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*An Oregonian Top 10 Book of Mysteries & Thrillers by Oregon Authors
“Haynes delivers an enjoyable blend of high drama and foreign intrigue.” -- Publishers Weekly
A serial bomber is wreaking havoc throughout Europe. Former New York City cop Michael Finnigan and former Spanish assassin Katalin Fiero—the brains behind St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking, a covert bounty-hunting operation based in Cyprus—may be the only ones who can stop the carnage. The partners have a reputation for tracking down the worst of the worst in international crime, all while staying firmly under the radar. But as they draw ever closer to the bombers, and as the terrorism sweeps up Katalin’s own family, Finnigan and Fiero have to decide if they can continue to operate in the shadows. As the partners learn who they can—and can’t—trust, they come face-to-face with shocking secrets at the highest echelons of the world’s intelligence communities. Nonstop action and whip-smart dialogue power this compelling thriller to its final, heart-stopping conclusion.
“Haynes delivers an enjoyable blend of high drama and foreign intrigue.” -- Publishers Weekly
A serial bomber is wreaking havoc throughout Europe. Former New York City cop Michael Finnigan and former Spanish assassin Katalin Fiero—the brains behind St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking, a covert bounty-hunting operation based in Cyprus—may be the only ones who can stop the carnage. The partners have a reputation for tracking down the worst of the worst in international crime, all while staying firmly under the radar. But as they draw ever closer to the bombers, and as the terrorism sweeps up Katalin’s own family, Finnigan and Fiero have to decide if they can continue to operate in the shadows. As the partners learn who they can—and can’t—trust, they come face-to-face with shocking secrets at the highest echelons of the world’s intelligence communities. Nonstop action and whip-smart dialogue power this compelling thriller to its final, heart-stopping conclusion.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
7 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Dana Haynes
10 books99 followersDana Haynes is the author of nine published mysteries and thrillers from Bantam Books, St. Martin’s Press and Blackstone Publishing. His first short story appeared in the 2019 anthology for the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, and the second will hit the stands in 2021 in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. He is an award-winning newspaper journalist and former political speechwriter. His latest series kicked off in 2019 with “St. Nicholas Salvage and Wrecking.” It was followed in January 2021 with the sequel, “Sirocco.” Dana lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Katy King, and their cat, Violet.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 26, 2021
I thought that I found another new author to read but realized that in 2013 I had read his book THE CRASHERS. That was a book about an airplane crash outside of PORTLAND, OR in the northwest part of the United States. It was a gripping story about how the NTSB investigates an air crash. SIROCCO is actually the second book in his series St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking. I will need to track down book one to read.
The featured characters are Michael Finnigan and Katalin Fiero who are partners in a front business called St. Nicholas Salvage Wrecking Company based in Kyrenia, Cyprus (the Turkish side of the island) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Michael is a former New York City police officer and United States Marshall. Katalin is a former member of a secret Spanish Intelligence agency and the Spanish army. She was trained as an assassin and became the best.
Their business is, on the public side, marine salvage. In reality, Michael and Katalin are bounty hunters. Their primary employer is Judge Helene Betancourt of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. They are hired by the Court to find criminals that regular law enforcement has not been able to find and arrest. They have two full time employees Bridget Sumner, office manager, and Lachlan Sumner who pilots the company’s DeHaviland Twin Otter floatplane.
As the story opens, Europe is being threatened by bombings in Paris, Annecy (France), Geneva (Switzerland) and finally Barcelona (Spain). The latter three were all contemporary while Paris was three years earlier. A militant Islamic cleric claimed credit for all four. He claims he is from a small coastal North African country located between Libya and Egypt (does not really exist). The country has discovered vast supplies of natural gas off its coast.
Arrayed against Michael and Katalin are a couple parties. Colonel (ret.) Cole Sanger heads a team of mercenaries employed by Sooner Slye and Rydell a multinational private security firm based in Houston, Texas (United States). Khamsin Sayef (The Storm of the Sword) is the organization headed by the unknown Muslim cleric. Nobody seems to know of the group.
Helping Michael and Katalin are an odd assortment of characters. Gunther Kessler is a Swiss banker who is also a money launderer. The Black Harts are military types who provide major physical support for St. Nicholas’ activities. Another member of St. Nicholas’ team is Brodie McTavish, a Scottish mercenary and personal friend of Katalin. Katalin’s parents are in Spain. Her father is a well-connected Spanish diplomat and businessman. Her mother is a well-respected Algerian born university professor in Spain.
There are many twists and turns to the story. I felt at times that I was missing something. I was. Some of the story has precedent in book one of the series entitled ST. NICHOLAS SALVAGE AND WRECKING. It is possible to read book two (as I did) without reading book one. However, I now need to read book one to find out the rest of the story. There are fights and chases galore. The relationship between Katalin and Michael is not romantic but more like siblings. Very intriguing indeed. When the bad guys are on the scene, you find yourself wanting to boo and hiss. Conversely, when the good guys are featured, you want clap and cheer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially for fans of this genre.
GO! BUY! READ!
The featured characters are Michael Finnigan and Katalin Fiero who are partners in a front business called St. Nicholas Salvage Wrecking Company based in Kyrenia, Cyprus (the Turkish side of the island) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Michael is a former New York City police officer and United States Marshall. Katalin is a former member of a secret Spanish Intelligence agency and the Spanish army. She was trained as an assassin and became the best.
Their business is, on the public side, marine salvage. In reality, Michael and Katalin are bounty hunters. Their primary employer is Judge Helene Betancourt of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. They are hired by the Court to find criminals that regular law enforcement has not been able to find and arrest. They have two full time employees Bridget Sumner, office manager, and Lachlan Sumner who pilots the company’s DeHaviland Twin Otter floatplane.
As the story opens, Europe is being threatened by bombings in Paris, Annecy (France), Geneva (Switzerland) and finally Barcelona (Spain). The latter three were all contemporary while Paris was three years earlier. A militant Islamic cleric claimed credit for all four. He claims he is from a small coastal North African country located between Libya and Egypt (does not really exist). The country has discovered vast supplies of natural gas off its coast.
Arrayed against Michael and Katalin are a couple parties. Colonel (ret.) Cole Sanger heads a team of mercenaries employed by Sooner Slye and Rydell a multinational private security firm based in Houston, Texas (United States). Khamsin Sayef (The Storm of the Sword) is the organization headed by the unknown Muslim cleric. Nobody seems to know of the group.
Helping Michael and Katalin are an odd assortment of characters. Gunther Kessler is a Swiss banker who is also a money launderer. The Black Harts are military types who provide major physical support for St. Nicholas’ activities. Another member of St. Nicholas’ team is Brodie McTavish, a Scottish mercenary and personal friend of Katalin. Katalin’s parents are in Spain. Her father is a well-connected Spanish diplomat and businessman. Her mother is a well-respected Algerian born university professor in Spain.
There are many twists and turns to the story. I felt at times that I was missing something. I was. Some of the story has precedent in book one of the series entitled ST. NICHOLAS SALVAGE AND WRECKING. It is possible to read book two (as I did) without reading book one. However, I now need to read book one to find out the rest of the story. There are fights and chases galore. The relationship between Katalin and Michael is not romantic but more like siblings. Very intriguing indeed. When the bad guys are on the scene, you find yourself wanting to boo and hiss. Conversely, when the good guys are featured, you want clap and cheer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially for fans of this genre.
GO! BUY! READ!
December 25, 2020
Katalin Fiero and Michael Finnigan are an unusual pair - a soldier/spy/assassin and a cop/US Marshal who both tired of taking orders from others and decided to team up and form their own outfit. International bounty hunters, they specialise in bringing in criminals for trial at the International Court of Justice who the authorities have given up on catching. Now, they’ve been approached for an off-the-books operation by two different intelligence agencies - the CIA, and Katalin’s former Spanish bosses. Only, the deeper they dig, the more it becomes apparent that the case isn’t what it appears on the surface. And the terrorists they are trying to track down might not be the only ones who want Katalin and Michael dead.
What fascinated me most about this story was the dynamic between Fiero and Finnigan. There’s absolutely no sexual tension between them at all. They’re more like brother and sister, teasing each other constantly. Finnigan even remarks laughingly that Fiero going into a seedy bar would have every man in there trying to pick her up. But neither do they have sexual chemistry with anyone else - they both seem almost asexual, and I actually really like it. It’s a long way removed from the Bond-style action hero with a new love interest to seduce in every new location. Fiero in particular is obviously styled as a femme fatale, but deliberately chooses not to use her feminine wiles, actively showing distaste for the tactic even while enjoying her femininity.
There’s a danger that Fiero could seem something of a Mary-Sue, with her apparently unbeatable skills and beauty, but she’s so very flawed emotionally it doesn’t come off like that at all. I was fascinated by her in particular; Finnigan is more of a predictable character but Katalin is the ultimate wild card. They work superbly as a pair, their skills complementary, and they are also both smart enough to recruit expert help when they need it - I was delighted and intrigued by several of the side characters, particularly Sally Blue - I’d read 5 books about Sally and her team of black hats!
I did find a few instances of clumsy phrasing, but since this is an ARC, I’d assume they’ll be polished out by final publication. Though this is the second book in a series about Fiero and Finnigan, I don’t think I missed all that much by jumping in here; they both get pretty solid introductions and the backstory is sprinkled in generously so we know who they are. I may have to go back and read book 1 to get the full story of how they met, though! In fact, I suspect Dana Haynes’ entire backlist is going on my must-read list, because this is a genuinely excellent action-adventure story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll be eagerly looking out for the next installment.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
What fascinated me most about this story was the dynamic between Fiero and Finnigan. There’s absolutely no sexual tension between them at all. They’re more like brother and sister, teasing each other constantly. Finnigan even remarks laughingly that Fiero going into a seedy bar would have every man in there trying to pick her up. But neither do they have sexual chemistry with anyone else - they both seem almost asexual, and I actually really like it. It’s a long way removed from the Bond-style action hero with a new love interest to seduce in every new location. Fiero in particular is obviously styled as a femme fatale, but deliberately chooses not to use her feminine wiles, actively showing distaste for the tactic even while enjoying her femininity.
There’s a danger that Fiero could seem something of a Mary-Sue, with her apparently unbeatable skills and beauty, but she’s so very flawed emotionally it doesn’t come off like that at all. I was fascinated by her in particular; Finnigan is more of a predictable character but Katalin is the ultimate wild card. They work superbly as a pair, their skills complementary, and they are also both smart enough to recruit expert help when they need it - I was delighted and intrigued by several of the side characters, particularly Sally Blue - I’d read 5 books about Sally and her team of black hats!
I did find a few instances of clumsy phrasing, but since this is an ARC, I’d assume they’ll be polished out by final publication. Though this is the second book in a series about Fiero and Finnigan, I don’t think I missed all that much by jumping in here; they both get pretty solid introductions and the backstory is sprinkled in generously so we know who they are. I may have to go back and read book 1 to get the full story of how they met, though! In fact, I suspect Dana Haynes’ entire backlist is going on my must-read list, because this is a genuinely excellent action-adventure story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll be eagerly looking out for the next installment.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
November 7, 2025
SPOILER ALERT
The bounty hunters Michael Finnigan and Katalin Fiero contract to bring the members of the group bombing various sites. They are identified as the Khamsin Sayef, the Sword of the Storm, and claim to be killing those who are supporting the new government of Alsharq. There is a public face of the group known as the cleric. After some investigation Michael and Katalin are convinced that that is a sham, and that the group is seeking revenge for a bombing three years earlier that killed Dinah Mariner and her husband and daughter. Dinah was the CIA station chief in Spain. There are others killed in the bombings that are not those identified by the group that were in Spain at the time: Pete Newsom, part of the security for a man named Wu, a banker Cedric Brecher, Joan Caldwell, who worked a website, and Annie Pryor, who had been the focus of the bombing. Annie had been having an affair with Mariner's husband. They were planning to leave. Her husband had shown up at the apartment building of Pryor, above a restaurant, with her daughter. Mariner had planned the bombing. She is nearly killed in the bombing as she rushes to save her daughter. She is badly burned by the men who worked outside the regular CIA workers saved her. She is now on a mission of revenge.
Michael and Katalin are in competition with a group of highly trained mercenaries. A group Sooner, Slye and Rydell, the name taken from a former law firm, is made up of former SEALS, Army rangers, SAS, IDF, and others. They have infiltrated thoroughly governments of a host of countries and are ahead of the two hunters. Eventually it is apparent that other influential leaders are also targeted which includes Katalin's parents. It becomes a race to get to the group before they are successful. What they are working against is the fact that a firm of bomb sweepers, led by a woman named Fran Jensen, have already planted bombs inside rombas in the building that Spain believes is the safest place to protect the officials.
Again, and exciting and creative plot for the second installment of the series.
The bounty hunters Michael Finnigan and Katalin Fiero contract to bring the members of the group bombing various sites. They are identified as the Khamsin Sayef, the Sword of the Storm, and claim to be killing those who are supporting the new government of Alsharq. There is a public face of the group known as the cleric. After some investigation Michael and Katalin are convinced that that is a sham, and that the group is seeking revenge for a bombing three years earlier that killed Dinah Mariner and her husband and daughter. Dinah was the CIA station chief in Spain. There are others killed in the bombings that are not those identified by the group that were in Spain at the time: Pete Newsom, part of the security for a man named Wu, a banker Cedric Brecher, Joan Caldwell, who worked a website, and Annie Pryor, who had been the focus of the bombing. Annie had been having an affair with Mariner's husband. They were planning to leave. Her husband had shown up at the apartment building of Pryor, above a restaurant, with her daughter. Mariner had planned the bombing. She is nearly killed in the bombing as she rushes to save her daughter. She is badly burned by the men who worked outside the regular CIA workers saved her. She is now on a mission of revenge.
Michael and Katalin are in competition with a group of highly trained mercenaries. A group Sooner, Slye and Rydell, the name taken from a former law firm, is made up of former SEALS, Army rangers, SAS, IDF, and others. They have infiltrated thoroughly governments of a host of countries and are ahead of the two hunters. Eventually it is apparent that other influential leaders are also targeted which includes Katalin's parents. It becomes a race to get to the group before they are successful. What they are working against is the fact that a firm of bomb sweepers, led by a woman named Fran Jensen, have already planted bombs inside rombas in the building that Spain believes is the safest place to protect the officials.
Again, and exciting and creative plot for the second installment of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
This is an extraordinary book!
A couple of high rankers, one from CIA other from Spanish intelligence meet and arrange for a couple of bounty hunters to find a terrorist - so that no one can be blamed for however it works out.
These two bounty hunters have worked with others, mercenaries, hackers, etc so they’re not actually alone, but, yeah mostly!
It’s a rollicking, roller coaster ride - well no, it’s not a coaster ride, there are only high points throughout, no low spots, no draw out pace. Characters that were minor players in the beginning turn out to be part of the spy network no one wants to be blamed for.
The story plays out in various locations around the world, each fleshed out without overdoing it. And the characters are faultless, backstory builds, all of them - yeah it’s a long story; Goodreads says 300 pages, my iPad says 451, but every sentence counts.
Sirocco by Dana Haynes
I’m giving this an usually outstanding rating of 5/5
…
Key: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
A couple of high rankers, one from CIA other from Spanish intelligence meet and arrange for a couple of bounty hunters to find a terrorist - so that no one can be blamed for however it works out.
These two bounty hunters have worked with others, mercenaries, hackers, etc so they’re not actually alone, but, yeah mostly!
It’s a rollicking, roller coaster ride - well no, it’s not a coaster ride, there are only high points throughout, no low spots, no draw out pace. Characters that were minor players in the beginning turn out to be part of the spy network no one wants to be blamed for.
The story plays out in various locations around the world, each fleshed out without overdoing it. And the characters are faultless, backstory builds, all of them - yeah it’s a long story; Goodreads says 300 pages, my iPad says 451, but every sentence counts.
Sirocco by Dana Haynes
I’m giving this an usually outstanding rating of 5/5
…
Key: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
November 11, 2020
This is an entertaining international thriller starring a couple who are a bit reminiscent of Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin - best friends and freelance do-gooders battling bad spies and corrupt corporations.
All of the genre elements are there: exotic locations, witty banter, twisting plot, colorful supporting cast, and bad guys intent on blowing up Europe. The story moves quickly, the action sequences are exciting, and the main characters are likable and definitely strong enough to carry a series.
I recommend this one and look forward to additional books in the series.
All of the genre elements are there: exotic locations, witty banter, twisting plot, colorful supporting cast, and bad guys intent on blowing up Europe. The story moves quickly, the action sequences are exciting, and the main characters are likable and definitely strong enough to carry a series.
I recommend this one and look forward to additional books in the series.
October 30, 2021
I can’t wait for the next book to come out!! The relationship between the main characters is so well written I just love the connection. But I hate to say Ways & Means is such a great supporting character I’m hoping to see more of him!! Won’t tell but the ending had a twist I can’t wait to see how that unfolds!! MUST READ!
December 30, 2022
I adore both books in this series. Just adore them. The protagonists, the Spanish former assassin Fiero and the American former cop Finnigan, are fearless, supremely competent, and often funny as hell. The story is exciting and the stakes are high, politically and personally. Dana Haynes has given us a couple of characters that we can't help but love and whose adventures are not to be missed.
February 8, 2023
inconsistencies galore
Names and places mixed up throughout the book. There are too many to name. it almost seems that the book was computer generated. If you have flown on an Otter you would know that a conversation is not possible due to the engine noise. Won’t be buying any other books by this author
Names and places mixed up throughout the book. There are too many to name. it almost seems that the book was computer generated. If you have flown on an Otter you would know that a conversation is not possible due to the engine noise. Won’t be buying any other books by this author
April 11, 2023
Excellent & highly recommend. If you like action, well developed characters and a bit of humor, this is for you. I read the second book first and I’m planning to read book one immediately. Everything about this plot line is action packed. The language, the countries and even the tier two characters were excellently designed to flow from beginning, middle to end.
December 6, 2020
This author believes piling on superlatives will make an interesting book, and ends up with a lot of nonsense. I give it a generous 2 stars because it is readable for those who want to waste some time.
February 11, 2021
I really struggled to get into this story. While the plot is interesting, I was never invested in any of the characters and they all felt cold as you dove more into the story. I found myself skimming parts, but I still enjoyed the overall storyline and would try this author again.
January 2, 2022
Sirocco is a fast paced thriller in which a team of covert bounty hunters track down a serial bomber responsible for carnage aross Europe.
I received a free review copy of Sirocco through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a free review copy of Sirocco through Goodreads Giveaways.
February 9, 2021
Read it
Worth the time. Keeps moving. Eager for more of these characters. Nine nine nine nine more words words words words
Worth the time. Keeps moving. Eager for more of these characters. Nine nine nine nine more words words words words
March 25, 2021
Good read. Lots of people to keep track of but once you get to reading it is doable . I’d read it again
May 11, 2021
I just like these kind of books. CIA, mercenaries, terrorists...... Kind of over the top, but always keeps me guessing.
June 29, 2021
Love this series so far two books in will I leave recommended do it for anyone who likes to Spence
February 6, 2026
Maybe 3.5 stars
Slow start but ended up being a good adventure. Not the best book but good enough that I may try another in the series.
Slow start but ended up being a good adventure. Not the best book but good enough that I may try another in the series.
March 2, 2021
Fast paced, tense, action packed and entertaining.
April 25, 2023
Dana Haynes https://www.danahaynesmystery.com is the author of seven novels. Sirocco was published earlier this month and is the second book in his St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking series. It is the 20th book I completed reading in 2023.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R. The primary characters are former New York City cop Michael Finnigan and former Spanish assassin Katalin Fiero. Together they are St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking.
The St. Nicholas team is based in Cyprus and specializes in quietly finding people. They have been engaged to find a terrorist bomber. He has already killed, and more attacks are feared. As they pursue their target, they encounter obstacles from unexpected sources.
The successful Sooner Slye and Rydell LLC, which has extensive diplomatic protection contracts, comes to the attention of the St. Nicholas team. Their interest does not go overlooked. Finnegan and Fiero soon find themselves a target of Sooner Slye and Rydell mercenaries.
Will the two be able to find the terrorist before more people die?
I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 433-page thriller. This is an excellent novel. The plot is clever and will captivate the reader with unexpected twists. This novel is filled with action, suspense, and intrigue. I like the chosen cover art. While it is the second book of a series, it reads well on its own. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R. The primary characters are former New York City cop Michael Finnigan and former Spanish assassin Katalin Fiero. Together they are St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking.
The St. Nicholas team is based in Cyprus and specializes in quietly finding people. They have been engaged to find a terrorist bomber. He has already killed, and more attacks are feared. As they pursue their target, they encounter obstacles from unexpected sources.
The successful Sooner Slye and Rydell LLC, which has extensive diplomatic protection contracts, comes to the attention of the St. Nicholas team. Their interest does not go overlooked. Finnegan and Fiero soon find themselves a target of Sooner Slye and Rydell mercenaries.
Will the two be able to find the terrorist before more people die?
I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 433-page thriller. This is an excellent novel. The plot is clever and will captivate the reader with unexpected twists. This novel is filled with action, suspense, and intrigue. I like the chosen cover art. While it is the second book of a series, it reads well on its own. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews