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Victor Loshak #2.5
Take Warning
Some conspiracy theories turn out to be true.
FBI profiler Victor Loshak works a brutal murder case in Watertown, New York -- a woman found strangled in her basement, her face gone purple and baggy.
But as he sifts through the crime scene details, his mind keeps drifting back to Kansas City, his last job. The human trafficking case there ended in something of a cliffhanger, and it's a loose end that everyone else in law enforcement seems in no hurry to tie up.
The truth is out there. Always just out of reach.
Loshak finds himself changed by the events that transpired in Missouri. His worldview shifted. His priorities shuffled. He reaches out to the people close to him, hoping to make major changes in his personal life.
But they are watching.
When Loshak pursues leads relating to Kansas City, however, the warnings start. They are watching him. Seem to know everything about him. If he keeps working the human trafficking case, everything -- and everyone -- he cares about will be in jeopardy.
Justice bears a heavy cost. How high of a price will you pay?
The shape of a man's life is largely defined by what passions he pursues, Loshak decides. Now he will choose what that means for him.
While the Victor Loshak novels can be read in any order, we recommend reading this short after having read the earlier books in the series. Here is the full list of Loshak books in chronological order:
Beyond Good & Evil (Victor Loshak Book 1)
The Good Life Crisis (Victor Loshak Book 1.5)
What Lies Beneath (Victor Loshak Book 2)
Take Warning (Victor Loshak Book 2.5)
FBI profiler Victor Loshak works a brutal murder case in Watertown, New York -- a woman found strangled in her basement, her face gone purple and baggy.
But as he sifts through the crime scene details, his mind keeps drifting back to Kansas City, his last job. The human trafficking case there ended in something of a cliffhanger, and it's a loose end that everyone else in law enforcement seems in no hurry to tie up.
The truth is out there. Always just out of reach.
Loshak finds himself changed by the events that transpired in Missouri. His worldview shifted. His priorities shuffled. He reaches out to the people close to him, hoping to make major changes in his personal life.
But they are watching.
When Loshak pursues leads relating to Kansas City, however, the warnings start. They are watching him. Seem to know everything about him. If he keeps working the human trafficking case, everything -- and everyone -- he cares about will be in jeopardy.
Justice bears a heavy cost. How high of a price will you pay?
The shape of a man's life is largely defined by what passions he pursues, Loshak decides. Now he will choose what that means for him.
While the Victor Loshak novels can be read in any order, we recommend reading this short after having read the earlier books in the series. Here is the full list of Loshak books in chronological order:
Beyond Good & Evil (Victor Loshak Book 1)
The Good Life Crisis (Victor Loshak Book 1.5)
What Lies Beneath (Victor Loshak Book 2)
Take Warning (Victor Loshak Book 2.5)
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2019
743 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Smith
15 books52 followersE. M. Smith came by his redneck roots honestly, his barbwire tattoo dishonestly, and his sobriety slowly. Recovery isn't a sprint, according to his friends, it's a marathon. That's probably why he turned into such a fitness geek when he quit drinking.
You can call him Mason if you want to. He just uses his initials to seem professional.
You can call him Mason if you want to. He just uses his initials to seem professional.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 9, 2022
Will we ever find out if Loshak solves his case? I do hope so because I'm loving his character as much as do Darger. So now that Loshak has two cases he is working, I'm hoping we will read about them too.Much thanks to the authors.
November 19, 2019
First let me say GO VICTOR, GO VICTOR!!! Once you read Take Warning you will understand. In my opinion this novella is a set up for the next book. There was still Victor helping with one case and working on another case on the down low. There was so suspense that kept me turning the pages. I thought there might be unexpected twist, but there wasn't, thank goodness because I would not have been happy. This was a fun short read but be prepared to be setup for something bigger to come in the future. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
November 15, 2019
do you like extremely dark subject matter? do you believe in conspiracy theories? you will after you read this. somehow these authors manage to make this disturbing world digestible without trivializing it.
I've said this before, but I love Loshak. he's a good hero. he's like a real dude but a really good dude. he's not perfect, but he does the things we hope someone in his shoes would do, and we believe in him. this is a compelling chapter in his character development, and a deepening of the story we all got invested in at the beginning of this series. five stars, can't wait to see where this goes.
I've said this before, but I love Loshak. he's a good hero. he's like a real dude but a really good dude. he's not perfect, but he does the things we hope someone in his shoes would do, and we believe in him. this is a compelling chapter in his character development, and a deepening of the story we all got invested in at the beginning of this series. five stars, can't wait to see where this goes.
November 16, 2019
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Warning Shots
Take Warning is the newest in the Agent Victor Loshak series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus in collaboration with fellow author EM Smith. Loshak and Spinks have returned to their home bases after the series of events that took place in What Lies Beneath, but the reality of Kansas City still haunts Victor. By day, he continues his duties at Quantico serving as a consultant long-distance for a murder case, but at night he’s holed up in a rented storage unit poring over the details of the Kansas City case more and more. When his off duty investigating earns him a warning that hits too close to home, he knows that there is more to this story. The question is, will he risk all he holds dear including his recently mended relationship with his ex-wife to find the truth?
I noticed that unlike “What Lies Beneath”, “Take Warning” does not have a tag line such as “Victor Loshak #3” and while it’s technically the third book, it’s really short enough to almost qualify as a short story or novella, so possibly McBain and Vargus decided to provide this little bonus installment to tie up some of the loose ends from What Lies Beneath and also whet our appetites for the next full book in the series. Aside from the serial killer history lesson which I really enjoyed (yeah, I’m sick), I also was glad to see Victor’s ongoing obsession with the human trafficking ring that was discovered in Kansas City as well as the fate of Dylan and his family. I think it added yet another facet to this already wonderfully flawed character that shows that while he is a man of the law he is not without compassion. Couple that with the stonewalling he is receiving as he attempts to continue to investigate after the fact including personal threats and it is very clear that there is more here than anyone in the upper echelons want revealed. Victor’s decision point at the end of this story is both inspiring and terrifying. With the story development and build up that Take Warning has provided the current case, I am pretty positive that the next installment will be truly explosive, and I hope it comes with some resolution and justice to the victims of Kansas City.
Even though Take Warning is a continuation/follow up to the previous book in the series, I believe it is still possible to read this one out of order of the previous books. Even though this installment references previous events I don’t believe that a new reader to the series would be too lost. If anything, I feel it could when the appetite to go back and read the earlier case to catch up on the Loshak/Spinks duo.
Warning Shots
Take Warning is the newest in the Agent Victor Loshak series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus in collaboration with fellow author EM Smith. Loshak and Spinks have returned to their home bases after the series of events that took place in What Lies Beneath, but the reality of Kansas City still haunts Victor. By day, he continues his duties at Quantico serving as a consultant long-distance for a murder case, but at night he’s holed up in a rented storage unit poring over the details of the Kansas City case more and more. When his off duty investigating earns him a warning that hits too close to home, he knows that there is more to this story. The question is, will he risk all he holds dear including his recently mended relationship with his ex-wife to find the truth?
I noticed that unlike “What Lies Beneath”, “Take Warning” does not have a tag line such as “Victor Loshak #3” and while it’s technically the third book, it’s really short enough to almost qualify as a short story or novella, so possibly McBain and Vargus decided to provide this little bonus installment to tie up some of the loose ends from What Lies Beneath and also whet our appetites for the next full book in the series. Aside from the serial killer history lesson which I really enjoyed (yeah, I’m sick), I also was glad to see Victor’s ongoing obsession with the human trafficking ring that was discovered in Kansas City as well as the fate of Dylan and his family. I think it added yet another facet to this already wonderfully flawed character that shows that while he is a man of the law he is not without compassion. Couple that with the stonewalling he is receiving as he attempts to continue to investigate after the fact including personal threats and it is very clear that there is more here than anyone in the upper echelons want revealed. Victor’s decision point at the end of this story is both inspiring and terrifying. With the story development and build up that Take Warning has provided the current case, I am pretty positive that the next installment will be truly explosive, and I hope it comes with some resolution and justice to the victims of Kansas City.
Even though Take Warning is a continuation/follow up to the previous book in the series, I believe it is still possible to read this one out of order of the previous books. Even though this installment references previous events I don’t believe that a new reader to the series would be too lost. If anything, I feel it could when the appetite to go back and read the earlier case to catch up on the Loshak/Spinks duo.
January 14, 2021
More Loshak Please!!
Vic Loshak is such a great character! I've read all the books & anxiously awaiting for the next one! Please give me more Loshak ☺
Vic Loshak is such a great character! I've read all the books & anxiously awaiting for the next one! Please give me more Loshak ☺
November 14, 2020
Victor/Spinks are at it again.....
Another great story in the Victor Loshak series. As Victor and Spinks continue to work on the KC case under the radar, they attract unwanted attention, forcing Loshak to make some tough decisions. During this he helps solve a murder case in Watertown NY. A great novella with a strong ending.
Another great story in the Victor Loshak series. As Victor and Spinks continue to work on the KC case under the radar, they attract unwanted attention, forcing Loshak to make some tough decisions. During this he helps solve a murder case in Watertown NY. A great novella with a strong ending.
October 18, 2020
My opinion
The story was good held many attention Did not like the ending,because there was no ending.leaves one hanging,did they catch the ring of child trafficking,was the fbi guy involved? Did he and his ex !
The story was good held many attention Did not like the ending,because there was no ending.leaves one hanging,did they catch the ring of child trafficking,was the fbi guy involved? Did he and his ex !
December 7, 2020
Love
Love their books. Once I start I can't put it down. Exciting from start to finish. I don't want to stop.
Love their books. Once I start I can't put it down. Exciting from start to finish. I don't want to stop.
November 11, 2019
Take Warnining is another great novella in the Victor Loshak series. In this story, we get to see a more personal side to Loshak as he focuses on what he missed out on--personally and professionally--and how he wishes he could fix it. We also get the pleasure of witnessing a darker side to the Bureau, not to mention the resolution of a mini-mystery that had me guessing while Loshak methodically figured out all the right answers. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series; it never disappoints.
November 8, 2019
This recent juicy Loshak nugget gives us an even wider glimpse into who ‘ole Vic is. I found his personal back and forth about Jan both humbling and endearing. The on going look into the trafficking case in Kansas with Spinks is a little like chewing glass covered in dark chocolate. Tasty and deadly at the same time. I’m so looking forward to seeing where that story line goes. Extremely happy he pulled the punch on “the horse.”
November 11, 2019
Take Warning seems to have taken a life of its own in the Victor Loshak saga. While the previous stories provided a sense of Vic being in control and his being able to predict who is the bad guy. This episode is filled with instances of conspiracy, intrigue, betrayal, and some very unexpected action. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
April 23, 2023
The missing conclusion.
It was a good story until it ended abruptly with no closure! I have to assume the next book in the series will finish the story. However, most readers like to close the story at the end of the book! I felt cheated and forced into buying the next in the series just to finish what should have already been finished.
It was a good story until it ended abruptly with no closure! I have to assume the next book in the series will finish the story. However, most readers like to close the story at the end of the book! I felt cheated and forced into buying the next in the series just to finish what should have already been finished.
November 16, 2019
It's a novella, so it's a quick read, but it is another outstanding story told from Loshak's perspective. Warning: the ending leaves you hanging, but hopefully we will get to find out what happens next very soon.
November 17, 2019
Huh?
Spent a long time confused with this on. Like there was a prequel I missed. And then I found out it was a short story. Missed that somewhere too. Clearer and lo her would have gotten 4 stars
Spent a long time confused with this on. Like there was a prequel I missed. And then I found out it was a short story. Missed that somewhere too. Clearer and lo her would have gotten 4 stars
November 19, 2019
Can’t Wait...
...for the next installment. I’ve been a fan of Loshak since the very first book.
This one ends on a chiffhanger, which I hate, but I’m still excited to see what happens next.
...for the next installment. I’ve been a fan of Loshak since the very first book.
This one ends on a chiffhanger, which I hate, but I’m still excited to see what happens next.
December 28, 2019
This was a great addition to the Loshak series. I love that there is a middle aged protagonist & this story has me liking him more than ever. I’m eager to read the next installment. I hope Loshak & Darger team up again but I’ll continue to enjoy their individual stories.
January 7, 2020
Excellent
Best Loshak book yet -- multiple good, interesting storylines (and the authors seem to -- thankfully -- have a much better understanding of age/aging than when they wrote "Beyond Good and Evil"). Very much looking forward to the next installment.
Best Loshak book yet -- multiple good, interesting storylines (and the authors seem to -- thankfully -- have a much better understanding of age/aging than when they wrote "Beyond Good and Evil"). Very much looking forward to the next installment.
April 27, 2020
Too many questions
At the end of this novella, I was left with a lot of questions. Had Loshak begun to suspect Spinks? Or, was Spinks the only one he could trust? What would be the repercussions from his fight with the crooked FBI administrator?
At the end of this novella, I was left with a lot of questions. Had Loshak begun to suspect Spinks? Or, was Spinks the only one he could trust? What would be the repercussions from his fight with the crooked FBI administrator?
May 4, 2020
Great Novella
I love this series! Victor never ceases to amaze me! He is brilliant but not arrogant, but with this threat to his loved ones I have a feeling he is ready to break out all the shots! I can’t wait for the next book!
I love this series! Victor never ceases to amaze me! He is brilliant but not arrogant, but with this threat to his loved ones I have a feeling he is ready to break out all the shots! I can’t wait for the next book!
June 28, 2021
More intrigue
This book continue s to raise questions about the human trafficking uncovered in Kansas. Someone is warning Loshak off . It appears that no one can be trusted.what's next? Must keep reading.
This book continue s to raise questions about the human trafficking uncovered in Kansas. Someone is warning Loshak off . It appears that no one can be trusted.what's next? Must keep reading.
August 23, 2021
Oh, No!
Oh no, what will happen next? Will we ever find out if Loshak solves his case? I do hope so because I'm loving his character as much as do Darger. So now that Loshak has two cases he is working, I'm hoping we will read about them too.Much thanks to the authors.
Oh no, what will happen next? Will we ever find out if Loshak solves his case? I do hope so because I'm loving his character as much as do Darger. So now that Loshak has two cases he is working, I'm hoping we will read about them too.Much thanks to the authors.
September 30, 2021
Deeper snd deeper into the morass
Loshak and Spinks descend into dangerous depths to continue investigating the human trafficking operation that came to light while looking into seemingly unrelated murders of “pillars of the community” citizens.
Loshak and Spinks descend into dangerous depths to continue investigating the human trafficking operation that came to light while looking into seemingly unrelated murders of “pillars of the community” citizens.
January 6, 2022
Could not put this short “novella” down, read straight through. I’ve read 3 of the Victor Loshak Series can’t wait for book 4 coming out in February. If you like psychological thrillers this series will not disappoint.
August 23, 2023
Fantastic series
I highly recommend reading all of the novellas associated with this series. They're all fantastic stories you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
I highly recommend reading all of the novellas associated with this series. They're all fantastic stories you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
November 15, 2019
Short
It is a continuation of one the other books I read. It was good, but it ended way too soon. It left me wanting more.
It is a continuation of one the other books I read. It was good, but it ended way too soon. It left me wanting more.
November 16, 2019
I liked this book but want more, more, more
November 26, 2019
A nifty little run up to the next Loshak novel. Can’t wait!
November 26, 2019
Awesome - grabs your attention from the beginning
Was sucked into the story from the start. It was over before I knew it because It was good. Can’t wait for the next release.
Was sucked into the story from the start. It was over before I knew it because It was good. Can’t wait for the next release.
January 7, 2020
Excellent
Loved this book. I wish it would hVe been longer. Lots of action and a few twists and turns. Love the characters.
Loved this book. I wish it would hVe been longer. Lots of action and a few twists and turns. Love the characters.
January 15, 2020
Omg! I want to know what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews