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Titus Ray Thrillers #7
Three Steps Away
He was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person.
Now, he’s forced to assume an identity from his past.
CIA covert operative Titus Ray always figured one day he might encounter someone who knew him as a different person from a previous operation. He just never expected it to happen on a family vacation.
It was the wrong place . . .
While vacationing in Bridgetown, Barbados, Titus suddenly finds himself face-to-face with an Iranian businessman who knew him as Hammid Salimi when he was living in Tehran during a deep-cover operation. Forced to resume his old identity, Titus learns of a Russian government scheme to help Iran avoid strict economic sanctions imposed on them by the U.S.
It was the wrong time . . .
When Hammid Salimi receives an invitation to attend a party on the island where both Russian and Iranian bankers will be present, Titus risks his life to learn more about Russia’s plans to aid the Iranian regime.
It was the wrong person . . .
After Titus learns the Russians, in partnership with some Iranian investors, have developed a new banking transaction software, the Agency sends Titus to Beirut to participate in the beta testing of the computer program, where he discovers a Russian businessman is not who he claims to be, a discovery that almost costs Titus his life.
It was the wrong place, wrong time, and wrong person, but it was the right decision.
The decision Titus made to resume his old identity could have had disastrous consequences. Instead, it caused him to rely on his faith, confront his anger issues, and depend on the power of prayer.
Book VII in the Titus Ray Thriller Series takes Titus on a perilous journey from Barbados to Beirut. Along the way, Titus uncovers his boss’s secrets, deals with an obnoxious co-worker, and falls in love with Nikki all over again.
Now, he’s forced to assume an identity from his past.
CIA covert operative Titus Ray always figured one day he might encounter someone who knew him as a different person from a previous operation. He just never expected it to happen on a family vacation.
It was the wrong place . . .
While vacationing in Bridgetown, Barbados, Titus suddenly finds himself face-to-face with an Iranian businessman who knew him as Hammid Salimi when he was living in Tehran during a deep-cover operation. Forced to resume his old identity, Titus learns of a Russian government scheme to help Iran avoid strict economic sanctions imposed on them by the U.S.
It was the wrong time . . .
When Hammid Salimi receives an invitation to attend a party on the island where both Russian and Iranian bankers will be present, Titus risks his life to learn more about Russia’s plans to aid the Iranian regime.
It was the wrong person . . .
After Titus learns the Russians, in partnership with some Iranian investors, have developed a new banking transaction software, the Agency sends Titus to Beirut to participate in the beta testing of the computer program, where he discovers a Russian businessman is not who he claims to be, a discovery that almost costs Titus his life.
It was the wrong place, wrong time, and wrong person, but it was the right decision.
The decision Titus made to resume his old identity could have had disastrous consequences. Instead, it caused him to rely on his faith, confront his anger issues, and depend on the power of prayer.
Book VII in the Titus Ray Thriller Series takes Titus on a perilous journey from Barbados to Beirut. Along the way, Titus uncovers his boss’s secrets, deals with an obnoxious co-worker, and falls in love with Nikki all over again.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2020
252 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Luana Ehrlich
40 books332 followersLuana Ehrlich is a USA Today bestselling author, known for her award-winning Titus Ray Thrillers, Mylas Grey Mysteries, and Silas McKay Suspense. Her novels are clean reads with intriguing plots, fascinating characters, jaw-dropping twists, and occasional touches of humor and heart-warming romance.
Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.
Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!
Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...
Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.
Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.
Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!
Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...
Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 6, 2020
I love me some Titus Ray
Three Steps Away is another exciting story about Titus Ray, who is a CIA operative. In this book he takes on some Russians and Iranians who are working on new computer banking software. Titus travels from Barbados to Lebanon using his name he used two years before while working as a watch salesman in Tehran. We see characters from previous books as well. This is another fun book about spying and espionage as well as inspiration. I love these books. Keep them coming Mrs. Ehrlich!!
Three Steps Away is another exciting story about Titus Ray, who is a CIA operative. In this book he takes on some Russians and Iranians who are working on new computer banking software. Titus travels from Barbados to Lebanon using his name he used two years before while working as a watch salesman in Tehran. We see characters from previous books as well. This is another fun book about spying and espionage as well as inspiration. I love these books. Keep them coming Mrs. Ehrlich!!
April 30, 2020
Another great one by Ehrlich! I stayed up late to finish reading it last night. Titus Ray's dry, understated wit keeps me laughing and reading. Good plot pacing and great characters. There's enough explanation of the past that if you haven't read the earlier books, you can still enjoy this one, but I'd highly recommending starting at the beginning to get the full flavor of all the relationships.
July 7, 2020
Another Great mystery Book by Luana Ehrlich
Strong characters that keep you wanting more in the series from book to book. These characters keep you wondering and growing in faith as they pull you into their world of intrigue and justice.
You get a sense of what happening in the world spy’s and in their personal lives. Read any of the Titus Ray series and you’ll read them all. Enjoy!
Strong characters that keep you wanting more in the series from book to book. These characters keep you wondering and growing in faith as they pull you into their world of intrigue and justice.
You get a sense of what happening in the world spy’s and in their personal lives. Read any of the Titus Ray series and you’ll read them all. Enjoy!
September 8, 2020
Whew!
Hold on to your armchair, folks! After reading the previous books in the series, I began Three Steps by repeating a reminder not to get attached to the characters. It is a spy novel with operations in the most dangerous areas of the world. Luana Ehrlich obviously conducts an extensive amount of research about covert missions and current events. I will be reading her books as long as she is an author.
Hold on to your armchair, folks! After reading the previous books in the series, I began Three Steps by repeating a reminder not to get attached to the characters. It is a spy novel with operations in the most dangerous areas of the world. Luana Ehrlich obviously conducts an extensive amount of research about covert missions and current events. I will be reading her books as long as she is an author.
December 17, 2020
This is a fitting way to end this series with Titus assuming an identity he was using at the beginning of this series. But as the description says, it's the right decision though could prove very dangerous. I have enjoyed this series very much with all the mystery, uncertainty, twists & turns. Ms. Ehrlich has a great writing talent.
December 27, 2024
On a vacation in Barbados with his wife Nikki and their soon-to-be- adopted-daughter Eleanor, CIA agent Titus Ray has an unsettling "small world" encounter when he meets Melad Raderi, an Iranian banker who knew Titus in Iran as Hammid Salimi. Raderi is unaware of Titus' real identity, and of the fact that Titus' cover had been blown in Iran.
But that unwelcome encounter also creates an opportunity. Posing again as Salimi, Titus learns that banking software is being developed, with Russia's help, that will enable Iran to circumvent US economic sanctions. The CIA wants to learn about this software, and so they send Titus, as Salimi, to Beirut, where the software is going to be tested.
The operation in Beirut is fairly straightforward, except for the risk that Titus' cover will be blown again. That risk is heightened by the fact that the Russian software developer has a connection with Iranian proxy Hezbollah, who might be able to learn who Hammid Salimi really is.
This is another suspenseful story in a fine series of "Christian spy novels."
But that unwelcome encounter also creates an opportunity. Posing again as Salimi, Titus learns that banking software is being developed, with Russia's help, that will enable Iran to circumvent US economic sanctions. The CIA wants to learn about this software, and so they send Titus, as Salimi, to Beirut, where the software is going to be tested.
The operation in Beirut is fairly straightforward, except for the risk that Titus' cover will be blown again. That risk is heightened by the fact that the Russian software developer has a connection with Iranian proxy Hezbollah, who might be able to learn who Hammid Salimi really is.
This is another suspenseful story in a fine series of "Christian spy novels."
June 22, 2025
Getting to know you
Getting to know the characters in any book becomes an integral part of th story. This author allowa the characters to grow, change, and have lives of their own that may be a stepping stone for a later episode of life as we know it. I have particularly enjoyed watching Titus struggle wth his personal challenges of honesty, truth,, relationships, and secrecy as he learns about commiting to Christ. Concepts like lying, stealing, asking for help from God wihout dictating the terms, then forgetting the problem (no more worry, just trust) Concepts many of us struggle with every time we ask. I am so glad to know and understand I am not alone in this weakness. Thanks for a logical chaos of surprise, planning, trusting, and connections that go awry at every turn!
r
Getting to know the characters in any book becomes an integral part of th story. This author allowa the characters to grow, change, and have lives of their own that may be a stepping stone for a later episode of life as we know it. I have particularly enjoyed watching Titus struggle wth his personal challenges of honesty, truth,, relationships, and secrecy as he learns about commiting to Christ. Concepts like lying, stealing, asking for help from God wihout dictating the terms, then forgetting the problem (no more worry, just trust) Concepts many of us struggle with every time we ask. I am so glad to know and understand I am not alone in this weakness. Thanks for a logical chaos of surprise, planning, trusting, and connections that go awry at every turn!
r
July 24, 2022
A troubling assignment.
Titus is assigned to return to Lebanon to meet with Russian businessmen. The Russians are involved in the development of a new banking system to help Iran be able to move money through the international banking system because the embargo placed on Iran cut them out of the only international banking system. Titus’s last assignment left his other persona, Hamid, in a questionable status with the Iranian secret police, and if found, Titus could be killed. ENJOY!
Titus is assigned to return to Lebanon to meet with Russian businessmen. The Russians are involved in the development of a new banking system to help Iran be able to move money through the international banking system because the embargo placed on Iran cut them out of the only international banking system. Titus’s last assignment left his other persona, Hamid, in a questionable status with the Iranian secret police, and if found, Titus could be killed. ENJOY!
April 5, 2025
An absorbing spy story, told so realistically and with heart that I found very enjoyable. Titus assumes an old identity to take on a new assignment: To copy a new Russian program to aid Iran in circumventing the U.S.'s tariffs against them so that trade can open up between them and Russia --and ultimately many other nations. It turns out that there was insidious connection with Hezbollah. All of this Titus and his team of undercover agents find themselves in the middle. It wasn't full of action and violence, but the story itself was sufficient to engross myself into.
October 25, 2022
Another successful mission
Hamming Silimi, seller of watches as well as covert operative (Titus Ray) for the CIA, is recognized while on vacation in Barbados and discovers a link to the Russian/Iranian plan to subjugate the SWIFT banking protocol with one that allows Iran to exchange money internationally. Will he be recognized as the covert American spy who is wanted by the Iranian secret police, VEVAK? Read & find out!
Hamming Silimi, seller of watches as well as covert operative (Titus Ray) for the CIA, is recognized while on vacation in Barbados and discovers a link to the Russian/Iranian plan to subjugate the SWIFT banking protocol with one that allows Iran to exchange money internationally. Will he be recognized as the covert American spy who is wanted by the Iranian secret police, VEVAK? Read & find out!
January 18, 2024
The Ripple Effect
This book is part of a series that should be read in order. Each book is a complete mission but is often influenced by things that happened in the past. This is very true of the personal relationships as they evolve. This is a clean series with no foul language, no gore, no sex, and little violence. So far, all of the plots have been tight and very plausible. I have been ginge-reading and have yet to say 'That would never happen'. I plan to continue the series.
This book is part of a series that should be read in order. Each book is a complete mission but is often influenced by things that happened in the past. This is very true of the personal relationships as they evolve. This is a clean series with no foul language, no gore, no sex, and little violence. So far, all of the plots have been tight and very plausible. I have been ginge-reading and have yet to say 'That would never happen'. I plan to continue the series.
May 3, 2020
Another good read
While it is a Christian novel, the author doesn’t push the point except where it is appropriate. Titus is newly married and he and Nikki are in the process of adopting Eleanor. On his new assignment he is spotted by a friend from his undercover days. This leads to his next assignment and trouble waiting,
While it is a Christian novel, the author doesn’t push the point except where it is appropriate. Titus is newly married and he and Nikki are in the process of adopting Eleanor. On his new assignment he is spotted by a friend from his undercover days. This leads to his next assignment and trouble waiting,
May 19, 2020
Just finished Three Steps Away. Great reading all seven books.Lovely characterisation.The books are
full of flash backs.Take you on a tour of the life and
trials of life as a spy.Interesting all the way.These 7 books should be a great movie shown as a half hour serial every day.Enjoyed all books and now await the eighth book.
full of flash backs.Take you on a tour of the life and
trials of life as a spy.Interesting all the way.These 7 books should be a great movie shown as a half hour serial every day.Enjoyed all books and now await the eighth book.
April 24, 2021
I have throughly enjoyed the Titus Ray thriller series! Have pretty much binge read them and guess I’ll have to wait a bit for the next one. I have especially enjoyed seeing Titus grow in his faith and how he has learned to share his faith with others effectively. I did have to laugh at the Mossad agent named Ehud and I wonder if he was left handed. 😁
November 1, 2022
Another great “Cannot put it down book!”
Luana had me hooked with her first Titus Ray book and never fails to “exceed expectations.” I enjoy seeing the love between Titus & Nicki grow.
Each book is a surprise in how it develops and brings in old friends.
I have never been disappointed in any of Luana’s book and characters. Thank you.
Luana had me hooked with her first Titus Ray book and never fails to “exceed expectations.” I enjoy seeing the love between Titus & Nicki grow.
Each book is a surprise in how it develops and brings in old friends.
I have never been disappointed in any of Luana’s book and characters. Thank you.
August 9, 2024
Well written
This latest installment in Titus Ray series is a continuation of his story, and the many side stories that flow into it -his work/mission relationships, his family, and the intricacies of his missions - the detailed planning, the mission itself and the wrap-up. Plus, we have a neat view of Titus growing and sharing his faith. Such are encouraging stories for families, marriages and employees to learn to trust, share and obey!
This latest installment in Titus Ray series is a continuation of his story, and the many side stories that flow into it -his work/mission relationships, his family, and the intricacies of his missions - the detailed planning, the mission itself and the wrap-up. Plus, we have a neat view of Titus growing and sharing his faith. Such are encouraging stories for families, marriages and employees to learn to trust, share and obey!
November 15, 2024
Barbados to Beirut
Titus, Nikki and Eleanor were on vacation in Barbados when he was recognized by a name he used as an agent for the CIA. Yikes! He had to play this one out and Carlton assigned him as number two on a team and they went to Beirut, Lebanon. EXCITING‼️ Eleanor’s adoption is coming up and the greatest news of all…Oh yes, this is a great read!
Titus, Nikki and Eleanor were on vacation in Barbados when he was recognized by a name he used as an agent for the CIA. Yikes! He had to play this one out and Carlton assigned him as number two on a team and they went to Beirut, Lebanon. EXCITING‼️ Eleanor’s adoption is coming up and the greatest news of all…Oh yes, this is a great read!
May 24, 2025
Well, this was certainly a different way to get an assignment with the CIA! And I was not expecting Nikki to be involved like she was! So fun. And yes, Ben did his part too. I enjoyed this story even if it was a little unnerving at times because Titus has to become someone he once was who got in big trouble with some secret police.
June 15, 2025
A lot of heart
After enjoying these characters so much in other books, Three Steps Away felt like it revealed munch of their heart and motivation. While this makes me love the characters even more and eager for the next book, it did mean a little less intrigue and action. Still, I am already searching for the next one!
After enjoying these characters so much in other books, Three Steps Away felt like it revealed munch of their heart and motivation. While this makes me love the characters even more and eager for the next book, it did mean a little less intrigue and action. Still, I am already searching for the next one!
October 24, 2025
I'm enjoying getting to know these characters better, and especially the intrigue in Baghdad, but wondering why Titus has given up his abiity to correct his own shortcomings by depending on a magical guy in the sky. Maybe it works for some people, but it seems irrelevant to the movement of these stories.
May 6, 2020
Good read
It took me a total of 8 days to read this during my furlough from work due the Corona Virus. A very good book, but I would recommend trying to read from the beginning "One Step Back" , then you will follow Titus better and all the decisions he makes.
It took me a total of 8 days to read this during my furlough from work due the Corona Virus. A very good book, but I would recommend trying to read from the beginning "One Step Back" , then you will follow Titus better and all the decisions he makes.
May 8, 2020
Another thrilling late night read!
Loved this new Titus book! Each one has become my favorite until the next one comes out. The settings, characters and action while keeping a Christian theme place these books in a category all their own.
Loved this new Titus book! Each one has become my favorite until the next one comes out. The settings, characters and action while keeping a Christian theme place these books in a category all their own.
May 15, 2020
Love Spy Thrillers
Luana Ehrlich again brings us an engaging Christian spy thriller showing how God works in people's daily lives.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian thrillers.
Luana Ehrlich again brings us an engaging Christian spy thriller showing how God works in people's daily lives.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian thrillers.
May 19, 2020
This is a highly entertaining series. Each book contains a stand alone story but I recommend reading the books in sequential order just to enjoy the development of the lead characters and their interwoven relationships.
May 24, 2020
Another Titus Ray hit.....
I love the real life feel behind the action in which Titus finds himself so often. I truly feel a part of the story, and my faith is stretched and grown with each novel as well. Looking forward to the next installment in book 8!
I love the real life feel behind the action in which Titus finds himself so often. I truly feel a part of the story, and my faith is stretched and grown with each novel as well. Looking forward to the next installment in book 8!
May 30, 2020
Excellent read
Once again Titus Ray goes undercover to help keep America safe. He is beginning to enjoy his personal life in a way he never expected. Begin this series from the beginning to learn how he has changed.
Once again Titus Ray goes undercover to help keep America safe. He is beginning to enjoy his personal life in a way he never expected. Begin this series from the beginning to learn how he has changed.
May 31, 2020
I love Luana's books! In this one, Titus Ray (veteran CIA agent, rookie believer) learns how to handle hatred with forgiveness. He also learns to recognize God's guiding hand and listen to His inner voice.
May 31, 2020
Titus accidentally initiated another dangerous operation, and keeps his cool throughout. I like how the author shows how simple the Christian walk is, with profound results. I’d like to know more about the fascinating Mossad...
September 17, 2020
Awesome book!
I love this author! She doesn't bore me with endless repetitions of of the people in the story questioning there love lives like so many Christian authors do. Everything she writes has substance and is interesting!
I love this author! She doesn't bore me with endless repetitions of of the people in the story questioning there love lives like so many Christian authors do. Everything she writes has substance and is interesting!
May 9, 2021
Hard to put down
Luana weaves an exciting story that is hard to put down and go to sleep! Characters become your friends and you are caught up in the espionage! Don’t miss this book and her others too.
Luana weaves an exciting story that is hard to put down and go to sleep! Characters become your friends and you are caught up in the espionage! Don’t miss this book and her others too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews