Total Blackout

A Jack Tate SAS Thriller #1

by Alex Shaw

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE

The start of a gripping new crime thriller series introducing ex-SAS trooper Jack Tate!

‘Looking for breakneck pace and a relentless hero? Alex Shaw has you covered’ James Swallow 

Don’t miss the explosive start to the Jack Tate series.When the lights go out…British MI6 agent, and former SAS trooper, Jack Tate is trying to escape his past when he witnesses a terrorist attack of unthinkable scale. An electro-magnetic pulse knocks out the US power grid, killing anything with a computer processor, throwing the whole country into darkness.

You have to escape the past.Under the cover of the blackout, a clandestine operation aims to assassinate prominent public figures on US soil. Looting and violence spreads across the country. And Jack Tate’s past comes back to haunt him. As the only intelligence operative on the ground, he is hurled into a mission that will put him – and the people he loves – in immediate danger.

You have to defeat the enemy.With the fate of the United States on the line, only he can prevent the horror of a new world war.

Perfect for fans of James Deegan, Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney, this is an explosive action thriller you won’t be able to put down.‘Compelling and authentic. An explosive new series with an uncompromising hero’ Tom Wood

‘Jack Tate is a powerful character, a true Brit hero. A cracking start to a new series!’ Alan McDermott

‘Alex Shaw is a master of the action thriller. Grabbed me from the first page and never let go’ Michael Ridpath

‘Riveting thriller with an original plot and surprising twists. Tate is totally convincing as a classic Brit operative.  Great drama and characterisation’ Duncan Falconer

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Audiobook, Crime

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2020

About the author

ALEX SHAW B.A.(Hons), P.G.C.E. spent the second half of the 1990s in Kyiv, Ukraine, teaching Drama and running his own business consultancy before being head-hunted for a division of Siemens. The next few years saw him doing business for the company across the former USSR, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.

COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.

Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a new hero on the block, in the form of SIS operative (MI6 agent) Jack Tate, and his first outing in this new series is pretty full on.

A terrorist attack in the US using EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) destroys everything controlled by electronics, all the things that are deemed essential in our modern world of technology.

That means that not only is communication impossible, (unless you have an old fashioned radio set) but all modern cars are rendered useless - only the much older cars are not affected, so mobility becomes a serious issue too. This in itself is enough to cause widespread panic, but in addition, the EMP attack is designed to distract attention from some very high profile assassinations.

Jack Tate is on vacation in Maine when the attack begins, but he needs to get to Washington to protect his Diplomat brother Simon, who works at the British Embassy, before Simon becomes just another number on the terrorist’s hit list.

This is a really tense and action packed start to the series, one that pits the wits of the Brits and Americans against that of the Russians and Chinese. Jack proves himself a great protagonist, brutal when the occasion calls for it though, because he’ll move heaven and earth to protect his brother - he has no patience with the predators in society, and can be as brutal as his adversaries.

Fast, furious and absorbing, and a terrific start to this new series.

*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

British MI6 agent Jake Tate is on holiday in Maine, USA when a terrorist attack on a massive scale takes place. An Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) had been detonated which destroys anything that is controlled by electronics. Being the world we live in today that is a hell of a lot of things and rendering the country to its knees.

With the country in a panic, key figures being assassinated, and violence escalating Jake’s skills are called upon as he is the only person on the ground in the US that has the knowhow to stop this attack turning into a war.

Total Blackout is an exciting, explosive thriller that had me on the edge of my seat more than once. The book moves between the bad guys and Jake and we also get to see into Jake’s past. The book opens with the blackout and then moves back in time two days.

Whilst I was gripped to the pages I was also a little disappointed that by 35% of the way through the book we still weren’t back where we started with the blackout and that apart from Jake’s few suspicions of the Russian’s staying at the same motel as him, being stopped by the police, and some assassination attacks nothing more had occurred. I was expecting this to be a full-on adventure the whole way through.

This is a tense thriller that is very modern and shows how much we actually rely on technology these days. I loved Jake’s character and the way he thought about things and acted. He had an air of James Bond to him, just not as posh!

This book is exhilarating, frightening, and far too realistic for my liking 🙂 I now can’t wait to see what is install for Jake in the future.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to what looks like going to be an awesome series
Jack Tate is SAS and on a months leave, he lives in Camden London so decides to go and visit Camden in America and have a relaxing few weeks
Of course this isen’t to be as he gets caught up, unwittingly, in what is going to be/ and is the world’s deadliest terror attack
We travel with him as he fights Russians and Chinese and tries to stop his brother ( working at the British Embassy ) from being tortured and killed by a foe he never realised he had
Its all go and keeps going as his SAS training is pushed to the limits as he engages in battle after battle in this high stake drama
He also meets some unlikely hero’s in the course of the book, which I really loved, ordinary people who decided to help and use inner strength they never realised they had
There is a lot of action, most pages include it and there is never a second spare in the adventure
There are some tekky details re guns and planes and the like but all were interesting and explained enough for me to follow
I enjoyed it so much am keen to see what happens to Jack next up and so am starting the next book now!

10/10
5 Stars

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total Blackout by Alex Shaw - Narrator: Leighton Pugh
Audiobook: 10:52 hours - Heard: 06:42 hours - Balance: 04:10
October 22, 2021 – Shelved as: a-dnf-or-try-again

I became disenchanted with this book from the beginning (see below), but when it reached the "critical event", at about 50%, I was flabbergasted at the inanity of the story and the required suspension of belief. The narration was not very good, particularly when the reader was vocalising women and younger girls.

From my Reading Progress:
September 21, 2021 – 16%
"This book is OK so far, but I am not sure about the 4 & 5 stars fuss. - 16% done"
October 11, 2021 – 22.0%
October 19, 2021 – 43.0%
"I cannot say that I am overly thrilled by this book so far - 43% done."
October 22, 2021 – 62.0%
"I simply cannot be bothered listening to any more of "Total Blackout" - 62% Done"

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total Blackout is the first instalment in the Jack Tate SAS thriller series from bestseller Alex Shaw and the series begins in style with a high-octane, heart-pounding action sequence which sets off a thrilling and multilayered plot. While vacationing in Camden, Maine, former SAS trooper Jack Tate is accused of a high profile assassination. Hours later, after another shooting, the Camden PD reluctantly realise that Tate is the wrong man. Upon finally returning to his hotel, Tate overhears a group of guests speaking Russian. They seem to be discussing a military mission, but who are they and what is the event they mention? With his suspicions rising and unable to sleep, Tate tries to call a contact—but the power goes out... China has attacked the US with an EMP bomb, but China is not the only nation-state threatening the ‘land of the free’. Cloaked by chaos, a clandestine Russian operation is underway on US soil; but what is the mission objective? And what is their leader’s secret agenda?

Uncovering this plot, Jack Tate races to Washington to find his brother; but for the former SAS trooper, turned MI6 operative, things are never easy, today things will be deadly. In Washington, one diplomat is murdered and another is missing. Investigating this, as the EMP strikes, Metro PD Detective Jon Chang finds that he alone is left to follow the trail. But can Chang defeat the demons that have cost him his family, before the death toll rises? Jack Tate and Jon Chang will be forever changed, as they fight to defy the odds in a battle they must not lose. Move over, James Bond! There's a real hero in town. He's tough, trained and superb at what he does. An extraordinarily exhilarating action thriller from word go, this is a must-read for fans of espionage and political thrillers with a complex but able protagonist who knows how to remain calm even when the reader is on the edge of their seat. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC.

[Kashif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total Blackout is a no-nonsense straight shooter action thriller with a fascinating plot, breakneck and brutal action, and a new highly capable SIS (MI6) operator protagonist who gets the job done in a badass fashion.

Total Blackout features a secretive joint effort of Russian and Chinese entities who develop a technological innovation in the form of an EMP device that can be deployed easily over a geographical region with a profound reach of electromagnetic radiation. This device is tested right over thee heart of Washington, DC, plunging a vast portion of North America in utter blackout. Simultaneously, Russians have employed assassination teams to take out certain individuals who are vocal opponents of Russian President’s injustices. With a grand plan that involves a Russian Spymaster with enigmatic motivations, it essentially boils down to two men to step up and try to make sense of not just the assassinations, but also the EMP attack and the endgame. One of them is Jack Tate.

Jack Tate is a badass SIS, Secret Intelligence Service aka MI6, operative on a vacation in US to meet his step-brother, Simon Hunter, who is stationed at the British Embassy. With a stroke of coincidence and luck, his path crosses with the head deputy of Camden where an assassination has taken place and he is confused for the suspect. As Tate offers his insights once the confusion sets away, his interest in the case peaks and soon enough, he is centered in the midst of the Russian assassination plot. Meanwhile, another assassination in the heart of Washington, DC has Jon Chang, a detective with Washington Metro PD investigating the assassination. With clues starting to surface, Chang is embroiled into the world of hitmen and shootouts and car chases as he tries to get to the heart of the assassination while protecting the next potential target. Both plotlines end up intertwining aptly and convincingly, leading to a fantastic finale with secrets exposed and bullets flying around. With implications of a vast operation, the crux of the narrative comes down to personal stakes with dark secrets unearthed that shake both Tate and Hunter to their core.
Speaking of bullets, the action in this thriller is fantastic. The tactical and technical aspect pertaining to weapon descriptions and hand-to-hand combat is extremely well done and well-displayed. Jack Tate is a lethal operative who takes no pity on his adversaries as he shoots for the head with HK 416s and Glocks. I immensely enjoyed the cinematic shootouts and action sequences. At the same time, Jon Chang is also wrapped up in great action sequences. As a less tactically savant character, his action sequences are handled with a subtle nod to his relatively novice experience in bloodshed when compared to Tate, which adds to the realism of the narrative.

Focusing on the characters, they are well rooted in terms of being grounded as well as fleshed out properly. Jack Tate is established well, with his skills and experiences speaking for his past as opposed to simply writing out his training. At the same time, there is enough backstory for Tate to involve readers to invest in Tate as the leading character, along with setting up a continuing storyline for future novels to explore. What I enjoyed about Tate was his no-nonsense demeanor. He feels no remorse for the adversaries he kills in self-defense, and he employs brutal undertaking in his shootings and combat to hit fast and hard.

Total Blackout is an action-packed narrative with a tactically savant protagonist and an exciting fast-paced plot that keeps the gas pedal floored with excellent action sequences. Be sure to grab your copies on the 25th of September. This is a straight shooter!!

[Hanlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a break. A tour through America and meeting up with his brother. What can go wrong........ Well, quite a lot if your name is Jack Tate!!

A purple detonation above Washington, D.C.....the result....a total blackout all over America. Nothing electronic works. No phones, no cars; except ones fitted with reinforcements to protect it from and EMP; nothing. Who is behind this attack and is it linked to 3 assignations within 2 days? Who are the mysterious Russians lurking around?
Fortunately, Jack Tate is there.

I enjoyed this read a lot. Here and there I would have liked scenes to be fleshed out a bit but it was still a highly entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Humphrey Hawksley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Shaw produces the best tension of any thriller writer working today and, with Total Blackout, has shone a spotlight on a high concept threat of which we should all be more aware. Action moves swiftly between small-town America which brings to mind Lee Child and C. J. Box and the British embassy in Washington D.C. as Jack Tate races against time to save his brother. It is unclear whether Shaw prefers to embed his story with the researched reality of Tom Clancy or the extravagance of fancy so beloved by fans of James Bond. He may not need to choose, and no doubt his next Jack Tate outing will propel him further to the front of his craft

[Nick Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a writer that has already delivered a good ex-SAS type trilogy, one that is well worth catching up on. So....one arrives at this book with certain expectations only to have them dashed almost straight away and in a GOOD way.
So the traditional script goes that the bad guys are planning a “spectacular” with an emp explosion that will knock out all electronics in a large section of the US. Tradition would have the forces of good chasing down the bad guys and just stopping things in an action packed final few chapters. Er, nope.
No spoiler to say that the emp goes off fairly early in the book and it is a damaged and confused US that the story takes place in. An ex SAS intelligence agent is on holiday and finds himself in the middle of the action. People are being assassinated, there is no power and there appears to be an agenda beyond terrorism. But Jack Tate is smart and talented and is the right man in the wrong place at the wrong time.
So much to enjoy here. Instead of a post apocalyptic event the emp is presented as a background to the story and a unique situation for our characters to be operating within. And there is a complex and interesting plot, the author bringing into play his knowledge of Ukraine and the mindset and politics of that country.
Loved the way my expectations were turned upside down, made the situation unique and the plot hard to predict. Very good stuff indeed.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a fast paced action thriller.
Unfortunately it is let down by being far fetched as most of these type of stories are.
Bullets flying everywhere but the hero never getting killed.
If you like James Bond then this may be for you.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some ridiculous plots but overall a fun action that did not focus only on Jack.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Alex Shaw and it is a little belter. Jack Tate is on holiday in the USA and on his way to see his step-brother Simon, who is a diplomat for the British Embassy when he is pulled over. He soon finds himself on the wrong side of the law and being hauled off to the police station. Jack has been in worse situations so takes it all in his stride, he was a SAS operative and now works for the MI6 back in the UK. It isn’t long before his innocence checks out but his interest is peaked.

When Huge parts of the USA is plunged into darkness, with only very old forms of communication still working and modern cars drained of power he kicks into working mode. This is one hell of a fast-paced all-action thriller. Jack is smooth, handsome and top class at what he does. He feels that there is more to a terrorist group just messing with technology.

Alex Shaw throws everything into this book, While the police department, headed by Jon Chang, investigate a couple of assassinations, Jack Tate heads down the road of tracking down the terrorists. It isn’t long before the two entwine. Both Chang and Tate are masters at what they do. Tate though has the edge of take out the enemy then ask questions if anyone is still left standing. It is gritty and bloody but sends a message.

The action increased along with my great expectations for a memorable ending which Shaw serves up in style. Just magnificent!

I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

[Donnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book a while ago but finally got a chance to finish up on it ! Please don’t think the long time is because of the book itself just the lack of time haha.

Jack Shaws work is a personal favourite of mine. He describes the scene always perfectly to you, down to a T. The same is true of Total Blackout. I loved to hear of Jack Tate’s adventures and the ending was amazing with a great plot twist. Throughout you learn more about Jack Tate’s life and the plot at large, I love story’s like that so this immediately peaked my interest. I loved how the secondary protagonist kinda had a redemption ark here. Going from a drunken nobody before the story takes place to a hero after.

I wasn’t bored at all reading this ! Was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would come next, plot twists are abundant and the descriptions used as said above are amazing. When a fighting scene occurs the descriptions really make you feel a part of the universe and aid visualising the scene in your head. Alex Shaw got it just right with Total Blackout here.

Meeting the villain(s) was also a welcome read. Each one is unique and has an interesting backstory, hearing of their ambitions I feel also makes you want the good guys to win. Pulling you deeper into the story.

Honestly this is a 5/5 for me ! Highly recommend.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Shaw takes one on a rollercoaster ride. The pace is relentless but the author has created much more than just another action thriller.
In simplistic terms, as you might expect, the good guys are the British and the Americans, and the bad guys the Russians and the Chinese. The plot is a clever hybrid: part modern day Alistair MacLean, with a distinctive touch of a John Wyndham dystopian world-end scenario. It works, and it works very well.
The nearly all male cast is drawn with distinction, something often missing in a high octane thriller.
The most powerful country in the world has come under attack by the man who wants to be the next president of Russia. Jack Tate is a great hero. Surely he will return to save the world again.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I feel like I’m loosing track with all the new series that I’ve read lately.

And then, there are some heroes that come out in front of others, like in this case, Jack Tate, a brit SAS character that will do everything he can to save the world from a terrorist attack in a world that relies so much on electrical usage nowadays.

Imagine having to live without light and electricity, not being able to communicate and get the news through your phone or internet or tv.

It’s a must read gripping thriller, full of suspenseful twists, some predictable, some very unexpected, with great driven character development and a start of a series that many lovers of the genre will enjoy.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice simple easy read. Not your usual “Special Forces bloke takes on the bad guy alone and saves the world against all odds!”

This book was fun because the bad guy didn’t get it all their own way to start with. The plan starts to go south quite early on, which was nice and refreshing. Plain old normal circumstances always get in the way of good planning, and the circumstances in this story are Tate, the SAS bloke on holiday in the states, and Chang, the cop who was in the wrong place at the right time and who steps up after so many years of bad decisions!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real thriller, this one.

[Rellim]

6/2022 - Rec from Kronos

[Liz Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full throttle thriller

A good old-fashioned full throttle thriller with a great cast of characters, plenty of high speed action and an ending worthy of James Bond.

[Terrill D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried it Alex Shaw. My Real Rating is 3.85

As I told the author Alex Shaw I would I tried his book. I liked it. I found it well written, and the plot held together well.

I gave it my personal rating score of 3.85 Stars as I felt it could have been a bit faster paced. That said, not only do I recommend it, but I am also moving on to his second book in the series.

[Steven L Lepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome Jack

Haven't ran across too many EMP thrillers not prepper novels. And want a nice change it was. Liked the Jack Tate character, love Russian baddies, some nice twists and turns and you've got a nice action novel. Recommended.

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting, and sometimes scary story. It is frightening to think that with modern technology an event like this could actually happen. The mistake the enemy makes is to try and avenge old lost battles, because it gives the others that extra little bit of time they need.

Jack Tate is on a much-needed holiday. He has flown to America and rented a car for a month. It is pretty huge as the rental company had run out of smaller vehicles, he has a huge black Tahoe SUV. He is planning to see some sights, and end up in Washington to spend some time with his foster-brother Simon Hunter, who works at the British Embassy. He begins his sightseeing in Camden, Maine, to see how it differs from Camden, London, where he was brought up; and gets pulled up by the police, ostensibly for speeding. But something is up, the policemen handcuff him and take him to the police station but they do not read him his rights. It turns out there has been a murder and a car similar to his seen close by. He is interviewed by the Chief of Police who eventually realises that he is (or was) SAS, and could be of some use to his investigation. Very early the next morning terrorists flying over Washington DC release as Electro Magnetic Pulse bomb (EMP) which took out almost every electronic article in the whole of America plus parts of Canada and Mexico. Most modern cars, tills, hospital equipment, kitchen equipment, alarms, phone systems, nothing works.

And so begins an excellent thriller. Jack initially assists Chief Donoghue with searching for the killer, who has struck again; then again. He eventually hears that Simon is missing, presumed kidnapped; so he sets off for Washington, using various forms of transport, some very old and some modified by the terrorists. He captures one of the terrorists, who is not a killer, and he is more than happy to tell Jack what he knows, which isn’t actually very much about the terrorists and why they are killing seemingly random people. Jack is lucky to find a single policeman, Chang, who helps him in the final battle at a quiet airport where the terrorists are meeting back up from their various missions, to return home. His support provides Jack with a few elements of surprise, and gains him a valuable few seconds of time to rescue Simon and deal with the bd guys.

As one would expect there is quite a lot of brutality involved, but also some chivalric behaviour - even terrorists who are paid for their services have lines they will not cross! The plot is well thought through, and a real page-turner. I will be very happy to read more by this author.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate taglines in titles and they usually make me just roll my eyes but, in this case, "gripping, breathtaking, and fast paced" is definitely the right definition for this book. It's also quite busy and flits about a bit so my recommendation for you is to make sure you have a chunk of time to read this book rather than just a couple chapters at a time. I started off flitting in and out (life got in the way) but I got a bit bogged down so I paused it until I had enough time to dedicate to it and started again properly.
We start with an EMP device being tested by a joint Russian and Chinese task force. As you can imagine it has devastating effects. We also then follow an assassin as he takes care of his hit list. We also see our hero Jack Tate get arrested for being in the wrong (right) place at the right (wrong) time. He's on holiday in Camden (USA not London) recuperating before visiting his brother in Washington but his peace is shattered both by the arrest and the events which unfold thereafter. Things escalate and with technology compromised (in the worst way imaginable) he has to really dig deep into his training and box of tricks to try makes sense of what is going and and, more importantly, stop it in its tracks.
Action packed this most definitely is. We have a bit of everything you'd expect in a high octane book of this genre. There are quieter moments interspersed throughout the narrative which as well as adding colour and background, also serve as moments of well needed respite before it all kicks off again.
But action is nothing without a plot and here the author has excelled. It's intricate and tight and, as all good books should, weaves several threads around and about before eventually everything comes together towards the end. In a very satisfying way.
Characters are also really well drawn and all have their parts to play and do so with aplomb. In Jack Tate the author has created a wonderful action hero who does whatever he needs to do to protect those who need it, and get the job done. Nothing more, nothing less. He's fair and firm, has a no nonsense attitude and has his own code. He's also one smart cookie and very adaptable.
It's not the longest book, well it didn't feel like that, but it definitely packs a punch. It left me breathless but satisfied and also hanging for more next time. Surely a sign of a cracking series opener. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Mark Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total Blackout - Alex Shaw


This is an action thriller set in the US. Jack Tate is an ex SAS, now special forces operative, who has been placed on some enforced leave after a recent assignment. He is in America on a road trip along the East Coast when he is stopped by police in Maine, they think he could be connected with a recent murder, but this is just a case of mistaken identity.

After being released he books himself into a motel and rests up. He bumps into a couple of Russians also staying there and he thinks they are particularly suspicious. A couple of days later, early in the morning, all the power goes out, which turns out is not just local and is affecting the whole of the US. The US has been the victim of a terrorist attack using an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse), which has knocked out anything that used electric circuits.

Jack’s brother, Simon, is a diplomat in Washington and Jack learns that he is in danger and needs to make his way to Washington to protect his brother. Did the Russians at the motel have something to do with the assassinations / murders that have all taken place with in days of the EMP attack, and are the murders connected to the EMP attack?

This is pretty high tempo with lots of action to boot. In a typical James Bond style the hero, Jack, seems to be indestructible. I wouldn’t say it was the best written book I have ever read, however, if action is what you want it ticks that box. If you are a fan of the Sean Dillon series by Jack Higgins, then this will be a series to follow. I enjoyed this and I give it 4.5/5 rounded down to 4. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for this free advance copy.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley's program. The story starts with the assassination of two individuals in Maine. As a result, Jack Tate on his way in Maine for a vacation, is stopped for a speeding violation and since his rental vehicle and his appearance are similar to that seen at the murder scene, he is brought in for questioning to the police department in Camden Maine. After waiting for a while, he is interviewed where he states he is not the party involved. Eventually he is released and allowed to leave. He was planning to stay in Camden anyway so he went to the inn where he had a reservation. At the3 same time, there were two other vehicles similar to his in their parking lot. While there, there was a 3rd killing in addition to 4 other people who were just bystanders.

With assistance from the Police chief, they were able to arrest 2 individuals. Jack took one of the individuals to an airport where he hoped to be able to get the plane at the airport in Hamden which was to take the Killing team to the next location. Jack was successful, but the plane was shot down near the location where another group of terrorist were waiting. Jack survived and headed into Washington D.C. where he hoped to meet up with his foster brother. Unfortunately things would not be that easy.

To find out exactly what purpose the terrorist group had inn mind and what adventures Jack ran into in Washington, then you must read this book.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Aiden Snow will soon become fans of Jack Tate. This is the first book in the series, but few introductions are needed. Simply stated he works for a special branch of MI6. He has been ordered to take a vacation, so he plans to start in Camden, ME (sister city to his home in Camden England) and drive down the coast to Washington, where he brother, Simon Hunter, works at the British Embassy. Jack immediately gets arrested by Camden police because he and his black Tahoe fit the description of a vehicle leaving the scene of a murder. That gets cleared up quick enough, but then an EMP attacks all of the US. More murders happen and they do not seem connected. Russian militants have teamed up with Chinese militants and a leader with a personal vendetta. If you like action, there is plenty of it!

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a while since I gave a book 5 stars (I think!) but this one deserved it. Really easy to read, gripping and a fantastic protagonist in Jack Tate. He's likeable, energetic, a character and a bad ass! The book flows very well and is over before you know it.

The book isn't long, at least it certainly didn't feel long and there are a number of characters you get to know. Some you love and some you hate - but a good balance between good and bad.

Highly recommended, thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and can't wait to read the next book and see which characters make it to the second installment and how they progress. Bravo.

[John Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

My type of action thriller, fast pace, no messing, clear storyline and exciting. On holiday in the US Jack Tate is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is accused of an assassination. Quickly discounted as the assassin he starts to get suspicions of something more that just a straight hit - then the power goes out. Instincts kick in and Jack starts to investigate, what follows is a fast paced thriller full of all action excitement. Excellent start to this series.

[Julie Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Tate is on leave in America and plans to visit his brother Simon while there. But his plans go astray when America is attacked. Individuals assassinated and all power across the country stops. How, why and by whom are they being attacked by?
A fast paced, well written novel. Loads of action from beginning to end. Enjoy.

[P L Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This book is an excellent fast paced read. I am looking forward to reading more in this series and get to know the Jack Tate character in more depth.