Shadow of the Dagger

CIA Operatives #1

by Anne Greene

A Secret Map to Priceless Treasure, A CIA Analyst Turned Detective

Three people are murdered and one kidnapped to find the solution to the map. As Nicole Phillips seeks to find her kidnapped brother, she doesn’t know whom to trust. No one is who they appear to be. All is deception.

To bring his brother’s murderer to justice, CIA Intel Analyst Josh Baruch puts his life on the line. Can he walk the tightrope between obeying the killers’ instructions and bringing them to justice?

Because Nicole Phillips’s husband died in a mysterious plane crash, she fears falling in love again with a reckless, danger-loving type like her late husband. Josh Baruch, the CIA analyst using her as bait to track her brother’s kidnapper, is just such a risk-taking man. Besides living on the edge, Josh is bitter about women and questions God.

Genres: Suspense

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2019

About the author

Anne Greene is an award winning author.

Reviews

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting story about suspense, intrigue, adventure and romance. Shadow of the Dagger by Anne Greene follows Nicole Phillips as she searches for her brother.

Nicole’s husband was killed in a plane crash. Then her parents die in a car accident. Were these really accidents? Now her brother Ian, is missing in Turkey. Apparently kidnapped. She has to find him.

Intelligence Analyst Josh Baruch, comes to Nicole’s rescue when her purse is snatched. Having learned about the kidnapping, Josh suspects the culprit to be a German antiquities dealer. One he believes killed his brother. His plan is to use Nicole as bait to catch Helmut Meier. Nicole trusts God, not men, however she needs to trust someone to help her find Ian in a foreign country.

This story is so full of adventure and mystery. Very well written to keep you in suspense. Details of the settings and the descriptive history really set the mood. You feel like you are there. Well developed characters. And I love how Gods’ story is shared though Nicole.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, mystery, murder and a bad guy that just doesn't stop coming after you. Certainly one that kept them looking over their shoulders and wondering if they would find Nicole's brother before there were no survivors! Action packed and a sweet romance with a suspense filled ending!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of the Dagger is a Christian mystery and suspense novel by award-winning author Anne Greene.

Paul Phillips's death is ruled as an accident. Nicole Phillips's brother, Ian, is missing. The antagonists want information from Ian, or Nicole will die.

WOW! Shadow of the Dagger is action-packed and kept me reading late into the night. I did not want this story to end, yet I was on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happened.

I love an adventure and Ms. Greene did not let me down. Along with the adventure was sprinkled bits of history and faith.

Shadow of the Dagger is my most favorite of author Anne Greene’s books, thus far! I highly recommend Shadow of the Dagger to fans of Christian mystery/suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all—mystery, suspense, intrigue, murder, kidnapping, romance, and villains aplenty. Set in exotic locales of Turkey, Shadow of the Dagger is the story of Nicole and Josh's race to figure out where Nicole's kidnapped brother is being held so they can rescue him. But who can be trusted? Josh and Nicole are even keeping secrets from each other. There are so many twists and turns amidst the nonstop action, readers will need to use all their deducing and sleuthing abilities to keep up. Anne Greene's first book of her CIA Operatives series is an exciting read.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Josh Baruch rushes to help Nicole Phillips in light of nightmarish news, but is he all he seems to be?

The book is written from the Christian romance genre/perspective, with some suspense and mystery mixed in for good measure. However, I would much prefer books written from the mystery/suspense perspective with Christian romance mixed in; it makes the story more suspenseful and mysterious. It is hard to take the suspense ploy seriously when there is constant prose about someone's hair or how they feel electric.

[Carrie Langendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this was a good book. I struggled at first to remember who all the characters were (bad memory on my part) but after which, the book kept me interested throughout with some suspense and waiting to see what she is able to figure out next. I am looking forward to #2. I enjoy how she is able to incorporate that men and women alike are able to utilize prayer.

**I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-Turner, wonderful characters, action-packed. Wow! Kept wondering how they would get out of the situation and what would happen next, the twists and turns and who to trust. Definitely a great read!! Can't wait for book 2!
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns and complex interesting characters make this a must read. Suspenseful and interesting story kept me on the edge of my seat. Murder, intrigue, romance and betrayal fill this book and make it a wonderful read! I received a copy of this book from the author. This review is my honest opinion.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was full of adventures!!! Nicole Phillips is trying to found her brother who was kidnapped and meets Josh on the way, who is willing to help her found her brother. But, can Nicole trust Josh? Very good!!!!

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!! I enjoyed every moment of this book that was full of suspense, espionage, murder, kidnapping, Faith, and romance! In fact, I look forward to the next book in the CIA Operatives series. I’m grateful to have won a copy of this book. I may not have known about this author otherwise!!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow, this came out in 2019 ..not many reviews .. i wonder why??! i won it in a Goodreads giveaway. great cover. i enjoy this writing style. great characters. i wanna read more from Anne Green soon. such a new fan.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delish clean

Great clean uplifting book! Made my day easier. Love and mystery. Anne you did good as usual. Thank you. Ready to start your next one!

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just was not for me.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great first in a new series by Anne Greene, a masterful and versatile Christian author! It is a perfectly balanced novel of faith and suspense that includes intrigue through Turkey and some of its fascinating history and a potential for romance. The characters are developed well throughout, and the plot twists continue to change the landscape of who might be involved with the bad guys.

Nicole’s husband of less than a year was killed in a plane crash just a year ago. Shortly afterwards, her parents died in a car accident. The only family she has left is her brother Ian who is leaving for an archeological dig in Turkey. As Nicole looks at her mail, including another threatening letter regarding a map that she doesn’t know anything about, Ian sends her a text. His interpreter has been murdered and he is concerned she is in danger. Nicole has the summer free, and he is in urgent need of her help. Ian is deaf, due to a genetic disorder in which the person loses their hearing over a period of time. Fortunately, he was able to begin to learn sign language and lip reading while he could still hear, but he isn’t able to read lips of someone speaking in Turkish. Her skills at signing will be invaluable to him, and with her recent PhD in Archeology, she will find the dig as fascinating as Ian.

At his office at the CIA in Langley, Intelligence Analyst Josh Baruch sees a notice about the kidnapping of an American in Istanbul. The suspect is a German antiquities dealer…could it possibly be…Helmut Meier, aka the Viper? If so, it’s time for Josh to take an unscheduled vacation. While the report shows it is not a CIA matter, it may be a matter for Josh, personally, since his brother was murdered in Germany. They suspect the kidnapper will try to contact Ian’s sister, due to arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday.

When Nicole’s purse is snatched outside her hotel, Josh tries to help. He learns the hard way that she knows Tae Kwon Do, then tries to help her. He speaks Turkish fluently from his years of being stationed there in the Air Force. She knows nothing about Ian other than that he didn’t meet her at the airport, and Ian will help her get through the hotel check-in. When they find Ian’s room has been trashed, Nicole faces the awful truth – something happened to her brother. Nicole trusts God, not men, particularly not a man who she meets on the sidewalk of a foreign country. To find Ian, however, she will need to trust someone to help navigate the city and language differences.

Nicole’s faith is clear throughout this breathtaking novel. She prays through each situation and believes in God strongly enough that she feels the need to witness her faith in Christ to Josh, who is Jewish but lacking any real faith. Nicole doesn’t know for sure why Josh doesn’t leave her to find the bad guys herself, and suspects he has ulterior motives or worse – is he working with the kidnappers? She would rather count on the Lord, and the police, who seem to be pulling strings that she doesn’t understand but doesn’t think too deeply into. This is a fabulous novel of faith under extreme pressure, despite the odds, with very scary moments as well as an ending with surprises that is very satisfactory. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate exciting Christian suspense, international espionage, and beautiful demonstrations of faith.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the author, a review was not required.

[Tom Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Nicole Phillips when she travels to the crash site of the plane piloted by her husband. There was no body, but investigators believe coyotes may have dragged the body away. A year later her brother is invited to an archeological dig in Turkey, and he talks Nicole into joining him. Unfortunately, when she arrives in Turkey she discovers Ian has been kidnapped. In the meantime, CIA analyst, Josh Baruch believes the man who killed his brother is responsible for the kidnapping, and is waiting in Turkey for Nicole Phillips when she arrives, as he plans on using her for bait to catch Helmut Meier, better known as The Viper, and the murderer of Josh’s brother.

The author sent me a copy of the book for an honest review. This is a complicated plot, with interesting characters, set in a location known for international spies and intrigue. Josh Baruch is a Jewish American, and well familiar with Turkey, as he was stationed at Incirlik AFB in Adana, Turkey, a place I am also very familiar with. I was stationed there with the Army in 1964, at TUSLOG, as a squad leader with the rank of corporal.

This was a great read, though a few things did bother me. The villain is supposedly the third richest man in the world, but seems to be after small profit in current crime, and a man so rich should have enough lawyers to keep him out of jail (in this case, an American federal prison). Plus, we find that there is someone pulling his strings also, a minor criminal that is behind the whole mess, and he is after Nicole Phillips, as well as the treasure. Now for detective Pavlik, a Russian with the Turkey police, and master of disguise who plays many parts that just don’t seem to fit. In the end an American Air Force rescue team saves the day on Turkey soil, which also was a worrisome finale to a great plot – personally, it would have appeared more legit if the team was led by a Turkey command. Over all, the Christian background is a delight in this international thriller set in Muslim controlled Turkey, and well worth the read. Highly recommended.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of the Dagger is the first book in the CIA operatives series by Anne Greene. In the past year Nicole has lost her husband and her parents. Her home has been searched and she received a note demanding she return a map she does not have. Her brother, Ian, is in Turkey for an archaeological dig and his interpreter has been murdered. He fears for Nicole's safety and convinces her to leave Texas and be with him in Turkey. When she gets to Istanbul, he is not there to meet her and her purse gets stolen. CIA agent ,Josh Baruch is there, helps her check into her hotel and look for her brother. They find his room ransacked. When they go to the local police, Ian does not trust them. In a strange city, without her purse and with her brother missing; Nicole is forced to rely on Josh for help.
Through their search for Ian, several things happen that cause Nicole to not trust Josh. Josh is not honest with Nicole, she thinks he is on vacation in Turkey and does not know of his involvement with the CIA. So when the man from the police station shows up, she trusts him instead.
What a page turning story! It is so full of adventure, suspense and mystery, with a touch of romance, that it is hard to put down. There are a few things that really stand out to me in this story. Nicole very quickly trusts Josh, even though she does not know him. I know my reaction to the situation would have been very different. Nicole has very strong Christian beliefs and Josh has very strong Jewish beliefs. Yet they respect each other and share freely with each other.
I totally enjoyed this story, I enjoyed the rich history the author gives to the area. The writing is so descriptive it is easy to imagine the surroundings and what is happenings. The characters are well introduced and easy to follow.
I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first full length novel I’ve read by Anne Greene. I’ve read several other of her books in novella form, mostly sweet romance type stories. This one had hints of romance but mostly suspense, intrigue and danger. Nicole travels to Turkey alone in search of her missing brother Ian. He’s all that’s left of her family after losing her husband and parents. Shortly after arriving in Turkey her purse is snatched and she is rescued by Josh, a secret CIA Intel Analyst. He does not tell Nicole about his mission to capture the Viper, who also has kidnapped Ian. Thus begins their journey through the crowded streets and shadowed corners in search of Ian and the Viper.
Some history of Turkey is brought in throughout the story as well as customs and family interactions. The women are still treated as possessions and prisoners by their husbands. Some areas traveled are like being in Bible days as if time had stopped. No electricity, wagons or tractors for transportation and cooking on roofs with open flames.
I was amazed by the dangerous way traffic traveled through the streets. You drove at your own risk! But the story itself was heart pounding and grip the edge of your seat reading. Who were the dangerous people to avoid? The “good guys” and “bad” guys” changed throughout to keep me guessing. I even pictured in my mind how this would look on the big screen. If you like foreign country travel and intrigue this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of The Dagger by Anne Greene
This book starts with endorsements from reviewers, dedication page and acknowledgements and then the story begins.
Like this book as it's a bit longer than the author's other works I've read, lot more detailed and lots of action and adventure.
Ian, deaf has been taken from the archaeological site. The captors know he has the map but they can't decode it.
He had called his sister before he was taken to tell her the interpreter had left and she was on her way. She teams up with Josh an agent and assassins are after them.
So very detailed you can feel what each of them are going through-Ian with his eyes covered and he can't hear, they aren't giving him food or drink but drugging him.
Nicole is attracted to Josh as he is her-they get to talk a LOT during the ride to get to Ian's position...
Crazy how information is contained til the very end. Like hearing of the mysteries surrounding the maps and what the all entail.
Amazing part for me was Josh is Jewish and Nicole is Christian and she is able to find passages where the two are discussed-like they are allies.
He is against marrying out of his faith-was raised that way.
Note from the author is also included.
An excerpt from Holly Garden, P, Red is for Rookie is also enclosed at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of the Dagger is the beginning of a new series by Anne Greene. I always look forward to reading one of Greene's books and this one did not disappoint. Readers are introduced to a Nicole, a young widow desperately, searching for her brother, Ian. Josh is a man on a mission. Would they be able to work together to find Ian? Could she trust Josh or is he working with the criminals? The adventure begins at the start of the story and doesn't let up until the climactic ending with lots of fast-paced action in between. The author has crafted strong, relatable characters. I like her style and her honest and redemptive approach to realistic struggles that her characters have. Nicole is a Christian and Josh is Jewish and yet he is drawn to her faith. I enjoyed how the author portrayed their beliefs and brought their differences to a satisfactory ending. I also enjoyed how she portrayed Ian as a person who is deaf. It was interesting to see how the difficulties that Ian encountered, especially with communication, were overcome. Greene has permeated her story with mystery, drama, and emotional tension. Readers who love intrigue with a gentle mystery will not want to miss Shadow of the Dagger. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow of the Dagger by Anne Greene is the debut of the CIA Operatives series. Nicole Phillips is searching for her kidnapped brother. She is not sure who to trust, but she does need help. Josh Baruch, a CIA Analyst, is hunting for his brother’s killer. He wants justice and Josh may have to do something risky to accomplish his goal. Nicole fears falling in love again after the death of her husband. She finds herself attracted to Josh, but she is not sure of taking the risk. Shadow of the Dagger is a departure from Anne Greene’s charming novellas, but you will not regret reading this thrilling tale. I found Shadow of the Dagger to be an intriguing story. It is well-written with the story moved along swiftly. I like how faith is intertwined with suspense in this captivating tale. I love books full of action with kidnapping, murder and mayhem. I thought the characters were developed and relatable. I enjoyed following Josh and Nicole through Turkey on their quest. There are surprising twists as they go on their perilous journey to find Ian, Nicole’s brother. The authors imagery helped to bring this story alive for me. I look forward to reading the next installment in the CIA Operatives series.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read books by Anne Greene. So far, all of the books I've read have been novellas, short and sweet. This is a big move from her regular books. This is a regular length novel and packed full of excitement and adventure. This kept me glued to the pages.

The pace is fast, a real page-turner. The characters are well developed and believable.

This is also a Christian book, no swearing or sex. It isn't a pushy type of Christian book, just faith shown in the main characters.

The editing was well done, mostly. There were about 4 errors that stuck out to me. The one that stuck out the most was the way a sentence was written saying she had her hair covered but it ended up sounding more like she was covered in hair. Editing can make or break a good book for me. I still like this book.

Do I recommend this book, yes? I was gifted this book by the author. I am not required to leave a review and am doing so because I want to.

[Danielle Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it ALL!
You will be on the edge of your seat reading Shadow of the Dagger by Anne Greene. You will travel through Turkey on an amazing journey, filled with peril. Your heart will hurt with everything Ian goes through. You will feel a little adventure mixed with fear (and maybe a little amazement) with the high paced, deceptive, and questioning trek that Josh and Nichole embark on. You can see bitterness and pain she’d away, and a man coming to God.

A great book you won’t be able to put down!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is non-stop action, adventure, and intrigue. I loved Nicole. She was a very strong woman. I couldn’t help but think if I was in her situation, in a foreign country, not able to speak the language and unfamiliar with the customs, not sure who to trust. I though the author did a great job in conveying these feelings. I also loved Josh. His quest for revenge, but also his searching for an unknown something. I would recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different from the romance books that I have read by Anne Greene. I was not sure what to expect but was definitely not disappointed. This novel intertwines romance, suspense, action, intrigue, and mystery all into one fantastic story.
As the reader, I was transported into the action and the setting. I found myself holding my breath at certain points in the story and praying for Nicole, Josh and Ian's safety. I appreciated the beauty in the details of the scenery and setting.
Above all, I love how Anne included God's story through Nicole.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply detailed and no holds barred on this movie-like story. Fast paced action keeps the pages turning. I quite enjoyed the mystery, intrigue and betrayal that surrounded them all. The characters all have their unique qualities – not your typical ones. That made for an attention keeping tale. A gritty delve into smuggling and danger in another country. If you like adventure and gritty movies like Bourne – then you will enjoy this story.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, espionage, a Christian heroine, a Jewish hero, too many bad guys. You certainly get the sense of the difficult lives of women in Turkey, what it's like to be Jewish, so many twists and turns in the well-woven plot. Exciting.

[Bobbi Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. Well not all of it. Anne has once again written a very great book. The twists and turns made this book a definite good read.