Exit Fee

Pike Logan #13.5

by Brad Taylor

Former Special Forces officer Brad Taylor’s thrilling new novella sets Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill against a Serbian gang that makes the mistake of kidnapping someone they both hold dear.

Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are no strangers to international conflict, but this time they’re facing a threat much closer to home. Amena, the young Syrian refugee they have taken into their care, is having trouble settling into her new life in South Carolina. As they all struggle to figure out the bounds of their new life, a fight with Pike sends Amena running to the streets of Charleston, where she befriends a girl and her Serbian guardian who may not be as harmless as they seem.

Pike, wild with worry over Amena’s disappearance, makes it his mission to bring her home safely, but she is in much more danger than they realize. To make matters worse, classified nuclear information may also be on the line. While Pike is on the warpath, Amena learns of the Serbian’s true nature and the terrible ‘exit fee’ he exacts from girls who don’t play by his rules.

Now it’s up to Pike to find her— but the risk will be much higher than he imagines.

Includes an excerpt from Brad Taylor's upcoming Pike Logan thriller, Hunter Killer.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Novella, Audiobook, Mystery, Espionage, Mystery Thriller

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2019

About the author

Brad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.

He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! Brad Taylor rediscovers heart and drive with a decent plot in this short novella. I hope he is able to apply that same level of intensity into his next novel, "Hunter Killer." 10 of 10 stars

[Maddie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect story with Amena, after what they went through with her to get to where she is. They have their troubles, and Pike and Jennifer finish what they started as does Amena. Great read to hold over until Hunter Killer comes out!

[Erica Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't care for the writing style. He puts "he said" and "she said" at the beginning of sentences instead of at the end. That drives me crazy. Plus, I didn't like the story line and I couldn't connect to any of the characters.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exit Fee is a good novella. It takes place in SC after Pike and Jennifer are back in the US with Amena in tow. Amena ran off and was snatched by sex traffickers. The duo did what they do best with satisfying action.
The book also includes excerpt of Hunter Killer - Pike Logan #14 and I must say I can't wait!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short novella mainly showing us the relationship between Pike and Jennifer and Amena, the Syrian 13 year old refugee they rescued and brought with them back to Charleston in the last book. Pike is still waiting on Amena's papers to make her legal, since she was essentially smuggled into the country. True to his personality, he's very protective of her. But a teen is a teen, and Amena basically quarreled with him and run off. She runs inadvertently into a sex-trafficking group that had lured other young girls and now will not let her go. Now, if you are a fan of these books, you know what to expect from Pike. He will do anything to protect his loved ones. This story is a nice bridge between books. Just because Amena has come to the US with Pike and Jennifer, she still has emotional issues to contend with.

[John Ready Reader One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of the house cup challenge. I enjoyed this little story quite a bit. I was not aware of this series and after this book, I added it to my list and have since gone through another book in the series. It is written a little less complex as some other thriller, operative style books but this was still enjoyable.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick listen on audiobook -- my first taste of the Pike Logan series. I'm intrigued enough to want more. Guess I start at the beginning -- 6 out of 10.

[Ric Ulloa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Taylor is an amazing writer and his characters keep getting better and better. Thanx for adding Amena to the mix. I just hope it works out as she's great, but I hated (SPOILER ALERT!!!) their boss getting blown up! Wow! that was a shocker. Keep 'em coming, I can't wait for the release of the new one! Thanks!! Awesome writing, simply awesome.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Amina even more!

This was the perfect novella to delve into our favorite “little refugee” even more! I loved how Taylor weaved this story with a real and ugly threat we face right here in the US: the sex slave trade. Taylor has a way of weaving his stories into our hearts and then ripping it out! This was a heartbreakingly good read, and I can’t wait to see more of Amina. I absolutely love the little pop culture reference that Taylor through I’m there! Laughed my butt of on that one. Not to mention the sneak peak into Hunter Killer out in January 2020!

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat little short story waiting for Hunter Killer. I'm so glad that there was no terrorists although traffickers actually use terror. We need more batwomen in the world. I was slightly surprised that Jennifer didn't complain about Pikes plan but I can understand it since my thoughts are that they need to be punished. For those that finds this series interesting I recommend that you start at the beginning. I must thank #Edelweiss+ and #WilliamMorrow for letting me read this.

[Lonnie Mixell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a great continuation of events that occurred in the previous novel “Daughter of War”. “Exit Fee” does an excellent job of showing the reader more insight of life for Pike and Jennifer away from the Taskforce missions.
The author shows the humanity of them and when the need arises he also reminds the reader that Pike and Jennifer are apex predators.
It was a lot of fun to read and just the right length to enjoy during a quiet evening.

[Stephen Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exit Fee

An interesting book. It was nice to see how Pike and Jennifer attacked their problem. I would have liked them get more information out of the doctor and shut down his source.

[Matt Persson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amena is back!!!! Such a great and fun character and a little fireball for Pike and Jennifer!! Cany wait to see what the future holds for this crew

[Keshav Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Exit Fee" by Brad Taylor is a thrilling and action-packed military thriller that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. As the thirteenth novella in the Pike Logan series, Taylor once again delivers a gripping and well-researched story filled with espionage, covert operations, and political intrigue.

The novel follows the experiences of Pike Logan, a highly skilled former special operations soldier turned covert operative. Pike and Jennifer Cahill are facing a tough time, this time closer to home. Amena, the Syrian refugee who has been taken into their care, is having trouble settling in their new home in South Carolina. Her teenage tantrums are becoming a grave concern for Pike and Jennifer, and at the same time, they cannot reveal the nature of their true identities.  With a lack of proper residency documentation, Amena is under a constant threat of being detected by the authorities for illegal stay in the US and subsequent deportation, a duress that Pike and Jennifer are well aware of.

On one fine day, when Pike, Jennifer, and Amena decide to spend the day together fulfilling the teenage girls' wishes on the streets of Charleston, she befriends a girl and her Serbian guardian at an ice cream shop. However, when she does not return after a long time, Pike and Jennifer begin to worry for her safety. Their instincts kick in and they begin a search for her. Although their mission is to bring her home safely, little did they realize at this time, the grave danger she has fallen into. Intertwined with this plot is also a blackmail operation by some Serbians that relates to some sensitive nuclear information by one of the senior naval commanders in the US.

Ameena soon learns that the girls along with the Serbians are a part of the prostitution ring operated by the Serbian gangs and a terrible “exit fee” that they extract from the girls who don’t play by their rules. Ameena is overwhelmed with guilt for not obeying Pike and Jennifer that led her into this web of deceit and begins to wonder if Pike will ever come and rescue her.

One of the biggest strengths of "Exit Fee" is Taylor's ability to create tension and suspense. The pacing of the story is fast-paced, and the chapters are relatively short, allowing readers to constantly be on the edge of their seats. The action sequences are meticulously detailed and keep the readers fully engaged in the heart-pounding moments.

Moreover, the characters in "Exit Fee" are well-developed and relatable. Pike Logan, in particular, is a complex and compelling protagonist. His internal struggles, personal demons, and unwavering dedication to his mission make him a captivating and layered character. The supporting cast, including Jennifer Cahill and the rest of Pike's team, bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the story, making the dynamics among the characters intriguing and multidimensional.

Overall, this is a riveting thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. With its well-crafted action sequences, intricate plotlines, and well-developed characters, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Brad Taylor book. I had almost forgotten how much I always enjoyed them. This little book was really great and it it won’t be long before I will have to find another of his that I haven’t read. Maybe there is one of his that I haven’t.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving action from beginning to end in a "cant put down" short story of what may be a new addition to the Pike/Koko family.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd not read this series so this novella made a good introduction to the dynamic characters of Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill. When their ward Amena runs away from home and is taken in by a human trafficker, Logan and Cahill swing into action. There's more afoot though than just that topical issue (no spoilers). Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. It's a quick read and one which will find you not only rooting for Amena but also fist pumping Cahill.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A very fast paced short story that treats many of today’s topics. There are always young girls tricked into whatnot and also people who don’t want to be in front of the spotlight but still save the day.
To say that our heroine Jennifer is a Batwoman it will definitely pick my attention and I’m sure more people will read it.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest Pike Logan story, Exit Fee (William Morris 2019), Pike and Jennifer are struggling to figure out how to raise Amena, the girl they rescued from an impoverished and dangerous life in Syria and brought back to America. She is used to a lot of freedom and Pike knows freedom won't work well when Amena is still in the US illegally (as he straightens out her paperwork). She runs away while the three of them are out shopping one day and is kidnapped by a Slavik man who turns out to be a sex trader. Of course, Pike wastes no time going after her. Following the tiniest of threads, he ends up in the midst of a major sex trafficking operation that involves not only Amena but many other underage abused girls. And it's not only sex trafficking.

Despite that Amena fled because she thought Pike and Jennifer were overprotective, now she relishes that they will stop at nothing to find her:

"Jennifer and Pike ... were a wrecking machine."

The story starts fast (as do all Pike Logan stories) and never quits. While I’ve read most of the earlier stories in the series this novella stands alone--no need to read the earlier stories. 

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review - Brad Taylor’s “Exit Free” short story is a thrilling novella that sets Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill against a Serbian gang that makes the mistake of kidnapping Amena, the young Syrian refugee they have taken into their care. Amena is the 13 year old Syrian refugee that was the subject of “Daughter of War” which was Book 13 in the Pike Logan series. The series is one of the best espionage series in the thriller genre. Exit Free is a quick novella that deals with Amena in the US living with Pike and Jennifer. With the addition of Amena to these books, they just get even better. The humor, the heartbreak, and the cuteness this kid adds to the story line really brings it all together. It used to be all about the action, but now Taylor is pulling on the heart strings of the readers and it makes this an even more complete series. Bravo Brad Taylor. Keep it

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually a short story, or novella. The author had a character in his last book, Amena ( a young Syrian refuge) whom he just could not let die. This story was the threshold for her to continue in his next week.
The story is so true in todays climate of young girls being taken a sex slaves. They are young, innocent and rebellious, easy for bad men to sweet talk away from Safety.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Novella

Good shift story that starts fasted develops quickly. The interaction between Jennifer, Pine and Amanda opens the door to their involvement in following stories. Looking forward to the next book.

[Dinesh Raghavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*..... relentless.... very fast read

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book novella is a most enjoyable fast read. Have fun. I did.

[Pozak Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a fantastic little short story.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an avid Brad Taylor fan, I knew I was in for an action-packed thrill ride when I downloaded a copy of Exit Fee. As Brad confesses at the very beginning of Exit Fee in an author’s note, he created the character Amena in Daughter of War, which she wasn’t supposed to survive. She was supposed to die at the end, but he could bring himself to kill her off. That left him with a problem, what to do with her in future books. Well, he put her to good use in this novella. The story begins when Amena rebels against Pike and Jennifer, not allowing her to venture out alone; She doesn’t really believe that it’s for her own safety since she hasn’t any documentation allowi8ng her to be in the United States. When she does run off while they are out and about, she falls into the hands of sex traffickers and is being held against her will. Of course, they did not know the hell storm they were about to unleash on themselves. In the end, Pike and Jennifer not only rescue Amena and three other girls being forced to sell their bodies but wipe out the sex traffickers and human organ traders. How did they go about doing that? Read the book. The ending will leave you breathless. I think you will look to read more books with Amena as the leading character; I know I am.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously thought about creating a category just for this book. It focuses so well on a current major world wide problem, sex trafficking.

From the sordid worlds of the slums to the slum worlds of the rich sleaze and those that inhabit both to prey on children and the helpless, from the pages of this book came both avenging parties and righteous assistance. Our story centers around Amena, captured by slavers in modern day America, to be used as an underage sex toy with anyone who can pay. The focus doesn't completely stay on her though, because she meets other teens who have captured and are now trapped, and unwilling to pay the aptly named title.

This is a very well written novella on an ongoing planet-wide blight, and it was both hard to read and hard to put down. I would have liked it to be longer, because Tess' story should have lasted longer. In addition, because of the shortened length, the build up was great but the ending felt rushed.

Still a good way to get information out about this horrible crime, and maybe make people think a little harder about helping street kids.

[Steven Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the events of Daughter of War, Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill brought the young Syrian refugee Amena back to South Carolina with them. However, she lands herself in trouble, and Pike and Jenn are thrust into action in Exit Fee, a novella from Brad Taylor.

It's a quick yet compelling read, and serves to answer questions about Amena's fate post-Daughter of War. I enjoyed it and I'm eagerly looking forward to Hunter Killer.

[Maureen Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exit Fee is a novella that sets Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill against a Serbian gang that makes the mistake of kidnapping someone they both hold dear. Amena, the young Syrian refugee they have taken into their care, is having trouble settling into her new life in South Carolina. As they all struggle to figure out the bounds of their new life, a fight with Pike sends Amena running to the streets of Charleston, where she befriends a girl and her Serbian guardian who may not be as harmless as they seem.
Pike, wild with worry over Amena’s disappearance, makes it his mission to bring her home safely, but she is in much more danger than they realize. Amena learns of the Serbian’s true nature and the terrible ‘exit fee’ he exacts from girls who don’t play by his rules.
Now it’s up to Pike to find her— but the risk will be much higher than he imagines.
This story sets the stage to include Amena in further episodes with Pike and Jennifer.

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is after the last full book. Pike and Jen now have a ‘daughter’ and there’s some teething problems with what every should and shouldn’t do. Because of this their daughter gets into some trouble. However Pike and Jen don’t know where she is or went. They have to go hunting without the Taskforce or any of the rest of the group.

It’s different than the normal books and the storyline flew by. It’s one of the better books in the series.

It doesn’t hurt that you get to see Pike in daddy mode.

My best line of it was Winter is here.