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Michael Quinn
Baltic Dance: A Michael Quinn Short Story
A linguistics expert is the key...
...but she's been captured by the Russians.
Now only Quinn can save her.
Dive into the world of classic espionage as Michael Quinn, independent contractor for the CIA, takes on his most daring assignment yet. If he can't rescue her, he risks Russian destabilizing Latvia--and perhaps the rest of the Baltic states, too.
You'll love this thriller because of its action, excitement, and clever writing. Get it today.
"This appealing spy is ready for his own series." - Kirkus Review
"A rip-roaring thriller..." - Amazon Review
...but she's been captured by the Russians.
Now only Quinn can save her.
Dive into the world of classic espionage as Michael Quinn, independent contractor for the CIA, takes on his most daring assignment yet. If he can't rescue her, he risks Russian destabilizing Latvia--and perhaps the rest of the Baltic states, too.
You'll love this thriller because of its action, excitement, and clever writing. Get it today.
"This appealing spy is ready for his own series." - Kirkus Review
"A rip-roaring thriller..." - Amazon Review
- GenresFiction
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2019
1 person is currently reading
1647 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Scott Olson
9 books355 followersKevin Scott Olson lives in southern California, where his hobbies include travel, outdoor sports, and keeping up with the adventures of ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn.
His debut Michael Quinn novel, Night of the Bonfire, is an Amazon Best Seller, reaching #6 of the top 100 novels in its genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 25, 2019
These short stories by Kevin Scott Olson are top notch.
I've read several of his stories and they have never disappointed.
This BALTIC DANCE is a pure delight in the way it was written. EXCELLENT.
I have one more book to read by Kevin. Kevin Scott Olson - QUINN - The Short Stories Volume 1
I've read several of his stories and they have never disappointed.
This BALTIC DANCE is a pure delight in the way it was written. EXCELLENT.
I have one more book to read by Kevin. Kevin Scott Olson - QUINN - The Short Stories Volume 1
October 1, 2019
I liked this fast-paced, action-packed read a lot.
I will definitely pick up more of Kevin Olsen’s books in the future.
I will definitely pick up more of Kevin Olsen’s books in the future.
January 20, 2023
Short stories tend to be a hit or miss for me so take this with a grain of salt as I can be a bit picky with them. I liked the idea of this one and I think he has the potential of writing a story I would like in a longer format but this one just didn’t quite work for me. As a German, I’m not really sure what those phrases were supposed to mean and when I googled some other unknown words, they always came up with different spellings also. I also found some of it not quite believable, some a bit cheesy, and some relatively predictable. It probably is a nice quick book snack for some that doesn’t overanalyze like I do sometimes.
June 24, 2019
I was so fortunate to have received a free copy of this book from the Author, and I am very happy to leave a review. Honestly the only negative thing I have to say about it, that it is a short story, when I clearly need a longer fix of Michael Quinn. He should be a movie already, and perhaps he could team up with Jason Bourne? Anyway Kevin Scott Olson has done it again, it has suspense and is action packed and can be read in one sitting. Can't wait to see what mission Michael will be send on next. Please keep them coming.
June 24, 2019
This short story was given to me by the author.
I have read other Michael Quinn stories.
As soon as it came, I sat down to read it.
It was like visiting an old friend.
It follows Michael Quinn to Russia.
The writing is concise with just enough detail to allow you to picture the characters and action in your mind.
There is plenty of action non stop.
I didn't put it down until the last page.
It can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read other Michael Quinn stories.
I have read other Michael Quinn stories.
As soon as it came, I sat down to read it.
It was like visiting an old friend.
It follows Michael Quinn to Russia.
The writing is concise with just enough detail to allow you to picture the characters and action in your mind.
There is plenty of action non stop.
I didn't put it down until the last page.
It can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read other Michael Quinn stories.
September 28, 2019
In the exciting short story “Baltic Dance” which I received through Goodreads Giveaways, former Navy Seal Michael Quinn is given an undercover assignment to rescue Karina Lusis, a linguist working for the Lativian counterintelligence agency who was kidnapped by the Russians as a pawn in their game to gain political leverage in her country.
In an adrenaline rush that’s set between Germany and Russia, the story quickly heats up with action, adventure and intrigue as Quinn devises an ingenious plan for saving Karina. Well-developed, in a smoothly flowing writing style, intensity and suspense build with a diversion near the end and a thrilling climax that has the reader wanting more of Michael Quinn’s adventures.
Although short in length the characters are well-defined. Michael Quinn is the sharp, capable and no-nonsense CIA special operative who does show human vulnerability at the cruise ship’s checkpoint while twenty-seven-year-old Kurina Lusis is the quick-witted, resilient and calm Lativian National.
“Baltic Dance” is a compelling thrill-ride that I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more of Michael Quinn’s adventures.
In an adrenaline rush that’s set between Germany and Russia, the story quickly heats up with action, adventure and intrigue as Quinn devises an ingenious plan for saving Karina. Well-developed, in a smoothly flowing writing style, intensity and suspense build with a diversion near the end and a thrilling climax that has the reader wanting more of Michael Quinn’s adventures.
Although short in length the characters are well-defined. Michael Quinn is the sharp, capable and no-nonsense CIA special operative who does show human vulnerability at the cruise ship’s checkpoint while twenty-seven-year-old Kurina Lusis is the quick-witted, resilient and calm Lativian National.
“Baltic Dance” is a compelling thrill-ride that I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more of Michael Quinn’s adventures.
January 7, 2020
I won this last year as a Goodreads giveaway. No real excuse as to why it took this long to get to a story that took less than an hour to read other than I just never got to it.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but Michael Quinn seems like an interesting character. I think that because I haven't read anything else in the series, there were a lot of things that I should have known, but didn't, but it didn't make the story unreadable.
For such a short piece of fiction it was well contained and didn't cut a lot of corners. I did wish, however, that it wasn't so cut and dry. Michael never really had any problems or slip ups or resistance for what he was doing. There was no real conflict other than he needed to get in, rescue someone, and get out. I never felt like he really had to work for his victory enough.
Overall it was still an interesting story.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but Michael Quinn seems like an interesting character. I think that because I haven't read anything else in the series, there were a lot of things that I should have known, but didn't, but it didn't make the story unreadable.
For such a short piece of fiction it was well contained and didn't cut a lot of corners. I did wish, however, that it wasn't so cut and dry. Michael never really had any problems or slip ups or resistance for what he was doing. There was no real conflict other than he needed to get in, rescue someone, and get out. I never felt like he really had to work for his victory enough.
Overall it was still an interesting story.
June 27, 2019
BALTIC DANCE BY KEVIN SCOTT OLSON is a short story in the Michael Quinn series. Even though the book is only 45 pages long, you still get the fast paced, heart stopping spy thriller tha Mr.Olson is known for.
Quinn is assigned to rescue a Latvian woman, a spy, from the Russians. He, like always , works off the books and way way under the cover of darkness. Getting into Russia is not really a big deal,getting out,with the girl and alive is another thing.
I have been a huge fan of Mr.Olson's and love his Michael Quinn series. If you like you spy thriller down and dirty then BALTIC DANCE is for you. Better yet read them all,you'll love them.
I receive this book free from the author in exchange for an open and honest review.
Quinn is assigned to rescue a Latvian woman, a spy, from the Russians. He, like always , works off the books and way way under the cover of darkness. Getting into Russia is not really a big deal,getting out,with the girl and alive is another thing.
I have been a huge fan of Mr.Olson's and love his Michael Quinn series. If you like you spy thriller down and dirty then BALTIC DANCE is for you. Better yet read them all,you'll love them.
I receive this book free from the author in exchange for an open and honest review.
November 29, 2019
I was able to read this clever, fast moving, intelligent spy novel cum action story while standing. I've been attempting to do so more often in order to offset the damage done by sitting too long (where did I hear, "sitting is the new smoking"?), and whenever a book (story, periodical, etc.) is boring, I find it difficult to achieve my goal of standing for a certain length of time.
In the same manner a long story has a beginning, middle, and end, as well as an inciting incident, a heroine/hero, a denoument, a great story line, and great prose, so does a short story. It's just more condensed.
What I reall liked about Kevin Scott Olson's story is I never got the feel I was reading a short story. That's the adventure of good writing of adventure.
In the same manner a long story has a beginning, middle, and end, as well as an inciting incident, a heroine/hero, a denoument, a great story line, and great prose, so does a short story. It's just more condensed.
What I reall liked about Kevin Scott Olson's story is I never got the feel I was reading a short story. That's the adventure of good writing of adventure.
September 23, 2019
I was fortunate to be given a print copy of Baltic Dance by Kevin Scott Olson for review.
Michael Quinn is the quintessential spy character. Olson has created a masterpiece series with the Michael Quinn short stories. I'll add my voice to all the others calling for a full length novel. Something we can spend some real time with.
The story itself: Fast paced action, intrigue and basically kicking butt and taking names. Quinn's task is to rescue a hostage being held in Russia. Off the books of course, which means no holds barred. Just the way Quinn, and his fans like it. Of course she's beautiful and of course no sex portrayed.
Great espionage fun. Enjoy!
Michael Quinn is the quintessential spy character. Olson has created a masterpiece series with the Michael Quinn short stories. I'll add my voice to all the others calling for a full length novel. Something we can spend some real time with.
The story itself: Fast paced action, intrigue and basically kicking butt and taking names. Quinn's task is to rescue a hostage being held in Russia. Off the books of course, which means no holds barred. Just the way Quinn, and his fans like it. Of course she's beautiful and of course no sex portrayed.
Great espionage fun. Enjoy!
July 23, 2019
First of all, many thanks to the author for trusting me and sending me a free copy of this short story.
It's always a pleasure to read about Michael Quinn and I shouldn't be surprised about the way Olson can pack action and adrenaline in a short amount of pages, but I am.
I think this one could be my favorite so far and Olson can spare excessive details and still deliver atmosphere and shades to his characters.
I could feel the Russian cold, I could see the beautiful and the ugly hidden in plain sight.
I'll never get tired of Michael Quinn.
It's always a pleasure to read about Michael Quinn and I shouldn't be surprised about the way Olson can pack action and adrenaline in a short amount of pages, but I am.
I think this one could be my favorite so far and Olson can spare excessive details and still deliver atmosphere and shades to his characters.
I could feel the Russian cold, I could see the beautiful and the ugly hidden in plain sight.
I'll never get tired of Michael Quinn.
July 8, 2019
These stories keep getting better and better. While it may not be as full of adrenaline as other Michael Quinn stories, it is loaded with suspense. This is a hostage rescue story, a very captivating one to say the least and I really liked how the word "dance" in the title reflects the action in more than one way. Michael Quinn saves the day once again, he is the classic hero who always gets the job done and ends up with the pretty lady. A very enjoyable read!
October 10, 2019
I received this book from the author and freely offer this review.
Quinn, after a failed attempted assassination, Quinn receives an assignment to rescue a Latvian linguist from the Russians. The Russians are attempting to provoke a reaction which will give them an excuse to invade and annex Latvia.
The man holding her, is a skilled masochistic torturer and killer. Quinn has this job cut out for him.
Quinn, after a failed attempted assassination, Quinn receives an assignment to rescue a Latvian linguist from the Russians. The Russians are attempting to provoke a reaction which will give them an excuse to invade and annex Latvia.
The man holding her, is a skilled masochistic torturer and killer. Quinn has this job cut out for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2019
A very short story about an international rescue of a hostage. A young woman is taken by the Russians and is being held hostage while the governments negotiate her release. But an operative is hired to rescue her.
This could easily turn into a full lenth book with more details. There are moments when I could feel the fear and adrinalin as I read. It is a well written short story, but I wanted more.
This could easily turn into a full lenth book with more details. There are moments when I could feel the fear and adrinalin as I read. It is a well written short story, but I wanted more.
June 26, 2019
In "Baltic Dance", Kevin Scott Olson continues with his unique writing style. He is very descriptive and allows the reader to enjoy the atmosphere of the character's surroundings. As with other Michael Quinn stories this one is also filled with lots of action, adventure, intrigue and suspense. A great little read. Short and to the point....
September 18, 2019
I won this on Goodreads on 22 July 2019, the printed book arrived 13 September. It was worth the wait. A snappy, action-packed short story featuring independent CIA contractor Michael Quinn, involves you from the start, and keeps the tension up to the suspense filled conclusion. I read a lot of thrillers, and will look for more of Olson's work.
January 19, 2020
A nice short espionage story taking place in Latvia. Some nice comparisons to current political tensions help the story. The writing was clear and on point throughout, keeping attention to the story. This was my first exposure to Kevin Olson’s work and I look forward to reading more of his stories.
August 20, 2020
Baltic Dance by Kevin Scott Olson was a tease. He has one of those characters that make you wonder if there are really people out there that can do that stuff. If there is I want one. Great Novella with a character you won't forget.
Keep up the good work and looking forward to reading more
Cheers
Lynn
Keep up the good work and looking forward to reading more
Cheers
Lynn
January 31, 2021
5 Stars
Baltic Dance is an exciting, engaging, short action story. Michael Quinn proves to be, once again, one of my favorite action heroes. He is intelligent, capable, confident, and smooth, and if I ever found myself kidnapped by a foreign enemy, I would hope he's the operative sent to rescue me.
It's a fun, quick read; no emotional commitment required, just pure entertainment.
Baltic Dance is an exciting, engaging, short action story. Michael Quinn proves to be, once again, one of my favorite action heroes. He is intelligent, capable, confident, and smooth, and if I ever found myself kidnapped by a foreign enemy, I would hope he's the operative sent to rescue me.
It's a fun, quick read; no emotional commitment required, just pure entertainment.
July 29, 2019
An intriguing tale of rescue starring the daring Michael Quinn! Kevin Scott Olson is a master of suspense, and always good for an entertaining read! Am starting my next Michael Quinn adventure with great anticipation!
October 2, 2019
This is a very short story that introduces the main character in such a way as to get you curious to check out the further adventures, and this it does quite well. A good bit of action & espionage is packed into this small package! An enjoyable read!
October 21, 2019
Michael Quinn is now free lancing with the CIA and has just been given a job to rescue a Latvian intelligence analyst who has been kidnapped by Russia. A scheme is planned to rescue Karina and get her out of Russia by a cruise ship. Outlandish but it works!
December 18, 2019
I don't know how mr. Olson lacks such a powerful story into so few pages, but let me assure you, he does. I got into this right away, and my heart was pounding right along with the people in the tale. Read this, it's terrific.
March 2, 2025
I don't recall having read this before but it seems I had in his short story collection, six years ago. In my defence I do read a lot of books, fact and fiction. Short, sweet and excellent was Baltic Dance.
June 25, 2019
Excellent book!!!
June 27, 2019
Yeah Kevin Olson.
Your writing is so exciting that I cannot put your books down.
Your details make the story for our hero, Michael Quinn.
What a guy.
Your writing is so exciting that I cannot put your books down.
Your details make the story for our hero, Michael Quinn.
What a guy.
June 28, 2019
An erratic endeavor with a vision of the best case scenario.
July 14, 2019
All of these short stories are complete stories and some I had wished were longer.
I think you will like this book.
I think you will like this book.
September 8, 2019
Baltic Dance is a fast read hard to put down book. Read it in one sitting. must read more Kevin Scott Olson books.
September 15, 2019
Fast paced and action packed if you like adventure this book is for you ! Awesome writing couldn’t put it down wish it was longer !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews