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Captain Jake Mahegan #6
Double Crossfire
In the most shocking scenario of our time, former Brigadier General Anthony J. Tata takes you inside a brilliantly conceived, brutally executed plot to overthrow our government--from within . . .
"How do you overturn an election?" It's a question that has obsessed presidential candidate candidate Jamie Carter ever since her loss to businessman and political neophyte President Jack Smart. In spite of the election results, she's determined to take what she sees as her rightful place in the White House--through any means possible. First, she establishes residency in North Carolina. Then, when the state's Pro Tem of the US Senate is found dead, she is appointed to his position by her friend, the governor. Now, there are only three people who stand in her way: the Speaker of the House, the Vice President, and the President himself . . .
The countdown begins. The assassins are ready. But when one of them tries to kill the CIA Director under Jake Mahegan's watch, the plan is momentarily disrupted. Jake is able to prevent one murder--but the conspiracy is too big, and too insidious, to stop now. His partner, Cassie Bagwell, is working as a national security strategist for newly appointed Senator Jamie Carter--the mastermind behind one of the bloodiest coups ever conceived. Her highly trained killers are closing in on all the president's men. And the course of American history will be changed forever--on Assassination Day . . .
"How do you overturn an election?" It's a question that has obsessed presidential candidate candidate Jamie Carter ever since her loss to businessman and political neophyte President Jack Smart. In spite of the election results, she's determined to take what she sees as her rightful place in the White House--through any means possible. First, she establishes residency in North Carolina. Then, when the state's Pro Tem of the US Senate is found dead, she is appointed to his position by her friend, the governor. Now, there are only three people who stand in her way: the Speaker of the House, the Vice President, and the President himself . . .
The countdown begins. The assassins are ready. But when one of them tries to kill the CIA Director under Jake Mahegan's watch, the plan is momentarily disrupted. Jake is able to prevent one murder--but the conspiracy is too big, and too insidious, to stop now. His partner, Cassie Bagwell, is working as a national security strategist for newly appointed Senator Jamie Carter--the mastermind behind one of the bloodiest coups ever conceived. Her highly trained killers are closing in on all the president's men. And the course of American history will be changed forever--on Assassination Day . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2019
203 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Anthony J. Tata
22 books344 followersTony is the bestselling author of 16 novels, including the Garrett Sinclair Series from St. Martin's Press, the Jake Mahegan series from Kensington Books, the Reaper Series from St. Martins Press, and the Threat Series from Variance Publishing. He recently signed a new contract with Kensington Books to write two Zara Sheridan air marshal thrillers. Publishers Weekly selected Besieged as a 2017 Best Book of the Year and Foreign and Domestic was a Barry Award Finalist in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 19, 2019
Fast paced and leaving you wanting more. Tony crushes it with this one! It keeps you on your toes from the get go and it keeps it that way to the very end. Cassie, Jake, and the team are unraveling something huge that begins with Cassie on the run. It all ends up in Washington D.C. with an even bigger twist!
November 10, 2019
Up front, I am a huge fan of General Tata. Once again, he has knocked it out of the park in the latest in the Jake Mahegan series. Largely told from the perspective of Cassie Bagwell, Double Crossfire moves at a fast pace with a number of plot twists and turns that add to the richness of the tale. Some writers in this genre never allow the characters (and the readers) to take a breath. A.J. Tata resists that temptation and delivers a story that is virtually impossible to put down.
Does one read each of the Jake Mahegan novels in sequence? I think it’s absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the reader cannot develop at the same pace as the central characters. Jake is nuanced while at the same time a very dedicated and mission-focused operator.
Once again, BZ to General Tata. His distinguished Army service was a gift to our Nation. His writing is an ongoing gift to all who appreciate the fun of a great yarn.
Does one read each of the Jake Mahegan novels in sequence? I think it’s absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the reader cannot develop at the same pace as the central characters. Jake is nuanced while at the same time a very dedicated and mission-focused operator.
Once again, BZ to General Tata. His distinguished Army service was a gift to our Nation. His writing is an ongoing gift to all who appreciate the fun of a great yarn.
January 20, 2020
What a ride! A nightmare that seems eerily familiar and all to close to home. Explosive action and an edge of your seat thriller. I hope it does not come down to this.
December 19, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC
Non stop action and an intricate plot in this political thriller. The Resistance is a group that includes some pretty high up people within various government agencies planning to overthrow the current government using female assassins. Although this is the 6th book in the Jake Mahegan series, it centers more around his partner Army Ranger Captain Cassie Bagwell. I found it wasn't as good as previous books in the series but it was still a good intense read.
Non stop action and an intricate plot in this political thriller. The Resistance is a group that includes some pretty high up people within various government agencies planning to overthrow the current government using female assassins. Although this is the 6th book in the Jake Mahegan series, it centers more around his partner Army Ranger Captain Cassie Bagwell. I found it wasn't as good as previous books in the series but it was still a good intense read.
October 29, 2019
This intense political drama continues as Cassie, Jake and their team take on a new mission to protect the Presidency. It is an adrenaline pumping ride as you follow its twists and turn. It is filled with urban combat scenarios and future technologies. Cassie is a hard hitting warrior perfectly matched with her boyfriend Jake. With all the conspiracies the author will keep you guessing as you try to figure who the real bad guys are. It will all come down to a nail biting finish which sets the stage for the next mission.
April 3, 2020
Plenty of twist and turns, along with some big surprises.
November 8, 2019
This is A J Tata's (Colonel? Is that correct?) best in a long time. Honestly, I was getting a bit reticent about continuing with the Jake Mehagan series as the last 2 novels didn't do much for me, but this one was a constant thriller-action novel that I couldn't put down! Excellent job! You've sure won me back and the end surely got me excited for the next novel. What a great hook! Really and awesome job, thank you!!
Read
November 14, 2019Anthony Tata’s Double Crossfire keeps readers tense and thinking from beginning to end. Its plot parallels today’s events, but its heroes are unusual: native American/retired military Jake Mahegan and the first female Army Ranger working inside the U.S. to protect government officials as well as us citizens. If you can guess who the enemy/bad guy is, you deserve a medal since Tata succeeds in disguising the antagonist till the very end.
February 24, 2020
Action, action, action !
The action started quickly and never subsided. Cassie being the main character was a good move also. what a plot considering our current political environment.
The action started quickly and never subsided. Cassie being the main character was a good move also. what a plot considering our current political environment.
October 14, 2023
I rarely give a 5 Star rating to a book, however, the fast pace of this story, the relevance to today's political reality and the believable use of modern military and telecommunications technology, resulted in a book that was impossible to put down.
November 18, 2019
Though the characters are fictitious we really know all of them. The plot is so unbelievable, yet so credible, that you hang on to every word, every sentence, every paragraph and chapter until justice is finally served and your subconscious rings with the words “lock her up”.
General Tata has deftly captured the political pulse of the day and has spun a tale that is breathtaking in its realism. It scores a 10 and a must-read for political thrillers.
General Tata has deftly captured the political pulse of the day and has spun a tale that is breathtaking in its realism. It scores a 10 and a must-read for political thrillers.
November 28, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Ripped and copied from today's headlines. While some will say this his mearly a hit piece on Hillary and her continued desires to be President it does cater to those who believe the conspiracy theories of the far right. Accurate or not this is an interesting and fun read.
April 16, 2020
Couldn't put it down!
May 5, 2020
A roller coaster of a ride. Tony brings circumstances to life and brings Jake and his team to bear. Made a couple days of this pandemic experience a little more exciting. Always love reading him. Thanks again. SAO
December 8, 2019
Once again General Tata pens a winner with Double Crossfire. A thriller about a coup in the United States government. It is a page turning hard to put down story. The characters are great, the plot is enthralling and it is just plain fun to read.
March 20, 2022
Anthony Tata’s ‘Double Crossfire’ is a fast paced, twisty-turny action story centering on DC politics.
Characters of the political elite populate the pages and will remind you (whether intentionally or not) of current politicians who dominate the headlines.
Our hero and heroine, Jake and Cassie, are tough, kick-ass, special forces military whose personal connections drive much of the story, and are relatable.
Written in the tradition of Tom Clancy, the story centers on the overthrow of the U.S. government by a nefarious group of disgruntled insiders who plan to assassinate the president. By using a group of mind-controlled female assassins, the insiders manage to do severe damage. But will they achieve their ultimate goal of installing their own leader in the White House?
Though (for me) the book opened slow while establishing the characters, the back story, and the game plan, at about the ¼ mark the story takes off and keeps going until the end.
Don’t want to put in any spoilers, but if you like fast-paced political thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this book.
Characters of the political elite populate the pages and will remind you (whether intentionally or not) of current politicians who dominate the headlines.
Our hero and heroine, Jake and Cassie, are tough, kick-ass, special forces military whose personal connections drive much of the story, and are relatable.
Written in the tradition of Tom Clancy, the story centers on the overthrow of the U.S. government by a nefarious group of disgruntled insiders who plan to assassinate the president. By using a group of mind-controlled female assassins, the insiders manage to do severe damage. But will they achieve their ultimate goal of installing their own leader in the White House?
Though (for me) the book opened slow while establishing the characters, the back story, and the game plan, at about the ¼ mark the story takes off and keeps going until the end.
Don’t want to put in any spoilers, but if you like fast-paced political thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this book.
September 17, 2023
This book was a High Octane rollercoaster ride that I couldn't put down!!
I finished the book in 2days because I could not stop reading it!!
Tom Clancy has met his match and would be proud!
Anthony Tata is the new political thriller master, and is at the top of his game!
I can't wait to read his other works!!!
I finished the book in 2days because I could not stop reading it!!
Tom Clancy has met his match and would be proud!
Anthony Tata is the new political thriller master, and is at the top of his game!
I can't wait to read his other works!!!
April 10, 2022
A quick read. Very interesting parallels to the current state of affairs in our country.
Have to see how the things play out in reality. Sensing this may not be too far off.
Looking forward to reading more of Tata's books.
Have to see how the things play out in reality. Sensing this may not be too far off.
Looking forward to reading more of Tata's books.
Read
November 14, 2023What a page turner
From the start, this story was one you could not stop reading. I highly recommend this book. It's the first of the series I have read, now Since reading this book, I may have to read them all.
From the start, this story was one you could not stop reading. I highly recommend this book. It's the first of the series I have read, now Since reading this book, I may have to read them all.
April 30, 2021
Very interesting book. It took me at least half way in to get an idea of what was going on and then the ending threw me for a loop.
January 5, 2022
Best in the series yet! Couldn't put it down is an understatement. Tata keeps you guessing to the end
March 30, 2022
Excellent read. I could almost see some of the characters with different names, of course, I have a good imagination.
February 2, 2025
A very intriguing story of betrayal in the highest levels of American politics and the people, Jake Mahegan and Cassie Bagwell, fighting for the American way of life in turbulent times.
January 24, 2021
First off, the cover should read "A Cassie Bagwell" novel.
that is the start of my disappointment with this book. maybe it is just being on edge from the pandemic lockdown, and the fact that instead of waiting two days for this book to be delivered(I like the actual book, not an e-reader) I drove 140 miles (round trip) to the closest B&N, because I was bored,wanted to get out of the house,and I really like(or used to) this series. first off, this book is like a mish mash of "The Bourne identity" and "the Manchurian Candidate" neither of which I am a fan of.it made this book a tough read for me.
I never served in the military. but it irks me to no end that Cassie is referred to as a "Ranger".AND IT IS NOT BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN. yes, she completed Ranger school.that gets her a Ranger "Tab"-that is ranger qualified. she did not serve with the 75th ranger regiment-getting the Ranger "Scroll"(my Father served in the 11th ACR. he went to ranger school, got the TAB. my Uncle went to Ranger school,got the TAB,he then served with the 2/75th Rangers. he has a ranger SCROLL.) there is a big difference.
beyond that the plot- even with the current political climate ,was so far out there, it was baffling to think about. the military accidentally uncovers a plot against the Government.but because they don't know who they can trust, they let the plot go forward, causing death and destruction , to uncover the leaders.that is the main thing that bothered me, even for fiction. and then the other little things built up,and just pushed me too far.
- it doesn't matter how high up a Senator is, the Military doesn't take orders (directly) from them.
-the President and Vice President are assassinated(supposedly) while they are together in the same place. circumstances don't matter, the Secret service would never allow them together for that very reason. which brings the next "Tweak"
-Dr.Zara Perro, (Psychologist, self trained assassin,apparent high skilled hacker, and political strategist)is the new Presidents advisor, along with Cassie Bagwell, they show up ARMED in the company of the President. even if the previous President and VP weren't assassinated, do you think the Secret Service would ever allow that?
-Cassie Bagwell, Army Intelligence officer with the 82nd airborne, turns into a tier 1 operator all of a sudden.taking on comic book odds- at one point 14 t0 1, and comes out on top .
enough is enough.Please don't get me wrong, I am not against strong female characters( I am actually pissed another favorite author took his strong ,independent female lead,who was an equal ,sometimes,superior partner to her husband,disappeared her in the latest book, and without reason or explanation,in two pages near the end,diminished her entirely, turning her into just another cheating wife)
to me, this is a "jump the shark" moment.it's like when someone in your social circle gets anew SO, then proceeds to shoehorn them into every social setting.
used to really like this series.now (last 2 books)it is just kind of painful to read.
that is the start of my disappointment with this book. maybe it is just being on edge from the pandemic lockdown, and the fact that instead of waiting two days for this book to be delivered(I like the actual book, not an e-reader) I drove 140 miles (round trip) to the closest B&N, because I was bored,wanted to get out of the house,and I really like(or used to) this series. first off, this book is like a mish mash of "The Bourne identity" and "the Manchurian Candidate" neither of which I am a fan of.it made this book a tough read for me.
I never served in the military. but it irks me to no end that Cassie is referred to as a "Ranger".AND IT IS NOT BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN. yes, she completed Ranger school.that gets her a Ranger "Tab"-that is ranger qualified. she did not serve with the 75th ranger regiment-getting the Ranger "Scroll"(my Father served in the 11th ACR. he went to ranger school, got the TAB. my Uncle went to Ranger school,got the TAB,he then served with the 2/75th Rangers. he has a ranger SCROLL.) there is a big difference.
beyond that the plot- even with the current political climate ,was so far out there, it was baffling to think about. the military accidentally uncovers a plot against the Government.but because they don't know who they can trust, they let the plot go forward, causing death and destruction , to uncover the leaders.that is the main thing that bothered me, even for fiction. and then the other little things built up,and just pushed me too far.
- it doesn't matter how high up a Senator is, the Military doesn't take orders (directly) from them.
-the President and Vice President are assassinated(supposedly) while they are together in the same place. circumstances don't matter, the Secret service would never allow them together for that very reason. which brings the next "Tweak"
-Dr.Zara Perro, (Psychologist, self trained assassin,apparent high skilled hacker, and political strategist)is the new Presidents advisor, along with Cassie Bagwell, they show up ARMED in the company of the President. even if the previous President and VP weren't assassinated, do you think the Secret Service would ever allow that?
-Cassie Bagwell, Army Intelligence officer with the 82nd airborne, turns into a tier 1 operator all of a sudden.taking on comic book odds- at one point 14 t0 1, and comes out on top .
enough is enough.Please don't get me wrong, I am not against strong female characters( I am actually pissed another favorite author took his strong ,independent female lead,who was an equal ,sometimes,superior partner to her husband,disappeared her in the latest book, and without reason or explanation,in two pages near the end,diminished her entirely, turning her into just another cheating wife)
to me, this is a "jump the shark" moment.it's like when someone in your social circle gets anew SO, then proceeds to shoehorn them into every social setting.
used to really like this series.now (last 2 books)it is just kind of painful to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
finished 13th september 2024 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner first from tata another story in a long line of stories i've read former or current special ops types defying the odds and saving the day. glanced at reviews page one to see if anyone designated this story as a kind of metaphor for the current (or the 2016) melodrama played out in politics. though nobody called a spade a spade as the currently unfashionable would have it, cue the song: a real estate developer from las vegas wins the presidency against all odds and a wave of hatred develops and the loser, a woman, plans a takeover to regain her rightful place. "isn't it time we elect a woman to the presidency!" sure, an let us all assuage our guilt over the plight of the poor down-trodden black man and elect a man who can conjugate his verbs. aren't we righteous now. pass the popcorn please and thank you.
the one scene that presented problems...later in the story...when characters were seemingly raised from the dismembered dead...is that...a kind of problem but i won't go back to read the section where body parts were on display. it's been covered by the media and there'd be no point. all in all an entertaining story. not known but evident later in the story...the heroes had a plan all along and maybe that would have been better known early on. take it for what it's worth.
the one scene that presented problems...later in the story...when characters were seemingly raised from the dismembered dead...is that...a kind of problem but i won't go back to read the section where body parts were on display. it's been covered by the media and there'd be no point. all in all an entertaining story. not known but evident later in the story...the heroes had a plan all along and maybe that would have been better known early on. take it for what it's worth.
February 17, 2020
The author asks an interesting question. How would America respond if the current President, Vice President and speaker of the house were assassinated and an ambitious senator was sworn in as President? Unfortunately, he takes sides early on. His President is a stand-in for Trump, ironically named Jack Smart. The senator has exactly the same biography as Hillary Clinton. The senator is behind the plot aided by the head’s of both the FBI and the CIA, using female felons trained as assassins. The only true blue Americans are the military whose mission is entirely non-partisan. Written by one of Trump’s pet generals, this is thinly, very thinly disguised propaganda. The plot is hamstrung by his attempt to create dramatic tension by leaving out important plot details known only to the characters and dropping them scattershot through the book. What I want to know is what happened to Jermaine!! The best character in the whole book.
October 16, 2019
“Double Crossfire” by Anthony Tata is the 6th in a series featuring the main character, Jake Mahegan. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and although it’s a stand-alone book, I felt like I was missing some important background information by not having read the earlier books., and it seemed Inwas playing catch-up most the time. With that being said, the plot is incredulous, even for this genre, and it just didn’t keep my interest, and as the plot progressed so did the level of unbelievability. It felt like a mashup of several similar books, and it just never really took off. Not to my liking.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
For all practical purposes, this is the first espionage novel I have ever read (different from mystery genres). General Tata's writing is well done! And, with his amazing background, I appreciate the story line, given today's political climate and the goings-on, here and abroad. As Mark Twain's character, Pudd'nhead Wislon said, "Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t."
Dr. Jan Halper-Hayes recommended the book in an interview a month or so back. I called my local library immediately, and someone had just borrowed it! Privacy protects the reader-that said; I'd love to compare notes !!
Really enjoyed this read, and in fact, my husband could not wait for me to finish, as he has grabbed it, already!!
Dr. Jan Halper-Hayes recommended the book in an interview a month or so back. I called my local library immediately, and someone had just borrowed it! Privacy protects the reader-that said; I'd love to compare notes !!
Really enjoyed this read, and in fact, my husband could not wait for me to finish, as he has grabbed it, already!!
January 11, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Anthony Tata. Although starting out as a reasonably interesting thriller, the story devolves into a complicated plot by a widespread conspiracy to overthrow the President, who resembles Trump in demeanor, and replace him with the losing candidate, who resembles Hillary Clinton. I guess the fun is trying to figure out the true loyalties of the main characters - are they spies or double-agents? For me, it was just kind of tedious. The narrative is actually written well, the dialogue is ok to good. There is lots of violence - guns and knives and hand-to-hand combat. Perhaps with a better story, this novel would have gotten more stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews