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Kirk McGarvey #25
McGarvey: The World's Most Dangerous Assassin
“The grand master of the contemporary thriller.” ―Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published November 24, 2020
109 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
David Hagberg
80 books137 followersaka David Bannerman, Sean Flannery, David James, Robert Pell, Eric Ramsey
David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...
David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 24, 2020
McGarvey is the twenty-fifth instalment in the Kirk McGarvey series. CIA Black Ops Officer McGarvey is about to hit his mid-sixties and is preparing to retire to spend more time with his new wife, but he begins looking into the suspicious death of his parents in a car crash twenty-eight years ago desperate for answers. Through a series of flashbacks, we discover his parents had made a breakthrough while researching countermeasures to Russian laser pulse anti-satellite weapons while employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Could this have put a target on their backs? McGarvey, after doing some digging, finds that a Russian KGB Agent named Yevgenni Zimin precipitated their deaths by running their car off the road, likely ordered by those higher up as perhaps his parents' intelligence was seen as a threat. Unfortunately, KGB Agents know how to carry out these types of assassinations as Zimin made absolutely sure there were no witnesses around at the time who could later finger him. We move to present day and Zimin’s peaceful retirement is shattered when he is called to put a stop to McGarvey’s investigation in whatever way he can; needless to say, Mac is in extreme danger and so are those around him.
Can he make it out alive with so many Russian operatives on his tail? This is an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride from start to finish, and although it pales in comparison to some of the other instalments in this series, I still enjoyed it immensely. As long as you can forgive some of the happenings that stretch credulity and suspend your disbelief then you're in for an entertaining, palpably tense and compulsive read. This is a cross between an espionage thriller and a techno-thriller as both the spy aspect and the frightfully good technology play key roles in the plot. It's written in a straightforward, to the point fashion and this allows you to become immersed quickly and easily. It's a lot of fun and of course, plays on the stereotypical friction between Russian v American operatives as being a fight between good and evil. McGarvey and his intrepid team forge ahead, including his wife and ingenious CIA colleague, Pete Boylan, who helps keep them one step ahead of the Russians through her impressive skill set. And so ensues a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between enemy states and you begin to wonder whether Kirk will ever get the answers he deserves about his parent's demise. RIP Mr Hagberg.
Can he make it out alive with so many Russian operatives on his tail? This is an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride from start to finish, and although it pales in comparison to some of the other instalments in this series, I still enjoyed it immensely. As long as you can forgive some of the happenings that stretch credulity and suspend your disbelief then you're in for an entertaining, palpably tense and compulsive read. This is a cross between an espionage thriller and a techno-thriller as both the spy aspect and the frightfully good technology play key roles in the plot. It's written in a straightforward, to the point fashion and this allows you to become immersed quickly and easily. It's a lot of fun and of course, plays on the stereotypical friction between Russian v American operatives as being a fight between good and evil. McGarvey and his intrepid team forge ahead, including his wife and ingenious CIA colleague, Pete Boylan, who helps keep them one step ahead of the Russians through her impressive skill set. And so ensues a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between enemy states and you begin to wonder whether Kirk will ever get the answers he deserves about his parent's demise. RIP Mr Hagberg.
March 20, 2021
Published posthumously, Kirk cannot relax in his island retreat with his new wife, Pete, recovering after the events of Book #23 and their near brush with death when Otto and Louise show up. They begin to look into the mysterious deaths of Kirk's parents in a car accident when they both worked at Los Alamos on a spy satellite process. The Russians don't want Pandora's box opened and activate an assassination squad, who do some damage forcing Otto (and his darlings) to go dark. Lots of near death experiences, especially after Kirk smacks the bee's nest by personally threatening Vladimir Putin. Behind the scenes is a major power struggle in Russia, where someone is always being threatened with the proverbial nine ounces (weight of a bullet.) If you are able to suspend belief, you will enjoy this one. Way better than Book #24.
Seems to be a "new" book being published in April 2021. Reminds me of the old joke, when they opened Mozart's mausoleum and found him sitting at his piano erasing music. When asked what he was doing, Mozart responded: "I'm decomposing."
Seems to be a "new" book being published in April 2021. Reminds me of the old joke, when they opened Mozart's mausoleum and found him sitting at his piano erasing music. When asked what he was doing, Mozart responded: "I'm decomposing."
July 10, 2020
The World’s Most Dangerous Assassin
Kirk McGarvey book # 25
When asking for this book from the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge through Netgalleys I had not realized it was #25 in the series, there were no notes to that effect but now looking back after reading this story there were no reason to do so. This story stood well as a stand-alone. As agreed when receiving this book the following are my thoughts.
A tid-bit of the story:
McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents a long time ago that unravels a string of buried secrets that are tied to Vladimir Putin. In return the Russian dictator wants him dead and sends Russian Hit Squads to eliminate him….
My thoughts:
Some would say the plot is unrealistic, I do agree but no doubts quite fun to read if you put aside that the smartest computer expect and hacker in the world can do what he is capable of doing in this plot is implausible. He will do anything to help Kirk even if it means to destroy every computer systems on earth….
As the story switches between times from recounting the time of the accident the protagonist’s parents were involved in to his present state of looking into the reason behind their death. Along the ways he comes face to face with members of the hit squad. Of course we have some action and Kirk comes out unscathed to fight another day. The scenario is not too complicated to follow although when the tension builds we definitely want Kirk to success without declaring a war. I wouldn’t say this book is action packed but it has a fair amount to be entertaining enough to keep us pushing forward. The writing is not literature nor pompous. The exchanges between characters are rather down to earth, very simple, really what it should be. As for the characters, you will definitely root for them….maybe even Putin.
“McGarvey” is good but quite the run of the mill type of spy story.
Kirk McGarvey book # 25
When asking for this book from the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge through Netgalleys I had not realized it was #25 in the series, there were no notes to that effect but now looking back after reading this story there were no reason to do so. This story stood well as a stand-alone. As agreed when receiving this book the following are my thoughts.
A tid-bit of the story:
McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents a long time ago that unravels a string of buried secrets that are tied to Vladimir Putin. In return the Russian dictator wants him dead and sends Russian Hit Squads to eliminate him….
My thoughts:
Some would say the plot is unrealistic, I do agree but no doubts quite fun to read if you put aside that the smartest computer expect and hacker in the world can do what he is capable of doing in this plot is implausible. He will do anything to help Kirk even if it means to destroy every computer systems on earth….
As the story switches between times from recounting the time of the accident the protagonist’s parents were involved in to his present state of looking into the reason behind their death. Along the ways he comes face to face with members of the hit squad. Of course we have some action and Kirk comes out unscathed to fight another day. The scenario is not too complicated to follow although when the tension builds we definitely want Kirk to success without declaring a war. I wouldn’t say this book is action packed but it has a fair amount to be entertaining enough to keep us pushing forward. The writing is not literature nor pompous. The exchanges between characters are rather down to earth, very simple, really what it should be. As for the characters, you will definitely root for them….maybe even Putin.
“McGarvey” is good but quite the run of the mill type of spy story.
December 27, 2020
The 25th entry in the Kirk McGarvey series. This book was published after the author’s death last year. McGarvey starts to dig into the death of his parents who were working on a top secret project in the 1980’s. As he digs in Russia, sends a kill team to the United States to prevent Kirk and his friends from digging deeper.
This book started out really well. About a third of the way through it I was considering it a border line five star. Unfortunately, it fizzled out and ended with a dud. I felt the ending was anti-climax and left the reader wanting more. I am interested to see what happens with this series with Mr. Hagberg’s passing. The last few entries have been average at best and Kirk isn’t getting any younger. It looks like there is another book to be published in April, not sure if that is written by a ghost writer or finished before the authors passing. Not that my opinion matters, but I think it might be time just to let this series ride off into the sunset.
If you’ve read the series and you are a completist like me, pick it up. If you are not, I’d pass.
This book started out really well. About a third of the way through it I was considering it a border line five star. Unfortunately, it fizzled out and ended with a dud. I felt the ending was anti-climax and left the reader wanting more. I am interested to see what happens with this series with Mr. Hagberg’s passing. The last few entries have been average at best and Kirk isn’t getting any younger. It looks like there is another book to be published in April, not sure if that is written by a ghost writer or finished before the authors passing. Not that my opinion matters, but I think it might be time just to let this series ride off into the sunset.
If you’ve read the series and you are a completist like me, pick it up. If you are not, I’d pass.
December 22, 2020
I think that a second Soviet revolution might be needed. That should be the main theme running thru out the novel, and Kirk McGarvey and his investigation is a side story. The plot is fairly strong with a sequel or many more are left very open for interpretation. One of the very few series that paints the CIA in a positive light at all, a very comparison to the series authored by Vince Flynn. It was easy to read and follow along with, also a mix of characters to root for and against. A great read to just sit back and not think about too much and just enjoy the story line. Cannot wait for the next novel from this author.
August 7, 2021
McGarvey is relaxing in Greece with his new wife when Rencke and his wife stop for a visit. Rencke has been snooping with his computers into the death of Mac's parents 28 years earlier.
He's come up with some clues that lead him to believe that they were assassinated by the Russians. With that in mind Mac starts looking into the past. After a couple assassins come after them it opens a can of worms.
I found out after finishing this book that Hagberg died late in 2019 so I don't know if this is the end of the McGarvey series or if there were more irons in the fire. It was an excellent book and series.
He's come up with some clues that lead him to believe that they were assassinated by the Russians. With that in mind Mac starts looking into the past. After a couple assassins come after them it opens a can of worms.
I found out after finishing this book that Hagberg died late in 2019 so I don't know if this is the end of the McGarvey series or if there were more irons in the fire. It was an excellent book and series.
March 15, 2021
There's nothing like jumping into a series at book 25. Hagberg provides some backstory, lots of action and killing from both the 'hero' McGarvey and his crew as well as the Russians who are after him.
My favorite parts were his interactions with the AI named "Lou".
While to story held my attention as did the performance, I'd love to rate it at 3.5. If you want to get the full Kirk (Mac) McGarvey experience, start at the beginning.
For a review of the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
My favorite parts were his interactions with the AI named "Lou".
While to story held my attention as did the performance, I'd love to rate it at 3.5. If you want to get the full Kirk (Mac) McGarvey experience, start at the beginning.
For a review of the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
July 28, 2021
MCGARVEY 3.5 STARS
Kind of interesting story line written in Hagbergs easy readable style. The characters remain likeable but the quality seems to be declining in recent novels.
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
Kind of interesting story line written in Hagbergs easy readable style. The characters remain likeable but the quality seems to be declining in recent novels.
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
January 18, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Goodfm)
After 28 years, McGarvey starts an investigation into the deaths of his parent, who had died in a car accident, but aftera review, murder was now more likely. Unfortunately, this interest starts a series of events that could end in a civil war in Russia.
After 28 years, McGarvey starts an investigation into the deaths of his parent, who had died in a car accident, but aftera review, murder was now more likely. Unfortunately, this interest starts a series of events that could end in a civil war in Russia.
August 23, 2023
Good read. But the ending!
The story line of Kirk McGarvey was as always well written, until now. It felt like Hagberg wrote an entire storyline for 331 pages, but the ending rated only 2 pages. It felt like he had a decent storyline to tell, but then lost complete interest. It left a lot of questions. Why?
The story line of Kirk McGarvey was as always well written, until now. It felt like Hagberg wrote an entire storyline for 331 pages, but the ending rated only 2 pages. It felt like he had a decent storyline to tell, but then lost complete interest. It left a lot of questions. Why?
December 6, 2020
Although I'm a longtime fan of KM, it is a shame when a character is killed off (spoiler).
January 7, 2021
Very good read I gave it 5 stars
January 26, 2021
Too many impossible escapes!
A little too pat with nick of time saves and incredible escapes. It felt as if the author didn't put in the work to develop believable scenarios.
A little too pat with nick of time saves and incredible escapes. It felt as if the author didn't put in the work to develop believable scenarios.
February 28, 2021
The ending was a tad abrupt, but exciting, superbly paced thriller.
July 16, 2024
Great story.
Plenty of action.
Lost a friend but may gain a new one.
Plenty of action.
Lost a friend but may gain a new one.
July 27, 2025
ending fizzled.
January 16, 2021
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
Merged review:
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
Merged review:
When Kirk McGarvey investigates the mysterious death of his parents so many years ago, he uncovers long-buried secrets that put him head to head and mano a mano with . . . Vladimir Putin.
After Mac calls Putin out, the Russian dictator decides he wants him dead. Battling Russian hit squads as well as enemies at home, McGarvey must fight like the devil to save the himself, his friends, and the US of A in this engrossing international thriller from David Hagberg.
January 30, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book. Kirk McGarvey had retired from the CIA and was living with his new wife another retiree from the CIA when a friend who was had his own intel operation for the CIA and was considered the greatest computer expert in the world. He had been investigating the death of Kirk's parent 28 years earlier and suggested Kirk and his wife work with them. This investigation caused Putin to send a team to kill the four of them.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews