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Micah Reed #8
Paper Tiger
A desperate plan to salvage the past. A race against a ticking clock. Micah's life hangs in the balance.
The last shreds of Micah Reed's secret identity hide in a shoebox in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Crossing the country to retrieve that shoebox is the most dangerous thing Micah can do. But, it also holds the only link to his past.
Is he willing to undertake such a perilous mission?
Micah's government handler won't let him go. So, Micah's going to sneak off.
And what begins as a simple, midnight escapade to recover a piece of his past turns into a perilous descent into danger. He'll stumble onto some shady people with ulterior motives. Who are they?
In his desperation, he has to accept their help. But, will their whims end up with Micah dead on the side of the road, or can he find a way out and back home?
The last shreds of Micah Reed's secret identity hide in a shoebox in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Crossing the country to retrieve that shoebox is the most dangerous thing Micah can do. But, it also holds the only link to his past.
Is he willing to undertake such a perilous mission?
Micah's government handler won't let him go. So, Micah's going to sneak off.
And what begins as a simple, midnight escapade to recover a piece of his past turns into a perilous descent into danger. He'll stumble onto some shady people with ulterior motives. Who are they?
In his desperation, he has to accept their help. But, will their whims end up with Micah dead on the side of the road, or can he find a way out and back home?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2018
25 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Jim Heskett
68 books252 followersJim Heskett is a writer of short and long fiction, currently slaving away at a laptop in an undisclosed location in Broomfield, Colorado. Details about previous and future publications can be found at www.jimheskett.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 30, 2019
Micah Reed is back in this eighth installation of the Micah Reed series and he's better than ever.
This book takes place before "Nailgun Messiah" and deals with Micah's shoebox and his best friend, Pug. If you've read even one novel from this series, you already know that Micah was a bad guy who worked for the Sinoloa Drug Cartel. He turned on them, went to prison, and ended up in the Witness Protection Program. If you didn't know that, you do now.
When he went into WitSec, he was to completely erase his past, which included not contacting his family ever again for their safety, and to leave everything material behind. Well, Micah being who he is, didn't exactly follow the last rule. He keeps a few mementos in a shoebox. The problem is, he's in Denver and the shoebox is in his old apartment in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
He isn't to leave the state without notifying his handler, but he so wants that shoebox back. His handler, Gavin Belmont, really doesn't like Micah and is planning a visit on Saturday. No problem. Micah can get down to Stillwater and back long before Gavin shows up. But with Micah, there's always a problem.
He first runs into some hostile rednecks in Kansas. He didn't really do anything to them, but they got physical, he defended himself, and they took after him. Most people give up after a few miles. Not these guys. This problem escalated into a much larger one that got Micah in a whole heap of trouble.
Everybody has been taught not to pick up hitchhikers. You never know what they might do or who they are. Not everybody you meet is a friendship waiting to happen. When he was a little boy and still went by the name of Michael, Micah probably should have listened to his mother when she told him not to get into cars with strangers. There are some really nefarious people who come across as being jovial, friendly, and great people until you find out they're not.
While the Oklahoma story is unfolding, there's another story going on with Micah and Pug that happened four years earlier in the Utah desert. The story here is every bit as interesting and action-packed as the current Oklahoma story. Like the Oklahoma story, it had a surprise ending.
I got a real feel for Pug and Micah's friendship. I loved how Pug made an appearance to Micah in the Oklahoma part of the story. Man, that just rocked my world. Well done! There were a lot of great parts of the book, but that was my favorite.
Both stories are suspenseful and exciting. I read the book in one day. The plots are tight and the characters are masterfully created. It didn't slow down for a second.
I have read every book in the Micah Reed series. Each of them has their own story and situations. They just keep getting better and better.
This book earned an easy, easy five stars. I would give it more if I could.
By the way, we're all crazy here in Kansas. ;)
*I received his as an Advance Reader Copy in return for an honest review
This book takes place before "Nailgun Messiah" and deals with Micah's shoebox and his best friend, Pug. If you've read even one novel from this series, you already know that Micah was a bad guy who worked for the Sinoloa Drug Cartel. He turned on them, went to prison, and ended up in the Witness Protection Program. If you didn't know that, you do now.
When he went into WitSec, he was to completely erase his past, which included not contacting his family ever again for their safety, and to leave everything material behind. Well, Micah being who he is, didn't exactly follow the last rule. He keeps a few mementos in a shoebox. The problem is, he's in Denver and the shoebox is in his old apartment in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
He isn't to leave the state without notifying his handler, but he so wants that shoebox back. His handler, Gavin Belmont, really doesn't like Micah and is planning a visit on Saturday. No problem. Micah can get down to Stillwater and back long before Gavin shows up. But with Micah, there's always a problem.
He first runs into some hostile rednecks in Kansas. He didn't really do anything to them, but they got physical, he defended himself, and they took after him. Most people give up after a few miles. Not these guys. This problem escalated into a much larger one that got Micah in a whole heap of trouble.
Everybody has been taught not to pick up hitchhikers. You never know what they might do or who they are. Not everybody you meet is a friendship waiting to happen. When he was a little boy and still went by the name of Michael, Micah probably should have listened to his mother when she told him not to get into cars with strangers. There are some really nefarious people who come across as being jovial, friendly, and great people until you find out they're not.
While the Oklahoma story is unfolding, there's another story going on with Micah and Pug that happened four years earlier in the Utah desert. The story here is every bit as interesting and action-packed as the current Oklahoma story. Like the Oklahoma story, it had a surprise ending.
I got a real feel for Pug and Micah's friendship. I loved how Pug made an appearance to Micah in the Oklahoma part of the story. Man, that just rocked my world. Well done! There were a lot of great parts of the book, but that was my favorite.
Both stories are suspenseful and exciting. I read the book in one day. The plots are tight and the characters are masterfully created. It didn't slow down for a second.
I have read every book in the Micah Reed series. Each of them has their own story and situations. They just keep getting better and better.
This book earned an easy, easy five stars. I would give it more if I could.
By the way, we're all crazy here in Kansas. ;)
*I received his as an Advance Reader Copy in return for an honest review
May 11, 2020
Paper Tiger - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Michael McBriar becomes Micah Reed under the WitSec program, leaving behind his small-town life and familiarity for a limited existence far away, where he only knows Gavin his unsympathetic 'handler' and Frank, the fatherly bail-bondsman and bounty-hunter, who pays him to be a skip-tracer, finding other fugitives, on the run (as he is, after turning state's evidence against a Sinaloa cartel), from those they're determined to avoid.
Told in two different time-lines, four years apart, we learn of what prompted Micah to return to his former home, to reclaim the memory box that holds tokens of who he once was.
The said memory box, along with his Boba Fett head, are Micah's most treasured possessions - but how do the past and present collide and what perils and inner demons will Micah have to face and overcome in order to move on to a new life?
Get your copy of Jim Heskett's Paper Tiger - an exciting, thought-provoking, all action thriller with a philosophical twist, that's Book 8 in his wonderful Micah Reed series, to make you forget your Covid-19 fears and any Lockdown Blues, while you buckle up for a spectacular ride, full of thrills, spills and a rip-roaring adventure!
Michael McBriar becomes Micah Reed under the WitSec program, leaving behind his small-town life and familiarity for a limited existence far away, where he only knows Gavin his unsympathetic 'handler' and Frank, the fatherly bail-bondsman and bounty-hunter, who pays him to be a skip-tracer, finding other fugitives, on the run (as he is, after turning state's evidence against a Sinaloa cartel), from those they're determined to avoid.
Told in two different time-lines, four years apart, we learn of what prompted Micah to return to his former home, to reclaim the memory box that holds tokens of who he once was.
The said memory box, along with his Boba Fett head, are Micah's most treasured possessions - but how do the past and present collide and what perils and inner demons will Micah have to face and overcome in order to move on to a new life?
Get your copy of Jim Heskett's Paper Tiger - an exciting, thought-provoking, all action thriller with a philosophical twist, that's Book 8 in his wonderful Micah Reed series, to make you forget your Covid-19 fears and any Lockdown Blues, while you buckle up for a spectacular ride, full of thrills, spills and a rip-roaring adventure!
August 28, 2020
This Micah Reed story is a prequel and in usual Micah style it all comes about because he makes a stupid decision. He wants his memories that lay in a shoe box across the country from where his new life is. Returning to the old neighbourhood where you lived and worked for a drug cartel that you later testified against is not smart. Micah is younger, more reckless and more drunk than he becomes in the books that are set later in his life. It’s not only his old life that threatens Micah though as he accepts a ride back from a group of unusual hippies in an RV that have their own shady plans afoot. Jim Heskett puts Micah through a lot of tense life threatening situations in this book and does it with his usual skill. Overall, this is an entertaining thriller full of action and tension, great read.
July 2, 2021
What A Screwup!
Micah Reed proves that criminals, no matter how smart they think they are, are still screwups! He's been given a new start but he still has to grab for something of his old life. And for someone in WitSec you don't get to hold on to any part of your past life! A brand new start but Micah has to endanger not only his future but those of his siblings, parents and close work associates and friends. All for a shoe box with trinkets and pictures from "before". His wandering trip to and from Oklahoma puts up so many perils in his way. Perils that result in injury, destruction and death to folks both friends and enemies. Not a sure way to transition smoothly into a new life.
Micah Reed proves that criminals, no matter how smart they think they are, are still screwups! He's been given a new start but he still has to grab for something of his old life. And for someone in WitSec you don't get to hold on to any part of your past life! A brand new start but Micah has to endanger not only his future but those of his siblings, parents and close work associates and friends. All for a shoe box with trinkets and pictures from "before". His wandering trip to and from Oklahoma puts up so many perils in his way. Perils that result in injury, destruction and death to folks both friends and enemies. Not a sure way to transition smoothly into a new life.
June 8, 2021
Past Micah/ Michael stories
Micah decides he needs to get his little shoebox from his home town and so decides to take a sicky. Michael and Pug are tasked to find and do justice to someone who has wronged Gus and discover more about who they are really working for. These two tales intertwine and reveal facets of Micah and the perils of drinking (certainly for Micah), whose journey home goes awry due to a drunken brawl with red necks and being picked up by 'hippies' while drowning his sorrows. Meanwhile Michael and Pug are searching a state park for Travis who is more than they are told. Enjoy the twists and turns as these two tales unfold.
Micah decides he needs to get his little shoebox from his home town and so decides to take a sicky. Michael and Pug are tasked to find and do justice to someone who has wronged Gus and discover more about who they are really working for. These two tales intertwine and reveal facets of Micah and the perils of drinking (certainly for Micah), whose journey home goes awry due to a drunken brawl with red necks and being picked up by 'hippies' while drowning his sorrows. Meanwhile Michael and Pug are searching a state park for Travis who is more than they are told. Enjoy the twists and turns as these two tales unfold.
May 20, 2018
I read all of the Micah Reed books and I keep thinking, "This one is the best yet." Then I read the newest one and have to revise my thinking. Jim Heskett manages to blend the best of both worlds (character development and story line) into one amazing story. This series is one I find myself going back to when I'm between books and just need a familiar "face". I highly recommend Paper Tiger. Definitely a stand out in an outstanding series. I received and ARC and this is my honest, personal opinion.
May 21, 2018
The only paper I Heskett's newest release Paper Tiger are photographs. The rest is hard hitting steel! Action more action and then very harsh reaction. Have any of you read the Jim Heskett story that actually did not have any hard hitting action in it? Of course not, there isn't one. You can always count on Jim to lay it all out there for you. And Paper Tiger is no different. It is the beginning of the Micah's world. This is where Micah comes from and what makes him. Dynamite reading. So read it ! You will like it. I promise!
April 26, 2018
'Paper Tiger' took me by surprise. I wasn't sure if Micah could go through any thing more that surprised me, but I was wrong. He has definitely had an adventurous and, basically lucky, life. This story line was full of adventure and crazy scenarios. I liked how the story gave insight to how and why Micah feels the way does, to some extent. The big shocker was when Gavin and Micah met up... I look forward to reading the next book. A great add to your tbr list.
May 17, 2018
I love the Micah Reed series. Paper Tiger is the best of all, although that's a difficult call and I regard all of them as an important contribution to this genre. I read a lot of these series and follow a few of them with commitment, and this is my favorite. Micah gets himself into some really weird and dangerous situations in this outing. He seems to have a knack for falling into deep doo doo. Bad choices Micah!!!
October 16, 2019
A quick trip to his old neighbourhood to recover a piece of his past leads Micah into an adventure he could never have anticipated in this Micah Red thriller.
Jim Heskett's hapless hero is always a pleasure to read as he stumbles through a life full of criminals, drugs and alcohol and ongoing misfortunes.
Lots of exciting action, nasty villains and hair-raising adventure and even a few smiles in this one. I LOVED it.
Jim Heskett's hapless hero is always a pleasure to read as he stumbles through a life full of criminals, drugs and alcohol and ongoing misfortunes.
Lots of exciting action, nasty villains and hair-raising adventure and even a few smiles in this one. I LOVED it.
May 18, 2018
This time around we learn more about Micah right after he got into WitSec. Great story about Micah going after some personal items and ending up in a life and death situation, his ! We also learn a lot more about his best friend and their last adventure together while still part of the cartel. I’m telling you, you won’t be able to put this one down !
April 16, 2018
Jim Heskett does it again with the Micah Reed series. This book goes back and forth from the present to the past when he was a member of the Sinloa cartel. This book has many twists and turns as it continues to build the Micah character into his present day self. I truly enjoy these books and I am sure you will too. I highly recommend.
April 27, 2018
I've read all the Micah Reed books and liked each one better than the last. One reason they're so great is that they don't follow in order. Each book may be just a small part of his life but each allows you a peek into who and what he has become. You never know what each book will show you but you also know you'll never be disappointed.
May 17, 2018
Yet again a fantastic read. Plenty of action & suspense. Your drawn through the book making you feel more & more for Micah & what he's gone through to get where he is now. The flash backs to his previous life & his time with his best friend really make the whole book work. Works as a stand alone but you'll be hooked & want to read the whole series.
May 17, 2018
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. I don’t know where to begin!!! This series is one of the very best! Once again Micah is on an exciting adventure. This book is full of twists, turns, and suspense. I am always excited to add another Micah Reed episode to my library. Very well done
May 29, 2018
Michael or Micah
Having lost his best friend, Pug, Micah Reed decides to go back to Oklahoma to get a shoebox he forgot there. The shoebox contains photos and momentous of his life before he testified against the Siniloa cartel and was put in witness protection in Colorado. I may have missed it but I don't remember reading about how Pug died.
Having lost his best friend, Pug, Micah Reed decides to go back to Oklahoma to get a shoebox he forgot there. The shoebox contains photos and momentous of his life before he testified against the Siniloa cartel and was put in witness protection in Colorado. I may have missed it but I don't remember reading about how Pug died.
September 17, 2020
I really did not care for how Paper Tiger was set up. I found the Paper Tiger hard to follow. In my opinion this was just a filler book between Shock Collar and Among Thieves. I can say it did fill in a some holes of Micah's backstory, but overall it wasn't as goods as the other books in the series. In my opinion Paper Tiger should have been earlier in the series. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
May 23, 2018
Reading the latest Micah Reed book is like a visit with an old friend. I read it in a matter of hours, a blend of back fill from Micah's past life coupled with the current crisis in his life. Great characters, great story line. A must read.
June 6, 2018
Wow another great story featuring Micah Reed. The last shreds of his identity is in a shoebox that he has to recover. It’s impossible to stop reading until I’ve finished the book no matter what time it is. These mysteries are outstanding. Micah is one superb character.
February 22, 2020
Who did use to be?
Micah, despite rules against it has a few things left from before. He desperately wants to recover them but will require sneaking to Oklahoma. Against Boba's recommendation he goes for it. As you would expel, with Micah's luck, not everything went well.
Micah, despite rules against it has a few things left from before. He desperately wants to recover them but will require sneaking to Oklahoma. Against Boba's recommendation he goes for it. As you would expel, with Micah's luck, not everything went well.
June 6, 2020
Read, read, read.
Easy read, interestingly intriguing. I salute Jim Heskett for having the talent to write without using, profanity, gore, and explicit sex and violence. His books are worth you time, they are my go to for relaxing breaks from chores or when I am chilling out.
Easy read, interestingly intriguing. I salute Jim Heskett for having the talent to write without using, profanity, gore, and explicit sex and violence. His books are worth you time, they are my go to for relaxing breaks from chores or when I am chilling out.
May 20, 2018
Micah is one of guys that stupid things happen to. He is human That is what makes the story enjoyable. Each story can be read out of order, as they are little bits of Micah's life.
May 5, 2020
Great book series!
I am really enjoying reading this series of books! Lots of action, and an engaging back story. Great character interaction, as well.
I am really enjoying reading this series of books! Lots of action, and an engaging back story. Great character interaction, as well.
August 19, 2020
Good four star!
Harken writes an excellent adventure novel. He is an excellent author with a well developed story line. I have enjoyed reading this series of books.
Harken writes an excellent adventure novel. He is an excellent author with a well developed story line. I have enjoyed reading this series of books.
March 26, 2021
This is not Me.
I enjoyed parts of the plot, but it's not just for me.
It is well written, but I don't have the experience of the previous books
I enjoyed parts of the plot, but it's not just for me.
It is well written, but I don't have the experience of the previous books
February 27, 2023
Micah's Road Trip
Two ways to view Micah, before and after. Helps bring his life into focus. Jim Heskett brings all his author-ly skills to bear in Paper Tiger.
Two ways to view Micah, before and after. Helps bring his life into focus. Jim Heskett brings all his author-ly skills to bear in Paper Tiger.
December 22, 2023
Wild ride
Micah continues to find himself caught up in other’s misfortunes and then tries to wiggle out from underneath them.
Shows Micah’s trials as he goes back in time.
Micah continues to find himself caught up in other’s misfortunes and then tries to wiggle out from underneath them.
Shows Micah’s trials as he goes back in time.
April 16, 2018
great book. got to learn more about Micah.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews