Safe Havens: Presidential Retreat

by J.T. Patten

To beat an assassin become an assassin.

Neither political party is pleased with the presidential. An assassination would put the VP in prime election position if intelligence specialist Sean Havens doesn’t thwart the power players’ agenda. Sent undercover to Martha’s Vineyard, an historic presidential summer retreat, Havens is tasked to conduct a seemingly benign security risk assessment on the vacation hideaway in the advance of POTUS’s arrival. The threat is exposed forcing Havens into action with only his mind and tradecraft skills. Unarmed and unaware of conspiracy dating back to our forefathers, Sean Havens is forced to trust old enemies in a twisted race between the CIA, the Pond, and the 2020 presidential elections.
But is it Havens himself who is in the cross hairs?

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2019

About the author

"J.T. Patten" has worked with the intelligence and special operations community in support of national defense and policy. He has a degree in Foreign Language, a Masters in Strategic Intelligence, graduate studies in Counter Terrorism from the University of St. Andrews, and numerous expertise certifications in forensics, fraud, and financial crime investigations. Patten shares these unique experiences with readers to give them a taste of "the black."

His novel is written in a multi-layered non-linear plot style that provides a compelling inside view of larger than life covert activities in addition to the gripping turmoil that warriors suffer while battling foes and internal demons.

Disclaimer:
These novels do not constitute an official release of CIA information. All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or any other U.S. Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. Government authentication of information or CIA endorsement of the author’s views. This material has been reviewed for classification.

Reviews

[Kai Shiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous Patten novels, there is a mix of mind bending conspiracy, real world detail, authentic action scenes, insight about the intelligence community and intelligence work and some horror elements. He really seems to have mastered his particular mix of the thriller formula by this point but these elements were always well done in his novels so it's no great insight on my part to bring that up. I will say that as a complete dumbass, I have reviewed two other Patten novels without mentioning that the main thematic element in every one I have read so far is the theme of family. All four novels that I have read, remind me of the Shion Sono film suicide club and how amidst all the carnage was the question of how members of formal and informal family units relate to and understand each other.

The Draeger/Havens story arc comes to a head in the finale to the safe havens series(so far). In fact, pretty much every thread in the safe havens series is resolved clearing the way for the man from orange novels. Speaking of the man from orange, Drake Woolf does make an appearance but it feels more like fan service as he does not get much coverage. This is for the best as the focus is rightly more on resolving the conflicts between Draeger versus Havens, the pond versus the cia, and America versus a pretty unexpected (and novel) adversary. Woolf does have a great audio cue when he appears (an audio cue in a book? you'll know what I'm talking about if you've read the man from orange novels) which sort of reminds me of Protoman's whistle in the Megaman games.

If my crappy obscure references have not lost you, this is the part of the review which covers what gripes I have with the novel. Clearly, not a lot considering I gave it five stars but I have to dig up something so I am less obvious as a total hack critic.

Okay, well you know how I said it made sense that Woolf did not get that much coverage in this novel? Well, in a similar fashion we have a small town sheriff character who is built up like he's going to do something plot relevant for most of the story but never really gets up to much. There is a twist involving him and while it is pretty cool but it is kind of like so what by that point. That said, if the sherriff is a good character, the secret service detail are some of the best characters Patten has written. Grant is kind of a massive self serving jerk, which is almost enough to make you cheer for Quinn who is occasionally okay at his job. Not that anyone can really compete with Draeger who is a perfect foil for Havens, but you are better off reading the three Safe Havens novels on that count than taking my word for it.

I keep thinking this series is a really good fit for fans of Metal Gear Solid...

Also I keep reading the "welcome to the black" branding as "welcome to blacked.com" but maybe that just shows I've spent more time online than as a covert ops type (none, woops).

[Bodo Pfündl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic ride! J.T. Patten proves once again that he is the undisputed master of unpredictable plot twists and original storytelling. Most highly recommended!

[J.T. Patten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I just finished reading Presidential Retreat for about the fifth time. It may be my favorite yet as it starts with a historic setting in Alexander Hamilton’s chamber, and then picks up with Sean Havens mere blocks away in present time. The book transitions in the same world from the Safe Havens books to the Task Force Orange novels. As such, it’s where Havens first comes face to face with his future partner, Drake Woolf. Similarly, Prescott Draeger is back to help Havens on Martha’s Vineyard before the president arrives. But you never know what happens when Draeger enters the picture. Just as you can’t fathom what will happen when Christina and Tanya come face to face.
I hope you’ll like it.

[Stuart Ashenbrenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few reviews and descriptions about the plot, so I won't reiterate it.

I'll just say I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and series. J.T. Patten is very quickly becoming on of the top authors in the genre. His novels continue to get better and better. Highly recommend!

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I feel that I must thank the author for giving me this great book to read and enjoy. Second I must name the parts that wasn't good. One book a year is not enough, but since they hold such a high quality, it's acceptable. Then they are far too short... and I found 4 spelling misstakes. This book reveals quite a few things both past and present. I really like the epilogue with it's special twist in the history of Havens. I think that the man from Orange should have been more active but it was a nice balance with all characters involved. This book as usual leaves me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment about Sean and or Birddog. I think it's very clever to have two series that you can alternate between and at the same time let the main characters appear in each others stories. There were so much going on in this book that you had to be alert not to miss a clue. Is this person good or bad? Is this person undercover or a double maybe even a triple agent? I couldn't figure it out until it all played out in the end. Great work from one of my favorite writers. I strongly recommend that y'all try his work.

[PETER ODUKWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues immediately after the events of Primed Charge so for the full effect it will reward the reader who invests in the 3 book series from the beginning. Wonderful fast paced plot, great bits of dark humour and human observation, some seriously vile characters and a rewarding introduction to The Birdman. Really rewarding.