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Matti Baker #2
Fable
From the author of AESOP comes another psychological thriller in this series featuring Matti Baker as she navigates through the twisted world of deception and evil.Matti Baker is a trained counter terrorism contract operative who maneuvers stealthily with secret identities as wife and mother. Matti is repeatedly tested by her domestic and international assignments in her quest to keep America safe.With relentless action, Matti dives deeper into the world of artificial intelligence and the consequences of opening Pandora’s box to humanity while simultaneously identifying the players who are targeting world genocide and New World Order. A story of espionage, intrigue and adventure captivates you as Matti and her team engage in the rigorous and often deadly encounters that come with security.
- GenresThriller
150 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2019
13 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Michele Packard
10 books86 followersMichele Packard, an award-winning author, draws inspiration from her military upbringing and her career as a cable TV executive in her captivating literary works. After dedicating herself to raising her three children, Packard embarked on a remarkable writing journey that spans both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.
When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.
For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.
Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades:
• Finalist, American Book Festival (2019)
• Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019)
• 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020)
• Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020)
• Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021)
• Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)
With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.
Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.
When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.
For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.
Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades:
• Finalist, American Book Festival (2019)
• Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019)
• 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020)
• Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020)
• Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021)
• Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)
With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2020
Perhaps this book would have made more sense to me if I'd read the first one... There are a lot of good ideas, just very poor execution. It was a very quick read. :)
*Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 11, 2022
I remember liking Aesop a lot more than I did with this second installment. In contrast, Fable seems to have too much going on at once (and for this reason I'm very grateful that a lot of parts were a recap of the first book).
As I said regarding Aesop, I don't read a lot in this genre, so maybe some of the issues I have regarding Fable are par for the course in legal thrillers, especially ones dealing with terrorism. But I have to wonder, if an author with a military background writes a story with terrorists from these specific backgrounds that are all part of some conspiracy theory to take over the world , how much does said author actually believe this? It's hard to read a novel where one of the messages seems to be implying that America is great, and anyone within America who isn't absolutely pro-America is part of a conspiracy theory. I first thought this was kind of progressive because of Bethany, but taking a step back, there are definitely flaws, and I feel some xenophobia coming from the author. At the same time, though, the author is clearly anti-Trump in her writing based on some of the things she says about the inner workings of the US government.
I did like how we spent more time with Tom and the kids in this novel, although I'm still a little confused on the timeline (this may be from forgetting the basic timeline from the first novel, which if I remember was also confusing). The twists with Tom and the kids were a nice surprise, and I'm hoping we see more of that family action in the next book. The developments with Freddy were also interesting, as I wasn't sure how this would be addressed, and kind of didn't think it would come up until the last installment.
Although I feel somewhat lukewarm about Fable, I still plan to continue with Teller when it next comes up for a challenge I could need.
As I said regarding Aesop, I don't read a lot in this genre, so maybe some of the issues I have regarding Fable are par for the course in legal thrillers, especially ones dealing with terrorism. But I have to wonder, if an author with a military background writes a story with terrorists from these specific backgrounds that are all part of some conspiracy theory to take over the world , how much does said author actually believe this? It's hard to read a novel where one of the messages seems to be implying that America is great, and anyone within America who isn't absolutely pro-America is part of a conspiracy theory. I first thought this was kind of progressive because of Bethany, but taking a step back, there are definitely flaws, and I feel some xenophobia coming from the author. At the same time, though, the author is clearly anti-Trump in her writing based on some of the things she says about the inner workings of the US government.
I did like how we spent more time with Tom and the kids in this novel, although I'm still a little confused on the timeline (this may be from forgetting the basic timeline from the first novel, which if I remember was also confusing). The twists with Tom and the kids were a nice surprise, and I'm hoping we see more of that family action in the next book. The developments with Freddy were also interesting, as I wasn't sure how this would be addressed, and kind of didn't think it would come up until the last installment.
Although I feel somewhat lukewarm about Fable, I still plan to continue with Teller when it next comes up for a challenge I could need.
December 16, 2021
She is both a mother and a spy and it is not easy to keep both sides of her life hidden from the other. The one she is after is trying to outfox her and carrying on with his task of getting what he wants. How will she get on? Can she keep both separate from the other? Can she stop him? How will she stop him? See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2019
Matti Baker is a contract operator trained in counter terrorism by Freddy, a man she's never met face to face, but who has been in her life since she was a child. Coming off a mission in which she was badly injured and lost an entire year to recovery, all she wants is some time with her husband and three kids. But someone is after some important vials and she's back on the hunt, read to stop a conspiracy that will start a world-wide genocide.
So, that's what I think it's about, but even after reading the whole thing, I'm not entirely sure what the plot was. There was something some vials that she's been protecting since she was a child. There was a conspiracy with a group of identical twins. And, yeah, that's all I got
Needless to say, I did not really like this book. First off, it was almost entirely tell-not-show. I felt like I was being bombarded with information, much of it irrelevant to the actual plot. There were long diversions where Matti recalled previous missions with her friend, Bethany, or retold the entirety of the first book, which, although that was sort of helpful, since I didn't read the first book, also felt a little like the beginning The Baby-Sitter's Club book, where the formation of the club and backstory of each girl is recounted.
Then, there's the dialogue. At no time did I feel like any of it was actual words people would speak. It was so stilted and false and just... ugh. There was also the constant references: movies, TVs, and songs being brought up on every other page. It was incredibly distracting and annoying.
The plot was nonsensical. I literally don't know what I read. I know at some point she went to Antarctica, but I don't know why or what happened there because it was one chapter and no one talked the entire time. She was on some kind of tour, but who the other people were, I have no idea. I know there's some kind of conspiracy, but I don't know what it was about.
Also, I didn't like Matti very much. I was very excited at the beginning, because I thought she was going to be a female Joe Ledger, but she's just a handful of stereotypes slapped on with a veneer of "I'm not like other girls" and "humor" that only see seems to find amusing. Overall, this was a very disappointing and frustrating read.
So, that's what I think it's about, but even after reading the whole thing, I'm not entirely sure what the plot was. There was something some vials that she's been protecting since she was a child. There was a conspiracy with a group of identical twins. And, yeah, that's all I got
Needless to say, I did not really like this book. First off, it was almost entirely tell-not-show. I felt like I was being bombarded with information, much of it irrelevant to the actual plot. There were long diversions where Matti recalled previous missions with her friend, Bethany, or retold the entirety of the first book, which, although that was sort of helpful, since I didn't read the first book, also felt a little like the beginning The Baby-Sitter's Club book, where the formation of the club and backstory of each girl is recounted.
Then, there's the dialogue. At no time did I feel like any of it was actual words people would speak. It was so stilted and false and just... ugh. There was also the constant references: movies, TVs, and songs being brought up on every other page. It was incredibly distracting and annoying.
The plot was nonsensical. I literally don't know what I read. I know at some point she went to Antarctica, but I don't know why or what happened there because it was one chapter and no one talked the entire time. She was on some kind of tour, but who the other people were, I have no idea. I know there's some kind of conspiracy, but I don't know what it was about.
Also, I didn't like Matti very much. I was very excited at the beginning, because I thought she was going to be a female Joe Ledger, but she's just a handful of stereotypes slapped on with a veneer of "I'm not like other girls" and "humor" that only see seems to find amusing. Overall, this was a very disappointing and frustrating read.
July 17, 2023
Fable by Michele Packard is book 2 in the Aesop trilogy and it is a worthy followup to Aesop. When i started to read it (after having read Aesop) I was sure the story would level out and kick back up in book 3. Well I was wrong, sexy and butt kicking Mattie Baker is back and dare I say better than ever in this excellent followup to Aesop.
I really enjoyed reading Fable and it's because I feel like I'm coming to know Mattie more, thanks to skillful handling of her character by the author. Her character is fleshed out beautifully as we see her develop and become more of everything she is.
The story is action packed and moves at a fast, smooth pace which is quite remarkable considering that Ms Packard doesn't take the easy way out during her 2nd book in the series. Instead the conspiracy Mattie finds herself in gets deeper and more shadowy. Mattie's loved ones and those she cares for come under greater danger.
Mattie's penchant for using pop culture references keeps the story feeling familiar and entertaining, sprinkled with a wonderful sense of humor.
Ms Packard also does a marvelous job of balancing Mattie's work with her personal life, creating a more well rounded Mattie Baker, making her much more relatable to a larger readership and adding to her depth for her fans.
Like Aesop, Fable will appeal to fans of most ages and fans of the action, mystery, thriller genres with the added pleasure of a strong and edgy female lead.
I would be remiss to not mention the beautiful work done by the illustrator on the cover. The covers use of blending green with the AI depiction of a digital face is excellent and easily discloses what awaits inside.
Finally, the last words on the last page "I'll be back." are a welcome assurance that Mattie Baker is not done and personally I couldn't be happier.
I really enjoyed reading Fable and it's because I feel like I'm coming to know Mattie more, thanks to skillful handling of her character by the author. Her character is fleshed out beautifully as we see her develop and become more of everything she is.
The story is action packed and moves at a fast, smooth pace which is quite remarkable considering that Ms Packard doesn't take the easy way out during her 2nd book in the series. Instead the conspiracy Mattie finds herself in gets deeper and more shadowy. Mattie's loved ones and those she cares for come under greater danger.
Mattie's penchant for using pop culture references keeps the story feeling familiar and entertaining, sprinkled with a wonderful sense of humor.
Ms Packard also does a marvelous job of balancing Mattie's work with her personal life, creating a more well rounded Mattie Baker, making her much more relatable to a larger readership and adding to her depth for her fans.
Like Aesop, Fable will appeal to fans of most ages and fans of the action, mystery, thriller genres with the added pleasure of a strong and edgy female lead.
I would be remiss to not mention the beautiful work done by the illustrator on the cover. The covers use of blending green with the AI depiction of a digital face is excellent and easily discloses what awaits inside.
Finally, the last words on the last page "I'll be back." are a welcome assurance that Mattie Baker is not done and personally I couldn't be happier.
November 24, 2019
This is a very compelling book with Matti Baker as the main character, amazing that she is. This book is a continuation of the previous book Aesop which was also awesome, so you definitely want to read them in order.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2021
This story continues where the last one left off. Matti has been recovering and away from her family for over a year. The 1st thing that she does is pay a visit to the SuperMax prison to get information about Abdul, a prisoner's twin. Once she gathers the info, she makes arrangements with Jeff and Steve to go find him. Matti has developed a plan and crashes a party on a congressman's boat where she believes Abdul is hiding. Since she was correct in her conclusion, her attempt is interrupted by a group boarding the boat. With the help of Jeff and Steve, she is able to get away. Meanwhile, both Abdul and the congressman wind up being killed.
The major plan has both Matti and Bethany going to Switzerland to foil a conference. Not everything goes well and the Russian attendee winds up being killed. Matti set in motion a trap concerning the DDI of the CIA and the person who had been imprisoned at the SuperMax prison. Everything goes as Matti planned with elimination of these individuals. There was still one more, that would have to be done later. With the Mission complete, Matti and Bethany start on a long drive to meet up with Tom and her kids.
To discover why these people wanted Matti so badly, what plans the conference in Switzerland was laying out and why Matti's family had to move, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
The major plan has both Matti and Bethany going to Switzerland to foil a conference. Not everything goes well and the Russian attendee winds up being killed. Matti set in motion a trap concerning the DDI of the CIA and the person who had been imprisoned at the SuperMax prison. Everything goes as Matti planned with elimination of these individuals. There was still one more, that would have to be done later. With the Mission complete, Matti and Bethany start on a long drive to meet up with Tom and her kids.
To discover why these people wanted Matti so badly, what plans the conference in Switzerland was laying out and why Matti's family had to move, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
July 25, 2021
Matti Baker returns in the next instalment of this smash hit series!
Following the end of book one, Matti continues her quest to unearth the conspiracy not just threatening the USA, but civilisation as we know it. Yet her enemies intimate knowledge of her casts suspicion on those closest to her. As the web of lies starts to untangle, Matti must take down a shadowy cabal embedded in the heart of the US government.
Just like book one, it’s the action mixed with quirky humour that I really enjoy about this series. Matti’s a trained killer determined to go to any length to protect herself, her family and her country, yet she has moments of insecurity and self doubt. At times, she wages a battle with herself to try and prioritise the many things going on her life all the while making self-depreciating jokes or quipping pop culture references.
Overall, this is an extremely entertaining and fast paced read, that I highly recommend! Now, to dive into book 3…
Following the end of book one, Matti continues her quest to unearth the conspiracy not just threatening the USA, but civilisation as we know it. Yet her enemies intimate knowledge of her casts suspicion on those closest to her. As the web of lies starts to untangle, Matti must take down a shadowy cabal embedded in the heart of the US government.
Just like book one, it’s the action mixed with quirky humour that I really enjoy about this series. Matti’s a trained killer determined to go to any length to protect herself, her family and her country, yet she has moments of insecurity and self doubt. At times, she wages a battle with herself to try and prioritise the many things going on her life all the while making self-depreciating jokes or quipping pop culture references.
Overall, this is an extremely entertaining and fast paced read, that I highly recommend! Now, to dive into book 3…
April 12, 2021
Ahhhh! What a ride this book was! Matti Baker is the coolest.
I want to be just like her when I grow up. Except I wouldn't enjoy anything she does. I'm bad at espionage. Like, really bad. Also, I don't have any kind of special ops training.
Can I be cool without attack dogs, triplets, a best friend possessing license to fly everything invented, or setting a blow-torch on someone for information? No? Okay. S'alright.
This book was a quick read full of fascinating takes on modern politics, technology, and conspiracy theories. I had a good time flying passenger all over the world as Matti worked out dirty connections and traveled across the world to spy on world leaders.
PLUS: WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FREDDY!!!!! (Yay!)
I can't wait to follow Matti into book three!
I want to be just like her when I grow up. Except I wouldn't enjoy anything she does. I'm bad at espionage. Like, really bad. Also, I don't have any kind of special ops training.
Can I be cool without attack dogs, triplets, a best friend possessing license to fly everything invented, or setting a blow-torch on someone for information? No? Okay. S'alright.
This book was a quick read full of fascinating takes on modern politics, technology, and conspiracy theories. I had a good time flying passenger all over the world as Matti worked out dirty connections and traveled across the world to spy on world leaders.
PLUS: WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FREDDY!!!!! (Yay!)
I can't wait to follow Matti into book three!
June 14, 2022
Fable continues the adventures of secret agent Matti Baker as she seeks to keep the world safe from a multi country conspiracy, whilst protecting her husband and triplets from reprisals. She's aided by her equally lethal best friend, two Navy Seals, the mysterious Freddy and two homicidal pooches.
Now the series as a whole is a fun read, despite having large sections of narrative breaking the 'show don't tell' rule with the addition of a great deal of information surrounding politics, weaponry and government agencies. The series, however, rests on the extraordinarily compelling character of Matti and it works
Now the series as a whole is a fun read, despite having large sections of narrative breaking the 'show don't tell' rule with the addition of a great deal of information surrounding politics, weaponry and government agencies. The series, however, rests on the extraordinarily compelling character of Matti and it works
March 14, 2024
Fable, Book 2 in Michele Packard’s Aesop series is as smart, funny, exhausting and intriguing as book one. Matti, who has trained her entire life as a counter terrorism special agent is, (to hilariously quote the book) loyal and was ‘born like this’. (IYKYK) Matti continues on with her husband, triplets (who are growing up way too fast) her best friend, Bethany, two former Navy Seals and Freddy.
As the story grows, so do the characters and the plot. A strong, fiery female protagonist with her entourage of people and her amazing ability to get intel and get a job done makes for a perfect read. The movie references and song clips make certain things so vivid. (WHEN you read this you will understand) They often give a laugh out loud moment as Matti figures out her next course of action.
This is a story of conspiracy that will make you rethink how much AI knows about you, and the United States, what you purchase, how you purchase that and what makes you a target. Good luck sleeping. Thankfully we have Matti.
Be ready to read Book 3, Teller as soon as you finish. Oh… and why isn’t this a Netflix series already? I am sending Netflix a letter.
As the story grows, so do the characters and the plot. A strong, fiery female protagonist with her entourage of people and her amazing ability to get intel and get a job done makes for a perfect read. The movie references and song clips make certain things so vivid. (WHEN you read this you will understand) They often give a laugh out loud moment as Matti figures out her next course of action.
This is a story of conspiracy that will make you rethink how much AI knows about you, and the United States, what you purchase, how you purchase that and what makes you a target. Good luck sleeping. Thankfully we have Matti.
Be ready to read Book 3, Teller as soon as you finish. Oh… and why isn’t this a Netflix series already? I am sending Netflix a letter.
June 20, 2022
In Fable, Matti Baker is at it again. Part Charlie's Angels, part Atomic Blonde, Matti's double life as a black ops agent for the federal government and loving wife and mom to triplet teenagers keeps the reader breathlessly turning pages as she roots for Matti to keep her family and her country safe. Terrorists and shadowy powerbrokers who wouldn't mind ending the world if it means they can be in power are out to get her and the special vial of world-ending contagion entrusted to her care.
Michele Packard's humor and over-the-top movie references make this book as much a romp as a thriller. Pick this one up. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll grip the pages, and you'll read it in one sitting.
Michele Packard's humor and over-the-top movie references make this book as much a romp as a thriller. Pick this one up. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll grip the pages, and you'll read it in one sitting.
November 3, 2023
Having read Aesop, the first book in the Matti Baker series, I was keen to jump back in to find out what other adventures the star of the show, Matti Baker, got up to.
Matti is a fantastic character – cool, highly capable, and she packs a powerful punch as she tackles a host of baddies in her quest to protect her country. This second book was as fast-paced and intriguing as the first. The author puts Matti into very plausible situations within a real-world context which I found very interesting as well as exciting. Trying to juggle family commitments at the same time added an extra plausibility to her as a character.
Fable is a thrilling espionage with plenty of humour to complement an all-action plot. I enjoyed it very much!
Matti is a fantastic character – cool, highly capable, and she packs a powerful punch as she tackles a host of baddies in her quest to protect her country. This second book was as fast-paced and intriguing as the first. The author puts Matti into very plausible situations within a real-world context which I found very interesting as well as exciting. Trying to juggle family commitments at the same time added an extra plausibility to her as a character.
Fable is a thrilling espionage with plenty of humour to complement an all-action plot. I enjoyed it very much!
April 21, 2025
FANTASTIC!
This book series is excellent and it should most definitely be a Netflix series!! I would watch it in a heartbeat!
So grateful there are more books to read by this fabulous author.
On to book #3
This book series is excellent and it should most definitely be a Netflix series!! I would watch it in a heartbeat!
So grateful there are more books to read by this fabulous author.
On to book #3
September 19, 2020
The intrigue continues!
I recommend carbo-loading before reading Fable, because there’s no slowing down during Packard’s action packed race through a labyrinth of intrigue. The second book of the Matti Baker series digs deeper into the conspiracy introduced in Aesop for a new world order. Matti and the people she loves have put everything on the line to save the world as we know it, and I look forward to seeing what they can do in the final book!
I recommend carbo-loading before reading Fable, because there’s no slowing down during Packard’s action packed race through a labyrinth of intrigue. The second book of the Matti Baker series digs deeper into the conspiracy introduced in Aesop for a new world order. Matti and the people she loves have put everything on the line to save the world as we know it, and I look forward to seeing what they can do in the final book!
April 27, 2020
Matti Baker is back, and in style. Still trying to uncover a potentially global conspiracy, this girl and her gun are kicking butt and taking names! Great sequel! My only suggesting to the reader is to read this and the first book back to back!
July 5, 2020
Adventure wins every time
Enjoyed Book 2 of 3 where contacted operatives balance work and life. Looking forward to the next book to see where the characters end up.
Enjoyed Book 2 of 3 where contacted operatives balance work and life. Looking forward to the next book to see where the characters end up.
November 8, 2023
Needed something witty with edge and action. This was exactly the fun distraction I was looking for.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews