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FORCE NO ONE: A Thriller

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Find a terrorist killer or the World Series blows up on television—play ball.

A homicide in Detroit usually doesn't raise many eyebrows, but a victim is found with a business card from a Department of Homeland Security enforcement cell no one's ever heard of. FBI Special Agent Amber "Corvette" Watson and Detroit Police homicide detective Sgt. Tracey Lexcellent catch the case.

With a disgraced U.S. Army Ranger who can forget nothing and a black-budget CIA team in tow, they must solve the murder before terrorists can parachute into open-air Comerica Park during the opening ceremonies of the World Series to blow themselves up and kill thousands on live television.

People are going to die. Everyone hopes they are the bad guys.

408 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2018

31 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Daniel Charles Ross

4 books35 followers
Dan was born in Detroit and grew up in and around Detroit, attending the former East Detroit High School (Go ☘️ Shamrocks); Wayne State University downtown; and later completing his undergrad at Southern New Hampshire University. He finished half of a two-year MFA in creative writing before his VA education benefits finally winked out.

He has worked as a color timer and processor in an automated photo lab; as a stock chaser in a Chrysler stamping plant; and as a warehouse rat on 100-degree summer days. He spent seven years on active U.S. Army duty, mostly as a long-duration undercover Military Police Investigator, serving five years in Germany in two trips.

Most of his civilian work life was spent on staff at and for magazines. He was an Associate Editor at AutoWeek; the Detroit Editor at Popular Mechanics; and the National Editor at both Motor Trend and Car and Driver.

Dan has been a senior enlisted Navy Journalist since October 1986, with annual deployments to places such as Manila, the Philippines; Germany; and New Orleans covering Mardi Gras. He was the only Navy photographer on the only U.S. warship to attend the 300th Anniversary of the Russian Navy, in St. Petersburg. Not the Florida one.

After his magazine career, Dan served in a series of executive public relations roles at Tier 1 automakers and agencies before the events of September 11, 2001. By March 2002, he had accepted a 37-month by-name recall to active U.S. Navy duty as the senior enlisted public affairs manager at Naval Facilities Engineering Command and as the chief journalist of the Seabees. He retired from the Navy Reserve in July 2010 as a Chief Petty Officer.

He lives in suburban Detroit where he is finishing the second storm cell novel, Force Majeure.

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5 stars
42 (39%)
4 stars
40 (37%)
3 stars
19 (17%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Kashif.
137 reviews31 followers
December 16, 2020
Force No One is a brilliantly plotted, intricately crafted, fast-paced narrative that’s driven by relatable and realistic characters and situations that feel like real occurrences from the top-secret archives!

Force No One packs a high stakes threat shrouded in mystery till the very end, a murder of a DHS ( Department of Homeland Security) agent being investigated by two badass cops, and a shady dangerous enigmatic operator looking for buried treasure in Iraq. However seemingly unconnected the events might seem at first, the truth can’t be farther from it. Each sub story presents clues that form the jigsaw puzzle of the bigger picture at the end with a WOAH factor. The multiple substories written with finesse and ease of understanding while building up to create singular narrative towards the climax made me think Tom Clancy would be proud.

Each and every leading character became an instantly likable and relatable character for me to root. One of the things I haven’t really seen occur in thrillers before was the complete 180 turn of a supposed antagonist who I felt would be a menacingly evil guy. That was a plot twist I couldn’t have foreseen, yet the clues were subtly hinted just enough to mess with the readers a bit before the big reveal. I loved it!

Force No One doesn’t feel like a normal thriller against Islamist terrorists. The story is very central to Dearbon, Michigan, where the Muslim population is the largest in the US. Staying away from cliches, Daniel Charles Ross takes a less traveled road to show a realistic and balanced reality where many Muslims are loyal to America as their home country for seeking a better life. The perversion of good exists and is tackled by the good in this world. With white supremacists in the mix, a new take on racism is displayed in this narrative and it’s a fresh and bold one. All the more reason for Force No One to be a memorable and unique read.

Complimenting the gripping storyline are grounded and crisp action sequences loaded with accurate but not overloading information about tactical hardware to keep the read authentic and engaging for fans who like to visualize the weaponry used. While the action sequences aren’t too heavy on full blown shootouts, the authenticity of the crisp action sequences quenched my thirst for the time being. The armory of the book also includes a sophisticated AI controlled drone with a Star Wars laser weapon that’s utilized in a visceral and macabre display of violence that will not be forgotten by readers. The cherry on the topping would be the descriptions of Corvettes being driven in a manner befitting sports cars enthusiasts!

Coming to the characters, each exhibits a sense of belonging in the narrative. No character feels like a filler. Each character, even if playing a small role, drives the story forward and introduces new events and subplots every bit as interesting and exciting. Each character is imbued with relatable personalities and quirks that make the read all the more interesting to invest into, both time and emotions. I grew attached to the characters from the get-go and I hope to see more of them.

Ultimately the story is about stopping a threat to the American people, one that would match the intensity and devastation of 9/11. As both law enforcement and dedicated government branches and secretive branches rush to uncover the plot albeit not even realizing they are headed down the same path toward the same goal, the pace is fast and keeps the readers hooked. The mystery surrounding the actual nature of the threat keeps the suspense going all the way till the horrifying truth is revealed.

All in all, Force No One is an exciting and bold espionage and military styled thriller that tackles personal as well as grand-scale geopolitical storylines with great skill and research that pay off handsomely. For fans of classic Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor works, this is THE thriller for you. Extremely excited for the sequel.
44 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2020
I recently discovered a new initiate to the military thriller genre in the work of Daniel Charles Ross, and his FORCE NO ONE, a story that introduces all the excitement that fans look for- the bait, $100 million dollars, murder, espionage, fire fights, the military hardware, especially the killing drones. It all culminates in a finale in stopping the terrorist assault on the Detroit’s Tigers’Stadium and the World Series.

Ross displays masterly development of detailed scenarios, much like Vince Flynn’s writing. He lays out the execution of the mission as Brad Thor would, plotting it out from start to finish. He begins by introducing us to a rugged, seasoned, supposedly special operator gone bad, to prison that is, who is on the search, overturning every rock,to those holding the briefcase and the key to a $100 million, end of the rainbow, stash hid in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.

It’s a storyline with exquisitely developed personalities of all characters and even the secondary ones. Starting with Xavier “Zave” Cloud, special operator given a criminal background to serve as entrance to the underworld, to seek out the islamic plotters.He is adept at the hunt and pursuit, and even unpleasant torture, with the end result of finding the $100 million before ISIS or the Chinese do. It takes him into the seamier side of Detroit. To a Chinese restaurant, run by Chinese Special Forces General Xing whose daughter is held in Ramadi by ISIS. A deal is made, Xavier rescues the hostage and Chinese special forces controlled by Xing, with access to nukes, will assist in the retaking of $100 million dollars. Thus removing the threat of having to deliver the nukes to ISIS.

The CIA and US special military serve as the behind the scene puppeteers manuevering Xavier into place to recapture the missing $100 million and halt the nuke exchange. They are aware, through the undercover work of a murdered Detroit Homeland Security agent that a terrorist plot is afoot with hints of a nuke suitcase coming into play, with the white vigilante nationalists named Wolverines stirring the whole pot in Detroit.

Ross develops great characters and insights into the pettiness and corruption found in all big city bureaucracies across America. He creates a joint federal homicide taskforce with the hottest female homicide team since the days of “Cagney and Lacey.” Amber “Corvette” Watson with a 2013, yellow Z06 convertible Corvette, accompanied by her hunky, years younger state trooper boy toy. Then there’s Tracey Lexcellent, flaming red hair, 5’9” legs go on forever who favors Jimmy Choo sandals. They get the job of figuring out why all the bodies are showing up.

These seemingly separate stories get blended and in the end, explodes in a race to stop a terrorist hit on the World Series.The action in the Hindu Kush provides all the battle action and military equipment readers love to see in capturing the money and the kidnaped girl. The story climax introduces killer drones. The individual characters are developed to such a degree you could write a novella on each.

This is an intellectuals’military thriller too. You’ll love the citations of quotes at the beginning of chapters from noted philosophers from antiquity, modern playwrights and well known military figures. They give a touch of sophistication to the tale. The novel delivers a likeable protagonist, a great overview of the pluses of Detroit, and a loveable female team one could see reappearing in later novels.

This book delivers all that you read a military/political thriller for, the guns, planes, firefights, intricate plot, and detailed, well developed secondary characters. It is an excellent premiere novel that would have readers anticipating Daniel Charles Ross’s next release. A big 5* on this one!
84 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2023
Force No One by Daniel Charles Ross is a standout thriller that I would highly recommend. With an intriguing plot, great cast of entertaining characters, and pulse pounding action sequences, Force No One is a highly enjoyable read. I am eagerly awaiting the follow-up, to see what is next for team Storm Cell!
Profile Image for Chasity.
113 reviews16 followers
May 16, 2024
My rating would be more a 3.5 but rounded up. This was an interesting mash up with cops, spies, and the military while trying to stop an att💥ck. This is told in multi-POV. Even though the story wasn't bad it failed to keep my attention. I found myself putting it down at times because it felt like the story was dragging some. The ending was nice, sweet, and funny.
33 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2021
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.*

This book had me from the opening chapter, and I had to keep going to find out what was happening. There's a disgraced Army Ranger, recently escaped from jail, who is trying to find a stash of millions of dollars hidden in a cave in Iraq. There's a couple of hotshot detective women in a joint FBI/Detroit PD task force who are trying to solve the murder of a DHS agent before a meddling glory seeking boss snatches the case from their grasp. There's a retired Chinese general running a restaurant who is under pressure from terrorists to provide them with a suitcase nuke. And if that isn't enough, there's a CIA team with an unlimited budget and a pile of special high-tech toys.

The author skillfully weaves together these multiple storylines and populates the narrative with some characters whom I could truly sympathize with, neatly balancing the good guy versus bad guy tropes. The descriptions of the technology had me worrying whether he was breaching some sort of official secrets act and I was relieved to read in the dedications section that it was all fictional. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel Force Majeure and the spinoff Winghaven when they come out.
1 review1 follower
November 15, 2018
Force No One, a debut novel by Daniel Charles Ross, grabbed me with the opening paragraphs and never let go until the end. When it was over, I found myself wanting more from this author. I believed the scenes he set in Detroit and Dearborn and could tell the author had been there. The scenes in Afghanistan were realistic and thrilling. The characters he created were real to me and most of all, I cared what happened to them. The chapters are short and introduced with quotes from historical figures from Eisenhower, Churchill, Patton, and even gonzo journalist, Hunter Thompson. The nail-biting action kept me turning the pages right up to the surprise conclusion. This suspense thriller is the first of what promises to be a series of more great novels to come. I cannot wait for his next one, Force Majeure, a tantalizing chapter of which is included at the end of this novel, just to whet your appetite. Daniel Charles Ross is a bright new author that will keep his audience coming back for much more for many years to come.
76 reviews
September 18, 2020
Great read
I really enjoyed this book it starts in a warehouse in Detroit where a body is found with a business card for Homeland Security. Two women are assigned to the case FBI special Agent Amber Watson and DPD Detective Sergeant Tracey Lexcellent who were paired together they are very different but work well together.
They need to solve this case which turns out to be about a Terrorist attack planned for the World Series opening ceremony which is planned to be televised across the country.
There are loads of characters involved in this story and some turn out to be not what they seem when first introduced into the story.
The two female police officers are very strong characters which come through more as the story continues.

Denise

This book kept you thinking who were
Profile Image for Pamela Long.
131 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2020
What a terrific action-packed book. Non-stop thrills, non-stop action, great characters, and lots of bad guys. Full of detail but not boring this book takes you right along for the ride to stop a terrorist attack on the World Series. A few side stories along the way and it all comes together at the end with a bang. Oh, by the way, I am quite terrified of the drone with laser, sure hope it knows the good guys from the bad guys. Loved the ending and so looking forward to the next Storm Cell adventure.
17 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2021
Found Force No One through Voracious Readers and am glad I did!

I was hooked from a beginning. The author certainly brought the characters to life, and I loved the relationship between them.

Although this is my usual genre I read I don't really bother when the main characters are women as they usually come across as weak girly types, so came as a surprise how much I enjoyed these two, if it wasn't for their names I wouldn't have known.

Have already seen what other books there are by the same author and will definitely be reading more!
1 review
April 1, 2020
Very impressive effort for a first time mystery writer. Story showed author's uncommon ability to present a "can't stop turning the page" thriller. The dialogue between the numerous characters was realistic and the description of the settings and environments presented exacting word pictures, If the length of the story had been a little shorter, I would have read the book in one sitting. High praise for a first time author.
4 1/2 Stars out of 5. JKGore
Profile Image for Liz.
118 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

This book was interesting. It was slow at the beginning as it built up the plot. Once it got to the action scenes/climax it was definitely a fast read. At first it was very confusing as each chapter was from a different POV. So none of the story lines made sense until they all connected. I’m not from a military background so some of the jargon I wasn’t familiar with.
2 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2018
A modern day who done it set in Detroit that takes the reader to the deserts of Afghanistan. A page-turner that is hard to put down, with interesting, well-developed, strong characters. Along with a few plot twists to keep things interesting. A must read for anyone with a connection to Detroit and readers who also appreciate cars.
50 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2021
I do enjoy reading military books although if you are not familiar with some military terms this is not the book for you. I like the author style of writing, the characters were brought to life from page one and I found it difficult to put the book down when I started to read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Mattster.
83 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2019
This reminded me of Marcus Wynne's works. Midwest city, multiple alphabet soup agencies working together unfolding a broad plot. I look forward to the sequel and seeing how Ross develops as an author.
Profile Image for Lorna.
361 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2020
I received this book from Voracious readers. This book is a debut novel for this writer but it feels familiar. I can see it made into a movie with it’s non stop action. The characters are likeable and formed a great team. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
34 reviews
November 18, 2018
Fast-paced. Exciting. Thrilling. Ross' writing is riveting. He has an incredible style that makes this story impossible to put down.
57 reviews
July 29, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author through VRO & loved it. Action & adventure from go to whoa. On the edge of your seat page turner!
Profile Image for Barb Hanson.
7 reviews
September 11, 2020
An action packed novel that kept me reading. I received the book through voracious readers, an author and characters I would like to read again.
92 reviews
July 21, 2025
I was given a copy of this from the Author in response for a honest review. I love my mystery books. And totally enjoyed to figure out who did it. My guess was wrong.Great storyline and Characters.
Profile Image for Edin Kapić.
Author 1 book8 followers
December 12, 2023
Force No One is a book that's perfect for fans of Tom Clancy or similar technothrillers. It has all the ingredients: fast-paced action, military knowledge and tidbits, international relations and cliffhangers. A terrorist plot, a mysterious Chinese general, a corrupt politician, corrupt police officers...I liked reading it.

So, why only three stars, then?

First of all, I had a major issue with the two female protagonists: Tracy Lexcellent (really? It's such a weird surname) and Amber "Corvette" Watson are basically men in women's bodies: they drive racing cars, they are always looking at the handsome men around, you get the idea. They never clicked as real people for me.

The other major downer in this book for me was the constant shifting of point of view. It took some time to understand who's who and how they are related. It's not a bad thing, but it was made worse by the extremely short chapters where every couple of minutes I was in the head of somebody else.

The last thing was the ending. It was so anticlimactic and after the assault on the terrorist hideout, the denouement dragged on and I ended up skimming the pages instead of reading. Nothing substantial in the last 10-15 pages.


*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.*

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Martha.
78 reviews
April 25, 2022

force not one

I was hooked from the start; once I was able to resume reading it I couldn't put it down until the end. Murders, parallel stories, very well presented living characters; developed in Detroit, in Dearborn, and transports us to Afghanistan, it shows us a lot of knowledge of these places and although I have not visited them I could imagine them.
Its pages lead us to an unexpected end. Very realistic and exciting scenes, which show us the author very steeped in the subject, invites us to question who the good guys really are and opens up many questions that conclude with an unexpected ending. Short chapters, stories that come together, kidnappings, assassinations, the CIA, ISIS, the military, the use of current technologies. ETC. At the beginning of each chapter he offers us quotes from historical figures such as Churchill, Eisenhower, who invited me to be shared on my social networks. This author surprised me with his talent and I wish him great success in his career as a writer, I look forward to reading his new works. If you like espionage, crime, action, this book is for you and I highly recommend it.
16 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
This is a book you will either love or put right down again. I chose the carry on reading, and I am so glad I did! Very well written, fast moving, technically correct, a page turner that leaves you thinking! A look at the dark side of life; life that some finds some on the right side, others on the wrong side ... and then there are others who appear to serve both sides ... An interesting, nay, fascinating story, I look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Rob Ballister.
271 reviews3 followers
Read
April 2, 2020
Read and scored as part of the MWSA 2020 Awards Program.
Profile Image for Cath.
16 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
Enjoyed this book and the strong cast of characters, can't wait to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Lyndsay Fiorentino.
149 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2024
Exciting military type thriller. Full of action from start to finish. I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
110 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2021
Found this book through Voracious Readers. I was ready for an espionage thriller. In the opening chapter, I wasn’t sure if I’d stay through it all. The extensive descriptions and use of first and last names every single mention was tedious. And the various scenarios didn’t seem to tie together. BUT, once Xavier Cloud was introduced, the story got immeasurably better! The pieces started falling together with tons of well-done action, and character development was great. The story took off and came to a satisfying conclusion. I’m interested in continuing this series!
44 reviews
September 19, 2021
Thrillers have long been on my list of preferred books and this offering from Voracious Readers proved no disappointment.

The book is fast-paced and seemingly unrelated storylines eventually converge to the point where you just have to know what happens. The author presents us with what at first glance seem like mercenaries, ex-military that may or may not be trustworthy and refreshingly, intelligent women who are, shall we say, over a certain age? As the story unfolds, things are not what they first appear to be and I had to know how the book ended. As it is part of a series, it did not leave you hanging in a preposterous place, but certainly wanting to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,426 reviews18 followers
August 19, 2024
I quickly became engrossed in this book abd had a difficult time putting it down. The wotkd building, between Detroit and Afghanistan, was phenomenal, and the cast of characters was extremely eclectic, realistic, entertaining, and engaging. Pieces and snippets of the while picture gradually gave way in a grand culmination that wrapped up the necessary tendrils. No dangling pieces- yeah!

This was a first for me by this author, but it certainly won't be my last. I did receive a gift copy ofvthis book via Bookfunnel, and I volunteered my review.
Profile Image for Julie.
262 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2024
Although it was a good plot, this took me a long time to read.
567 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2021
I received this book from the author and voraciousreads.com in return for an honest review.

Force No One is a brilliantly plotted, intricately crafted, fast-paced narrative that’s driven by relatable and realistic characters and situations that feel like real occurrences from the top-secret archives!

As far as reviews go, this book is a very exciting and bold military-styled thriller that tackles grand-scale geopolitical storylines with great ease, as exemplified by the author's great skill in writing and the amount of research that obviously went into the story. This is a great read that is a shoo-in for the next read of fans of Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. This book is worthy of easily four and three quarter stars (which through goodreads.com rounds up to five stars).

As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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