Gambit: A Kirk McGarvey Novel

Kirk McGarvey #26

by David Hagberg

The next Kirk McGarvey novel, Gambit, is an international thriller with non-stop action, perfect for fans of Jason Bourne.“If you like thrillers full of international intrigue, Hagberg is a major find.” —Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author An American billionaire and a Russian oligarch want Kirk McGarvey dead. First they send a South African assassin, and when Mac kills him, they commission a Canadian sniper for the kill. When Mac put him down, they hire a team of highly specialized Chinese killers called “Scorpions.” When Mac dispatches them, they send a squad of Russian special ops armed to the teeth with high-tech firepower. Mac's only chance of survival is to turn on the tables on the people behind this assassination conspiracy, that is, if he can find them.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

aka David Bannerman, Sean Flannery, David James, Robert Pell, Eric Ramsey

David Hagberg is a former Air Force cryptographer who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and has spoken at CIA functions. He has published more than twenty novels of suspense, including the bestselling High Flight, Assassin, and Joshua's Hammer.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidh...

Reviews

[AWolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story with a simple plot - a quick read. Reads more like a comic book than a real novel of this genre. Everyone is rich and money, in the millions and millions of dollars, is spread around like its water. Everyone drinks Krug champagne. Apparently little research into tactics and weapons other than a quick flipping through "Shooters Bible."
Story: McGarvey is being hunted by the VERY BEST ASSASSINS IN THE WORLD. Actually, he would have been dead halfway through the book. :-)
Recommendation: Read it if you are bored and don't have anything better - and don't have to actually buy it. Hagberg is running out of gas with the McGarvey series.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a David Hagberg manuscript found after his passing and finished by someone else...A very unsatisfying opening setup to a sequel here, that looks like it will be finished by the estate's legacy author...Kirk is targeted by a series of assassins as McGarvey's usual cohorts race to find the money behind these efforts...Meh!

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big surprise, someone is out to kill McGarvey. A multbillionaire who Kirk foiled in a previous book is hiring assassins with ever increasing skill level.
I thought after the author died, that was the end of his books. Much to my pleasant surprise there were 2 more released.

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read 23 earlier Kirk McGarvey novels, I found it difficult to believe David Hagberg could have written this bit of drivel...although I am almost ashamed to admit I did keep reading, despite the 'sappy', juvenile dialog and what appeared to be the stupidity of most of those who were involved in assassinating Kirk and his new wife.
Typical example...this is dialog between the mastermind behind the assassination and his movie-star girlfriend. "How's our new man doing?" she asked. "Has he made the kill yet? The lion to the prey, the gorilla down from the trees, the hawk on the downdraft, an all that crap?" So Tommy boy, are your nipples hard with anticipation? Mine sure the hell are."
...And so it continued thoughout the 275 pages. The inside of the cover tells the almost the entire story. "An American Billionaire and a Russian oligarch want McGarvey dead. First a South African assassin. Failure. Then a Canadian sniper tries. Dead. Then Chinese killers are sent. Dead! Finally , a Russian squad of special ops are sent...etc, etc.
I have the feeling that the adventures of Kirk McGarvey, as written by David Hagberg, have come to an end. It seems that just as happened with Mitch Rapp (in the Vince Flynn series), when Flynn passed, a new author took over and turned Rapp into a comic book character. I will miss the truly exciting Kirk McGarvey adventures.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. I thought this book was a step up from the last few entries in the series and I suspect someone finished writing this book after Mr. Hagberg’s passing.

An acquaintance from a previous book upset about a crypto currency’s deal the Kirk didn’t complete for him sends hired assassins after Kirk and his wife Pete. He along with his Hollywood girlfriend liken it to playing their version of The Most Dangerous Game (man hunting man).

I thought the premise of bringing back a player from a previous novel who was not the main bad guy was a good idea. The novel is almost the first chapter in a two book story, which I didn’t love, but I am looking forward to the next in the series. That is something I haven’t said in a while with this series. Overall a solid listen.

[John Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will there be a new co-author for David Hagberg since his passing. The ending of this book makes one think so. He would then join the likes of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum and Clive Cussler.
This is interesting in that Kirk McGarvey's wife joins in the action. As in the past, of course, Kirk is concerned with her safety as most of the women in his past have met with untimely deaths. An old adversary from the past who loves games wants to do away with Kirk and institutes a game of attempts to do so. There is involvement from the FBI, Russia, and others in this game.
If often takes obvious plot lines and is not as intriguing as some of Hagberg's other McGarvey novels.
Some might view the ending as lame and foreseeable, but maybe it was not finished by him (can't say).

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning from their Florida home, Kirk goes to his Georgetown apartment while Pete heads to Otto Renke's. While Otto's darlings see nothing ominous, Kirk has a bad feeling and notices something awry across the street, foiling yet another assassination attempt. He goes into overdrive, and when it does not seem to be a foreign threat, he riles up the CIA, FBI and White House, to orchestrate the next and following attempts to minimize any collateral damage. I would rate this book 4 star, but I hate cliffhanger endings and I think this book was finished by someone other than David Hagberg (who died in 2019) as Kirk is a little too flip now.

[jeremy dierst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Kirk McGarvey series. Multiple assassins, coming from all directions, multiple nationalities. So no one nation state is the bad guy, but it is fairly obvious that the main bad character does not have the moxy to finish the job himself. He has to find an odd assortment of people to try and kill McGarvey and his wife. I think the author should have finished with the story line, and not left such an obvious cliff hanger. Especially since the next novel is not set to come out until next April. That is a long time to wait, but worth it for this author.

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American billionaire and a Russian oligarch want Kirk McGarvey dead. First they send a South African assassin, and when Mac kills him, they commission a Canadian sniper for the kill. When Mac put him down, they hire a team of highly specialized Chinese killers called "Scorpions." When Mac dispatches them, they send a squad of Russian special ops armed to the teeth with high-tech firepower.

Mac's only chance of survival is to turn on the tables on the people behind this assassination conspiracy, that is, if he can find them.

[HonestReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves 5 stars. The story is packed with action. It feels like Mission Impossible came to life. David Hagberg did such a wonderful job in bringing the characters and the theme to life. It feels like watching a movie. It builds suspense throughout the book. It has a different way of action, the action never stops. If you are looking for a adrenaline pumping action thriller, this is the right book for you.

[Tim Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a one rating but I give it a two, lowering the standard a bit because it’s basically a beach read.

My main complaint is the constant repetition of how highly skilled the main character is, requiring the most advanced and expert assassins to kill him.

But that isn’t what we see. All three sets of assassins are laughably inept in their tactics, and our hero seems just as stupid in his choices.

[Jerry Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gambit or a feud?

This is a good story but I was not convinced Hammond was angry enough to literally waste a lot of money to kill 1 man. It seemed a bit contrived... He did not lose money he just did not make a lot of money. Maybe I am naive & there are people like Hammond out there?

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Goodfm)

When a disgruntled Billionaire decides to play a game against McGarvey, with the intent to kill McGarvey. Using various assassins, McGarvey and his wife team up to counter the repeated attempts to kill him.

[Nicholas J Olivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gambit

As I understand it, there is one more book in the series since the author passed away after it was written. As with all previous reads, it was quite entertaining if a bit unbelievable as they all have been but then that is the fun of following a hero isn't it?

[Ricki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always on the hunt for the bad guys. The only negative- it ends abruptly leaving the storyline unfinished til the next book!

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read, great job Mr. Hagberg

[Alan Perlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine book by David Hagberg.
I have neve been disappointed with any of his books
Can't wait for the next book in the series

[Jeff olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you have read all of his as I have trust me you can skip this one. very boring and could they make McGarvey and all his associates more incredible,talented,brainiacs,etc just tiresome.

[Diane Darby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disappointed in the vague ending (to be continued)

[Richard Clarke]

I had not heard that David Hagberg had passed away. I am sorry about that. I enjoyed reading all of his books. The latest I read is Gambit, and it appears clear that he did not write it.

[Areex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing story. I know it is all make believe, but it is like watching a bad TV show. Something keeps blowing up and the stars keep walking away, over and over, unhurt.

[Uzza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous

Excellent read! High speed! Page turner and breath taker! Recommend the whole McGarvey series for the full picture of his heroic nature.

[Norman D. Marks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a disappointment. The villains are set up as brilliant and over several pages then taken down like fools.

Poorly written and I wish I hadn’t bought the book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Kirk McGarvey!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Great story, lots of bullets. Really a man’s series, but I am enjoying it. Especially since some positive and effective women are in the mix.

[Rock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive and too much thinking back rather than staying in the here and now.
The second book (McGarvey the 1st) copyrighted to his son Kevin Hagberg, who I guess finished or created this novel.

[jeremy dierst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Kirk McGarvey series. Multiple assassins, coming from all directions, multiple nationalities. So no one nation state is the bad guy, but it is fairly obvious that the main bad character does not have the moxy to finish the job himself. He has to find an odd assortment of people to try and kill McGarvey and his wife. I think the author should have finished with the story line, and not left such an obvious cliff hanger. Especially since the next novel is not set to come out until next April. That is a long time to wait, but worth it for this author.