An elite force of private military contractors. A ragtag band of aging war heroes and civilians.
It began with a simple kidnapping. It ended in an all-out private war.
In Harry Starke’s world, nothing is ever quite as it seems. His wife is lying in hospital in a coma. His best friend and business partner is not who he says he is.
Once again Harry says never again, but when his intellectually disabled uncle is kidnapped and becomes a pawn in a deadly game of cat and mouse, he finds himself plunged back into a life he so desperately wants to leave behind...
Aftermath is the 14th standalone novel in a series of hard-boiled thrillers. If you like tough-as-nails heroes, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Blair Howard’s latest gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Grab a copy today and hang on tight; you’re in for a wild ride!
Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
This is the first of the Harry Starke novels that I have read. Harry Starke who runs a PI firm had just saved a large part of a city from nuclear catastrophe. He is considering turning his firm over to his partner and employees. His wife Amanda is in hospital in a coma as a result of a mishap in the previous novel. Their new baby Jade is being cared for by Harry's mother.
Harry's father August is a lawyer who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a couple injured in an accident with a big truck in the opening scene of the novel. The truck was carrying forbidden cargo.In response, Harry's Uncle Joe, who is disabled, is snatched from the care facility where he is living. The abductor's call and demand that August drop the lawsuit. This leads to Harry gathering his friends and setting out to find and destroy the abductors.
This is a fast-paced action thriller. Lots of shooting and violence. The writing is smooth and it makes for an easy read. Now looking for the other novels in the Starke series.
This book and the one before it are very different from what Harry Stark has been. I don’t care for this Stark. I hope he will get back to solving murders that he didn’t commit. The book was good just not Harry Stark good. Hoping book 15 will return to its roots. But with Shady still out there ....
Like 'The Expendables' meet SEALS, there's a private war starting between Harry Starke and his Team and the elite mercenaries who have taken Harry's mentally disabled uncle hostage to force Harry back into a lifestyle he thought was behind him for ever. Talk about 'light the blue touchpaper and retire...!'
What happens next is a literally explosive all-action thrill-fest like you've never read before - it's that sensational! Blair Howard is a combat-zone superstar writer and Aftermath - Book 14 in the Harry Starke Novels series is the best yet!
I can just lay back and listen to Tom Lennon's narration, it is so good and so suits this style of book. Yes the Harry Starke novels are not going to win awards but they are so much fun to listen to. On a cold January day post Christmas they really work. This was just so over the top it was great. Just loved it, but realised I hadnt listened to 13 so need to go back and listen to them - really should listen to them in order but it doesnt really matter.
Amanda is still in a coma, the doctors are on the fence as to whether she will fully recover or ....... August's brother Joe has learning difficulties and lives at a facility run by nuns, for those who have mental health issues. A normal baby, penicillin given for an infection at 6 months old caused an allergic reaction, resulting in Joe being a seven year old in a senior citizens body. Harry Starke goes to the Sisters of Grace facility, introduces himself as Joe's uncle, and a tad unsure , Joe goes with 'Harry' with the promise of ice cream dealing the deal. Joe is missing and August is frantic. Is the related to a recent case involving a nuclear bomb or is it related to August's work as a tort lawyer - high stakes personal injury - who knows. No ransom requested, but a phone call to August clarifies the situation. A current case of his, has been plagued with requests from those representing the defendant, Lewis Walker for an out of court settlement with the plaintiff. August refuses, telling his clients, they will do better in court. Why all the fuss? Walker was driving a precious cargo in a box van, when he sees a hit and run. He doesn't report it, and is now being sued. He has vanished and his employer, Nick Christmas is being jointly sued as Walker was working for him at the time. Christmas runs a private army for hire, an ex Ranger, he hired mercenaries out to anyone who needs special services. Legality isn't an issue, get the job done and get out fast. Tim, Harry's geek, goes digging any located a possible site where Uncle Joe is being held. Tj, Harry's latest recruit, a Vietnam vet, brings a couple of fellow vets into the mix. Harry is not impressed, until he discovers just how fit and lethal these seventy year olds are. They are in, and Joe is rescued from Christmas 's compound. Not a happy man, he sends in a number of his 'staff's to take out Harry & Co. Then much to everyone's surprise, Harry and his band of merry men win the encounter. The only way this will ever end, is when Christmas is dead. Excellent ending to this novel, lots of lovely twists and Tj and his two friends give comic relief to a serious situation. I do hope they reappear in future books, as they bring a new dimension to the writing.
This is the latest Harry Starke book in the series, the 14th! Each one seems to get better and better. This time, the story is very personal for Harry. Someone tries to take out someone he loves and his uncle is kidnapped. His wife is in an accident whilst about to give birth and is now in a coma. Harry is having his attention split in many different directions and the stress on his emotional wellbeing is huge. The person he thought of as his best friend and partner in his security firm, turns out to have secrets he never knew about and now he doesn’t know who he can trust.
Harry gets dragged back into the business he hoped he had left in the past, with opening up his own company. But some it seems, don’t play by the rules and use him as a pawn in a dangerous game. Harry gets to show us a lot more of his human side in this story and that of his family life. He has a strong team of friends behind him, who have his back, but this has been made personal.
The action gets ramped up as he tries to get his uncle back and also care for his wife and baby. The pace cracks on as he chases those who wish to hurt his family. A businessman who had dealings with Harry’s father, seems to be untouchable and has his own army of ex-Rangers on his side. He is holding Harry and his family to account. Lots of exciting action in this story and a thrill to read. As always, I can’t wait to see what the next one brings. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Just Wow! My nails are bitten to the knuckles, just when you thought that it couldn't get any better Blair Howard comes up with Aftermath. It was a book that I didn't want to end but couldn't wait for the end. Harry Starke was in physical and mental melt down after a catastrophic case that nearly cost him and the whole town their lives and left Amanda, his beautiful wife in an induced coma, fighting for her life and not knowing that she had given birth to a baby girl. Harry was going to retire, he had had enough, that is until his father August asked for his help. Harry's uncle, who had learning difficulties, had been kidnapped, August, a top lawyer was to act as prosecutor against a large but disreputable, company, his brother was to be used to blackmail August into standing down from the case. This is a convoluted story that draws you in from the first page, it twists and turns, throws out red herrings, it covers kidnapping, drugs, human trafficking and there are deaths by the dozen. It also has an emotional side, Harry doesn't want his team involved but they refuse to step down....Harry feels guilty, he is devastated when a fact comes to light about his best friend and partner leaving him feeling angry and confused. The lives of his team are in danger, they are up against a highly trained private army, Amanda's life is also threatened. The action is breath taking, the author's knowledge of all things military and technological is so apparent, introducing the old vets was inspirational to add humour to the suspense, a well earned five stars
Every aspiring writer seems to think their pet project is the only reading material the reader has access to. If I get to a particular opus in a month they’re lucky. As it happens this is the sixth Blair Howard novel I’ve picked up. Picking a unique title is becoming an issue. There are hundreds of “aftermaths” out there. This one contains profanity in the first chapter. It gets better.
An action/thriller/mystery novel, the author keeps his details close to the vest. The pace is quick and action-packed. The good guys are likable the bad guys clearly defined. The book is well edited and once you get pulled in the action takes you along for the ride. Harry ia not above using the royal we or talking about himself as narrator in the third person.
The book reads like the script for an TV action series at least 5 episodes long. If you’ve watched Tremors then you’ve seen Burt Gummer in action and know how a survivalist prepares. One wonders what the “proper authorities” are up to while Harry Stark and company carry out 3 private engagements that to all out warfare.
This is volume 14 in the series. An HEA may not be what we’re aiming for here but one can expect the bad guys will get their comeuppance and the good guys will win to return for volume 15. To quote another movie cliché, things blow up real good.
Harry and Amanda got married some time back. She's lived through some of the wild escapades Harry gets into. This time, she's recovering from a bad wreck that happened in a previous book. Harry decides to back off of the high risk cases in his PI business. And then he discovers it's not that easy. A case he can't do that because family comes first. I was disappointed to see how he let 'blood family take precedence over his wife. He doesn't act like a typical 'southern gentleman husband and wait by Amanda's bedside until she comes out the coma has her in. Amanda doesn't hold it against him though so maybe they really have a good understanding about what's acceptable in their relationship. Harry questions his own behavior and thinking a lot, while putting on a front to his teammates that all is well. Actually calling them teammates is generous because Harry doesn't seek much input from them or allow them to get away with much. He the boss and don't you forget it. There's the typical shooting, spying, and undercover gathering of information we're all accustomed to in Harry Starke books. Kate doesn't get a lot of attention in this book. Newbies make quite a splash and save many lives of the good guys.
Our protagonist Harry Starke runs a small investigative detective agency. The story quickly develops. Harry’s wife Amanda had been involved in a prior incident and was currently in a coma at the hospital. In a seemingly unrelated fatal auto accident, the other vehicle is quickly identified as a van owned by a company called CSC and driven by a former military soldier named Louis Walker. Nickolas Christmas a former Army Ranger, runs a small covert private security agency, Christmas Security Concepts (CSC) with connections to U.S. Military Intelligence. Again seemingly unrelated, Harry’s uncle Joseph is taken from the nursing home facility he lived at. Several days later, Harry’s father August, a high-end millionaire lawyer, receives an anonymous phone call that if he does not resign from a wrongful death case involving CSC, his brother Joseph will be killed. Everything points to CSC. Harry and his crew have their hands full and they get started! Lots of action and a couple great firefights. I enjoyed the story and would recommend. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This book is almost a war movie! While Amanda is lying in a hospital bed in a coma another family emergency arises. Uncle Joe, younger brother to Harry's dad August disappears from the nursing home that he lives at. A huge secret from Bob's background may destroy his friendship with Harry. So much is happening that the action just goes from moment to moment not day by day. Kate gets hurt trying to help Harry and he pays her back by saying something awful to her. I had to listen to this story right through, I had to know if Amanda would live through the attempt on her life from the previous book. This one is fantastic and I loved everything about it. Mr. Howard has written a great book and Mr. Lennon has the perfect Harry Stark voice. I received a free code from Audiobooks Unleashed to listen to this book on Audible.com. I also received a free download of this book from the publisher. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity and wanted to share my own honest opinion with others.
In this latest book Amanda was in the hospital because of an attempt on her life in a coma. She had given birth to a daughter that Harry named Jade. His daughter was being taken care of by Harry's dad August and wife Rose which allowed Harry to visit Amanda in the hospital. Later Harry learned from his dad the Joe, Harry's uncle, had been kidnapped. As a result, Harry put in place a plan to discover who was responsible and to rescue him from his captors. Harry discovered that the head of a security firm was responsible and as a condition of Joe's return, August had to drop a lawsuit that was filed against Nick Christmas the security firm owner.
Harry and his team laid out a plan that would rescue Joe. The security group decided that they were going to kill August and Amanda, so Harry and his group had to go on the offensive.
To discover what tactics and who had Harry working with him, what the security force army attempted and how this all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
Full of fast action, but written in such an easy going pace. I simple love the easy writing style Blair writes it is so enjoyable and these Harry Starke books are a must read. This story “Aftermath” continues following on from the previous story but can still be enjoyed as a one off. I couldn’t put it down enjoying it so much and read straight through. As usual Harry takes on those who are threatening his family and himself and when his father gets a death threat to throw a legal case Harry and his team go into action. You can’t but help liking the way he brings in all of the characters which are so descriptive you can visualise them. With all the action going on and in-between doing good Harry has his own problems with his wife in a coma and his baby daughter to care and protect. As well as all this his partner drops a bomb shell revealing his past; but Harry and his team over come all this and it all comes to a very intense climax
The latest book in the Harry Starke series brings together his entire team including Kate Garzarra. Tim (the resident computer wizard) takes on a more pivotal role. Harry's investment in people including TJ produce dividends of additional team members when he needs them most.
This is an action-packed adventure sprinkled with a few contemplative moments of Harry, his new daughter Jade, and his wife Amanda (in a coma). We also glimpse a shift is Harry's relationship with his father, August.
The antagonist in this story is a company that August is suing. This leads to the kidnapping of August's brother by the company that turns out to be a group of ex-Rangers who have turned to crime. The ensuing adventure to free Joe and to keep his family alive is practically a full-scale war.
I kept trying to put this book down for the night but gave in until I had finally read the last chapter.
Harry isn't in a good place, despite having saved a portion of the USA from being turned into radioactive waste. But things are going to get a lot worse, with a relative kidnapped and death threats to his family he has to step up to the plate once more and protect those he loves from a ruthless mercenary. There is chaos and virtually all out war, with once again Harry being supported by his team, and a couple of new recruits. The action sequences are fast, realistic, and at times almost heartstopping. I really love that Harry has a very convincingly portrayed human side, with his concern for his team, and his love for his family all too apparent, but he also has a steely grit and determination to succeed, and god help anyone who gets in his way. The only reason that I have docked it one star is that I think that the first quarter of the book would be very confusing for anyone who hasn't read the previous book, as this effectively follows on from that, and has many references back to it. But apart from that this is a fantastic read and one of the most exciting books I have read this year. I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily reviewed it.
Harry Starke and associates are back with a vengeance in book fourteen of the Harry Starke series. Once again Harry is thinking it’s time to retire. Once again, circumstances beyond Harry’s control pull him back in. Author Blair Howard has outdone himself! Harry’s Uncle Joe has been removed from the nursing home he lives in, kidnapped. Can Harry and crew get Uncle Joe back alive? Filled with action and suspense, there are some surprises in the aftermath. Three dimensional characters and a killer plot make for a great read. One of the nice things about the Harry Starke series is the author gives you just enough back story, if you’ve missed a book, or never read one, you have enough information about the main character to not feel lost. Not exactly a stand alone, once you read one of the Harry Starke series, you will want to go back to the beginning!
This is the follow up to Apocalypse and takes place only days later. Amanda is still in the Hospital in a coma. Rose, Harry’s father’s wife, is taking care of the baby and Harry knows from their behavior that something is wrong. August tells him that his disabled brother, Joseph, has been taken from the assisted living where he resided. Harry and his team go to work investigating the kidnapping. The plot broadens to mercenaries, Amir weapons, drugs and murders. The action is literally non-stop and the risks are immense. This was another superior Harry Starke novel. Although each novel is a remarkably well written stand alone the ending of this one brings Shady Tree back into the picture. Something the reader can look forward to pursuing. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
I am eager for the next book Mr. Howard. Hope you are writing deep into the night. So many of your readers are up late reading, we will need a new book in the series soon. I liked the action in this novel. I know all of the books have action, but this one felt like I was right there in every scene. Characteristics of a great writer! How will Kate react to the new baby? Will Amanda have any delayed problems from her coma? Can we see more of Joe? I loved seeing the addition of a developmentally handicapped character. Kudos. All of the characters were well placed and had such a great roll. The mistrust there between Harry and Bob leads me to wonder how they will interact in the future. Fully enjoyed this novel.
Aftermath is a thrilling adventure in the Harry Starke series involving kidnapping, human traffic, mercenaries, and outright battle. It’s a wild ride almost to the point of being ridiculous, but it’s still lots of fun to read. Thankfully Amanda sleeps through the whole mess.
I do wish there had been happy endings or even more care for the people being trafficked, and I think Harry was unfairly rude to his property’s “caretakers” after the big battle, but then again, he’s often rude to people, and they kind of deserved it.
The narrator is the same one who does the rest of the series, and he does just fine.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
All of the usual suspects join Harry, along with some new and definitely interesting characters. Several issues resolve into one major problem with a military contractor who enjoys the good life with Government contracts, smuggling drugs, and trafficking in foreign women and children. The writing is crisp, and manages to cover lots of violence without becoming too gory and graphic. Harry learns interesting news about his partner, Bob, and that sets everyone into a spiral of emotion. The suspense is overwhelming, but is frequently broken with elements of dark humor. This is my kind of book - well-written and very enjoyable.
Harry Starke and his team are really into some deep situations in Aftermath. Amanda is in a coma and Harry's father, August, and step mother, Rose, are talking care of the baby. The next thing you know, Harry's Uncle Joe is kidnapped from the nursing home, he wants to figure this out quick and get Joe back. This is an action packed thriller with a lot of things that go boom. The characters are great, especially some new ones that are definitely not typical. The plot is absolutely fantastic. I could hardly put this book down and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved it!
How does it all just disappear as if it never happened or someone’s history just cease to exist? The ending created a lot of question. The book was great reading, lots of action to follow the story line. Harry really does love his family and we were introduced to Joe and got to meet Harry and Amanda’s daughter Jade. There were other new characters and I do mean characters introduced. TJ is back and now brings two friends so we have a trio of veterans who have a new lease on live through Harry and Bob and company. Seems like time for Kate to meet the baby...
Aftermath (The Harry Starke Novels Book 14), my forty-fifth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction, thoroughly entertaining! I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." Tom Lennon’s excellent narration to the enjoyment of an excellent book. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Once again this Harry Starke book takes you to the next level. It was hard to put down, well in fact I didn't I read it none stop. As usual Harry takes on whoever threatens either him or his family and when his father gets a death threat all hell lets loose. I love the way he is able to introduce new characters, with a bit of fun, and makes you realise appearances are deceptive. Well worth the read.
For those of you who haven't read a "Harry Starke" novel, where have you been hiding??? If you want a great series with great stories lines and plenty of action, this is the series for you. While many of these books can be read as stand alones, the last few really should be read in order. I love bringing more of the family in and hope when he goes forward, Dad goes with him. Thank you, Blair Howard, for another great book.
Another good one. Little did I realise when I read the first Harry Starke story how addictive the series would become.
Harry is a great character and instills such loyalty that his staff, friends - in fact just about everybody is willing to drop everything when he is in need to help.
This develops into real edge of seat stuff particularly when the private wars start. I simply didn't want to stop reading.
Blair Howard knows how to grab his readers and not let go. Brilliant.
After reading Apocalypse a few months ago, I was excited to be able to read this sequel. It did not disappoint. It was one of those action stories that kept me on the edge of my seat as I read. In addition to the great action scenes, Harry Starke’s team of co-workers was also “fleshed out” so I felt as though I got to know their personalities in a more intimate way. The more I read Harry Starke stories, the more I want to read them.
After a disappointing foray into Reacher territory, the author is fully back on track, writing in a style that best suits him.
Fully planning to retire, Harry is pulled back in when his uncle is kidnapped in an attempt to convince Harry’s dad to drop a case. How this is resolved is intriguing and the aftermath even more so. How far would the government go to erase a less than flattering set of events. Plus who is Bob? The answer might surprise you.
I have just finished the 14th book in the Harry Starke series. It was awesome. Since I lived in that area for 40+ years it just made it that much better. I love the characters and the excitement with every turned page. Thank you for a great read and a well written action filled book. It kept me up late more than one night because I kept getting so involved in the drama. I will be checking out other books by Blair Howard.
Any Book About Harry Starke Written By Blair Howard Is A Winner!
This was another suspenseful book by Blair Howard. I could not, would not put it down! The usual characters were in full form and the new characters were just as fully developed and so-real-you-could-touch them. The story line was as energetic as any I've ever read. The plot was a real twist for me, it rode like a roller coaster! Wow! And what a ride it was!