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Desperate for closure after the love of his life dies in a devastating massacre at Boston Technological Institute, Jon Steadman learns of eerily similar attacks perpetrated by students with no motive or history of violence. Supported by his best friend, a beautiful geneticist, and his new love interest, Jon searches for who is behind the killings, and why.
Their quest unravels a shockingly sinister plot, leading them through America’s heartland, the exotic Middle East, the wilds of Southwestern Utah, and the streets of New York City. Powerful people are standing in Jon’s way, ready to protect their secrets at any cost.
Can the killers be stopped in time from executing the deadliest attack in U.S. history?
SPREE is a story of one man’s battle to overcome the wounds of the past and find redemption in fighting for what’s right. An action-packed thriller, SPREE takes the reader on a whirlwind ride of unexpected twists and turns until the very last page.
Their quest unravels a shockingly sinister plot, leading them through America’s heartland, the exotic Middle East, the wilds of Southwestern Utah, and the streets of New York City. Powerful people are standing in Jon’s way, ready to protect their secrets at any cost.
Can the killers be stopped in time from executing the deadliest attack in U.S. history?
SPREE is a story of one man’s battle to overcome the wounds of the past and find redemption in fighting for what’s right. An action-packed thriller, SPREE takes the reader on a whirlwind ride of unexpected twists and turns until the very last page.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
144 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 4, 2021
For me, Spree, by Nellie Neeman was absolutely a world class conspiracy thriller. The story centers around our hero, a hapless college student who has the misfortune to be among the victims of a event shooting spree followed by a terrorist explosion. Recovery was tough but got worse when he decided to write a thesis on one segment of the incident. What could go wrong? Trust me, it was far more far-reaching than you can imagine. The story flowed perfectly, with just the right combination of reveals and plot twists. Neeman blended a superbly intricate conspiracy into this ‘page-turner’ to borrow a well-worn phrase. But everything blended so …. Well …. realistically that it was spooky and more than a little scary I kept asking myself if this might actually happen? I’m Taken with Nellie Neeman and have already ordered her other Jon Steadman thrillers, Resurrection, and, Vengeance. Five stars for both Nellie Neeman and for Spree. Jeff Bailey, author of the thriller Not On MY Watch.
August 7, 2020
OK, I confess: Nellie and I are real good friends. So, start aiming the argumentum ad hominem, but remember that’s it’s fallacious in nature! That aside, I have another confession: I am not an expert in this field, as thrillers aren’t my basic literary bread; I more often read other genres. But I have dived into the works of some of the leaders—Baldacci, Grisham, Silva—on occasion, often enjoying them. So, I’m not a total thriller novice, either.
Disclaimers done. This book is an impressive effort by a first-time author who has thrown herself into the task in all of its aspects. And the results are successful. There are convincing characters most of whom are sketched as real-human, not supernatural; the reader can “know” some of them. There are many plot reversals—often quite shocking, yet believable.
The format is helpful: many short chapters (some with separated sections) helpfully headed by locational indicators. These characteristics make it easy to know where the action is taking place, and to keep things understandably connected. The typography is clean and clear, and large enough for even “older” persons (of which I am one!) to easily read. And the prose sports a broad vocabulary, properly used: I’d call it writerly.
Is there a distinct downside? Well, it’s real short on sex and profanity; so if that’s what you crave, look elsewhere.
Last comment: Is this book a “good read”? Absolutely, yes!
Disclaimers done. This book is an impressive effort by a first-time author who has thrown herself into the task in all of its aspects. And the results are successful. There are convincing characters most of whom are sketched as real-human, not supernatural; the reader can “know” some of them. There are many plot reversals—often quite shocking, yet believable.
The format is helpful: many short chapters (some with separated sections) helpfully headed by locational indicators. These characteristics make it easy to know where the action is taking place, and to keep things understandably connected. The typography is clean and clear, and large enough for even “older” persons (of which I am one!) to easily read. And the prose sports a broad vocabulary, properly used: I’d call it writerly.
Is there a distinct downside? Well, it’s real short on sex and profanity; so if that’s what you crave, look elsewhere.
Last comment: Is this book a “good read”? Absolutely, yes!
August 14, 2020
Title – Spree, A Jon Steadman thriller
Author – Nelli Neeman
Genre – Thriller
Word Count 92,000
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. 41 - 2020
Posted 8/14/2020
My Impressions: I place Spree between a thriller and a cozy thriller.
Main Characters:
Jon Steadman – College student with PTSD
Melanie Ridgefield – Jon’s girlfriend
Grannie Eunice – Jon’s grandmother.
Gabe Lewis – Jon’s best friend
Dr. Theresa Lavi – Jewish professor
SAC Doug Matthews - FBI
Jon Steadman and his pal Gabe Lewis survive a terrorist attack at a Boston college. His fiancé wasn’t as lucky and died in a massive, flaming blast. Fast forward several years to when Jon and Gabe decide to write a paper based on the earlier attack. They are aware of several similar attacks around the country and wonder if they are related
Their investigation takes them and Jon’s new girlfriend in search of information to tie the attacks together. The amateur sleuths procure two items of DNA evidence and take them to FBI agent Doug Matthews. Doug is not interested in the student’s wild theory about a possible conspiracy of terrorist randomly attacking colleges. With unbridled enthusiasm, they contact a geneticist professor to have extensive DNA testing done. The professor tells them of an expert in Israel who may be able to help them more than he can. But his findings are unexpected news and spurs them on.
Gabe flies to Israel and contacts Dr. Theresa Lavi.
As the investigation picks up steam, people are put in danger and others are attacked and murdered; people purported to be good guys turn out to be evil and others are too close to the students to be suspect.
The editing and sentence structure need the major input of a professional editor.
Character development is good for the main characters and adequate for the support characters.
Details are skimpy for most action scenes as if the author is not familiar with the mechanics.
Timely research is evident in the information of the several locations in the story.
The plot is fresh and interesting but misses at fulling the promises of the story telling.
The writing style is wordy but manages to pull the reader into the story.
The action scenes are poorly thought out and feel contrived.to reach an outcome without the needed choreography.
I enjoyed the story despite of its faults but struggled with giving it a four star rating.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Nelli Neeman
Genre – Thriller
Word Count 92,000
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. 41 - 2020
Posted 8/14/2020
My Impressions: I place Spree between a thriller and a cozy thriller.
Main Characters:
Jon Steadman – College student with PTSD
Melanie Ridgefield – Jon’s girlfriend
Grannie Eunice – Jon’s grandmother.
Gabe Lewis – Jon’s best friend
Dr. Theresa Lavi – Jewish professor
SAC Doug Matthews - FBI
Jon Steadman and his pal Gabe Lewis survive a terrorist attack at a Boston college. His fiancé wasn’t as lucky and died in a massive, flaming blast. Fast forward several years to when Jon and Gabe decide to write a paper based on the earlier attack. They are aware of several similar attacks around the country and wonder if they are related
Their investigation takes them and Jon’s new girlfriend in search of information to tie the attacks together. The amateur sleuths procure two items of DNA evidence and take them to FBI agent Doug Matthews. Doug is not interested in the student’s wild theory about a possible conspiracy of terrorist randomly attacking colleges. With unbridled enthusiasm, they contact a geneticist professor to have extensive DNA testing done. The professor tells them of an expert in Israel who may be able to help them more than he can. But his findings are unexpected news and spurs them on.
Gabe flies to Israel and contacts Dr. Theresa Lavi.
As the investigation picks up steam, people are put in danger and others are attacked and murdered; people purported to be good guys turn out to be evil and others are too close to the students to be suspect.
The editing and sentence structure need the major input of a professional editor.
Character development is good for the main characters and adequate for the support characters.
Details are skimpy for most action scenes as if the author is not familiar with the mechanics.
Timely research is evident in the information of the several locations in the story.
The plot is fresh and interesting but misses at fulling the promises of the story telling.
The writing style is wordy but manages to pull the reader into the story.
The action scenes are poorly thought out and feel contrived.to reach an outcome without the needed choreography.
I enjoyed the story despite of its faults but struggled with giving it a four star rating.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
April 1, 2021
I'm sure all readers agree that their favourite books are those that grab you at page one then keep you superglued to the edge of your seat until the end. This is one of those books.
I dived in without reminding myself what it was about, and within a few taps (Kindle), I was smitten and knew it was going to be a good 'un. It starts with a bang, literally, when a bomb explodes during a function at the Boston Technological Institute causing death and injury. Jon Steadman was there and suffered a personal tragic loss. When further similar bombings start taking place at different institutes, Jon and his girlfriend take it upon themselves to find who is behind the bombings and why. He needs closure for his loss, and it's a quest that, if they fail...they discover...would be disastrous for the US.
The fast pace for this thriller is set right at the beginning and doesn't let up till the end. Neuman does a very good job of portraying Jon, who has, understandably, some demons to deal with, but she doesn't overplay it, and he's very likeable. In fact, all the characters are well portrayed, whether they're good, bad or ugly. The plot is well metered out: no glossing over, no drawn-out scenes, no rushed conclusions and the right amount of focus where it's needed. This is Neeman's debut thriller, but she writes like a seasoned thriller author.
All in all, a very satisfying and enjoyable read. I'm rather pleased to see that this is a 'Jon Steadman Thriller Number One': that means without doubt there is, or will be, another (or more?). I certainly hope so!
I dived in without reminding myself what it was about, and within a few taps (Kindle), I was smitten and knew it was going to be a good 'un. It starts with a bang, literally, when a bomb explodes during a function at the Boston Technological Institute causing death and injury. Jon Steadman was there and suffered a personal tragic loss. When further similar bombings start taking place at different institutes, Jon and his girlfriend take it upon themselves to find who is behind the bombings and why. He needs closure for his loss, and it's a quest that, if they fail...they discover...would be disastrous for the US.
The fast pace for this thriller is set right at the beginning and doesn't let up till the end. Neuman does a very good job of portraying Jon, who has, understandably, some demons to deal with, but she doesn't overplay it, and he's very likeable. In fact, all the characters are well portrayed, whether they're good, bad or ugly. The plot is well metered out: no glossing over, no drawn-out scenes, no rushed conclusions and the right amount of focus where it's needed. This is Neeman's debut thriller, but she writes like a seasoned thriller author.
All in all, a very satisfying and enjoyable read. I'm rather pleased to see that this is a 'Jon Steadman Thriller Number One': that means without doubt there is, or will be, another (or more?). I certainly hope so!
January 3, 2023
Another university blows
The characters in this novel are well developed, with the four main characters being graduate students from far different backgrounds and majors. Their specialities are blended well to enable each of them to contribute to solving the biggest disaster in the two guys' lives. Jon has tried dealing with his loss his own way instead of getting professional help, like most of his friends have done over the years. Keeping his past private may end up costing him his future happiness unless he gets the help he needs. Melanie & Terry come into the lives of Jon & Gabe, who would have been Jon's brother-in-law if not for the bombing years back at BIT. Gabe & Jon decide to do a shared dissertation to complete their degrees and solve the bombing that changed the course of their lives forever. With a mix of old college mates, their parents, and a group of lawmakers they met because of the bombing they muddle through the evidence and are surprised & shocked by what they find at the end of their investigation.
I'm hoping that in future excerpts of their lives, at least Jon's life, we will see the four of them grow their careers, and maybe we'll see their lives end up coming back together in the end. Well written, easy-to-read, interesting characters. Looking forward to reading on.
The characters in this novel are well developed, with the four main characters being graduate students from far different backgrounds and majors. Their specialities are blended well to enable each of them to contribute to solving the biggest disaster in the two guys' lives. Jon has tried dealing with his loss his own way instead of getting professional help, like most of his friends have done over the years. Keeping his past private may end up costing him his future happiness unless he gets the help he needs. Melanie & Terry come into the lives of Jon & Gabe, who would have been Jon's brother-in-law if not for the bombing years back at BIT. Gabe & Jon decide to do a shared dissertation to complete their degrees and solve the bombing that changed the course of their lives forever. With a mix of old college mates, their parents, and a group of lawmakers they met because of the bombing they muddle through the evidence and are surprised & shocked by what they find at the end of their investigation.
I'm hoping that in future excerpts of their lives, at least Jon's life, we will see the four of them grow their careers, and maybe we'll see their lives end up coming back together in the end. Well written, easy-to-read, interesting characters. Looking forward to reading on.
September 13, 2021
I received this book from the author and the fine folks at storyoriginapp.com in return for an honest review.
This book starts off detailing a terrorist attack on a technical school located in Boston, resulting in numerous deaths and the introduction of the protagonist, Jon Steadman.
Shortly after the attack, Steadman transfers to another school, this time in the suburbs of Texas. After another attack, Steadman and a colleague decide to investigate and co-authors their thesis on what maybe causing these students, without any ties to known terrorist organizations, to orchestrate these attacks.
Full of subtle twists and turns, this book is a pleasure to read and would be a favourite for those readers of international intrigue.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and would rate this a solid four stars out of five.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This book starts off detailing a terrorist attack on a technical school located in Boston, resulting in numerous deaths and the introduction of the protagonist, Jon Steadman.
Shortly after the attack, Steadman transfers to another school, this time in the suburbs of Texas. After another attack, Steadman and a colleague decide to investigate and co-authors their thesis on what maybe causing these students, without any ties to known terrorist organizations, to orchestrate these attacks.
Full of subtle twists and turns, this book is a pleasure to read and would be a favourite for those readers of international intrigue.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and would rate this a solid four stars out of five.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
July 7, 2023
Very good start to a new series,with a good plot and some nice plot twists. Jon Steadman, victim of a terrorist bombing, suffers from PTSD, but gets on with life. A few years later, he discovers that there were more than one shooting ending in a bomb explosion, and begins to investigate with like-minded friends. Together, they discover some very terrifying facts, and try to thwart the plot with the help of Police and FBI. But there is a mole somewhere.
Good narration style, very likeable characters - although they are, of course, much smarter than the average FBI agents and discover everything thicker than those with all the money and tools behind them - and a good plot with all its twists and turns make this a very good read of a nice length.
Good narration style, very likeable characters - although they are, of course, much smarter than the average FBI agents and discover everything thicker than those with all the money and tools behind them - and a good plot with all its twists and turns make this a very good read of a nice length.
August 5, 2021
Although I have read other books and watched movies with similar plots, these stories do not stop to terrify me. Any act of violence, even when practiced under "good" intention, is despicable and should be vigorously fought. There´s so much pain and physical and mental health damage left that perpetrators must be brought to trial. So although a work of fiction, the plot is relatable as are some of the characters. This is an easy and interesting reading that got my attention from the beginning. Entertaining!!!
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
September 13, 2021
Jon has lost his fiancee in an explosion on the campus of their college. Her brother and Jon decide to write a thesis that will help them recover and give them more information on what happened. There are more explosions around the country and they get more involved. Jon and Gabe find themselves just trying to stay alive at times. The further I got in this story the more interesting it became. Just when I thought I had it figured out things would change and I would find I was wrong about who the bad guys were.
August 11, 2022
Learning to Fight.
A well written book, quite interesting. However, it would seem a lot of authors have chosen to give students (university or FBI) the ability of being better than those with knowledge an and experience. This is the downside, students may well have knowledge but without experience it would not be enough. Also, featuring someone suffering and almost paralysed at times by PTSD as one of the main characters who fearlessly time after time does what he has not been trained to do and not only succeeds but manages to not let PTSD interfere. Unbelievable.
A well written book, quite interesting. However, it would seem a lot of authors have chosen to give students (university or FBI) the ability of being better than those with knowledge an and experience. This is the downside, students may well have knowledge but without experience it would not be enough. Also, featuring someone suffering and almost paralysed at times by PTSD as one of the main characters who fearlessly time after time does what he has not been trained to do and not only succeeds but manages to not let PTSD interfere. Unbelievable.
August 30, 2020
I received Spree in the mail Friday afternoon, started reading it on Friday night, and finished reading it on Saturday night. I loved it!!!
There are SO many good points! I love how vivid Nellie’s writing is. I could picture everything going on as if I were a fly on the wall or drone in the sky in every scene. I was enthralled from start to finish. My only regret is that I don’t have the next book. I can’t wait for it to come out!!
There are SO many good points! I love how vivid Nellie’s writing is. I could picture everything going on as if I were a fly on the wall or drone in the sky in every scene. I was enthralled from start to finish. My only regret is that I don’t have the next book. I can’t wait for it to come out!!
June 1, 2023
This one really had me going--especially since there have been so many mass killings in the news lately. This is what might happen if there was a concerted effort by a large contingent of people determined to get their point across. I hope it never happens!!
It also demonstrates what happens to the survivors and how at least one of them tries to keep on going. Of course this is a novel--and there is a mystery and several murders involved of people trying to uncover the truth!!
It also demonstrates what happens to the survivors and how at least one of them tries to keep on going. Of course this is a novel--and there is a mystery and several murders involved of people trying to uncover the truth!!
June 14, 2023
A very entertaining book
The wrong place at the wrong time. That's all Jon Steadman can put the loss of the love of his life down to. And he isn't coping too well. But then he starts to find out the truth, they were the first target in a deadly terror plot that could change everything.
The bodies start to mount as Jon and a couple of friends start to see connections where even the FBI can't. Can they stop the carnage in time?
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The wrong place at the wrong time. That's all Jon Steadman can put the loss of the love of his life down to. And he isn't coping too well. But then he starts to find out the truth, they were the first target in a deadly terror plot that could change everything.
The bodies start to mount as Jon and a couple of friends start to see connections where even the FBI can't. Can they stop the carnage in time?
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
August 2, 2020
One of the best thrillers I've ever read from start to finish. The author does a great job with her cast of characters. She paints a vivid picture of every scene in the book, you almost feel like you're there. I jumped off the sofa in one scene where the SWAT team swept into action. I won't say anything else, :)
August 3, 2021
I liked the characters and the plot had potential, but at various points it dragged and the story line and dialogue needed to be tightened up a lot. Although about halfway through I put the book aside to read another, I did care enough to know I wanted to come back to see how things turned out. (Which I did.)
The characters were the best part so I will give the next book in the series a try.
The characters were the best part so I will give the next book in the series a try.
July 26, 2020
I just finished reading Spree. I spent the entire day captivated. It is a real page turner. In fact, had to move away from my husband and his talking so I could continue reading. Excited to read about Jon׳s next adventure.
September 11, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!
October 12, 2020
I truly wish that I could give this novel more than 5 stars. From the first page it grabs your attention and demands to be read. The characters are compelling and story moves at an incredible pace leaving you wanting more.
February 1, 2023
Another twist..YES
Just when you think you have a thread to pull...you see another wrinkle appear in the story. Great page turner..scary supposition for terrorists to reek havoc. Loved the main characters development.
Just when you think you have a thread to pull...you see another wrinkle appear in the story. Great page turner..scary supposition for terrorists to reek havoc. Loved the main characters development.
July 17, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book! This book focuses on our main character, Jon Steadman, who goes above and beyond as a graduate student at UNT to unravel a high-level political conspiracy. This is a page turner, laying a great foundation for another great Political Thriller series.
December 3, 2023
Great story with lots of twists and turns.
I enjoyed this story because it was intriguing but had lots of feeling to it. Surprises along the way to hold my interest. Anyone who likes a mystery/adventure and well written story will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this story because it was intriguing but had lots of feeling to it. Surprises along the way to hold my interest. Anyone who likes a mystery/adventure and well written story will enjoy this book.
February 21, 2021
So much fun, easy to read thriller. Highly recommended. Sequel is out already on the kindle, but I’m waiting for the print edition
July 8, 2021
Good suspense and action. Smart people but not always smart decisions or correct logic.
January 11, 2022
A roller coaster ride as the book takes you through the highs and lows of the main characters life after a devastating terrorist attack, couldn't put it down!
January 14, 2022
Hold onto your hat !
This book has it all......action, mystery, adventure, all thrown into the mix. Really liked this one. Gong on to nxt book.
This book has it all......action, mystery, adventure, all thrown into the mix. Really liked this one. Gong on to nxt book.
January 28, 2022
The storyline looked promising but plodded along at such a slow pace, I lost interest.
July 10, 2022
Held my interest
A possible thriller. Decently written but with gaping holes and implausible plot points. I don't care to read another from this author.
A possible thriller. Decently written but with gaping holes and implausible plot points. I don't care to read another from this author.
August 7, 2022
Too long, but interesting. I thought the story just rambled on and on. But then again, some parts were really good.
You might think this book is a knockout.
You might think this book is a knockout.
August 8, 2022
Reading
It kept my interest the whole time, I could lay it down for weeks and come back to pick up the story where I left off.
It kept my interest the whole time, I could lay it down for weeks and come back to pick up the story where I left off.
July 6, 2023
A book you can't put down
Filled with real life characters, yoo never know who the bad guys are. The tale unwinds slowly but the pace picks up.
Filled with real life characters, yoo never know who the bad guys are. The tale unwinds slowly but the pace picks up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews