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V.E.N.O.M.

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Sometimes, the past comes back to haunt you. His is coming to kill him.

NYPD homicide detective Jake Penny can’t escape the guilt of causing his wife and daughter’s deaths. Battling alcohol and opioid addiction, he’s assigned a murder investigation that points toward a sinister secret organization. And when a career-driven NSA agent joins the case, Jake fears his own secrets will be exposed and send him to his doom.

With his unwanted partner obsessed with recovering stolen info, the pressure mounts on Jake to keep his history buried. And as corruption and deception cover the trail, he’s never sure he’s on the right side of the law.

Will Jake find redemption for his sins by terminating a deadly threat to global peace?

V.E.N.O.M.: In Venenum Potentia is the first book in the action-packed V.E.N.O.M. spy thriller series. If you like complex heroes, shocking plot twists, and shadowy espionage, then you’ll love Ty Mitchell’s pulse-pounding tale.

Buy V.E.N.O.M. to get to the truth today!

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2019

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About the author

Ty Mitchell

5 books36 followers
Ty Mitchell is an acclaimed author of espionage thrillers, known for his gripping narratives and complex characters. With his military background, Ty brings a unique depth to his stories, immersing readers in the dark and twisted minds of his protagonists and antagonists alike. His debut novel, The Catalogue, became an instant hit with readers and established him as a master of suspense.

A native of Atlanta, Ty draws inspiration from the different places he's been stationed, which often serve as the backdrop for his novels. He holds a degree in Communications Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus and has spent over a decade honing his craft as a writer.

When he's not writing, Ty enjoys trying new foods and traveling with his family. He currently resides in Italy with his wife and three children.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Marcus.
766 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2019
This book starts slow and highlights a broken down alcoholic police detective. This is where it starts to get interesting because the action is suddenly kicked into high gear. Numerous shadowy characters are introduced and the reader is unsure of what their true motivations are. The characters are well developed, with adequate backstories and very good interplay. The action gets more intense as the story develops with several plot twists and character developments. A very very good book to read.
Profile Image for Zally (ZenithMeridian).
88 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2019
Even though this book is filled with traditional thriller/mystery tropes (liquor loving protagonist anyone) it was still an entertaining read. Once the action picks up the narrative flies which makes up somewhat for the unimaginative tropes.

I am curious to see where Ty goes with this concept in the future. I have a feeling I will be seeing more of this author's work popping up sooner rather than later on my dash.

Also note: This genre is not really something I gravitate to as much as others so my review may have more bias than intended.
Author 0 books3 followers
May 29, 2019
In V.E.N.O.M detective Penny is forced to take action and stop the government's adversaries from retrieving their secrets at all costs without bringing any light to what's going on while he struggles with the death of his wife and child. The book weaves through the gauntlet of political corruption, treason, espionage, and murder.

Overall, the book was okay. Some of it was cheesy, and not the funny type but the eye roll type, like the line "looks like she moved from little ponies to little boys." And some of the "I was trying to be sensitive, not insult the woman" tropes were too much. Pacing was ok and pretty much on target for a thriller and the twists were well done that I really never grasped anyone's true motives until the end. I did enjoy that. Now, the violence in the book is interesting. Some of it is needed but some of it felt like it was gratuitous, which makes me want to put a book down as a reader. I'm an avid fan of Dexter, so I am not squeamish but when violence is there for no real point then it's not appealing. There are some typos and grammatical errors that should have been caught, but they don't interfere with the reading overall.
9 reviews
May 28, 2019
Detective Jake Penny is walking a tightrope of life and death while struggling to move forward with his life after the death of his wife and daughter and maintain his sobriety. When a case that is supposed to provide him a chance to get away is handed to him, he thinks it's an easy task until he stumbles upon something unexpected. A visit from NSA Agent Ethan Parker turns his life completely upside down as he is forced to embark on a mission to take down a threat to national security. Add in a multilayered journalist named Zasha who is looking to get the inside track from Penny by starting up a flirty friendship and you've got an interesting mix of characters who really carry the storeline.

Admittedly, I did not expect to become as enthralled with this story as quickly and intensely as I did. I read it in one sitting. There was no boring filler, just pages of action and investigation that pealed back the layers of this twisted story. It did get a bit violent at times, but nothing that detracted from the actual story. All in all, a very good read.
36 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2019
In V.E.N.O.M a homicide detective named Jake Penny struggles with personal demons in the wake of losing his wife and child in mysterious, traumatic circumstances. But his problems only go from bad to worse when he accidentally stumbles upon a complex web of crime, corruption and murder. As this thriller’s plot progresses Jake finds himself entangled with a mysterious NSA agent and an alluring investigative journalist, all while battling to uphold a frail façade of sobriety in order to maintain his career. This is a fast-paced, action-packed tale filled with many genuinely surprising plot twists. Zasha, the investigative journalist, was one of my favourite aspects of this book as I enjoyed the way in which the author revealed different dimensions to her character as the story evolved. Another strength of the novel was that the author clearly put a lot of thought into ensuring that it was hard to predict many of the characters’ true motivations. This makes it easy for the reader to relate to the confusion Jake feels in being thrust into such a complex, dangerous predicament. This thriller is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy action and adventure fiction also, as V.E.N.O.M. features several fight scenes reminiscent of those depicted in martial arts films.
Profile Image for Veronica Richard.
77 reviews
May 30, 2019
V.E.N.O.M. by Ty Mitchell is the first book in a series and I honestly can’t wait to read more.

NYPD Homicide Detective Jake Penny finds himself in the middle of a case he didn’t ask for and struggling with who to trust and what to do. He has the NSA and his Lieutenant breathing down his neck, an investigative reporter that turns up everywhere, and a past that haunts him.

Filled with espionage, murder, suspense, action, and secrets, this book was a page turner. Action-packed from the first page, I was immediately hooked. I was not expecting the twists and turns, especially the ending. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
2 reviews
April 22, 2019
This book was a page turner! The character development was outstanding and the imagery made me feel like I was there.

If you like action-packed thrillers that leave you wanting to read the whole book in one sitting, then this is for you. Can't wait for more books from this author!
Profile Image for Angel.
103 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2019
This book hooked me from the start. The action starts right away and never lets up. The situations some of the characters find themselves in leave you gasping, wondering how and if they will get out of it. And then there's a twist that I never saw coming. Very well written and paced, this book was a great read. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Nicole.
314 reviews26 followers
May 17, 2019
Wow, this was an amazing book! It took me by total surprise. You meet Jake, who is at the end of his rope on his life, who gets swept up into this case (he basically stumbles upon some major evidence) that turns his entire life upside down. Along the way, he gets partnered up with a guy from the NSA and a ruthless career-driven reporter, Zasha, who has her own agenda. Everyone has secrets in this book and no one - particularly our main character - knows who to trust. This is a roller coaster of a book that captured me in the beginning. I really liked Jake's flaws and how he stumbles over his alcohol addiction and I even appreciated Zasha's attitude and determination. Overall, I can't wait to read the next book and was so happy to find this one. Excellent for anyone who loves a great thriller with strong character development.
33 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2019
Jake a detective and cop has a problem with alcohol and addicted to pain killers just put back on duty from being on suspend Jake got a cell phone call to go check out a murder of a asain family. Deep into the case of spy and venom gang multi race and lot of action devour the book love Jake and by play with agent Parker and the reporter zasha. Looking forward to more in the venom series love fast action and multi races that was in the book. This was so much better then any operation book I have read. A new author to me and will be looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Caitlynn Akin.
111 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2019
A suspenseful thriller, V.E.N.O.M delves right into the world of a troubled detective, Jake Penny, as he is dragged into behind the scenes battles of secret agencies. While he seeks to overcome the past that haunts him, Jake will experience some of the toughest challenges yet. The action-packed plot keeps a fast pace, making the book and easy read. There were some grammatical errors, but all the twists in the story make you keep reading through. With all the makings of a good spy story, this book will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering who to trust.
Profile Image for Rebecca Crouch.
1 review
May 12, 2019
Interesting book

The only issue I had with this book were numerous spelling, grammar,and formatting errors. If you can look past that, you'll enjoy this book.
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,099 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2019
If you like fast paced, twists at every turn, and sick, sad, cops, it's all here. Well developed plot, characters to like and dislike, then grab some coffee and prepare to be well entertained!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 2 books30 followers
June 23, 2019
The mysterious death of an older Chinese couple in the Catskills has multiple law enforcement agencies scrambling for answers. By all accounts the two had several children living with them that are now missing. The reference to a group calling themselves V.E.N.O.M. comes into play.

New York City detective Jake Penney is called to work the case. He was a great cop at one time. The death of his family and subsequent spiral into alcohol and drug abuse has all but robbed him of his job. Hanging on by a thread, his CO decides that investigating the murders away from NYC may be the change of scenery he needs. The outcome of the case could determine the path his life will take, either with or without the NYPD.

As soon as Jake arrives he butts heads with the locals. Enter Special Agent Ethan Parker, an investigator that is pulled into the case from parts unknown. Parker recognizes the skill and knowledge Jake possesses and latches on to him. Parker uses tactics that are barely above the law to get information from suspects, which makes Jake more than uncomfortable. Parker is willing to go to any length to find the golden grail – a Catalogue containing details of deals and debts, assassinations and assassins spanning the globe. He explains to Jake that V.E.N.O.M. stands for The Veiled and Exclusive Nation of Organized Mercenaries – for a price the best assassins in the world will do your bidding.

Meanwhile, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Zasha Avery gets wind of the events in New York. Living and working in Miami will not stop her from following the case in the Catskills. She smells a story and is determined to be the one to investigate and write another award winning series before anyone else. She hones in on Jake and Parker, realizing that they are the ticket to the ride she wants to take no matter the consequences.

V.E.N.O.M. is a fast paced action novel with no shortage of character development. Jake, Parker and Zasha, the trio of main characters, are complex and flawed, often exploding on the pages for the reader’s enjoyment.

The fast-paced plot is twisted in the perfect way to keep readers breathless as the tension builds. By the last pages all has been revealed – or has it? The last pages tie up all loose ends.  Lucky for the reader, this appears to be the first in a series and I for one cannot wait for the second book in the series.

If you are a fan of Marvel characters and movies, you will love this fast-paced thriller. I see great things in Mitchell’s future, be sure to be along for this ride.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from  Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
Profile Image for Anastasia.
70 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
For more reviews visit Living in a Bookworld

Protagonist Jake Penny is a veteran-turned-detective, fighting with his own demons. Having lost both his wife and daughter in a deadly car accident, he finds some peace in his alcohol addiction. Being a homicide detective, he's one of the first people to arrive at a crime scene, but when he gets a call for a new case and agrees to take part in the investigation, he becomes part of the world's biggest conspiracy. Before he knows it, law enforcement, NSA, and a secret organization called V.E.N.O.M are after him.

V.E.N.O.M. is an acronym for the Veiled and Exclusive Nation of Organized Mercenaries. Ninety-nine percent of the people who work there are ordinary people, doctors, and government officials who push the organization’s agenda. The remaining one percent were the spies and mercenaries, and Jack has just crossed paths with them. His only allies are an NSA agent, Ethan Parker, who is too eager to help him, and an investigator specializing in politics and two-times Pulitzer winner journalist called Zasha, who has her own agenda. He knows that both of them are not to be trusted, but he has no other choice, since this is bigger, much bigger than he originally thought, and he will need all the help he can get, even if someone betrays him in the end.

Jack is an extremely complicated character. There are so many layers as far as his personality is concerned, and we've barely scratched the surface. He's been through so many things that have shaped his character, so when readers find out something new about Jack, they will think that they know everything there is to know about him. However, the story then develops, and a different side of him suddenly becomes known that changes everything.

V.E.N.O.M. is a fast-paced thriller with a number of twists unraveling throughout the book that make the reader keep reading, until they find themselves reaching the end and realizing just how well-written the story is. The plot's characters are well thought through. From the moment they are introduced, to the moment their intentions become apparent, each character evolves right in front of the reader's eyes, demonstrating the amazing feat Ty Mitchell has accomplished with V.E.N.O.M. The book ends with a cliffhanger. Jack's story is far from over, and I would love to find out how it continues. A great choice for adult fans of action-packed thrillers.
487 reviews
June 27, 2019
I liked the basic idea, but the badass babe falling for the damaged lawman seemed forced. There were a lot of distracting typos, & I'm still trying to figure out how a 2nd-generation Chinese-American cop ended up with a Vietnamese surname. I received a Kindle edition from a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews