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Titus Black #1
Behind Enemy Lines
Titus Black is a survivor.
Even after getting ousted from the CIA, Black managed to land on his feet. And while his government may have quit on him, he’s not about to quit on it … even when he’s falsely accused of murder …
When black ops agent Titus Black embarks on a rescue mission, he comes back with more than just a left-for-dead pilot—he comes back with questions about an alleged secret operation that threatens to shatter trust in the U.S. military. As Black and the clandestine organization he works for start to unravel the mystery, he finds himself caught in the crosshairs of a plot to silence him.
But if Black intends on getting justice and exposing the corruption, he must avoid capture and save the one man who wants him dead more than anything … the President of the United States.
If you like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne or Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger, you’ll love Titus Black.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2019
2236 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Patterson
191 books204 followers*** Signup for my newsletter and receive a free copy of The Warren Omissions, the first book in my James Flynn thriller series, by visiting http://eepurl.com/bZwpdf ***
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 25, 2020
The book started out with some potential for excitement and adventure. It didn't take long for it to become confusing and a drop in excitement. Then his flamboyant confidence in writing his first book seemed to enter a confusing and backtracking stage. It is hard to keep up the excitement when one chapter is present day and the next is years ago then the process repeats itself. For the great Black Ops guy that he is supposed to be, I find it funny that people can take him by surprise and walk up behind him with a gun to his head. Give me a break.
July 9, 2020
I like Titus Black. The story was ok, but the narrator was not very good. He sounded like a sports newscaster, as if he was reciting a script instead of making the story live. I will read the next in the series instead of listening to the audiobook if it's the same narrator.
October 12, 2019
CIA agent Titus black did the impossible: he rescued an abandoned pilot who was stranded behind enemy lines. In the process he stumbled over a secret operation that is shattering his trust in the organization he has dedicated his life to. As he looks for answers, things start to heat up for him as he comes to the attention of high officials involved and who would rather see him dead. Titus is a gritty character, but he is loyal to his country and his oaths and wants to follow his moral compasses in life, even if it puts him at odds with what he loves.
One thing to remember, this is a fiction novel. There are liberties taken, that as a former USAF member are not realistic, but in the vein of fiction I can accept them. The action is fast, the intrigue is twisted and convoluted, the mystery and suspense are enough to really keep you glued to the book.
One thing to remember, this is a fiction novel. There are liberties taken, that as a former USAF member are not realistic, but in the vein of fiction I can accept them. The action is fast, the intrigue is twisted and convoluted, the mystery and suspense are enough to really keep you glued to the book.
January 10, 2022
This book was terrible
There are books that have the good grace to be bad enough that you can recognize them quickly. Then there are books that make you think they will certainly get better, that what you just read was certainly only a single bad paragraph, but then spiral down into absolute dreck, taking you with it. This is one of those books.
There are books that have the good grace to be bad enough that you can recognize them quickly. Then there are books that make you think they will certainly get better, that what you just read was certainly only a single bad paragraph, but then spiral down into absolute dreck, taking you with it. This is one of those books.
April 27, 2020
No depth
This is barely a book. The plot, story lines, characters are very thin. There is minimal detail. It started well and dove quickly. The main selling point is its very brief.
This is barely a book. The plot, story lines, characters are very thin. There is minimal detail. It started well and dove quickly. The main selling point is its very brief.
April 12, 2025
I’m not a big fan of RJ Patterson, but decided to try the first Titus Black book. It was okay. I actually liked his sidekick, Shields, better than the hero. The story seemed flat, and there was never a surprise or twist- I kept expecting one of the people helping them to turn on them, but it never happened and at the end I was thinking, that’s it? Even Tatiana, the brainwashed teen girl, was superficial at the end. I might try one more Black book, but I might not.
June 7, 2024
took a bit getting used to
This is my first book by this author and I am still not quite sure what I think. The hero is a different type of hero seeming strong in his abilities but then not as strong as you think. A bit confusing. The plot was ok. Going to read the next book to see if it gets better
This is my first book by this author and I am still not quite sure what I think. The hero is a different type of hero seeming strong in his abilities but then not as strong as you think. A bit confusing. The plot was ok. Going to read the next book to see if it gets better
May 31, 2020
Cracking read
What a cracking start to the Titus Black series of books. I could not put it down I even made tea while reading this book.
What a cracking start to the Titus Black series of books. I could not put it down I even made tea while reading this book.
January 4, 2020
Even after getting ousted from the CIA, Black managed to land on his feet. And while his government may have quit on him, he’s not about to quit on it … even when he’s falsely accused of murder …
When black ops agent Titus Black embarks on a rescue mission, he comes back with more than just a left-for-dead pilot—he comes back with questions about an alleged secret operation that threatens to shatter trust in the U.S. military. As Black and the clandestine organization he works for start to unravel the mystery, he finds himself caught in the crosshairs of a plot to silence him.
But if Black intends on getting justice and exposing the corruption, he must avoid capture and save the one man who wants him dead more than anything … the President of the United States.
When black ops agent Titus Black embarks on a rescue mission, he comes back with more than just a left-for-dead pilot—he comes back with questions about an alleged secret operation that threatens to shatter trust in the U.S. military. As Black and the clandestine organization he works for start to unravel the mystery, he finds himself caught in the crosshairs of a plot to silence him.
But if Black intends on getting justice and exposing the corruption, he must avoid capture and save the one man who wants him dead more than anything … the President of the United States.
November 9, 2019
Titus Black, Christina Shields and. J. D. Blunt are part of a secret, special ops, off the books organization called Firestorm. Titus is called upon to rescue Air Force Captain Trevor Watkins whose plane crashed over Russia, he was captured and thrown into a Russian prison. With all of Black’s creative skills he is able to rescue Captain Watkins and bring him home. But it is not a happily ever after story. There is so much going on in this book with lots of twists and turns, suspense, murder, kidnapping, assassinations and a real shocker at the end. I could not put this book down and read it in record time. I am immediately on to Book 2 to see what happens next.
September 28, 2019
Behind Enemy Lines. R.J. Patterson
Titus Black is a covert agent who works for a clandestine group very few people are aware of. His missions are literally off the charts in terms of survival. Not for Titus. There is a conspiracy in motion, treasonous betrayal by a powerful person in government and a corrupt military officer. The president of Russia's life is at stake and possibly POTUS. This is a conspiracy thriller of the highest order. Non stop suspense, intrigue, action. Enjoyed immensely!!
Titus Black is a covert agent who works for a clandestine group very few people are aware of. His missions are literally off the charts in terms of survival. Not for Titus. There is a conspiracy in motion, treasonous betrayal by a powerful person in government and a corrupt military officer. The president of Russia's life is at stake and possibly POTUS. This is a conspiracy thriller of the highest order. Non stop suspense, intrigue, action. Enjoyed immensely!!
October 31, 2019
Titus Black has an assignment that puts him in the ocean he’s least favorite op’s. His target a pilot held in a military detention center. off the coast of Russia, they are calling it a suicide mission. What he didn’t expect was the prisoner didn’t want to leave. Then finding out there is a corrupt military officer and betrayal in the government, someone wants him dead. He is highly skilled, keeps his promises, as is the author in giving us a fast action plot that keeps one to the end. Great beginning to this new series.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
October 18, 2019
Titus Black a 5 Star Success By RJ Patterson
RJ Patterson’s newest addition to the “Firestorm” world is a page turning winner.
Well written it’s a book you cannot put down.
Thankfully book 2 “Game of Shadows”, I believe, will be released on 31 October 2019.
Highly Recommended Thriller.
RJ Patterson’s newest addition to the “Firestorm” world is a page turning winner.
Well written it’s a book you cannot put down.
Thankfully book 2 “Game of Shadows”, I believe, will be released on 31 October 2019.
Highly Recommended Thriller.
January 30, 2021
Reasonably decent plot, but written by Capt. Obvious. “Secret” black ops (is there any other kind) becomes embroiled in govt cover-up after rescuing downed pilot. The writing is juvenile and almost hysterically formulaic. The characters are simplistic with hints of undeveloped back story. There are so many sequels, it must get better. At least it was short.
September 30, 2019
Behind enemy lines
A very interesting introduction to Titus Black. Even though we've seen him before,it was nice to see how he operated alone.
A very interesting introduction to Titus Black. Even though we've seen him before,it was nice to see how he operated alone.
October 1, 2019
A good book
This was a really good book if you like a lot of action and love a good book you can't put down this is it
This was a really good book if you like a lot of action and love a good book you can't put down this is it
October 16, 2019
Titus Black
I really like this character. He is a man of honor but he will get the job done. Heck or high water!
I really like this character. He is a man of honor but he will get the job done. Heck or high water!
November 17, 2019
Titus is one awesome CIA man. Even out of it , he still works to find the truth. This time he finds more than a body. Suspenseful as always.
January 30, 2020
Loved it
Good story kept me intrigued with only one typo! Enjoyed the way the characters interacted in the story, very captivating.
Good story kept me intrigued with only one typo! Enjoyed the way the characters interacted in the story, very captivating.
February 25, 2020
Thrill ride
Action packed rollercoaster ride from beginning to the end. Twists and turns that flow perfectly with this storyline. I can't wait to read more about Black and Shields.
Action packed rollercoaster ride from beginning to the end. Twists and turns that flow perfectly with this storyline. I can't wait to read more about Black and Shields.
March 15, 2020
Quick suspense!
Good build up and suspense. I was hoping to read more about the President's involement. recommend as a quick read.
Good build up and suspense. I was hoping to read more about the President's involement. recommend as a quick read.
March 20, 2020
Cool
A short book, but extreamly enjoyable first book! It was worth a read, I'm going to read the nextone for sure!
A short book, but extreamly enjoyable first book! It was worth a read, I'm going to read the nextone for sure!
December 1, 2021
Book Review - Titus Black, a covert black ops operator in R.J. Patterson’s “Behind Enemy Lines,” is a ‘do whatever it takes’ type of survivor. Even after getting ousted from the CIA, Black manages to land on his feet, which many former covert operators have difficulty doing without turning ‘bad.’ While his government may have given up on him, Black refuses to quit on his country. When tasked with a left-for-dead mission - Black comes back with questions about an alleged secret operation that threatens to shatter trust in the U.S. military. As he and the clandestine organization that he is now working for start to unravel the mystery, Black finds himself caught in the crosshairs of a plot to silence him, permanently! R.J. Patterson takes the reader on a fast-paced, mystery thrill read in the first book in the Titus Black thriller series. This story moves along at a ‘zippy’ pace and doesn’t waste any time in telling its story. It’s only 310 pages so Patterson gets to the point quickly and doesn’t look back. This is not a major detailed-laden espionage action thriller, but still a decent read. It’s more like a short spy thriller read on training wheels. No complex twists and turns just a standard espionage tale that is short, sweet and entertaining. I wasn’t expecting anything extraordinary and yet I was still pleased with the plot, the characters and the storyline. If interested in a short and not so complex espionage story, check out R.J. Patterson’s Behind Enemy Lines. Again, not anything special but still entertaining to read.
February 1, 2021
Jack Patterson has the ability to engage the reader from the first paragraph and sustains that level of interest to the end. Such as the opening: the opening of the book follows: ‘Titus Black checked all his scuba gear one final time as the lockout trunk filled up with water. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Missions that involved time in the ocean ranked last in his list of favorite assignments. “How are you doing in there?” asked Christina Shields, Black’s handler at the secret black ops program Firestorm, in her sultry voice. “It’s a day at the beach,” Black said. “For most people, that’d be a good thing,” she said. “But I know you’re not like most people.” “Give me a mountain with five hostiles on the ridge any day.”’ This opener had my complete attention held to the last page. Great plot and made me want more. I went on to read more in the series.
July 1, 2020
What an amazing thriller! It is fast paced, exciting and filled with intrigue. Titus Black or just Black, is on the go from one rescue, adventure or fight to another type of attack. He is a special-ops sort of guy and loves the challenge. He wants to keep his country safe from foreign agents and protect the good-guys. This is the first book and I’m sure there will be plenty of action in later books in the series. There are no sensual scenes but there are attacks of violence which I totally expected. This is a well written book and I loved it!
September 23, 2020
2 stars for being predictable.
I ordered 2 stars because this is the 1st book by this author and in the series that I've read, and everyone deserves at least 2 stars until their track record has been established with each reader.
Anyone familiar with the genre could recognize and predict the story development as the story progressed. There's nothing really new or believable in the story line or in the character development. Hopefully as the series develops some polish on the product will become evident.
I ordered 2 stars because this is the 1st book by this author and in the series that I've read, and everyone deserves at least 2 stars until their track record has been established with each reader.
Anyone familiar with the genre could recognize and predict the story development as the story progressed. There's nothing really new or believable in the story line or in the character development. Hopefully as the series develops some polish on the product will become evident.
January 20, 2023
Poor writing.
I don’t understand how this book has good reviews. Good for the author for publishing work. More than can be said for me. But the character development was horrid. Any effort to dive deeper into a character’s backstory sounded like an 8th grader coming up with the conversations between characters. The plot was boring, with little to no twists or suspense. I feel absolutely no connection or pull to Titus Black. I have to imagine the next books are better since he’s continued to write them. But I won’t be reading.
I don’t understand how this book has good reviews. Good for the author for publishing work. More than can be said for me. But the character development was horrid. Any effort to dive deeper into a character’s backstory sounded like an 8th grader coming up with the conversations between characters. The plot was boring, with little to no twists or suspense. I feel absolutely no connection or pull to Titus Black. I have to imagine the next books are better since he’s continued to write them. But I won’t be reading.
August 24, 2021
Quick read, not complex. Enjoyable enough. Though I did sort of wonder if the other series (Brady Hawk) shed a bit more light on Firestorm (black ops agency) and the politics of this world. I haven't read that series yet so I'm not sure. I didn't feel lost though or like I was missing anything major, so maybe it doesn't matter.
Note: Amputee and hacker tags for Titus' partner, Christina Shields.
Note: Amputee and hacker tags for Titus' partner, Christina Shields.
July 19, 2020
The first book is good enough to make you want the next one!
The plot was gripping and had continuity. It makes your eager for more. My sincere hope is that this series doesn't turn out like that other Patterson guy's books, same story with names changed in "fill in the blanks" regularity.
The plot was gripping and had continuity. It makes your eager for more. My sincere hope is that this series doesn't turn out like that other Patterson guy's books, same story with names changed in "fill in the blanks" regularity.
July 28, 2021
Just So So
I’m giving this 3 stars because I was at least able to finish the story. But for some reason, this did not feel like R J Patterson’s work. It read like someone much younger wrote it. I like his Brady Hawk series but this first book of Titus Black did not hold my interest enough to look forwarded to reading the 2nd book in the series. Kind of disappointing.
I’m giving this 3 stars because I was at least able to finish the story. But for some reason, this did not feel like R J Patterson’s work. It read like someone much younger wrote it. I like his Brady Hawk series but this first book of Titus Black did not hold my interest enough to look forwarded to reading the 2nd book in the series. Kind of disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews