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Hour of the Assassin
Framed and on the run for his life, a former Secret Service agent discovers how far some men will go to grasp the highest office in the land in this electrifying tale from the author of The Night Agent—a propulsive political thriller reminiscent of the best early Baldacci and Grisham novels.
As a Secret Service agent, Nick Averose spent a decade protecting the most powerful men and women in America and developed a unique gift: the ability to think like an assassin. Now, he uses that skill in a little-known but crucial job. As a “red teamer,” he poses as a threat, testing the security around our highest officials to find vulnerabilities—before our enemies can. He is a mock killer, capable of slipping past even the best defenses.
His latest assignment is to assess the security surrounding the former CIA director at his DC area home. When Nick enters the man’s study, the home’s inner sanctum, he finds the man alone and unconscious. Someone else has been here—someone who attacked the chief and left him for dead, just moments before. Desperately attempting to save the man’s life, he contaminates the crime scene. Now, investigators believe Nick is somehow involved.
Nick knows he’s the perfect scapegoat. But who is framing him, and why? To clear his name, he must find the truth—a search that leads to a nefarious conspiracy whose roots stretch back decades. The prize is the most powerful position in the world: the Oval Office.
To save himself and the people he loves, Nick must stop the men who rule Washington before they bury him along with their secrets.
As a Secret Service agent, Nick Averose spent a decade protecting the most powerful men and women in America and developed a unique gift: the ability to think like an assassin. Now, he uses that skill in a little-known but crucial job. As a “red teamer,” he poses as a threat, testing the security around our highest officials to find vulnerabilities—before our enemies can. He is a mock killer, capable of slipping past even the best defenses.
His latest assignment is to assess the security surrounding the former CIA director at his DC area home. When Nick enters the man’s study, the home’s inner sanctum, he finds the man alone and unconscious. Someone else has been here—someone who attacked the chief and left him for dead, just moments before. Desperately attempting to save the man’s life, he contaminates the crime scene. Now, investigators believe Nick is somehow involved.
Nick knows he’s the perfect scapegoat. But who is framing him, and why? To clear his name, he must find the truth—a search that leads to a nefarious conspiracy whose roots stretch back decades. The prize is the most powerful position in the world: the Oval Office.
To save himself and the people he loves, Nick must stop the men who rule Washington before they bury him along with their secrets.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
774 people are currently reading
6182 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Quirk
17 books1,057 followersMatthew Quirk studied history and literature at Harvard College. After graduation, he spent five years at The Atlantic reporting on crime, private military contractors, terrorism prosecutions, and international gangs. He lives in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
March 31, 2020
3 - 3.5 Stars
This was a super fast-paced, easily digestible nugget that I threw down in one two hour sitting. So for that, bravo. In fact, even though the story wasn't all that original, I enjoyed myself so much I truly wanted to rate this higher.
However...
The offset of how fast-paced this was is that we are left never really getting to know any of the characters and/or their backgrounds all that well...therefore, the stakes never felt all that high. To be blunt: I didn’t really give a shit about what happened to any of them.
Also, I felt like the espionage game was a little weak in certain areas. Pretty sure if you were being framed to the extent this guy was being framed, and by the lengths these people of power went to do so...the first place they would look is YOUR FUCKING HOUSE. Just sayin...
Other than that, while not winning any thriller awards, a decent way to spend a quarantined, social distancing afternoon.
This was a super fast-paced, easily digestible nugget that I threw down in one two hour sitting. So for that, bravo. In fact, even though the story wasn't all that original, I enjoyed myself so much I truly wanted to rate this higher.
However...
The offset of how fast-paced this was is that we are left never really getting to know any of the characters and/or their backgrounds all that well...therefore, the stakes never felt all that high. To be blunt: I didn’t really give a shit about what happened to any of them.
Also, I felt like the espionage game was a little weak in certain areas. Pretty sure if you were being framed to the extent this guy was being framed, and by the lengths these people of power went to do so...the first place they would look is YOUR FUCKING HOUSE. Just sayin...
Other than that, while not winning any thriller awards, a decent way to spend a quarantined, social distancing afternoon.
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March 28, 2020Why I love it
by Siobhan Jones
I don’t know if you noticed… but we feature a lot of thrillers around here. It’s a popular genre—in our office and with readers in general—and we feature at least one every month. In other words, you could be a BOTM member going back for years and have ordered nothing from us but books about murder, secrets, and lies.
That said, we generally stick to thrillers of the endangered wife/missing girl/runaway woman variety. We still love those, but this month we’re switching it up in favor of something less personal and more political. Check out this premise: a shadowy deep state organization frames former Secret Service agent Nick Averose for the killing of a state official, prompting a chase across Washington, D.C. To prove his innocence, Nick—with the help of his genius sidekick, Delia—must uncover a sinister plot perpetrated by a bunch of villainous politicians seeking to control the government.
This is the kind of book you read in one sitting because the stakes contained therein feel really high. With an injection of espionage and politics, it’s fast and addictive—and still manages to be full of murder, secrets, and lies!
Read more at: https://bookofthemonth.com/hour-of-th...
by Siobhan Jones
I don’t know if you noticed… but we feature a lot of thrillers around here. It’s a popular genre—in our office and with readers in general—and we feature at least one every month. In other words, you could be a BOTM member going back for years and have ordered nothing from us but books about murder, secrets, and lies.
That said, we generally stick to thrillers of the endangered wife/missing girl/runaway woman variety. We still love those, but this month we’re switching it up in favor of something less personal and more political. Check out this premise: a shadowy deep state organization frames former Secret Service agent Nick Averose for the killing of a state official, prompting a chase across Washington, D.C. To prove his innocence, Nick—with the help of his genius sidekick, Delia—must uncover a sinister plot perpetrated by a bunch of villainous politicians seeking to control the government.
This is the kind of book you read in one sitting because the stakes contained therein feel really high. With an injection of espionage and politics, it’s fast and addictive—and still manages to be full of murder, secrets, and lies!
Read more at: https://bookofthemonth.com/hour-of-th...
April 3, 2020
Matthew Quirk has written a fast paced fast read novel about power and the ends to which some people will go to get it. Powerful people have powerful enemies. Protection, excellent tested protection is essential. Enter former Secret Service Agent Nick Anerose, a man of special skills who will test protection services for weaknesses, holes and deficiencies. Hired to test the protection provided for a former CIA Director, Nick is unaware that he is being set up. When the director is killed, Nick becomes an accused man on the run. To save himself, Nick must find the truth: who killed the Director and Why.
The Hour of the Assassin traces the steps Nick must take to clear his name. Who has framed him? What is their goal? Is there more than just a murder planned?
This book seems to mirror many current events and conflicts, which adds to its appeal. Many investigation techniques are emphasized. It is a story you will think about.
The Hour of the Assassin traces the steps Nick must take to clear his name. Who has framed him? What is their goal? Is there more than just a murder planned?
This book seems to mirror many current events and conflicts, which adds to its appeal. Many investigation techniques are emphasized. It is a story you will think about.
April 22, 2020
The title of this book is dramatic, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with the book. There is no assassination plot. This a straight forward “wronged-man-on-the-run” book, and it’s a pretty good one. The action starts immediately and continues until the end. A sense of urgency is maintained throughout. Not a lot of time is wasted on backstory, description or character development. I liked the fast pace and the fact that the author got to the point right away and didn’t drag the story out for 500 pages. There’s room at the end of the book to turn this into a series. I would read the next book. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
April 17, 2024
If you caught The Night Agent on Netflix and thought, “This ain't bad; who's the author,” then finding Matthew Quirk's books is a great find.
The Hour of the Assassin is fast-paced, with lots of turns and twists and characters that are very easy to like and admire.
In the end the beat-up and worn-out Nick (the hero) makes the world a better place, saves the lives of loved ones, and manages to make Washington a better place.
What's not to like?
Try this author soon. -Tom L.
The Hour of the Assassin is fast-paced, with lots of turns and twists and characters that are very easy to like and admire.
In the end the beat-up and worn-out Nick (the hero) makes the world a better place, saves the lives of loved ones, and manages to make Washington a better place.
What's not to like?
Try this author soon. -Tom L.
January 25, 2023
Enjoyable political story of intrigue. 8 of 10 stars
October 5, 2020
2nd book read by this author, one after the other, ( first was ‘Night Agent’ ) both released this Thursday in the UK ( in E Form ), both brilliant!
Nick has seen and done it all in his previous work as a secret service agent, now he is a ‘mock’ assassin, people/companies hire him to test our their home security systems and their vulnerability, he is on a tough call, the former Head of CIA Security, and it is about to get next level tough!
The story then deals with the aftermath of that night/event, the dark secrets of the rich, powerful and decision makers in D.C. and he learns how far some will go to keep the truth hidden
It is, again, a real high octane thrill chase trust no one adventure that never lets up, no filler, no nonsense just full on action
I loved the descriptions of the secret world of Washington and the ‘money people’ and what really goes on
There is a really dark story that the adventure is set around and Nick wants justice for the victim
I loved both this writers books, the energy, non boring detail and the excitement of the stories
10/10
5 Stars
Nick has seen and done it all in his previous work as a secret service agent, now he is a ‘mock’ assassin, people/companies hire him to test our their home security systems and their vulnerability, he is on a tough call, the former Head of CIA Security, and it is about to get next level tough!
The story then deals with the aftermath of that night/event, the dark secrets of the rich, powerful and decision makers in D.C. and he learns how far some will go to keep the truth hidden
It is, again, a real high octane thrill chase trust no one adventure that never lets up, no filler, no nonsense just full on action
I loved the descriptions of the secret world of Washington and the ‘money people’ and what really goes on
There is a really dark story that the adventure is set around and Nick wants justice for the victim
I loved both this writers books, the energy, non boring detail and the excitement of the stories
10/10
5 Stars
January 30, 2020
I have read a couple of Matthew Quirks books earlier and thought they were good but this one is great. It was very hard not to read it all in one go. Hour of the Assassin introduces Nick Averose former Secret Service, now he spends his time evaluating security for people. That is until it all goes so very wrong. Someone wants to be president and needs a scapegoat to cover some earlier events. He picks Nick as the bait and then its nonstop action and conspiracy. I have to thank #WilliamMorrow #HarperCollins and #Edelweiss for letting me read this.
September 29, 2023
Ο Νικ Έιβροουζ έχοντας δουλέψει ως πεζοναύτης και πράκτορας μυστικών υπηρεσιών, έχει τη δική του εταιρεία, όπου αναλαμβάνει να ελέγξει αν τα συστήματα ασφαλείας ισχυρών προσώπων της Ουάσιγκτον, είναι τρωτά. Η τελευταία αποστολή όμως, αφού έχει ολοκληρώσει τον έλεγχο, τον φέρνει αντιμέτωπο με το πτώμα του εργοδότη του με το ίδιο του το μαχαίρι. Όλα τα διαπιστευτήρια για την μεταξύ τους σχέση εξαφανίζονται και μένουν παντού τα αποτυπώματα του, υποδεικνύοντας τον ως ένοχο.
Σε αυτή την καλοστημένη παγίδα ο Νικ είναι μόνος του κι εκτός από τη συνεργάτιδα του, δεν ξέρει ποιον να εμπιστευτεί. Θα καταφέρει να ξεσκεπάσει τον εγκέφαλο πίσω από αυτό και με τι κόστος.
Πρώτη επαφή με τον συγγραφέα σε ένα βιβλίο που περιέχει, ίντριγκες, κόντρες και καλοστημενα παιχνίδια χρήματος και εξουσίας. Με μικρά κεφάλαια, ο Quirk βάζει τον ηρώα του να ξετυλίγει το κουβάρι αυτό, χωρίς να ξέρει που θα καταλήξει. Τα λόμπι των ισχυρών οικογενειών της Ουάσιγκτον με τα χρήματα και τα ακριβά κολλέγια, κρύβουν πολλά μυστικά που είναι δύσκολο να αποκαλύψει κάνεις.
Ενα βιβλίο που συνδυάζει την κατασκοπεία και τις πολιτικές φιλοδοξίες.
3,5 αστέρια
Σε αυτή την καλοστημένη παγίδα ο Νικ είναι μόνος του κι εκτός από τη συνεργάτιδα του, δεν ξέρει ποιον να εμπιστευτεί. Θα καταφέρει να ξεσκεπάσει τον εγκέφαλο πίσω από αυτό και με τι κόστος.
Πρώτη επαφή με τον συγγραφέα σε ένα βιβλίο που περιέχει, ίντριγκες, κόντρες και καλοστημενα παιχνίδια χρήματος και εξουσίας. Με μικρά κεφάλαια, ο Quirk βάζει τον ηρώα του να ξετυλίγει το κουβάρι αυτό, χωρίς να ξέρει που θα καταλήξει. Τα λόμπι των ισχυρών οικογενειών της Ουάσιγκτον με τα χρήματα και τα ακριβά κολλέγια, κρύβουν πολλά μυστικά που είναι δύσκολο να αποκαλύψει κάνεις.
Ενα βιβλίο που συνδυάζει την κατασκοπεία και τις πολιτικές φιλοδοξίες.
3,5 αστέρια
June 24, 2020
Oooh I really like this thriller! Ex secret service agent, now a security consultant was framed for murder and on the run. The whole book was him escaping a team of professional killers while trying to uncover old dark secrets. It was fast paced with action throughout the book. Twists are great as well but the bad guy wasn't a real surprise. I would be happier with a slightly different ending.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 27, 2020
Very enjoyable and kept me on pins and needles. I must admit that even though I’m no spring chicken, I still want the world to be fair. So corruption and lies and evil all make me a little bit crazy. But that feeling didn’t last too long as I got sucked in and just wanted to know what was going to happen next. I will definitely look for more books by this author.
December 20, 2023
Short paragraphs were a plus. An interesting book about an XSecretService Agent turned investigator caught up in a DC cover up. Although the book ended with an explosive finality; the ending was a bit too long for this reader which caused a reduction in a star rating but overall was an action packed book and easy to read.
June 8, 2024
This was great! I was hooked from the start and never wanted to stop listening. There is a plot to hide the death of a woman some 20ish years ago which would jeopardize one man's plans to be in the White House. Nick, our MC, is drawn into this as the person who will be framed for murder (not of the woman), and the people behind the plot will stop at nothing to make sure secrets are never revealed. One thing I didn't care for was the relationship between Nick and his wife. I'm not sure why the writer even gave him a wife because, first, I didn't get their relationship (she seemed jealous and insecure), and she wasn't much of a catalyst to get the plot moving. I would have preferred she not been in it at all, or in it much more to justify her being in the story.
There wasn't a dull moment and I highly recommend. The narration was really good as well and I would certainly listen to him again.
4 stars for the story, 5 for the narration.
There wasn't a dull moment and I highly recommend. The narration was really good as well and I would certainly listen to him again.
4 stars for the story, 5 for the narration.
January 29, 2022
Nick Anerose, a secret service agent, is hired to test the protection in place for a form director of the CIA but ends up being set up. The director is killed and poor Nick is in the frame for it and has to go on the run. In order to clear his name he has to find out who really killed the director, what the murderer was trying to achieve by killing him and framing Nick, and more importantly, are there any more murders planned?
This book was super fast paced with an easy to follow plot that had me devouring it in a day. This book is about the lengths people will go to to get power, and just what they’ll do to keep it once they have it. If you like fast paced wrong man convicted books then this is definitely one for you.
This book was super fast paced with an easy to follow plot that had me devouring it in a day. This book is about the lengths people will go to to get power, and just what they’ll do to keep it once they have it. If you like fast paced wrong man convicted books then this is definitely one for you.
March 20, 2020
This book was a quick read and fast paced. If I could,I would have given it 3.5 stars. I read a lot of thrillers. In the gamut of thrillers I read this one falls in the middle for me. There were a few well placed twists. However because the book starts off with a bang and moves pretty quickly, it leaves you very little time to have any real connection with the characters. They were just pieces in a typical thriller format.
I would encourage anyone to read it. It’s easy to like. I just left being ready to move on to my next book.
I would encourage anyone to read it. It’s easy to like. I just left being ready to move on to my next book.
March 19, 2023
A former spec ops guy makes his living by infiltrating the security of VIP's to show the holes in the blanket.
Of course, like we all saw coming, he's framed for a real assassination, and has to go on the run to find the real killers. He also has a jealous wife.
Predictable.
Of course, like we all saw coming, he's framed for a real assassination, and has to go on the run to find the real killers. He also has a jealous wife.
Predictable.
April 13, 2020
It took me so long to read this book! When I started it seemed really interesting and a quick read but somehow it could not hold me! I would give it the benefit of doubt that due to the stressful times wasn’t able to focus.
March 28, 2021
Good book. I'll probably check out other of the writer's work. You'll of course have seen similar plots but that is almost guaranteed since (as I've said before) how many actually new plots can there be after a few thousand years of storytelling.
Here our hero is set up to take a fall and has to reach out to any source of help he can find...
Recommended.
Here our hero is set up to take a fall and has to reach out to any source of help he can find...
Recommended.
January 18, 2021
Super fast paced DC crime drama - military intrigue. I wanted a bit more building, but overall loved the story and cast of characters! I’d love to get more from this MC!
March 27, 2020
Fast paced and action packed, this book is exactly what I needed right now. It’s a high octane page turner and I enjoyed it very much. Now to box it up and mail it to my husband overseas!
March 21, 2020
Hour of the Assassin is a really interesting, easy-to-read, entertaining, political thriller. It almost reads like a political, espionage TV drama, similar to a more readable Tom Clancy story. There were detailed parts that were a bit over my head, mostly a case of me getting lost in the obscurity of the details, but it was nonetheless a clever, gripping, intriguing, well-written thriller. I look forward to more from this author.
October 5, 2019
I LOVED this book!
Former Secret Service Agent, Nick Averose, has been framed for the murder of Malcolm Widener, the former director of the CIA and now he is on the run.
Sent to test the security of Widener's home, Nick realizes something is wrong when he hears the unmistakable sound of a gunshot from outside.
Unsure who he can trust, and desperately trying to outrun the people chasing him and save the people closest to him who are in danger, he needs to get to the bottom of the secret that led to the assassination of Widener.
Fast paced, with short chapters, I flew through this. I wanted nothing more than to see Nick figure everything out and could not put it down, and would highly recommend it!
Former Secret Service Agent, Nick Averose, has been framed for the murder of Malcolm Widener, the former director of the CIA and now he is on the run.
Sent to test the security of Widener's home, Nick realizes something is wrong when he hears the unmistakable sound of a gunshot from outside.
Unsure who he can trust, and desperately trying to outrun the people chasing him and save the people closest to him who are in danger, he needs to get to the bottom of the secret that led to the assassination of Widener.
Fast paced, with short chapters, I flew through this. I wanted nothing more than to see Nick figure everything out and could not put it down, and would highly recommend it!
July 15, 2020
Interesting read and more of a detective read than the "hour of the Assassin".
October 8, 2022
Wow. This book was as good as Red Warning, if not better. The author weaves a tale of intrigue reaching into the highest circles of power in the nation's capital. The body count isn't all that high, but this book was still hard to put down. If you enjoy books of the thriller genre, definitely consider this one. A very, very good effort.
August 30, 2022
It was written in a detailed fashion. That made it more exciting and held my interest. However, that made it harder to keep track of the overall story.
July 24, 2020
This is a fast paced political suspense about an ex CIA guy that gets framed for murder because he knows some seedy and damaging information about a senator. The book takes place over a couple of days while he's trying to understand whats going on and clear his name. I read this in 24 hours because it was so engaging!
February 22, 2020
Former Secret Service agent Nick Averose now has his own business doing security checks for people and businesses who have high security issues. His job is to test the existing security to see if he can find flaws and 'every defense has it weakness' as he notes with the job that starts this book. When he finds the flaw, he is to report it, except that in this job, after finding the flaw, he finds that he has been 'set up' to take the blame the death of the the person whose security it was to ensure.
The rest of the book is non-stop Nick running from the bad guys. Nick wasn't supposed to get away as the murder was to be pinned on him, but Nick has more energy and tricks than anyone I have ever encountered. Toward the end of the book, I tried to remember if he had ever slept throughout the entire time of being chased. The thought made me want to go back and reread the whole book to find out, and the book is so interesting that I wouldn't have minded.
I will be watching to see if this is a first in a nick Averose series, as I can only imagine what could be coming next, and will be anxious to read it.
I won this advance readers edition uncorrected proof book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The rest of the book is non-stop Nick running from the bad guys. Nick wasn't supposed to get away as the murder was to be pinned on him, but Nick has more energy and tricks than anyone I have ever encountered. Toward the end of the book, I tried to remember if he had ever slept throughout the entire time of being chased. The thought made me want to go back and reread the whole book to find out, and the book is so interesting that I wouldn't have minded.
I will be watching to see if this is a first in a nick Averose series, as I can only imagine what could be coming next, and will be anxious to read it.
I won this advance readers edition uncorrected proof book in a Goodreads giveaway.
May 3, 2020
Oh my god YES this book is over. I just powered through it tonight because I didn't want to spend the next half week eking through it.
Where do I even begin with this book? Well, it's the first novel I've read in 16 months that was written by a male author, and I'm wondering, Are they all this bad? Or was this just bad luck?
This story is saturated with men. I'm pretty sure there are only 4 named women who appear on scene in the entire book, and none of them ever speak to each other. Most of them are just plot tools, especially Ali Waldron, who starts the book as no one and ends it as no one.
The protagonist has no flaws. Zero. Who writes a main character like that? This author spends the entire narrative emphasizing how badass his hero is. He's strong, he's scary, he's protective, he's a hero, and he's filled with a righteous anger. At least once per page I had to stop to roll my eyes. Quirk's descriptions of these powerful white men are so dramatic and unnecessary.
Quirk spends the entire book telling and not showing. Nick only says he cares about his wife, freaking Karen. He thinks about her when it's convenient, but it's unconvincing. Delia is supposed to be cool and smart, but the way she relies on Nick as her savior is disgusting. Really, he's the only person she knows? He sponsored her family's visas and took her in after she was orphaned? He helped her get through college? She turns to him when she's scared? Nick's a fucking hero, isn't he? Unbelievable.
One moment that made me crazy was when Nick starts getting this random rage about the whole thing. There's no progression. One moment he's not angry, then suddenly he's got spikes of anger for the rest of the book. It's clumsily written. At the end, Quirk makes it out like Nick has had all this personal growth and now he knows that he has to kill sometimes and can't be a precious hero all the time. But I don't see Nick grow at all. And Quirk will never let go of Nick as his flawless assassin.
And finally, what is up with Nick driving everyone else's car? Why can't Delia be a good driver? Why can't Ali? Why does he always have to drive? Because he's a fucking hero, that's why, and these women all rely on him to keep them safe. Oh no, what would they do without him?! Get to drive their own cars?
Where do I even begin with this book? Well, it's the first novel I've read in 16 months that was written by a male author, and I'm wondering, Are they all this bad? Or was this just bad luck?
This story is saturated with men. I'm pretty sure there are only 4 named women who appear on scene in the entire book, and none of them ever speak to each other. Most of them are just plot tools, especially Ali Waldron, who starts the book as no one and ends it as no one.
The protagonist has no flaws. Zero. Who writes a main character like that? This author spends the entire narrative emphasizing how badass his hero is. He's strong, he's scary, he's protective, he's a hero, and he's filled with a righteous anger. At least once per page I had to stop to roll my eyes. Quirk's descriptions of these powerful white men are so dramatic and unnecessary.
Quirk spends the entire book telling and not showing. Nick only says he cares about his wife, freaking Karen. He thinks about her when it's convenient, but it's unconvincing. Delia is supposed to be cool and smart, but the way she relies on Nick as her savior is disgusting. Really, he's the only person she knows? He sponsored her family's visas and took her in after she was orphaned? He helped her get through college? She turns to him when she's scared? Nick's a fucking hero, isn't he? Unbelievable.
One moment that made me crazy was when Nick starts getting this random rage about the whole thing. There's no progression. One moment he's not angry, then suddenly he's got spikes of anger for the rest of the book. It's clumsily written. At the end, Quirk makes it out like Nick has had all this personal growth and now he knows that he has to kill sometimes and can't be a precious hero all the time. But I don't see Nick grow at all. And Quirk will never let go of Nick as his flawless assassin.
And finally, what is up with Nick driving everyone else's car? Why can't Delia be a good driver? Why can't Ali? Why does he always have to drive? Because he's a fucking hero, that's why, and these women all rely on him to keep them safe. Oh no, what would they do without him?! Get to drive their own cars?
February 4, 2025
Enjoyed this book. Didn't read the back of the book and thought it was #2 of the Night Agent. Little did I know it is a standalone book. Still a fun read.
April 20, 2020
Former Secret Service agent Nick Averose spent years protecting some of the most powerful men and women in the United States. As a result, he learned how to think and act like an assassin.
After he left the Secret Service, Nick continued using his skills, but in a different way. He would help companies and individuals test their security systems by attempting to break into them. He became a “mock killer” as he tried to get past some of the most sophisticated systems available.
Nick’s latest gig is to assess the security surrounding the former CIA director. He is able to break into his DC-area home and enter his personal study. The man is alive and well, but before Nick has a chance to leave the residence, someone comes in and kills him. Nick didn’t do it, but all the evidence points in that direction. He was obviously set up, but by whom and to what purpose? Will he be able to figure out who his enemies are before they get to him and the people he loves?
This storyline is timely as one of the main characters is about to announce his run for the presidency. Author Matthew Quirk offers a fascinating glimpse into what life can be like behind the scenes of a major political campaign. He writes with a style that grabs your attention, keeping you in the moment and on the edge, wondering what will happen next. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, he throws in another plot twist to keep things interesting.
Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin
After he left the Secret Service, Nick continued using his skills, but in a different way. He would help companies and individuals test their security systems by attempting to break into them. He became a “mock killer” as he tried to get past some of the most sophisticated systems available.
Nick’s latest gig is to assess the security surrounding the former CIA director. He is able to break into his DC-area home and enter his personal study. The man is alive and well, but before Nick has a chance to leave the residence, someone comes in and kills him. Nick didn’t do it, but all the evidence points in that direction. He was obviously set up, but by whom and to what purpose? Will he be able to figure out who his enemies are before they get to him and the people he loves?
This storyline is timely as one of the main characters is about to announce his run for the presidency. Author Matthew Quirk offers a fascinating glimpse into what life can be like behind the scenes of a major political campaign. He writes with a style that grabs your attention, keeping you in the moment and on the edge, wondering what will happen next. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, he throws in another plot twist to keep things interesting.
Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin
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