What do you think?
Rate this book
Maggie Black #1
Kill Order
Deadly. Beautiful. On the run. When secret agent Maggie Black agrees to protect the Mayor of London, she thinks she’s in for a boring night of babysitting. The simple job gets a lot more complicated when an assassin arrives and takes out the Mayor, framing Maggie as the killer. Unable to explain the evidence against her, Maggie is branded a traitor and hunted by the very people she once fought beside. With no one to turn to, Maggie relies on the one person who has always had her back—herself. From the hidden nightclubs of Madrid, to the dark streets of Moscow, Maggie must delve into the depths of the criminal underworld to unearth the truth, and fast. Because time is running out and the enemy is closer than she thinks… KILL ORDER is the first gripping installment to the Maggie Black thriller series, and the perfect read for fans of Lee Child and James Patterson. Get your copy of KILL ORDER today and discover the action-packed world of Maggie Black.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2017
107 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 8, 2020
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
“Hell hath no fury like a pissed off Maggie.”
You know those Hollywood action movies that they probably release 12+ times a year? The ones where you see the trailer and think “Oh, that looks fun and exciting” but you know most of what’s gonna happen. So more often than not, you just wait ‘til it hits Netflix (or some other streaming service you use, maybe cable if you or someone you’re visiting and watching TV with still uses that) as something to look at but you don’t really need to pay too much attention. Overall, you enjoyed it well enough but it’s not particularly mind-blowing and you most likely only somewhat remember it until the next sequel is being advertised.
This book is pretty much the literary equivalent of that. Not bad, I might read the sequel at some point but it’s nothing particularly good to go recommending to a bunch of people.
3/5
“Hell hath no fury like a pissed off Maggie.”
You know those Hollywood action movies that they probably release 12+ times a year? The ones where you see the trailer and think “Oh, that looks fun and exciting” but you know most of what’s gonna happen. So more often than not, you just wait ‘til it hits Netflix (or some other streaming service you use, maybe cable if you or someone you’re visiting and watching TV with still uses that) as something to look at but you don’t really need to pay too much attention. Overall, you enjoyed it well enough but it’s not particularly mind-blowing and you most likely only somewhat remember it until the next sequel is being advertised.
This book is pretty much the literary equivalent of that. Not bad, I might read the sequel at some point but it’s nothing particularly good to go recommending to a bunch of people.
3/5
November 20, 2020
I have a soft spot for spy novels because they are usually non stop action and this one did not disappoint! Maggie Black has spent her life taking out her country's enemies, but when a standard protection detail ends in the death of her protectee, Maggie finds herself on the run from the very agency she works for due to a kill order being issued for the death of the mayor. Can she prove herself innocent before the agency takes her out?
This book was a very fast paced book! The author is quickly thrown into the deep end of the world of spies and assassins. I really enjoyed getting to know Maggie Black as well as her closest friend Ash and Leon, her on again off again lover. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love a great spy novel.
This book was a very fast paced book! The author is quickly thrown into the deep end of the world of spies and assassins. I really enjoyed getting to know Maggie Black as well as her closest friend Ash and Leon, her on again off again lover. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love a great spy novel.
October 26, 2017
I've really struggled with reading recently especially since my circumstances have changed so it takes a really interesting and un-put-down-able book to keep me reading more. Kill Order was just that and more. The way the author describes the different locations, characters and even the thoughts of Maggie Black really made this pure escapism for me and brought me back to my love for reading. I grew up with Buffy so I'm always looking for a similar strong female character with her scoobies, or unit, to fill that void and Maggie Black is up there with Buffy Summers! I honestly couldn't put this down and would definitely recommend it to everyone. Now desperate to find out what's next for Maggie after reading the snippet on The Witness. Well deserved 5 stars!
November 23, 2018
Generic thriller for fans of Nikita. You know, an obscure goverment agency who trains killers to work all over the world. Something goes wrong and the agency is trying to kill Maggie. Too Mission Impossible to You? I thought so too.
February 19, 2020
Great story! I love reading about a female spy who can kick some ass. Maggie was an awesome heroine and Leon and Ashton were true friends when Maggie was accused of being a traitor and a murderer. I was saddened to find out who the bad guy was. I was getting a feeling about near the end but I sure was hoping.
There was an off screen sex scene between Maggie and Leon and you could feel how much the loved each other. It was a good part of the book. AND the F-bomb was used 13 times.
As to the narration: Lucy Brownhill did a great job on the voices and the emotions. It’s the first time I’d heard her narrate but I will definitely look for more from her.
November 16, 2020
This was an okay read. Nothing jumped out for me as it felt like a generic spy story.
January 15, 2018
The grammatical and spelling errors were not quite as rampant as what I noticed in Vendetta, but I still would have wondered if this book had an editor had I read it first. It had some action and intrigue, but lacked some of the background aspects that make other spy novels stand out.
January 18, 2021
2.5/5 stars
1) book ending kinda dragged
2) miscommunication and emotional constipation
3) forced plot to happen so dumb decisions were made
4) beginning felt very 'im a man writing from an attractive woman's perspective lol'
5) plot twist were well done even though predictable (I guess it's the level where it's like *this happens* *intensifies* *intensifies again* it was kinda funny)
6) major character development happened off screen?
7) didn't care for romance or characters because of
8) so much TELLING --> never shown her connection to mother/"memories in her darkest hours", her past with Bishop/Leon, her training and thus connection with Ashton and Nina, her 'hot temper'. It was really difficult to care about any of the relationships when there was no basis to them.
9) overall, very fun action book that would translate so well onto film, I'd watch the hell out of it- james bond but make it a girl who is #notlikeotherspies . I liked the ending but the overall execution fell slightly short.
1) book ending kinda dragged
2) miscommunication and emotional constipation
3) forced plot to happen so dumb decisions were made
4) beginning felt very 'im a man writing from an attractive woman's perspective lol'
5) plot twist were well done even though predictable (I guess it's the level where it's like *this happens* *intensifies* *intensifies again* it was kinda funny)
6) major character development happened off screen?
7) didn't care for romance or characters because of
8) so much TELLING --> never shown her connection to mother/"memories in her darkest hours", her past with Bishop/Leon, her training and thus connection with Ashton and Nina, her 'hot temper'. It was really difficult to care about any of the relationships when there was no basis to them.
9) overall, very fun action book that would translate so well onto film, I'd watch the hell out of it- james bond but make it a girl who is #notlikeotherspies . I liked the ending but the overall execution fell slightly short.
November 22, 2021
Lots of surprise twists and turns in Kill Order. I can honestly write I was shocked by all of the surprises. The first surprise being Maggie Black sent to perform simple bodyguard duty to the Mayor of London. What? You're sending the best special agent in the Unit to perform protection duty? Well, later we find out why indeed. During her watch, the Mayor of London is assassinated, and Maggie is shown on the CCTV recordings slashing his throat! Wait...we just read that Maggie was out chasing down a threat to the Mayor, and now we learn she did it? Nope, we do not believe it. Maggie Black is on the run now with all evidence pointing at her for the murder. Maggie knows the skills set of the Unit, and she also knows there is now a kill order on her. Boss Man Brice Bishop does not believe Maggie killed anyone, but his hands are tied. This first installment in the series is intense and Jack McSporran forces the reader to "feel" Maggie's emotions. I already bought #2 Hit List--I have to know what is next now that it appears all is lost.
April 12, 2018
Delightfully fast paced and entertaining
An intelligent and engaging lead character that was relatable even when she holds one of the least relatable professions around. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace, writing and development of this story. The transitions from clue to clue and country to country were nicely done and provided great insight and history into the characters. I love that I had not fully figured it out before the ending of the book. I had suspicions about certain people and then I would change my mind and then change it back! I love action pack thrillers that have a bit of romance, angst and suspense...which this story certainly delivers! The writing was very descriptive and had me caught up in the fight scenes, laughing at the sarcasm, waiting to see which way the emotional chats would go and visualizing the landscape of so many beautiful countries. I can’t wait to read more about Maggie Black and her adventures!
An intelligent and engaging lead character that was relatable even when she holds one of the least relatable professions around. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace, writing and development of this story. The transitions from clue to clue and country to country were nicely done and provided great insight and history into the characters. I love that I had not fully figured it out before the ending of the book. I had suspicions about certain people and then I would change my mind and then change it back! I love action pack thrillers that have a bit of romance, angst and suspense...which this story certainly delivers! The writing was very descriptive and had me caught up in the fight scenes, laughing at the sarcasm, waiting to see which way the emotional chats would go and visualizing the landscape of so many beautiful countries. I can’t wait to read more about Maggie Black and her adventures!
September 25, 2017
After completing an assignment in Cannes, France Maggie is expecting a little down time. But as a favor to Bishop she takes a one night job protecting the mayor of London at dinner. The mayor ends up dead and Maggie is the only suspect. Instead of turning herself in she goes on the lam to prove that she was not the killer of the mayor. Her search takes her from Spain, to Russia, to Germany, and back to England as she tracks down the conspirators and tries to prove her innocence. In the process she is aided by friends who want to help her but can she trust all of her friends.
Kill Order is an excellent read and one that is difficult to put down. Well done and hopefully Maggie Black will be back.
Kill Order is an excellent read and one that is difficult to put down. Well done and hopefully Maggie Black will be back.
September 24, 2017
Great thriller / spy adventure.
Maggie discovers friendship and betrayal by those closest to her.
Just as some of her friends find their way back together, she feels pulled in new directions.
A Kill Order drives her to find the responsible parties, seek help from her friends, then try to leave them behind for their own safety.
She discovers a lot about her true self and loyalty, as well as disloyalty.
I initially received this book as an arc.
I voluntarily give my opinion that this is a great read, both as a stand alone, and as a part of an exciting series.
I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Maggie discovers friendship and betrayal by those closest to her.
Just as some of her friends find their way back together, she feels pulled in new directions.
A Kill Order drives her to find the responsible parties, seek help from her friends, then try to leave them behind for their own safety.
She discovers a lot about her true self and loyalty, as well as disloyalty.
I initially received this book as an arc.
I voluntarily give my opinion that this is a great read, both as a stand alone, and as a part of an exciting series.
I'm looking forward to the next installment!
September 25, 2017
This is a new-to-me author -but he's got a new fan! If you like a little espionage, some covert ops, a bit of romance and a lot of action all driven by a strong female lead character then this is for you! It's twisty and suspenseful but not overdone. It's a smooth and easy read, engaging and enjoyable -- my favorite kind!
There's a prequel already out that is not necessary before reading this one, but it WILL add a little tangle to this book. There's another 'backstory' book in the works - a betweenquel? - and I'm anxious to get my hands on it.
I'm confident that this is going to be a favorite character/series.
Definitely worth the read.
There's a prequel already out that is not necessary before reading this one, but it WILL add a little tangle to this book. There's another 'backstory' book in the works - a betweenquel? - and I'm anxious to get my hands on it.
I'm confident that this is going to be a favorite character/series.
Definitely worth the read.
September 28, 2017
I loved Maggie in VENDETTA, so I was excited to see what was in store for her in KILL ORDER. Jack has crafted a compulsively readable plot that kept me reading well past my bedtime. There's so much to love about this book, from the well-drawn characters to the shocking twists, but one thing that always stands out to me with Jack's writing is how his spies aren't these untouchable, perfect fighters. They take hits and really *feel* them.
Anyway, if you like fast-paced spy thrillers and are craving a believable, well-drawn lady spy, give Maggie Black in KILL ORDER a try.
Anyway, if you like fast-paced spy thrillers and are craving a believable, well-drawn lady spy, give Maggie Black in KILL ORDER a try.
January 19, 2021
An obvious, yet somewhat compelling spy novel, which utilises tropes of the genre plentifully. The next in the series of Maggie Black novels, which follows Maggie on a mission which entangles itselg in her personal life on dangerous levels. The narrative is basic and the plot can be guessed without any semblance of intellect required. At some points, the narrative voice over-explains plot points or repeats things from earlier, as though the reader may have forgotten in the space of 20 pages. These critiques aside, this was an entertaining novel, which took little focus to enjoy.
September 24, 2017
Maggie Black is back again with a fantastic action thriller! She's a beautiful secret agent who is kick ass deadly and is setup to take the fall for the murder of the Mayor of London. Her agency ordered her death and she sets out to prove her innocence and get whoever set her up! This is a fast action page turner book that you can't put down! Fabulous series, can't wait for Maggie's next adventure!
February 19, 2020
Good book and narration. (audible review)
I really enjoyed this book. I like Maggie Black, she is smart and kicks butt.
The story line and plot are good. There is a lot going on all the time. Fast paced and full of action. Mystery and intrigue too.
I am looking forward to more Maggie Black stories.
As for the narration it was very good. I liked it and the narrator did a good job on all the voices.
I really enjoyed this book. I like Maggie Black, she is smart and kicks butt.
The story line and plot are good. There is a lot going on all the time. Fast paced and full of action. Mystery and intrigue too.
I am looking forward to more Maggie Black stories.
As for the narration it was very good. I liked it and the narrator did a good job on all the voices.
January 12, 2018
This book was just awesome. I was waiting to read this one once I got done with Vendetta. Maggie had another round of craziness. She had people close to her that betrayed her, but you have to hang on till the end to find out who. This one kept me up until the wee hours of the night reading and trying to get through it so I could find out if Maggie was going to make it home safe one more time.
August 6, 2018
Carrying on from the great three prequel short stories Maggie is off and running again in this full length thriller novel. More twists and turns and trying to separate good guys from bad guys. Lots of action in several European countries. Some surprises along the way. Looking forward to more Maggie in the future.
September 25, 2017
Kill Order is the first full Maggie Black book and what a fantastic read,a good fast paced story that will leave you wanting more.Looking forward to Maggie's next adventure.I was kindly given an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
September 25, 2017
A well crafted book with excellent characterisation and twisting plot lines. A real page turner and I'm looking forward to more in this new series.
An enjoyable read and a superb start to an enthralling series.
An enjoyable read and a superb start to an enthralling series.
October 4, 2017
A Fantastic Read!
This book has it all! Action, suspense, thrills.......
The authors writing style is just how I like it. Not over fussy, descriptive and flows well.
Looking forward to the next one already!
This book has it all! Action, suspense, thrills.......
The authors writing style is just how I like it. Not over fussy, descriptive and flows well.
Looking forward to the next one already!
October 8, 2017
This is the second book in the Maggie Black series and certainly doesn't disappoint. Fast action and plenty of twists and turns, good plot with great characters. Its a real page turner . Totally recommended and can't wait for the next instalment.
February 22, 2018
👍
If you like a good "kick -ass" female character you will love this book. Good characters, fast paced and nail biting suspense. Throw in a hunky love interest, what's not to like??
This is the first book I've read by this author but I will now backtrack to read the other books.
If you like a good "kick -ass" female character you will love this book. Good characters, fast paced and nail biting suspense. Throw in a hunky love interest, what's not to like??
This is the first book I've read by this author but I will now backtrack to read the other books.
March 25, 2018
Beautiful heroine with a heart
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it. I loved the history and recounting of places I have visited in Europe. The only negative was several typos which were distracting. Can’t wait to read the next one! Great job
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it. I loved the history and recounting of places I have visited in Europe. The only negative was several typos which were distracting. Can’t wait to read the next one! Great job
August 6, 2018
Enjoyable spy novel
Maggie was an enjoyable character, and the book had lots of action! Recommend reading the three case files before this book, though it wouldn’t hurt to read them after.
Maggie was an enjoyable character, and the book had lots of action! Recommend reading the three case files before this book, though it wouldn’t hurt to read them after.
April 17, 2019
A real page Turner
This was one seat gripping . One turn of the page after other ,a lot of bumps and bruises and suspense
Maggie and Leon are a great team and Ashton makes more enjoyable.
This was one seat gripping . One turn of the page after other ,a lot of bumps and bruises and suspense
Maggie and Leon are a great team and Ashton makes more enjoyable.
January 12, 2020
It’s funny that I hold my female “spies” more accountable. It’s another story of girl without parents taken in by a man who betrays her. I am also irritated that the stray cat is ignored after it’s taken in and cared for. It’s an okay story but I am not compelled to read the next in the series.
November 24, 2023
Basic, fun, and not quite as mind-blowing as it would like to be. The literary equivalent of Salt, Reacher, Bourne—and basically every other "on the run" action flick you see on a streamer or in theaters these days.
October 11, 2017
I couldn’t put it down. Loved the book! Maggie Black is kick ass!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews