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Sam Archer #6
Return Fire
It’s 2:30am on a warm July night in New York City. Four months after they first encountered one another, NYPD 3rd Grade Detective Sam Archer and Alice Vargas are working in the NYPD Counter-Terrorism Bureau and also living together.
However, things between them are strained; both are struggling to deal with the aftermath of a terrifying ordeal in a Harlem tenement block the day they met. Before long, the tension between them boils over and Vargas walks out, going to Spain to visit family.
Seven days later, Archer still hasn’t heard a peep from her.
Unable to sleep and sitting on the balcony of his apartment, Archer suddenly hears a knock on his front door.
It’s his NYPD partner, Josh, and he has some shocking news.
Vargas has been abducted.
Archer and Josh are soon at the Bureau, working with two other members of their team to try and find out what happened; a preliminary lead suggests Vargas may have been taken to London. Within twelve hours Archer suddenly finds himself back on his old turf, reunited with old friends and team-mates at the ARU as the Unit and Archer’s NYPD team work together to try and find Vargas.
As his past and present collide, several unexpected and violent incidents occur and the situation starts to deteriorate at a frightening pace. Using all his skills but with his back against the ropes as their every move seems to be anticipated, Archer starts to unravel the mystery surrounding Vargas’ disappearance and begins to realise just why she was taken.
However, as events unfold and the confrontations with the enemy intensify, one thing remains constant.
Every second Vargas is missing is another second closer to never seeing her again.
And if Archer stands any chance of ever finding her, he’s going to have to return fire with fire.
However, things between them are strained; both are struggling to deal with the aftermath of a terrifying ordeal in a Harlem tenement block the day they met. Before long, the tension between them boils over and Vargas walks out, going to Spain to visit family.
Seven days later, Archer still hasn’t heard a peep from her.
Unable to sleep and sitting on the balcony of his apartment, Archer suddenly hears a knock on his front door.
It’s his NYPD partner, Josh, and he has some shocking news.
Vargas has been abducted.
Archer and Josh are soon at the Bureau, working with two other members of their team to try and find out what happened; a preliminary lead suggests Vargas may have been taken to London. Within twelve hours Archer suddenly finds himself back on his old turf, reunited with old friends and team-mates at the ARU as the Unit and Archer’s NYPD team work together to try and find Vargas.
As his past and present collide, several unexpected and violent incidents occur and the situation starts to deteriorate at a frightening pace. Using all his skills but with his back against the ropes as their every move seems to be anticipated, Archer starts to unravel the mystery surrounding Vargas’ disappearance and begins to realise just why she was taken.
However, as events unfold and the confrontations with the enemy intensify, one thing remains constant.
Every second Vargas is missing is another second closer to never seeing her again.
And if Archer stands any chance of ever finding her, he’s going to have to return fire with fire.
Audible Audio
First published December 18, 2013
530 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Tom Barber
41 books151 followersBorn in Sydney, Australia and raised in England and Brunei, Tom Barber has always had a passion for writing and story-telling. It took him to Nottingham University, England, where he graduated in 2009 with a 2:1 BA Hons in English Studies. Post-graduation, Tom moved to New York City and completed the 2 Year Meisner Acting training programme at The William Esper Studio, furthering his love of acting and screen-writing.
Upon his return to the UK in late 2011, Tom set to work on his debut novel, Nine Lives, which has since become a five-star rated Amazon UK Kindle hit. The following books in the series have been equally successful, garnering five-star reviews in the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada. The Sam Archer series has had over a million books downloaded worldwide and each title is currently being adapted into audiobook format.
Tom spends most of his time back and forth between the US and the UK. He can be contacted at http://www.tom-barber.co.uk/
For info on all upcoming releases: http://tom-barber.us6.list-manage1.co...
Upon his return to the UK in late 2011, Tom set to work on his debut novel, Nine Lives, which has since become a five-star rated Amazon UK Kindle hit. The following books in the series have been equally successful, garnering five-star reviews in the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada. The Sam Archer series has had over a million books downloaded worldwide and each title is currently being adapted into audiobook format.
Tom spends most of his time back and forth between the US and the UK. He can be contacted at http://www.tom-barber.co.uk/
For info on all upcoming releases: http://tom-barber.us6.list-manage1.co...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 2, 2018
Another Simply Amazing Action Adventure with Sam Archer
This is the sixth book in the Archer series, and the spell-binding characters, unreal plots and fascinating reactions by a well trained team of officers keep you turning pages. You are invested into these characters, their relationships and love for each other are a constant as they find out a new member, girlfriend of Archer, has been kidnapped in Spain. The situations that follow kept me enthralled, right up until the hard fought ending! If you enjoy police/ adventure/crime thrillers you NEED to read this series!! A big 5 stars!
This is the sixth book in the Archer series, and the spell-binding characters, unreal plots and fascinating reactions by a well trained team of officers keep you turning pages. You are invested into these characters, their relationships and love for each other are a constant as they find out a new member, girlfriend of Archer, has been kidnapped in Spain. The situations that follow kept me enthralled, right up until the hard fought ending! If you enjoy police/ adventure/crime thrillers you NEED to read this series!! A big 5 stars!
October 20, 2019
Usual for series - nothing offensive and still interesting, reader immersive, and couldn’t put it down. A usual for the author and a pleasant experience for the reader.
January 12, 2019
Worrisome
Good to the last page. I was surprised by how intense the plot was, more damage to the good guys and still no idea of what was going on. Then, the picture becomes more clear , but the good guys are still taking a beating. It was almost the end, before Archer got the upper hand. I had a hard time putting this down.
Good to the last page. I was surprised by how intense the plot was, more damage to the good guys and still no idea of what was going on. Then, the picture becomes more clear , but the good guys are still taking a beating. It was almost the end, before Archer got the upper hand. I had a hard time putting this down.
December 5, 2014
In the sixth book of the Sam Archer series by author Tom Barber, "Return Fire", explodes after Archer and his team have to track down some evil kidnappers. That kick starts a wave of danger and adventure like no other Archer book. From the previous NYPD-CBT adventure, Archer and Alice Vargas have become a couple and now live together. Following a minor spat, Alice jets off to Spain to cool off emotionally. While in Spain, a gang of terrorists kidnaps Alice. NYPD's CTB has determined the kidnappers were living in London. Director Shepard takes his entire team to London to join forces with Archer's previous unit the "ARU". Tracking down the two kidnappers and expecting to find a sex trafficking ring, of course things go completely haywire. Both the NYPD-CTB, and the ARU come under a blistering attack. The vicious attacks are relentless and destructive to the good guys. Who is the mastermind behind this gang of terrorists ? Why do the bad guys have such an advantage over Archer and his team ? With the losses mounting will Archer be able to find and rescue Vargas ? The fierce action from the story line never lets up for a second. Reading this Archer adventure,I find myself holding onto the Kindle with one hand, and the other hand gripping onto the chair arm tightly as possible. "Return Fire" is the best Archer adventure thriller to date. Twice I was up until the wee hours unable to put this one down. The amazing bad guys are beyond evil. How is it possible the leader of this terrorist gang has an ax to grind with Archer ? Nice twists in the plot doubled up the action very nicely. When "Chalky" was down for the count, how was it possible Archer would lose his best friend in the world ? The conclusion was a pretty horrific battle to say the least. No one can escape this one without some serious damage. Luckily for Archer , Vargas is a very strong fighter. Her will to survive is amazing. I knew this yarn was a five star out of a possible 5 stars about 50 pages into the book. "Return Fire", by Tom Barber delivers with some incredible body punches and still moves at the speed of sound at times. Archer and team are easily a great team to root for. Rooting against this evil band of terrorists kept me on the edge of my seat. If you haven't caught any of author Tom Barber's Sam Archer series, you're really missing out ! I've now read the first six, with just one to go. All six have easily been five stars reads. I can't wait to jump into the next Sam Archer adventure thriller. Hopefully Mr. Barber has some additional Archer books to come out soon. Please ! Do not miss this series ! For action, adventure and fantastic thrillers they are hard to top.
February 13, 2016
Heart pounding thriller.
Archer and Vargas recovering from Harlem building siege by the bank robbers. Tension high in their relationship, Vargas takes off to the hands of kidnappers. Archer and fellow officers fly to London to find Vargas. Next twelve hours, gun fights with Saudi, South African and Afghanistan mercenaries with the help of ARU members. Bloody and long detailed gruesome killings. Eye for an eye revenge.
Archer and Vargas recovering from Harlem building siege by the bank robbers. Tension high in their relationship, Vargas takes off to the hands of kidnappers. Archer and fellow officers fly to London to find Vargas. Next twelve hours, gun fights with Saudi, South African and Afghanistan mercenaries with the help of ARU members. Bloody and long detailed gruesome killings. Eye for an eye revenge.
February 25, 2016
If you like fast paced breathless action, you'll love this ARU/NYPD action thriller. I know, it may not be realistic but I don't care. It's fun and it's escapism. No one does it better than Tom Barber. I love Sam Archer and his crew. There isn't much in terms of complexity of the characters but you'll love the chance to escape with this action packed novel.
March 4, 2017
Enough is enough. Very predictable, over-the-top, tiring, boring. What's not to like? I'm cashing out my Sam Archer chips.
May 27, 2020
Return Fire by Tom Barber
This is my second Sam Archer book, it was just as thrilling as the first which was One Way. No bones about it Barber puts together a great action thriller. This is the sixth book in the series but it stood alone just fine. Sam Archer is a NYC cop in their anti-terrorism squad. He was in the same role when he was with the London police department. His girl friend is kidnapped and the plot quickens from there.
Archer and his team go to England and there is massive mayhem in the streets. I enjoy how he shows loyalty and camaraderie. I do find the persistence of paid mercenaries under sure to lose conditions a bit of a stretch. The unhinged mentality that seems to be a hallmark of Barber villains is also suspect but as I have never known a crazed villain perhaps the unhinged factor is normal for that sub-species.
I enjoyed the book and will be reading more of Barber.
This is my second Sam Archer book, it was just as thrilling as the first which was One Way. No bones about it Barber puts together a great action thriller. This is the sixth book in the series but it stood alone just fine. Sam Archer is a NYC cop in their anti-terrorism squad. He was in the same role when he was with the London police department. His girl friend is kidnapped and the plot quickens from there.
Archer and his team go to England and there is massive mayhem in the streets. I enjoy how he shows loyalty and camaraderie. I do find the persistence of paid mercenaries under sure to lose conditions a bit of a stretch. The unhinged mentality that seems to be a hallmark of Barber villains is also suspect but as I have never known a crazed villain perhaps the unhinged factor is normal for that sub-species.
I enjoyed the book and will be reading more of Barber.
September 1, 2018
Thrillers don't get any better than this! Return Fire is anothermasterpiece of storytelling by Tom Barber!
Having read the previous 5 Sam Archer books, I am a huge fan! In Return Fire, Archer is targeted for extermination along with his former mates in the British Armed Response Unit and his NYPD team as well! This meticulously planed attack, using 12 hired merc's lead by a vengeful mother is devastating! Sam Archer mucks up the well laid plan (as usual).
The intensity of this book is mindblowing! It is unrelenting! The book begins with several bangs and accelerates from there. Complex in design this blockbuster twists and turns in one terrifying trap after another. I binge read because I had to know what calamity would happen next and how Archer would ultimately prevail.
This one of the greatest thrillers I have ever read!
Having read the previous 5 Sam Archer books, I am a huge fan! In Return Fire, Archer is targeted for extermination along with his former mates in the British Armed Response Unit and his NYPD team as well! This meticulously planed attack, using 12 hired merc's lead by a vengeful mother is devastating! Sam Archer mucks up the well laid plan (as usual).
The intensity of this book is mindblowing! It is unrelenting! The book begins with several bangs and accelerates from there. Complex in design this blockbuster twists and turns in one terrifying trap after another. I binge read because I had to know what calamity would happen next and how Archer would ultimately prevail.
This one of the greatest thrillers I have ever read!
March 11, 2019
They met during the incident in Harlem, both fell hard for one another, and now after harsh words, would it be the last. The panic thoughts and hoping for an olive branch, both unable to sleep well. He had her adopted daughter, and the nightmares she was going thru were unreal for a young kid. Josh comes Alice has been kidnapped, she works with Counter Terrorism Bureau, she had a flight to be home soon. Did they know who she was, not much in her history to have enemies. The possibility was it Sam, he goes to London, and reunited with workers and friends. As usual it is another gripping story, of who is involved.
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March 5, 2020Underestimating Archer can prove fatal!
After Alice is kidnapped Sam finds himself heading back to London with his NYPD colleagues. Shortly after they land he finds that someone is targeting both his team and his friends at the ARU. Time after time deadly traps are sprung and the injured and dead continue to rise. Sam has to face the fact that maybe his luck has finally run out. I thoroughly recommend this fast paced action packed thriller but fair warning there are some scenes of terrible violence throughout the book . This story is definitely not for the squeamish. Roll on the next instalment of Arch's life.
After Alice is kidnapped Sam finds himself heading back to London with his NYPD colleagues. Shortly after they land he finds that someone is targeting both his team and his friends at the ARU. Time after time deadly traps are sprung and the injured and dead continue to rise. Sam has to face the fact that maybe his luck has finally run out. I thoroughly recommend this fast paced action packed thriller but fair warning there are some scenes of terrible violence throughout the book . This story is definitely not for the squeamish. Roll on the next instalment of Arch's life.
March 26, 2020
What a hoot!
The Sam Archer books are a real hoot. I enjoy reading them because the author has a fine sense of timing & keeps the story moving along. However, it's not a breakneck pace. It's easy to follow along. But! Don't believe that any of these books reflect real life law enforcement. This is just entertainment folks, therefore the author stretches credibility for the sake of the story. I consider these books on par with the old Die Hard movies. Many of the same scenarios & many of the bad guys are pretty much of the same ilk. So... I suspend disbelief & just enjoy the action/adventure, no matter how unrealistic the plot.
The Sam Archer books are a real hoot. I enjoy reading them because the author has a fine sense of timing & keeps the story moving along. However, it's not a breakneck pace. It's easy to follow along. But! Don't believe that any of these books reflect real life law enforcement. This is just entertainment folks, therefore the author stretches credibility for the sake of the story. I consider these books on par with the old Die Hard movies. Many of the same scenarios & many of the bad guys are pretty much of the same ilk. So... I suspend disbelief & just enjoy the action/adventure, no matter how unrealistic the plot.
November 8, 2018
If you're looking for nothing more than a lot of action and suspense, this book fills the bill. If you're looking for something a little closer to reality, this book will have you begging. The main sticker with me that is preventing me from giving it a 5th star is the way the characters never go on the offensive, they're always running away from the bad guys, even when they have the drop on them. I have a hard time with that because these are supposed to be bad ass counter-terrorist warriors. Clean editing, a smooth writing style, and lots of suspense make it an enjoyable read.
April 6, 2020
Sam Archer's girlfriend and fellow NYPD Counter Terrorism officer is kidnapped while in London.
Archer and fellow officers go to London to save her, and enlist the aid of Archer's former Armed Response officers.
This trip turns deadly in a hurry. The blood traces left at the scene of the kidnapping lead police to two shady characters, but an ambush kills and injures the officers. It begins to appear the the the blood was planted and the bad guys are someone else entirely. Someone from Sam Archer's past
Archer and fellow officers go to London to save her, and enlist the aid of Archer's former Armed Response officers.
This trip turns deadly in a hurry. The blood traces left at the scene of the kidnapping lead police to two shady characters, but an ambush kills and injures the officers. It begins to appear the the the blood was planted and the bad guys are someone else entirely. Someone from Sam Archer's past
March 9, 2017
Archer
You want action, romance, plots intertwined, then go no further than Mr. Archer exploits. From NYC to Spain to London, a trail of bodies are left as Archer is on a quest to find his kidnapped love. It does seem as if the back-up is always late and the criminals are early, but this always leaves room for our hero to plan a nefarious escape. All you want in a book is loaded inside this novel. Lean back and enjoy, you won't regret it.
You want action, romance, plots intertwined, then go no further than Mr. Archer exploits. From NYC to Spain to London, a trail of bodies are left as Archer is on a quest to find his kidnapped love. It does seem as if the back-up is always late and the criminals are early, but this always leaves room for our hero to plan a nefarious escape. All you want in a book is loaded inside this novel. Lean back and enjoy, you won't regret it.
June 4, 2023
Return Fire
I keep wondering why when authors are making the hero of the book a bad ass they keep making them a loser in the story. It was like every move they made the enemy was way ahead in their strategy. At the end you made them the winner but that was already known by the reader. You have to make the bad ass better than the enemy in a lot of their strategies. I liked the book but it could have been so much better.
I keep wondering why when authors are making the hero of the book a bad ass they keep making them a loser in the story. It was like every move they made the enemy was way ahead in their strategy. At the end you made them the winner but that was already known by the reader. You have to make the bad ass better than the enemy in a lot of their strategies. I liked the book but it could have been so much better.
May 28, 2025
My man, Sam!
Sam Archer books are always so full of action, and this one does not disappoint! This book will keep you on edge from start to finish. And, while most people want to see the good guys win, these wins come at a high cost with a lot of loss. The characters, especially Sam, are interesting, strong people, both mentally and physically. There p!ot is original. The prose is catchy and enjoyable with just the right amount of detail. Good book!
Sam Archer books are always so full of action, and this one does not disappoint! This book will keep you on edge from start to finish. And, while most people want to see the good guys win, these wins come at a high cost with a lot of loss. The characters, especially Sam, are interesting, strong people, both mentally and physically. There p!ot is original. The prose is catchy and enjoyable with just the right amount of detail. Good book!
July 23, 2017
So So
Although good action and story, bit weak in details. Why would you continually split your group into small units. Why in blue-eyed blazes would experienced antiterrorism officer gather around a mystery box while Archer is being forced to open. Maybe the idiots should have considered taking cover?
Although good action and story, bit weak in details. Why would you continually split your group into small units. Why in blue-eyed blazes would experienced antiterrorism officer gather around a mystery box while Archer is being forced to open. Maybe the idiots should have considered taking cover?
November 6, 2017
The books get better every time!!
I've been reading the books in this series since I bought the first book a while ago. Each book has been better in it's own way. The one thing that I loved in this book is the plot twist that author gives. It made me think about what happened in a previous book.
I've been reading the books in this series since I bought the first book a while ago. Each book has been better in it's own way. The one thing that I loved in this book is the plot twist that author gives. It made me think about what happened in a previous book.
January 6, 2018
Intense plot with plenty of action!
Save for some editing errors, I have really enjoyed this series. The author has a good grasp of the plot and where he takes the reader. Character development has been well done. One question I have is: When was the last time anyone saw a late model US law enforcement vehicle with a "handbrake" ?!!!
Save for some editing errors, I have really enjoyed this series. The author has a good grasp of the plot and where he takes the reader. Character development has been well done. One question I have is: When was the last time anyone saw a late model US law enforcement vehicle with a "handbrake" ?!!!
January 29, 2023
Return Fire
Another riveting read from Tom Barber. The scenarios he conjures up in his imagination are outstanding.
Archer’s girlfriend and colleague is kidnapped and taken to London. Archers old stomping ground.
With his NYPD colleagues joining forces with London’s ARU things hot up, with both sides being picked off one by one. No-one could guess the end game.
Another riveting read from Tom Barber. The scenarios he conjures up in his imagination are outstanding.
Archer’s girlfriend and colleague is kidnapped and taken to London. Archers old stomping ground.
With his NYPD colleagues joining forces with London’s ARU things hot up, with both sides being picked off one by one. No-one could guess the end game.
September 18, 2023
Exciting, lots of action
Close knit squad both in US and England. Work well together with uniting force Sam Archer. The master mind behind the reign of terror was slightly unexpected. Made sense once revealed. While there were some deaths, glad the core teams made it through with some injuries. Enjoy these books.
Close knit squad both in US and England. Work well together with uniting force Sam Archer. The master mind behind the reign of terror was slightly unexpected. Made sense once revealed. While there were some deaths, glad the core teams made it through with some injuries. Enjoy these books.
November 30, 2017
This has to be my favourite series of books ever! WHEN WILL WE SEE THE MOVIES?!!! Every time you think he can't improve on the last one - boom. nice crossover link with Sam's old unit - my lunchtimes at work weren't long enough to read as fast as I wanted. Top, top read!
September 20, 2018
Another heart-stopper! Sam's girlfriend is kidnapped in Spain, the prelude to a mad dash by Sam and his NYPD colleagues to work with his former team in London. The reason for the kidnapping does not become clear for quite some time as an elaborate plot has been hatched by the kidnappers. I can say no more for that would give some of the game away, but what a game - a very serious game that demands everything from Sam's skill set. Tautly plotted. I read this following on from the previous novel in the series, but now need to give myself a break because it is another non-stop action, page turner that grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Need a break with something less hectic. Highly recommended series.
February 3, 2019
Return Fire (6)
This was a good read , and the action was nonstop. All the characters are realistic and it seemed as if you were there with them. This is an excellent series worth rereading.
This was a good read , and the action was nonstop. All the characters are realistic and it seemed as if you were there with them. This is an excellent series worth rereading.
March 7, 2020
Fast paced
Very gripping and fast paced. It left you on the edge of your seat. A little hard to believe at times but all in all, a very action packed book. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Very gripping and fast paced. It left you on the edge of your seat. A little hard to believe at times but all in all, a very action packed book. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
October 15, 2022
Fire
Once it started, the action was nonstop. I appreciate all the characters and action, and mostly Archer always being in the forefront. I’m giving this book a 3.5, but rounding up to 4 because of the action.
Once it started, the action was nonstop. I appreciate all the characters and action, and mostly Archer always being in the forefront. I’m giving this book a 3.5, but rounding up to 4 because of the action.
November 28, 2022
This is yet another fast paced, action thriller from Tom Barber.
It is far fetched, with bombs and bullets flying around, but it is good fun.
If you like James Bond films then this could be for you.
It is far fetched, with bombs and bullets flying around, but it is good fun.
If you like James Bond films then this could be for you.
November 22, 2024
One of the best
Excellent, from start to finish, definitely one of Barbers best. Highly recommended as are all of Tom Barbers books. If you haven't already started reading them what are you waiting for.
Excellent, from start to finish, definitely one of Barbers best. Highly recommended as are all of Tom Barbers books. If you haven't already started reading them what are you waiting for.
March 7, 2025
Fire returned.
Starts off like a Formular 1 racing car off the grid and does not slow down. Plenty of action and so many bullets flying you find yourself flinching as you try to dodge them. I give it 10 out of 10.
Starts off like a Formular 1 racing car off the grid and does not slow down. Plenty of action and so many bullets flying you find yourself flinching as you try to dodge them. I give it 10 out of 10.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews