller, crime mystery with a few handfuls of family drama. Maggie (Magdalena Murano) has been through a lot. She is still physically and emotionally recovering from some serious trauma. As a young woman with a great husband (Bernardo) and a beautiful three-year-old daughter (Francesca), Maggie wants to be happy. She's restless. Running the family team's special ops missions close to home is not what Maggie wants. When she reconnects with the real world for a getaway weekend; everything goes haywire. The apt title says it all. Spider webs can be very intricate, very messy and very binding. After everything that she's been through, who is coming after her now? Who orchestrated her kidnapping? What does that person want with her? Maggie has to use her wits, charm, and military training to stay alive while her family does everything they can on their end. Just when I thought that the struggle was over and done with, I was wrong. The fast-paced momentum slows down a bit in the second half. Overall, Condon's plot twists made this an enjoyable read. Along with her writing style and commitment to detail. Good stories need details, especially ones that fit into more than one literary category. So I would definitely consider reading any of her future and past works. As with any book, a little light editing would not hurt. There is some slight, not graphic, sexual content. It is pretty close to mild. I think the military theme and violence level also deserve a relatively mild rating. For anyone who is looking for clean fiction, I haven't noticed any major curse words either. Considering its topic, this is a clean piece of literature. I recommend it to readers who like thrillers and/or action-packed family dramas. I hope this review was useful. Have a great day.
Like I've said in some of my previous reviews, every good plotline needs a great villain. Shannon Condon created multiple villains. All of them are worth loathing in their own special ways. From the extremely creepy old man who would kidnap a young woman and stow her away like a collectible item. To his conniving son who plays the victim, criminal against my will card. Plus all of the levels in between. Here are some evil characters worth mentioning. Ricardo and Nico, father and son. Ricardo Antonelli would like to have Maggie. An adult man who is more than twenty years Maggies senior wants her to love him. He's connected to The Brotherhood and the death of her parents. His son Nico is just as evil. Only, he's a far better liar. He convinces Maggie that he doesn't know anything about the ins and outs of the organization. The only thing that he is good at is keeping track of the finances. In the latter half of "Spider's Web", Maggie realizes that most of what he told her was a lie; Nico fooled her very well. Pavlos and Sam are two men who watch Maggie like a hawk, sort of. There is a lot that they miss, mostly because they underestimate her and don't take her seriously. One of these men is a mole for the Russians and one of them wants to fight her. The latter being an interesting idea since he isn't a very athletic man.
Shep and Celeste are Maggie's adoptive parents. As the head of the team, Shep takes care of his family with steady precision from everyday things to dangerous missions. He is always focused and planning what needs to get done. Celeste isn't involved in the military side of things. She's a sweet lady that adores her family. In a different set of ways, she would fight for the people she loves without hesitation. Graham is their biological son. The idea of Graham and the nannies that Maggie hires bothers me. Maybe its because I haven't delved into the previous books, so I missed something. The nanny that she had for her daughter ends up marrying Graham. Which is fine, I had no initial issues with that. It was the idea of Maggie looking for a nanny that was the right kind of person for her, but, also a good fit for Graham that got me. I can understand, somewhat, Graham's opinion while the family was on vacation.
Spider’s Web is the third book in the Magdalena Series, and follow Maggie and her special ops team as they take on secret missions for the government.
I haven’t read the other books in the series, and even though this is the third, it works well as a standalone. Even though I was confused about some of the information of the past books that I was fed, it was kind of like a puzzle for me, trying to piece together and understand what had happened before.
This book is very many things on top of each other, spy thriller, crime mystery, family drama. It’s a big all-in-one. To give you a hint of the plot, we’re thrown straight into it when Maggie is kidnapped. Where will she be taken, who’s her kidnappers and why do they want her, and will her team get to her in time? This is what’s at stake for Maggie, and though she’s quite a capable special ops agent in her own right, she can’t do it all by herself – she’s going to need her friends to help her.
The characters are beautiful and well-written, and I love how fleshed-out they all are. There’s so much background, so much history behind them making them come so very much alive. I particularly liked Maggie at the center of it all; on one side she’s woman with a tough, hard exterior who can handle anything; but on the inside she’s has a vulnerable, soft core of emotions. Watching her battle her anxiety and panic attacks made her especially interesting to me.
Condon’s writing is beautifully phrased and delicately constructed, with just enough mix of narrative and dialogue according to my taste. She never drones on, and she describes just enough to give you a taste of the world she’s created, letting you imagine everything else.
I felt perhaps the book lost a bit of it’s pace around the halfway mark, slacking off a bit toward the end, but as I said, this isn’t just a thriller or a mystery, this is a delicately interwoven story of action, love, and family, and at times it’s absolutely heartbreaking.
I enjoyed this third [so far] novel in the series enormously. I didn’t read the earlier books, but found little difficulty in following this as a stand alone. I do wish however that I had known about the others before starting. The novel has a wide and varied potential audience, with many fabulous threads. Thriller, of course with a brilliant assassin, who is heroic and on the side of the gods - actually God because the family is prayerful, without it being laid on thick. She is a sharp but humane character who will attract many readers of romantic or chick lit novels, without it being exclusive to them. It does, as all good yarns should, embrace many genres to represent characters with full life stories. Maggie is very capable but has necessary foibles - I hesitate to call them weaknesses - to make her human, womanly and real - not a plastic superhero but a very skilled operator in her field. I wish I was a complete person like her, except that I’m a male [no mistaking Maggie for that flawed object] - mother, worker, singer, lover, friend, daughter - just a lovely character all round. The supporting cast is defined and fully described and it covers the hoped for spectrum from ally through neutral to evil, and things do not always turn out as expected - it is a thriller after all. Strongly recommended as they used to say, as a rattling good read.
Spider’s Web is the third novel in the Magdalena series and I absolutely love it! Even though I am receiving the three books as part of Rowanvale ARC I would buy them in a heartbeat. I am so lucky that I will also be reviewing the fourth one as well.
Spider’s Web picks up three years after the events of book two, Maggie is still recovering of the trauma on her last mission now working behind the computer screen for Shep. Desperate for an escape and a chance to fully accept what has happened to Celeste suggests they should take a trip away. Little does Maggie know that things take a tragic turn and Maggie must avoid Russian killers.
After the first novel, which sets with the espionage elements of the series, Condon really excels in writing these action-packed moments. From the characterisation and development of Maggie from the book, one to now is really compelling! Condon does not stray away from dealing with topics of anxiety, fertility, desperation and many more.
Condon’s writing style has flourished as the series has progressed. I love her attention detail concerning her characters whether they are only present for a paragraph or featured heavily within the book. I prefer character-driven stories and Condon delivered once more!
I cannot wait to get cracking with the next novel!
I have read the first installment thru the last. I must say, that they are all profound and lucrative in distinct storytelling. Maggie is a tremendously influential, formidable, puissant character. Undoubtedly, she has had an intense life from the beginning onwards. For that reason, I have sustained a strong liking towards her from the very first book - her humble attitude was the key.
Although I started off with the second installment, what grasped my attention and would do to any devoted keen reader's is author Condon's superfluous capability in portraying magnificent storytelling. It is so that in each part of the series you will find yourself explicitly hooked and bewildered! Having said that, Maggie is such a powerful character that with every turmoil she is through you can’t help but expect her to be distraught. But no. The way she is put, it challenges every backlash proving her a contrast to every shallow expectation.
I truly fancy the way author Condon crafted an outstanding story that draws you in like a rollercoaster! I give Spider’s Web 5 stars! And props to the best character, the MC – Maggie.
My favorite thing!! A book with surprising twists!! “Spiders Web” is the third book in the Magdalena Series” by Shannon Condon. Maggie is married to Bernardo, she has her daughter Francesca and her adopted family living close by. Her failure at conceiving another child and being left at home by her Special Ops Team during missions leaves her feeling depressed. She sets out on a girls weekend with her mom which quickly turns deadly. Maggie finds herself a prisoner on an isolated island. This story runs at breakneck speed so be sure to hold on tight. I loved how the author just dived right into the action at the beginning of the book. Her skillful writing and vivid imagery takes you completely into Maggie’s world. I’m giving this book 5 stars for its action packed storyline and all the plot twists throughout the book. I will eagerly await more from this author.
Shannon Condon weaves a complex tale with enough twists and turns to induce carsickness if you're riding in the back seat. This third book in the Magdalena series is the first I've read and making sense of the back story was a bit confusing for me at first. But Maggie is a richly drawn character whose strengths and weaknesses ripple through the plot with genuine consequences, helping to take this story above thrillers that can have an autonomic feel to them, where the explosions and cutting edge technologies are the stars rather than the characters. I also liked the fact that Condon gave Maggie a rich faith life, showing it in ways that weren't preachy yet revealed a facet of her life that is frequently ignored in modern contemporary fiction. More than mere window dressing, it is shown to be a source of peace for Maggie in conflict-ridden world.
As I read the Spider's Web I couldn't help but feel a connection to the characters. Maggie is this bad as agent that wants to try to live a normal life with her Husband Bernardo and their daughter. When she tries to go on a mini vacation her spy life catches up to her. I couldn't help feel for Maggie who had trauma in her life. The love her and Bernardo share is incredible. You can't help but want them to find each other again after Maggie gets kidnapped. While she is forced interact with her kidnappers, Maggie finds out some secrets that really have an emotional impact for her. The story is awesome. As I read each chapter I wanted more. I didn't want the mystery and drama to end. I highly recommend this book.The Spider's Web is truly a great read with great characters. Shannon Condon has found herself a new fan.
The third instalment of the Magdalena series proved to be simultaneously action-packed and devastating, with twists and turns at every corner. Just when the reader (and Maggie) have been lured into a false sense of security, a new threat raises its head and keeps both parties on their toes throughout the entirety of the novel.
Having received a copy of this book for an honest review, I was initially unaware that it was part of a series. However, I did not find the story difficult to follow; it was written in a manner that made it accessible for all readers, new or otherwise.
There were moments where I found Maggie difficult to empathise with, but my general impression is that there is a certain charm about having a vulnerable assassin. She is humanised within the realm of an ordinarily dehumanised career. Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced, easy-to-read novel.
I read this book because it looked and sounded interesting. Shannon Condon definitely delivered on her promise of a good read. While many of the elements were classic tropes, I was surprised by the twists and personalities Condon was able to imbue into each of her characters. At times, I felt the story dragged a little bit, but that is a personal preference issue. I enjoyed following Maggie, Shep, Celeste, Bernardo, and the late-comer, Mark (who ended up being my favorite character--a non-douchey alpha male who is in the military *swoon*). The reason behind my 4-star rating is the personal preference stated above, but also the grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the book. If those could be cleaned up, I would revise the rating. Thanks for a great read, Shannon Condon!
I receive this book from the author through @BookTasters. This is the 3rd book in a series and i requested this book as its blurb was quite gripping and also the book did not disappoint. Though it seems unbelievable that all worst things unimaginable happen to the Maggie but the author portrays in such a way that it intrigues and forma a part of a gripping emotional tale. My only peeve after completing this book was a little background info would have been great without giving spoilers for previous books I am writing this review only after also reading Magdalena #2 The Brotherhood as reading this book made me desperately want to read the prequels . This series is a must read for thriller lovers as it is fast, gripping and also as emotional turns.
This is definitely my favourite in the Magdalena series so far!
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. Personally I prefer not too much of the details of missions etc, so to have much more of the human aspect and the stories of the characters' lives was really nice, and I appreciated having the more technical parts of the book padded with the bits I consider to be easier to read.
Although there's less heavy action in this one than in the last two, it was no less interesting or captivating and I found myself reading it quicker than the others. Maggie still has plenty of action going on in her life, even outside of the special ops!
I read a free book review copy from the publisher, but my review is unbiased and my views are my own.
'Spider's Web' is a thriller by Shannon Condon which has elements of human sentiments such as love, betrayal, aspiration etc. mixed heavily but nicely with family drama. The main protagonists are shown to have immense willpower and mental strength to overcome the odds. It may seem a little far-fetched by the ease they accomplish the tasks (which are deadly and nail-biting anyway) but does it job of motivating the readers to trust self and proceed with confidence to face problems in practical and personal lives. I liked the twists in the story which kept the pace throughout. I wish to see this novel adapted in visual medium someday!!!
It’s an excellent thriller.Spider’s web is the third book in the Magdalena series. I love the Character Maggie here because of her smartness. She knows exactly what is to be done at what moment, this keeps her alive.Its a gripping story.It has an emotional part too where the story continues to tell the love between Maggie and Bernardo and it was beautifully portrayed, here we can see to what extent people can go for their love . The story has so twists and turns that it will make you think and rethink.Shannon Condon continued to keep us hooked with her amazing story telling skill.Thank you Shannon Condon for a wonderful read!
When I first started reading it, I did not know it's the third book in a series. I had NO IDEA. Maybe that's why I felt like a lot of information was suddenly dumped on me in the first few pages. If I'd known, then looking back, it's perfect for readers who are just starting into the series as a summary of what's happened till that point.
Overall, I really liked the book. I guess I'm still bitter about not knowing that it was part of a series. But the book does make me curious about what the first two books are about. Overall, an awesome read, but more satisfying when read as part of the whole series.
In this third installment of the Magdalena series, Maggie's adventures continue. After three years lying low, a kidnapping and a grieving loss bring her out of hiding into a fast-paced, action-filled journey along with her adopted family and unexpected acquaintances. Trying to give the best life to her daughter while carving out a future for herself, she will have to also balance out a secret life full of intrigue, betrayals and losses. It was hard putting down this book once I got the hang of it, the writing was compelling and the plot twisted enough to keep me glued to its pages. I received a free copy of the book via BookTasters, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Magdalena series. The plots are well paced and the characters well drawn - by the end, I felt I actually knew some of them. Magdalena herself has human vulnerability at the heart of her strength, making her real and sympathetic to support, while being perfectly capable of looking after herself. There is a nice mix of mystery and action, with some interesting personal relationships which throw in the occasional curve ball. Shannon Condon has created a world for her characters which feels recognisable yet different (unless you actually are a spy, I guess). Highly recommended.
What an incredible book I loved every minute of it and I will re read it again.My heart goes out to Maggie I laughed and I also cried for her I don't want to give out to much information about the book but I recommend people to read this great book from Shannon Condon she is amazing author and I give 10 out of 10 and I would love to read more of her books.Maggie works as a Special Ops with her family.
Excellent read! I recommend it for anyone that loves intrigue and romance. I especially was enthralled with the beginning and the ending, it was faced paced and kept me on the edge on my seat. The middle was slow and stagnated a little but soon picked itself up and took off with intrigue and excitement. Great book!