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Harry Starke Genesis #3
The Assassin
It was a bad day all round for Tommy Biscotti and his friends. All Tommy wanted was a few pills. What he got was a bullet in the back. Hammerhead, Tommy’s source, got two in the head. Jake Burke, Hammerhead’s sidekick, got his brains blown out. Pretty standard stuff for the low life’s of the underworld… But what did it all have to do with Senator Andrew Hawke’s run for governor?
Who is the assassin?
To Harry Starke the answers seem obvious… but as we all know, in Harry’s world nothing ever is...
- GenresThriller
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2019
258 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
449 books347 followersBlair 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.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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May 2, 2020
This is book three of the Harry Starke Genesis series and takes readers back to the early days of his Private Investigator (P.I.) company, after leaving his job as a police detective. This takes place about four years after he left the police and simply starts with the shooting of a young drug addict called Tommy Biscotti. He and his mother are druggies and it is his turn to get some new supplies from their local dealer Hammerhead, who operates in some dodgy, deserted warehouses in a part of town that was supposed to be a great economic boom to the area and then just fell flat. Now it is safe for no-one and only the desperate would ever go there. Tommy is found shot three times in the back, in a possible drug deal gone wrong, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Harry and his long time friend and work partner Bob Ryan look into the case, which has ended up in his former detective partner and now girlfriend Kate’s hands. The cops haven’t taken a very close look over the rest of the complex of derelict buildings, but Bob has found a drug dealer’s trademark symbol, a Hammerhead, which leads them to the initial crime scene. More killings take place, which seem to be more of an assassination, than a simple killing. Double taps to the body and another to the head. The drug dealer himself and his number two, are both victims. There must be more to this than a simple drug deal gone wrong and Harry is determined to find out what.
He gets contacted by a woman who calls herself Agent Wu, of TIP, supposedly a security consultant company, working with the NSA. He gets a mixed message from her interaction and gets his IT whizz Tim to look up the company and Wu herself, but they are squeaky clean. Perhaps a bit too clean, for the line of work they are in! Wu has three other working with her and they are concerned with the protection of Senator Andrew Hawke and a possible assassination attempt on his life as he returns to the area for some engagements on his way to progress to a higher position in government. Wu states she was asked to help out on Senator Hawke’s security detail by his campaign manager. The case of the drug dealer and the other deaths were apparently undertaken by the same man Wu believes is going to undertake the assassination attempt. A man that used to be part of her team, an ex-SAS man known as Nero, but whose name is Albert Westwood.
Why he would have been involved in the drug addict and his dealer’s deaths is a bit thin, but the weaponry used, seems to make it more believable. Harry and his team are asked to help with this security issue, as they know the local area best and could help to narrow down where an attempt might take place. What happens next is a wonderful and tangled network of lies, red herrings and hidden agendas. More will be killed. Harry and his team may not all make it through to the conclusion of events. And those in control of events have their own agenda behind actions which will take place. Some are definitely not what you might expect. But, trying to work out who is really on the side of good, or are the ones trying to kill others, is hard to decipher.
Another complex storyline, that will leave you flabbergasted with its complexity! The author certainly knows how to place Harry and others in danger at every turn, often in situations you wonder how they can possibly survive! Harry is a determined investigator, using all his skills as a police detective, his tenacity to follow any clues and an ability to think outside of the box and let his mind conjugate everything until he comes up with a path to follow or a solution to what has been placed in front of him! I actually quite liked the character Nero and he is one to look out for in The Peacemaker! Loving this separate series, which allows us readers to explore more of Harry’s past and the cases that have formed his future actions. I can’t wait for some more! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Harry and his long time friend and work partner Bob Ryan look into the case, which has ended up in his former detective partner and now girlfriend Kate’s hands. The cops haven’t taken a very close look over the rest of the complex of derelict buildings, but Bob has found a drug dealer’s trademark symbol, a Hammerhead, which leads them to the initial crime scene. More killings take place, which seem to be more of an assassination, than a simple killing. Double taps to the body and another to the head. The drug dealer himself and his number two, are both victims. There must be more to this than a simple drug deal gone wrong and Harry is determined to find out what.
He gets contacted by a woman who calls herself Agent Wu, of TIP, supposedly a security consultant company, working with the NSA. He gets a mixed message from her interaction and gets his IT whizz Tim to look up the company and Wu herself, but they are squeaky clean. Perhaps a bit too clean, for the line of work they are in! Wu has three other working with her and they are concerned with the protection of Senator Andrew Hawke and a possible assassination attempt on his life as he returns to the area for some engagements on his way to progress to a higher position in government. Wu states she was asked to help out on Senator Hawke’s security detail by his campaign manager. The case of the drug dealer and the other deaths were apparently undertaken by the same man Wu believes is going to undertake the assassination attempt. A man that used to be part of her team, an ex-SAS man known as Nero, but whose name is Albert Westwood.
Why he would have been involved in the drug addict and his dealer’s deaths is a bit thin, but the weaponry used, seems to make it more believable. Harry and his team are asked to help with this security issue, as they know the local area best and could help to narrow down where an attempt might take place. What happens next is a wonderful and tangled network of lies, red herrings and hidden agendas. More will be killed. Harry and his team may not all make it through to the conclusion of events. And those in control of events have their own agenda behind actions which will take place. Some are definitely not what you might expect. But, trying to work out who is really on the side of good, or are the ones trying to kill others, is hard to decipher.
Another complex storyline, that will leave you flabbergasted with its complexity! The author certainly knows how to place Harry and others in danger at every turn, often in situations you wonder how they can possibly survive! Harry is a determined investigator, using all his skills as a police detective, his tenacity to follow any clues and an ability to think outside of the box and let his mind conjugate everything until he comes up with a path to follow or a solution to what has been placed in front of him! I actually quite liked the character Nero and he is one to look out for in The Peacemaker! Loving this separate series, which allows us readers to explore more of Harry’s past and the cases that have formed his future actions. I can’t wait for some more! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
November 29, 2019
: “Simply Brilliant” Five stars all the way.
This thriller book the third Harry Starke Genesis Book is simply brilliant. I simply loved this book which was not only brilliantly written, easy to read but it just was so riveting and had continuous twists and turns with never knowing who you could trust! “The ending is a blockbuster too!” The Assassin starts with a druggie being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being slain in cold blood. This soon turns to what seems to be linked or associated to the assassin of a senator visiting the area. Harry Starke and his PI team (Bob Ryan, Tim & Ronnie Casey and Jacque) alongside with his girlfriend and partner detective Kate Gazzara working for the police department start investigations but soon get tied down with involvement from an Agent Casey Wy and her team who works for TSA (Tipton Security Agency) a contractor to the NSA .All parties then have to work closely together to protect the senator Hawke and his wife against Albert Westwood alias “Nero” an assassin who is an ex SAS, British Special Forces Air Service marksman turned contract killer. Also in the mix is the senator’s protector Roger Brooke and someone and some things are just not sitting right putting but who and why and who can be trusted? Harry in order to get the answers and find the truth needs to follow all the clues very, very carefully.
Once again it is set mainly around Chattanooga with all the other usual folk and not for the first time Harry puts not just his life but the lives of his team in jeopardy and to what must be one hell of an ending that you just can’t stop until you get to the ending. So enjoyable, so well written and such a convincing story as always from Blair. Once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending!
This thriller book the third Harry Starke Genesis Book is simply brilliant. I simply loved this book which was not only brilliantly written, easy to read but it just was so riveting and had continuous twists and turns with never knowing who you could trust! “The ending is a blockbuster too!” The Assassin starts with a druggie being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being slain in cold blood. This soon turns to what seems to be linked or associated to the assassin of a senator visiting the area. Harry Starke and his PI team (Bob Ryan, Tim & Ronnie Casey and Jacque) alongside with his girlfriend and partner detective Kate Gazzara working for the police department start investigations but soon get tied down with involvement from an Agent Casey Wy and her team who works for TSA (Tipton Security Agency) a contractor to the NSA .All parties then have to work closely together to protect the senator Hawke and his wife against Albert Westwood alias “Nero” an assassin who is an ex SAS, British Special Forces Air Service marksman turned contract killer. Also in the mix is the senator’s protector Roger Brooke and someone and some things are just not sitting right putting but who and why and who can be trusted? Harry in order to get the answers and find the truth needs to follow all the clues very, very carefully.
Once again it is set mainly around Chattanooga with all the other usual folk and not for the first time Harry puts not just his life but the lives of his team in jeopardy and to what must be one hell of an ending that you just can’t stop until you get to the ending. So enjoyable, so well written and such a convincing story as always from Blair. Once started you really cannot put the book down until the ending!
August 10, 2020
Politicians, huh.
Politician Andrew Hawke is coming to own on the campaign train -the usual spiel, I am your superman, vote for me and so your dreams will come true. BS at its finest.
His security is being handled by TSA, a private security company, hired by his security boss, heavily recommended by his wife, Mary Anne.
It all checks out, but Harry's gut is telling him something is up.
Casey Wu, who leads the four person team, tells Harry that a former employee of TSA, codename Nero, is out to assassinate Hawke. Nero is ex SAS, a sniper who is top class.
A plan is devised to lure Nero out into the open, so he can be eliminated. Harry has a few tweaks up his sleeve, as he trusts his gut more than Hawke's security team.
Various incidents occur, the major one being a TSA operatives attempt on Hawke's life. Nero takes out one of the TSA, Tim & Bob are injured.
TSA are out to kill Hawke, not protect him. Why?
With Bob & Tim hospitalised, Harry is on his own, until he finds an unlikely ally in Nero aka Albert.
The plot takes more twists & turns than an Olympic gymnasts routine, but you keep up with it.
By this time, Harry has is own theory as to who ordered the hit on Hawke. This is not well received by the majority of CPD and FBI, the politician plays politics and Harry doesn't believe a word he says.
The ending confirms Harry's instincts were correct, and a pair of psychos play their end game, unfortunately for them, Tim has set up recording devices monitored from the next room and Harry joins the party before there are anymore fatalities.
Well thought out, intricate plot that does not treat the reader like an idiot!
Hope Nero aka Albert turns up in other Harry Starke related novels. His humour and capabilities fit nicely
Politician Andrew Hawke is coming to own on the campaign train -the usual spiel, I am your superman, vote for me and so your dreams will come true. BS at its finest.
His security is being handled by TSA, a private security company, hired by his security boss, heavily recommended by his wife, Mary Anne.
It all checks out, but Harry's gut is telling him something is up.
Casey Wu, who leads the four person team, tells Harry that a former employee of TSA, codename Nero, is out to assassinate Hawke. Nero is ex SAS, a sniper who is top class.
A plan is devised to lure Nero out into the open, so he can be eliminated. Harry has a few tweaks up his sleeve, as he trusts his gut more than Hawke's security team.
Various incidents occur, the major one being a TSA operatives attempt on Hawke's life. Nero takes out one of the TSA, Tim & Bob are injured.
TSA are out to kill Hawke, not protect him. Why?
With Bob & Tim hospitalised, Harry is on his own, until he finds an unlikely ally in Nero aka Albert.
The plot takes more twists & turns than an Olympic gymnasts routine, but you keep up with it.
By this time, Harry has is own theory as to who ordered the hit on Hawke. This is not well received by the majority of CPD and FBI, the politician plays politics and Harry doesn't believe a word he says.
The ending confirms Harry's instincts were correct, and a pair of psychos play their end game, unfortunately for them, Tim has set up recording devices monitored from the next room and Harry joins the party before there are anymore fatalities.
Well thought out, intricate plot that does not treat the reader like an idiot!
Hope Nero aka Albert turns up in other Harry Starke related novels. His humour and capabilities fit nicely
December 9, 2019
The Assassin (Harry Starke Genesis #3) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
There's never a dull moment in the life of PI Harry Starke, who could easily give Dirty Harry a run for his money when it comes to getting the job done. As an outstanding addition to Blair Howard's new Harry Starke Genesis series, comes #3 The Assassin, that has more twists and turns to its plot than a sidewinder snake with St Vitus' Dance.Starting with an interrupted drugs deal turned sour and deadly, Harry must follow an almost indecipherable route in the hunt for the would-be mastermind of a Kennedy-like assassination plot. With his team of assorted members: ex-Marine/SAS/NYPD cop Bob Ryan, young tech expert Tim Clarke, money guy Ronnie Hall and feisty PA Jacque Hale, plus his CPD girlfriend Kate Gazzara's support, Harry's got every chance of neutralising the threat to the intended victim - Senator/would-be Governor, Andrew Hawke- or so he believes. Yet with alliances made and betrayed, double and even triple-crosses and much confusion and danger on all sides, who should Harry trust - 'Agent' Wu, the half-Oriental CEO of Tipton Security Agency? Her IT genius with his state-of-the art equipment (and access to everyone's communications), Donald Rockford? Maybe the statuesque Amazonian-like Elona Jackson, Wu's 'muscle', or Simon Wilde, her right-hand man? And what about the hitman 'Nero's' target? Here's a clue - it's not who you'd think!
Your mission - should you accept it - is to grab yourself asap, a copy of this thrilling saga's episode,The Assassin by the incredible Blair Howard and tell all your friends by every means possible. 5,4,3,2,1 GO!!
There's never a dull moment in the life of PI Harry Starke, who could easily give Dirty Harry a run for his money when it comes to getting the job done. As an outstanding addition to Blair Howard's new Harry Starke Genesis series, comes #3 The Assassin, that has more twists and turns to its plot than a sidewinder snake with St Vitus' Dance.Starting with an interrupted drugs deal turned sour and deadly, Harry must follow an almost indecipherable route in the hunt for the would-be mastermind of a Kennedy-like assassination plot. With his team of assorted members: ex-Marine/SAS/NYPD cop Bob Ryan, young tech expert Tim Clarke, money guy Ronnie Hall and feisty PA Jacque Hale, plus his CPD girlfriend Kate Gazzara's support, Harry's got every chance of neutralising the threat to the intended victim - Senator/would-be Governor, Andrew Hawke- or so he believes. Yet with alliances made and betrayed, double and even triple-crosses and much confusion and danger on all sides, who should Harry trust - 'Agent' Wu, the half-Oriental CEO of Tipton Security Agency? Her IT genius with his state-of-the art equipment (and access to everyone's communications), Donald Rockford? Maybe the statuesque Amazonian-like Elona Jackson, Wu's 'muscle', or Simon Wilde, her right-hand man? And what about the hitman 'Nero's' target? Here's a clue - it's not who you'd think!
Your mission - should you accept it - is to grab yourself asap, a copy of this thrilling saga's episode,The Assassin by the incredible Blair Howard and tell all your friends by every means possible. 5,4,3,2,1 GO!!
November 24, 2019
Welcome back Harry Starke, another riveting story from the pen of Blair Howard .
Wealthy Harry Starke is an ex detective in the Chattanooga Police department, he didn't take kindly to having his hands tied so he left the police department and became a PI, he gathered together a brilliant team which made it a very successful agency.
The story starts with a murder and from there on the body count mounts.
Harry suspects that drugs are involved, it quickly becomes clear that the life of Andrew Hawks, a prominent senator is in danger .
Harry is approached by Cassie Wo , Cassie leads a team of mercenaries who have been engaged to guard the senator who is running for governor.
Should Harry follow his instincts ? he enrols the help of Kate Gazarra, his ex partner who still works for the CPD and is also the love of Harry's life.
This story contains murders galore, kidnapping, nail biting suspense, uncountable twists and red herrings. I really couldn't put this book down, I needed to know who the mastermind was behind this bloodbath, everyone was a suspect and I suspected every person at some point during the story.
I love Blair Howard's attention to detail, I love his descriptions of the surroundings, the people and even how they dress thus allowing you to paint a mental picture.
Although this book is one of a series it can be read as a standalone and I can thoroughly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a truthful review which I have given.
Wealthy Harry Starke is an ex detective in the Chattanooga Police department, he didn't take kindly to having his hands tied so he left the police department and became a PI, he gathered together a brilliant team which made it a very successful agency.
The story starts with a murder and from there on the body count mounts.
Harry suspects that drugs are involved, it quickly becomes clear that the life of Andrew Hawks, a prominent senator is in danger .
Harry is approached by Cassie Wo , Cassie leads a team of mercenaries who have been engaged to guard the senator who is running for governor.
Should Harry follow his instincts ? he enrols the help of Kate Gazarra, his ex partner who still works for the CPD and is also the love of Harry's life.
This story contains murders galore, kidnapping, nail biting suspense, uncountable twists and red herrings. I really couldn't put this book down, I needed to know who the mastermind was behind this bloodbath, everyone was a suspect and I suspected every person at some point during the story.
I love Blair Howard's attention to detail, I love his descriptions of the surroundings, the people and even how they dress thus allowing you to paint a mental picture.
Although this book is one of a series it can be read as a standalone and I can thoroughly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a truthful review which I have given.
January 19, 2020
A Great Read!
Another very entertaining book from "one of the masters.". Blair's books give you the feeling like you are partipating in the action. His descriptions of each scene paint a realistic picture in your mind. Immerse yourself in this book and you can feel what the characters feel and see what they see. Don't stop with this book! Read all of his books! His characters are not unbelievable super-hereos, they fail at times as a real person would. I have been places and I have experienced things in real life somewhat similar to some of the things and places Blair writes about. I've investigated people and I've been shot at and I've had an attempted car-jacking committed against me. It is amazing how much Blair's characters think and feel similar to what I've actually experienced. We've all read of "crooked politicians.". We've met the "glad-handers" and seen the fake smiles and heard the fake promises from various politicians. Fortunately, there are a few honest and sincere politicians The only thing missing in this book is the reaction of Harry's father at the conclusion. My own father always questioned me about my reactions and thoughts at the conclusion of many of the events I experienced and it would seem probable that Harry Starks' father would do the same thing. Also I would expect Harry's father would relate some of his own life experiences to his son.
Another very entertaining book from "one of the masters.". Blair's books give you the feeling like you are partipating in the action. His descriptions of each scene paint a realistic picture in your mind. Immerse yourself in this book and you can feel what the characters feel and see what they see. Don't stop with this book! Read all of his books! His characters are not unbelievable super-hereos, they fail at times as a real person would. I have been places and I have experienced things in real life somewhat similar to some of the things and places Blair writes about. I've investigated people and I've been shot at and I've had an attempted car-jacking committed against me. It is amazing how much Blair's characters think and feel similar to what I've actually experienced. We've all read of "crooked politicians.". We've met the "glad-handers" and seen the fake smiles and heard the fake promises from various politicians. Fortunately, there are a few honest and sincere politicians The only thing missing in this book is the reaction of Harry's father at the conclusion. My own father always questioned me about my reactions and thoughts at the conclusion of many of the events I experienced and it would seem probable that Harry Starks' father would do the same thing. Also I would expect Harry's father would relate some of his own life experiences to his son.
December 13, 2019
I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. As I said in my review of the Lt. Kate Gazarra box set, I really enjoy Mr. Howard's writing style. I wasn't sure if it would be the same for the Harry Starke novels or not but was very happy to discover that it is. It comes across as if an older Harry is sitting around with friends swapping old "war stories" or if he is being interviewed by a journalist for an in-depth article for a news magazine. Whichever it is, it is a great way to tell a story in my opinion; at least these stories.
Mr. Howard creates very believable characters, plenty of suspense with more than enough twists and turns, and natural-sounding, easy flowing dialogue. As usual with a novel that grabs my attention as this one did, I found myself staying up way too late too many nights reading when I should have been in bed. But when you can't wait to see what else Harry and the team can get themselves into and out of, you don't put the book down. You stay up and find out!
I sincerely hope I have not seen the last of Albert Westwood. Harry hints that there's more to his story and I sure hope I get to find out. He is most definitely cool.
If you haven't read any of the Harry Starke novels, make sure you do. You don't want to miss out.
Mr. Howard creates very believable characters, plenty of suspense with more than enough twists and turns, and natural-sounding, easy flowing dialogue. As usual with a novel that grabs my attention as this one did, I found myself staying up way too late too many nights reading when I should have been in bed. But when you can't wait to see what else Harry and the team can get themselves into and out of, you don't put the book down. You stay up and find out!
I sincerely hope I have not seen the last of Albert Westwood. Harry hints that there's more to his story and I sure hope I get to find out. He is most definitely cool.
If you haven't read any of the Harry Starke novels, make sure you do. You don't want to miss out.
December 16, 2019
This is book three in the Genesis series, telling about Harry Starke's early days as a private investigator. I enjoy getting background on the people he works with and some of the criminals that appeared in later books. He is still with Kate in theses books, which I love. They work so well together. I was disappointed when their romantic relationship ended. This story is about an attempted assassination of a senator who is a candidate for governor but it starts with a drug deal gone bad and the murder of a young man. How are they related? As usual it is packed with action. It is difficult to tell who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Harry isn't always perfect in these earlier books and gets into lots of situations he needs a little help to get out of alive. He still reminds me a lot of Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington. Blair Howard's characters are well developed and realistic and the story lines are well developed and flow from one part to another. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to more from Blair Howard and Harry Starke. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
January 6, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"Only fools rush in, right?"
Tom Lennon becomes the self confident P.I. Harry Starke in this, the third book of the Genesis series. When he has a gut feeling, he really should follow it and often does. Fast paced action and several people shot dead as Harry and his team link up with the police and another security group to protect a senator and his wife from the threat of assassination.
Told in the first person from Harry's perspective, Mr.Lennon's narration adds further depth to the already good character development and brings real excitement to the story. Great pacing and intonation throughout with good individual voices for each protagonist. Apart from a need to work on the English accent for one of the characters, his is a fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Assassin, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The Harry Starke books of Blair Howard are always a pleasure to read.
"Only fools rush in, right?"
Tom Lennon becomes the self confident P.I. Harry Starke in this, the third book of the Genesis series. When he has a gut feeling, he really should follow it and often does. Fast paced action and several people shot dead as Harry and his team link up with the police and another security group to protect a senator and his wife from the threat of assassination.
Told in the first person from Harry's perspective, Mr.Lennon's narration adds further depth to the already good character development and brings real excitement to the story. Great pacing and intonation throughout with good individual voices for each protagonist. Apart from a need to work on the English accent for one of the characters, his is a fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Assassin, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The Harry Starke books of Blair Howard are always a pleasure to read.
November 23, 2019
The Harry Starke books just keep getting better. A crisis develops when Chattanooga is visited by a private security team and a potential assassination. Kate, Harry and his staff play a major role, but new and quite interesting characters set the stage for excitement and suspense. The style of writing is clear and easy to read, and the descriptions of Chattanooga are spot on, but not intrusive. The action intensifies as a senator, now a candidate for governor, turns up to be the target. The identity of the person who hired the assassin slowly comes to light, and is quite unexpected. By the end of the story many characters are injured or killed, and the remainder arrested. Harry Starke and Kate Gazarra make a great team.
November 26, 2019
Harry Starke is back in yet another action packed adventure. A junky is murdered. Then Harry and his staff are hired by a private security "firm" to help protect up and coming Senator Hawke from an assassin. Will Harry be able to connect the dots and keep the Senator and his wife safe? Lots of action, twist and turns, and a great ending. Blair Howard once again brings to life larger than life characters with three dimensional descriptions and a killer plot. If you haven't read any of the previous Harry Starke books, you should, but if you haven't, you shouldn't get too lost as this author gives you just enough back story to not get lost. As an ARC reader for Blair Howard, I was given a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
December 17, 2019
Another story from Harry Starke's early career as PI, this one is a real cracker, with lots of twists and turns and red herrings. There is also lots of brilliantly written excitement, several murders and an enigmatic ex SAS sniper.
Harry is a great character, very capable and persistent and I really like his relationship with cop Kate Gazzara as well as the other members of his team.
I really found this book completely engrossing, because of the twists and turns I had to keep turning the (virtual) pages to find out who was responsible and how Harry was going to bring them to justice.
The last couple of chapters provided a great twist in the tail.
I received an advance copy of this book and have voluntarily written this honest review.
Harry is a great character, very capable and persistent and I really like his relationship with cop Kate Gazzara as well as the other members of his team.
I really found this book completely engrossing, because of the twists and turns I had to keep turning the (virtual) pages to find out who was responsible and how Harry was going to bring them to justice.
The last couple of chapters provided a great twist in the tail.
I received an advance copy of this book and have voluntarily written this honest review.
November 27, 2019
If you are a fan of the Kate Gazarra stories, or the Harry Starke books, the Genesis stories take things back to where they began, and show connections to where those series are today.
Because the books are filled with backstory, you don’t need to have read the other books in the series YET- you will likely want to if you are become a fan, like I did.
Betrayals and loyalties are again key to survival and surprises.
Psychological thriller and action adventure with dark and light romantic themes.
In short, the books kicks butt even when some strong characters are getting their butts kicked!
Because the books are filled with backstory, you don’t need to have read the other books in the series YET- you will likely want to if you are become a fan, like I did.
Betrayals and loyalties are again key to survival and surprises.
Psychological thriller and action adventure with dark and light romantic themes.
In short, the books kicks butt even when some strong characters are getting their butts kicked!
November 25, 2019
Another well written crime thriller by Blair Howard and the much awaited return of Harry Starke. Harry Starke was a police detective who made a rash decision to walk out of the job. Little did he know he would set up a very successful detective agency, that happened by chance. None of the jobs he takes on have been easy and this latest one is no exception. He teams up with another agency who is headed by Wu Casey. She tells Harry that they looking for a potential killer, named Nero an expert sniper, who's next target is Senator Andrew Hawke who is running for governor.
A must read.
A must read.
November 26, 2019
Powerful Story of Politics, Power, and Intrigue
Blair Howard hits another home run with Harry's latest adventure. Harry Starke, PI, is our narrator and protagonist. With his versatile team that and his relationship with SGT Kate Gazzara, Harry gets involved in a case that seems to start with a bad drug deal and quickly ramps into an all-out war between two mercenaries. There are many plot twists that keep you guessing about what is next.
This was another enjoyable book in the Harry Starke series.
Blair Howard hits another home run with Harry's latest adventure. Harry Starke, PI, is our narrator and protagonist. With his versatile team that and his relationship with SGT Kate Gazzara, Harry gets involved in a case that seems to start with a bad drug deal and quickly ramps into an all-out war between two mercenaries. There are many plot twists that keep you guessing about what is next.
This was another enjoyable book in the Harry Starke series.
December 1, 2019
While the rest of the family was watching Reacher, I was reading The Assassin. The background bangs and booms really made the book come alive - as if it needed background noises!!! Trying to keep up with Harry and figure out who the bad ones were was worth the Bulleit Bourbon break I took last night at the Bluegrass Lounge in Arvada Colorado. Enough about me and back to Harry and his spidey feelings. I would want him on my side when I was in a tight situation. I enjoyed the bourbon, the story, and highly recommend the book.
November 25, 2019
I admit to being a Blair Howard fan and found this to be a terrific procedural. Harry Starke is a PI and bored with the mundane jobs of a PI. A young man is found murdered in a bad area of Chattanooga and he investigates. This brings him and his cohorts into contact with politicians, contract killers and assorted other miscreants. It is fast moving and intelligently written and well worth spending some time with! Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
December 4, 2019
Once again Lt. Kate and Harry Starke get involved in another murder conspiracy. A deadly sniper, a sketchy security company and a politician tend to make strange bedfellows. This is a lot of fun to read and terribly hard to put down. Expect at least one or more nights of less than 8 hours of sleep. An amazing cast of characters, lots of action and a very well written story will keep you hanging on for more and more !
December 5, 2019
I haven't read the other books in this series. It didn't cause any issue in being able to get grabbed by this novel from the first page. I really enjoyed this book. I like the fact that has a thread of attachment with the Kate Gazzara series. This was an action packed with many plot twists. I got hooked on Harry and his sting ideas. Blair Howard brings the story life from the onset and doesn't slow down til the las page.
December 6, 2019
Couldn’t have been better! Plenty of action, great characters both old and new, and a tightly plotted storyline.
Harry Stark, former cop and current private investigator teams up with Kate , a private security group, and ultimately an ex-special ops turned assassin to protect a politician. But just who is he protecting him from?
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
Harry Stark, former cop and current private investigator teams up with Kate , a private security group, and ultimately an ex-special ops turned assassin to protect a politician. But just who is he protecting him from?
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
March 30, 2020
It's a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Trying to keep a Senator from an assassin's bullet is not an easy job. And Harry Starke is put in the cross hairs time and time again. This is a fasted paced story with quite a few surprises.
Page after page of excitement and some funny lines thrown in to break up the tension.
Great characters in an action packed book.
Five stars...nah...let's give it ten.
Page after page of excitement and some funny lines thrown in to break up the tension.
Great characters in an action packed book.
Five stars...nah...let's give it ten.
Read
June 10, 2020The Assassin (Harry Starke Genesis #3), my seventeenth read from author Blair Howard and the third in the Harry Stark Genesis series. Well-written and enjoyable detective fiction I was given an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Narrator Tom Lennon's narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to the next book in this series The Lolita Conspiracy: Harry Starke Genesis, Book 4. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 30, 2019
This is the first Harry Starke book I have read and I definitely am interested in reading more. The book fills in the characters quickly and gets to the action, no need to read previous books to understand it. There are twists and turns galore; it kept me reading till the end.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
December 1, 2019
Harry Starke teams up with his girlfriend, Kate Gazzara a police detective. A TSA agent Wu tells Harry that Nero is going to attempt an assassination on Senator Hawke. This is a page turner thriller. There are a lot of twists and turns and not everything is as it seems. The senator's wife is taken by Wu. Murder and lots of action.
December 2, 2019
This is the third book in the Harry Starke Genesis series. In my opinion, each one gets better than the last. I enjoyed this one so much that I couldn’t put it down, yet now that I am finished I want to be back in the middle of it again. This book is action packed with so many twists and turns that you are constantly taken by surprise. You will not be disappointed!
December 5, 2019
Wonderful well-written storyline with twists, violence, danger, great main characters as well as secondary characters who are developed and interesting. The assassin is a piece of work who Harry and his team must take down. There are thrills, spills, suspense and action. This is a very entertaining read. I liked it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 18, 2019
Harry and his team are hired by a private security team to help protect up and coming Senator Hawke from an assassin. Lots of action, twist and turns, that keep you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put the book down. Blair Howard once again brings to life characters with three dimensional descriptions and a killer plot. Looking forward to the next one.
December 23, 2019
You never know when a drug case may turn into a political assassination.
The author has Harry Starke recalling a previous case; describing the numerous twists, turns and blind alleys he and his team are forced to follow before bringing the assassin to justice; or did they?
I received an ARC of this book and this is my considered review.
The author has Harry Starke recalling a previous case; describing the numerous twists, turns and blind alleys he and his team are forced to follow before bringing the assassin to justice; or did they?
I received an ARC of this book and this is my considered review.
Read
December 24, 2019I am already a huge fan of Harry Starke. This one didn't disappoint. Another adventure from his early years which is action packed and fast paced. Lots of twists and turns and an ending I really did not see coming completely. If you love Harry then this is a must. If you want a really good read then I would recommend this book.
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