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Jake Keller #4
Shadow Target
Someone is assassinating CIA field officers and Jake Keller's name is next on the list in the latest thrilling novel from the author Publishers Weekly calls "a fresh voice in the crowded spy thriller field."
Jake doesn't know who is trying to kill him and he doesn't know why. Still, it's a threat he can't ignore.
When his small plane crashes in the Alps, Jake is the only survivor. A rescue helicopter soon arrives, but the men inside are not there to save anyone. They are determined to complete the murderous job they started.
Jake escapes from the mountainside deathtrap, but it won't be the only attempt on his life. If he's to have any chance at surviving, he'll have to find out who's behind the killings. But the circle of people Jake can trust is distressingly small as he suspects that someone inside the Agency is feeding his every move to the very people who are trying to end his life.
Jake's quest takes him to the candle-lit cathedrals of Paris and the rain-slicked streets of London. He makes contact with old friends and new enemies along the way—but his true nemesis may be closer than he imagines.
Jake doesn't know who is trying to kill him and he doesn't know why. Still, it's a threat he can't ignore.
When his small plane crashes in the Alps, Jake is the only survivor. A rescue helicopter soon arrives, but the men inside are not there to save anyone. They are determined to complete the murderous job they started.
Jake escapes from the mountainside deathtrap, but it won't be the only attempt on his life. If he's to have any chance at surviving, he'll have to find out who's behind the killings. But the circle of people Jake can trust is distressingly small as he suspects that someone inside the Agency is feeding his every move to the very people who are trying to end his life.
Jake's quest takes him to the candle-lit cathedrals of Paris and the rain-slicked streets of London. He makes contact with old friends and new enemies along the way—but his true nemesis may be closer than he imagines.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
67 people are currently reading
2040 people want to read
About the author
David Ricciardi
4 books198 followersA keen outdoorsman, David incorporates many personal experiences into his writing. He’s backpacked through the mountains of the western United States and Alaska, received extensive training from law-enforcement and US special operations personnel, and once woke up for a 2 AM watch aboard a sailboat only to discover that it was headed the wrong way through the Atlantic sea lanes in heavy weather, with one of the crew suffering from hypothermia. In addition to being an avid sailor, David is also a certified scuba rescue diver and a former ski instructor. "Warning Light" is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 3, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, David Ricciardi, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After a binge of the previous three novels in this series, I was able to get to this, the gem of the collection to date. David Ricciardi has done a wonderful job building up to this piece, planting story arcs and developing his Jake Keller character, only to put him in the crosshairs of a convoluted plot that spans years and many parts of the globe. Keller awakens in rural France, having been in a plane crash, but is unaware of what just happened. Barely able to escape, he makes his way back stateside and tries to discover what has happened. After a few more attempts on his life, Keller realises that his safety is not guaranteed. Meeting an old friend, Keller discovers that someone is trying to hunt down CIA paramilitary officials for reasons that are not yet clear. He will need to dig deep and rely on many resources to get to the bottom of it all, trying to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer with connections all their own. Perhaps the best Ricciardi novel to date, it is sure to impress series fans.
It was all a blur to Jake Keller as he lay in the snow. There was a plane crash and he was involved, but the specifics have eluded him and the cold is beginning to envelop his body. Able to hide as two men scour the wreckage, Keller is able to evade capture and is rescued by the authorities before he makes his way back to America.
Once there, Keller begins to piece things together, though he is not sure why he has been targeted, having been on leave from the CIA. When someone tries to kill him again, Keller knows that something’s up and his name is on a hit-list of sorts. He connects with an old friend and discovers that there have been a few unexplained deaths of fellow CIA paramilitary officials around the world, as well as some whispers that Jake’s own troubles can be tied to some Russian officials having tipped off the locals. Armed with this intelligence, Keller does the one thing he was sworn not to do, connect with a person in his past who thinks him dead.
Travelling to France, Keller has an awkward reunion with the first woman he ever loved, someone with credentials within the French security agency. Keller receives a cold shoulder to begin, but is soon able to connect and prove that he’s being targeted for reasons as yet unknown. A Russian oligarch appears to be pulling some strings and using his connection to the Russian president to bring Keller down, as well as trying to extinguish the lives of many CIA officials. There must be a mole within the Agency, offering some help, but Keller is not yet entirely sure.
Working angles and trying to stay one step ahead of those seeking to kill him, Keller gathers more intel and works with some British officials as well to craft a plan not only to trap the Russians, but to lure a rogue American official out of hiding, in hopes of revealing the CIA mole once and for all. Additionally, there is a major plot to assassinate a head of state, one that will leave more than blood running in the streets. It’s up to Keller to utilise his skills and mindset to foil the plot, all while trying to stay alive long enough to reveal truths many had hoped to bury.
In the short time I have been aware of David Ricciardi’s work, I have truly come to enjoy it. His fast-pace action and attention to detail keep me feeling as though I am right in the middle of the action. While each book develops themes of their own, there is a loose connection that spans more than the protagonist, all of which comes together in this fourth novel in the series. With wonderful characters and a plot that never stops evolving, it is not hard to believe that David Ricciardi is rising within the ranks of the genre to make a name for himself.
Jake Keller has evolved greatly since he was summoned onto a plane, heading for Singapore in the debut novel. His personality has deepened faster than the needed plastic surgery he received when he was a man wanted in all corners of the world. Keller shows his grit and determination to get to the truth, but also has a personal side that yearns for that romantic connection he’s lost a few times along the way. Relatable and down to earth, Keller shows readers that not all those who star in the genre need to be indestructible, but it helps to have an unbreakable sense of determination.
Ricciardi crafts wonderful supporting characters throughout his novels, some of which serve as recurring characters, while others find their purpose in a single book. There was a great mix here, allowing series fans to revisit some of those they have enjoyed in the past while also finding new and exciting storylines emerging from fresh faces. This is a story of loose thread, allowing the reader to see unfinished plots resumed and pieces of the puzzle fitting together at opportune times. A great cast complements Keller at times, while also contrasting with the grit the protagonist offers throughout the novel.
The test of a true novel is the ability to grip the reader from the opening pages. This is done effectively throughout, beginning with the opening chapter. Ricciardi crafts his story around the mystery of what’s happened to Jake Keller and what’s to come, slowly revealing plot twists as needed. The narrative gains needed momentum throughout and keeps the reader guessing, while also showing both sides of the tale—the hunter and the hunted—for added excitement. Great characters and decent dialogue banter inject some humour where needed to lighten the mood, but nothing takes away from the urgency that emerges throughout the piece. I can only wonder what’s next for the group and how their coming together may have forged a new and exciting alliance that could work effectively in future series novels. The wait is on, though one can hope it will not be too long!
Kudos, Mr. Ricciardi, for another winner. I liked the change of pace, though it does not lessen the impact of the plot or the excitement found herein.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/sh...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After a binge of the previous three novels in this series, I was able to get to this, the gem of the collection to date. David Ricciardi has done a wonderful job building up to this piece, planting story arcs and developing his Jake Keller character, only to put him in the crosshairs of a convoluted plot that spans years and many parts of the globe. Keller awakens in rural France, having been in a plane crash, but is unaware of what just happened. Barely able to escape, he makes his way back stateside and tries to discover what has happened. After a few more attempts on his life, Keller realises that his safety is not guaranteed. Meeting an old friend, Keller discovers that someone is trying to hunt down CIA paramilitary officials for reasons that are not yet clear. He will need to dig deep and rely on many resources to get to the bottom of it all, trying to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer with connections all their own. Perhaps the best Ricciardi novel to date, it is sure to impress series fans.
It was all a blur to Jake Keller as he lay in the snow. There was a plane crash and he was involved, but the specifics have eluded him and the cold is beginning to envelop his body. Able to hide as two men scour the wreckage, Keller is able to evade capture and is rescued by the authorities before he makes his way back to America.
Once there, Keller begins to piece things together, though he is not sure why he has been targeted, having been on leave from the CIA. When someone tries to kill him again, Keller knows that something’s up and his name is on a hit-list of sorts. He connects with an old friend and discovers that there have been a few unexplained deaths of fellow CIA paramilitary officials around the world, as well as some whispers that Jake’s own troubles can be tied to some Russian officials having tipped off the locals. Armed with this intelligence, Keller does the one thing he was sworn not to do, connect with a person in his past who thinks him dead.
Travelling to France, Keller has an awkward reunion with the first woman he ever loved, someone with credentials within the French security agency. Keller receives a cold shoulder to begin, but is soon able to connect and prove that he’s being targeted for reasons as yet unknown. A Russian oligarch appears to be pulling some strings and using his connection to the Russian president to bring Keller down, as well as trying to extinguish the lives of many CIA officials. There must be a mole within the Agency, offering some help, but Keller is not yet entirely sure.
Working angles and trying to stay one step ahead of those seeking to kill him, Keller gathers more intel and works with some British officials as well to craft a plan not only to trap the Russians, but to lure a rogue American official out of hiding, in hopes of revealing the CIA mole once and for all. Additionally, there is a major plot to assassinate a head of state, one that will leave more than blood running in the streets. It’s up to Keller to utilise his skills and mindset to foil the plot, all while trying to stay alive long enough to reveal truths many had hoped to bury.
In the short time I have been aware of David Ricciardi’s work, I have truly come to enjoy it. His fast-pace action and attention to detail keep me feeling as though I am right in the middle of the action. While each book develops themes of their own, there is a loose connection that spans more than the protagonist, all of which comes together in this fourth novel in the series. With wonderful characters and a plot that never stops evolving, it is not hard to believe that David Ricciardi is rising within the ranks of the genre to make a name for himself.
Jake Keller has evolved greatly since he was summoned onto a plane, heading for Singapore in the debut novel. His personality has deepened faster than the needed plastic surgery he received when he was a man wanted in all corners of the world. Keller shows his grit and determination to get to the truth, but also has a personal side that yearns for that romantic connection he’s lost a few times along the way. Relatable and down to earth, Keller shows readers that not all those who star in the genre need to be indestructible, but it helps to have an unbreakable sense of determination.
Ricciardi crafts wonderful supporting characters throughout his novels, some of which serve as recurring characters, while others find their purpose in a single book. There was a great mix here, allowing series fans to revisit some of those they have enjoyed in the past while also finding new and exciting storylines emerging from fresh faces. This is a story of loose thread, allowing the reader to see unfinished plots resumed and pieces of the puzzle fitting together at opportune times. A great cast complements Keller at times, while also contrasting with the grit the protagonist offers throughout the novel.
The test of a true novel is the ability to grip the reader from the opening pages. This is done effectively throughout, beginning with the opening chapter. Ricciardi crafts his story around the mystery of what’s happened to Jake Keller and what’s to come, slowly revealing plot twists as needed. The narrative gains needed momentum throughout and keeps the reader guessing, while also showing both sides of the tale—the hunter and the hunted—for added excitement. Great characters and decent dialogue banter inject some humour where needed to lighten the mood, but nothing takes away from the urgency that emerges throughout the piece. I can only wonder what’s next for the group and how their coming together may have forged a new and exciting alliance that could work effectively in future series novels. The wait is on, though one can hope it will not be too long!
Kudos, Mr. Ricciardi, for another winner. I liked the change of pace, though it does not lessen the impact of the plot or the excitement found herein.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/sh...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 8, 2022
Book Review – After reading Shadow Target, Book 4 in the Jake Keller series by David Ricciardi, I quickly decided that this new series for me, will replace my Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. I enjoyed this book immensely. It reminded me of some of my favorite espionage authors like Mark Greaney, Brad Thor, Ben Coes and Vince Flynn. This story had lots of different moving parts that covered the world with intricate plots and twists that all came together at the end. Ricciardi put together one ‘hell-of-a-story’ that reminds me of the Disney fireworks show – the narrative starts out with a bang with the plane crash in the Alps, then keeps you engaged throughout the show/story with lots of different ‘amazements’ and then literally ends with a ‘huge’ bang at the end. If the previous three thrillers – Warning Light, Rogue Strike and Black Flag - are anything like Shadow Target, then I am in for a treat in going back to read them. Shadow Target does a good job in referencing and refreshing the previous books to help bring new readers like me to the series, up to speed. This espionage thriller was well-written with great character development and lots of international intrigue. I really like the main character, Jake Keller, the CIA Field Agent and his core group of associates. I can’t wait to go back and read the previous novels. It’s not that often that one reads a new thriller that leads you back to read the previous books in the series, but Shadow Target does just that. Making room on my library bookshelf for the Jake Keller series. Very impressive read! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege in reviewing Shadow Target. I received a digital ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review. #NetGalley #ShadowTarget
May 11, 2021
Shadow Target is the fourth book about Jake Keller by David Ricciardi. I read the first one because it sounded interesting and I am glad I did because Ricciardi is becoming one of my favorite authors. In this book Jake is on leave but gets pulled into mayhem because the bad guys thinks that he's onto them and their plot. I really like the connection to the first book in this story and also some of the characters in this book. There is one dodgy character that goes by the name Ryan Steck and there's also a persistent local policeman that is really well written. I can only recommend that you try this series since it's great. I must thank @berkleypub @penguinrandomhouse and @this_is_edelweiss for giving me this fantastic advance copy and #DavidRicciardi for writing these great books.
March 8, 2021
Shadow Target, by David Ricciardi, is the 4th book in the Jake Keller series. I'm a big fan of the series and Shadow Target was probably my least favorite. Not to say Shadow Target isn't good, because it is, its just not as good as the previous books. This book is a book of trade-offs when compared to the previous books. Shadow Target does not have the nonstop action as the other installments but has character development in spades. Especially with Keller. Overall, Shadow Target is a quality installment in the Keller series and I look forward to seeing where Ricciardi goes next.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing Shadow Target.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing Shadow Target.
April 25, 2021
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Shadow Target is cleared hot right from the start, jammed packed with violence and explosive action from the first sentence to the last.
Make sure to check out the full review
Shadow Target is cleared hot right from the start, jammed packed with violence and explosive action from the first sentence to the last.
Make sure to check out the full review
April 10, 2024
After his small plane crashes in The Alps, Jake Keller manages to avoid a kill crew that shows up. (Reminded me of some of the conspiracy theories surrounding Buddy Holly) At first, he isn't sure somebody is after him, but they keep trying. Now Jake has to figure out WHO is after him.
Not bad, but like so many of today's books, is just too long. 180 would have been a tighter, more gripping book, but that ship has apparently sailed.
Not bad, but like so many of today's books, is just too long. 180 would have been a tighter, more gripping book, but that ship has apparently sailed.
March 2, 2024
First book by Ricciardi.but I will certaintly read others.
June 3, 2021
Jake Keller, a CIA officer has lived A LOT for a young man but now someone is trying to kill him. First, he's the only survivor of a plane crash and then, well, no spoilers from me but know that virtually no where is safe for him or some of his colleagues. There's a big conspiracy, of course, and an evil Russian oligarch in Nikolai Kozlov. Can Jake stop an assassination? Gosh, more importantly, can Jake stay alive? And what about his love life? This has some lively dialogue, fun characters, implausible situations, and great pacing. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books because Ricciardi provides good back story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is popcorn reading perfect for travel or the beach-and you'll have fun thinking about who should play who if it's made into a movie.
September 15, 2021
Definitely recommended if you are into the thriller/spy/SpecOps genre. Smartly written. Good plot. Seems well researched. But if you are into killing and blood just to fill up pages - "our hero takes out a dozen armed, trained men with a rusty nail and a broken bottle" - not so much. This 4th Jake Keller book can easily be read as a stand-alone.
I give this 4 very solid stars. It bounced between 4 and 5 throughout the story, but I finally decided on 4 due to the less-than-quality ending. It almost seemed as if the author just ran out of story.
I give this 4 very solid stars. It bounced between 4 and 5 throughout the story, but I finally decided on 4 due to the less-than-quality ending. It almost seemed as if the author just ran out of story.
August 6, 2021
Solid book with exceptional suspense and action. You are kept in the dark for a good part of the book on who the target is. We get the know more about Jake Keller’s past which is a plus. I really enjoy books that are hard to put down and this is one of them. The guessing game kept me interested throughout the whole book. Great ending with a mild cliffhanger or love story that hopefully we will see grow in the next book. If you like Flynn, Thor, Taylor or Silva you will definitely like this book.
September 20, 2021
Solid four-star book.
In this story, Jake is not a singleton, he has helpers and a love interest.
Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
In this story, Jake is not a singleton, he has helpers and a love interest.
Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
March 16, 2021
Jake Keller, CIA Field Agent, has just escaped death in a plane crash, but continuing attacks on his life cause him to question not only his employer, but everyone he knows. From the glamourous ski slopes of France to Washington D.C., and back and forth to Europe, Jake continues to puzzle out who is behind the multiple attempts on his life. Battling a case of trauma amnesia, he comes to depend upon a core group of friends and comrades determined to gain his freedom from this constant threat. I could not put this book down! #ShadowTarget #NetGalley
March 9, 2021
Shadow Target is Book 4 in the Jake Keller series, and the book starts with a bang (literally), as the plane Jake is riding in suddenly crashes in the Alps. Jake soon suspects that he’s on a very short “kill list” of CIA operatives. This series has been a fun ride, and this latest book is no exception. While this particular plot doesn’t break any new ground in this genre, it’s still a quick read and entertaining, although I think it references earlier events in the prior books a little too much for Keller followers. I understand the need to get new readers up to speed, but it’s a bit tedious. That’s my only complaint with the book, otherwise it slots right in and doesn’t miss a beat. Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
Shadow Target is the next entry in the Jake Keller series, and I enjoyed it tremendously. I find this series is deceptive in its storytelling as it seems simple in its concepts and in its story lines, but there is an underlying depth and deception that has been there since the first book and I am curious as to how it will all play out in the end. If you've read the previous instalments, this one is a bit different, and although I was a bit skeptical at first about where it was headed, it soon picked up and I read the rest in one sitting.
I enjoy Jake as a main character and this book really picked up on his character development as we learned a lot more about his past and how it has affected his present as well as his psychological state. There was a lot of introspection about his personal life and how so much was stolen from him because of previous situations and while I wasn't sure how to take all of this, it definitely worked in the end. Seeing this side of Jake made you much more empathetic towards his character and some of the hard choices he has to make while doing his job and the impact those choices have on his psyche. It was rather interesting.
One of the strengths of these books is Jake's willingness to work with other people and I always like it when previous characters show up in these books. I think part of this is the author's way of showing that everyone needs to feel connected to someone else no matter the job they do and I found this kind of intriguing, this exploration of human connection and the toll the lack thereof can have on a human body. Very subtle piece of writing, but it did make me think about a lot of things.
At first I wasn't sure about the plot as it didn't seem the same as in previous novels; it felt much more like a suspense novel with a huge mystery twist to it rather than a full-on thriller. Despite Jake's having to avoid a few attempts on his life, the first half was more contemplative. But then, bang! It picks right back up, with a twist I should have expected but didn't (probably because I was paying too much attention to the relationship issues), and things were right back into what I would expect from this author and a thriller novel. There was also a lot of subtle intrigue, some of it carrying over from previous books, ones that I don't know if a reader new to the series would pick up on unless familiar with the earlier books and the situations that created them, intrigues that will continue in future books.
Shadow Target is definitely one of my new favourite thriller series (right up there with the Orphan X books), and while this one started a bit differently than the previous instalments, it was still as strong as previous entries. I like that the author can be versatile in his writing style and still write intricate plot twists and relatable characters. While this could be read on its own, I do recommend reading them all in order to get a good understanding of the relationships and political goings-on that were only lightly explained And while this book does have a satisfactory ending, there are some intrigues that will definitely be continuing in the next book and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
I enjoy Jake as a main character and this book really picked up on his character development as we learned a lot more about his past and how it has affected his present as well as his psychological state. There was a lot of introspection about his personal life and how so much was stolen from him because of previous situations and while I wasn't sure how to take all of this, it definitely worked in the end. Seeing this side of Jake made you much more empathetic towards his character and some of the hard choices he has to make while doing his job and the impact those choices have on his psyche. It was rather interesting.
One of the strengths of these books is Jake's willingness to work with other people and I always like it when previous characters show up in these books. I think part of this is the author's way of showing that everyone needs to feel connected to someone else no matter the job they do and I found this kind of intriguing, this exploration of human connection and the toll the lack thereof can have on a human body. Very subtle piece of writing, but it did make me think about a lot of things.
At first I wasn't sure about the plot as it didn't seem the same as in previous novels; it felt much more like a suspense novel with a huge mystery twist to it rather than a full-on thriller. Despite Jake's having to avoid a few attempts on his life, the first half was more contemplative. But then, bang! It picks right back up, with a twist I should have expected but didn't (probably because I was paying too much attention to the relationship issues), and things were right back into what I would expect from this author and a thriller novel. There was also a lot of subtle intrigue, some of it carrying over from previous books, ones that I don't know if a reader new to the series would pick up on unless familiar with the earlier books and the situations that created them, intrigues that will continue in future books.
Shadow Target is definitely one of my new favourite thriller series (right up there with the Orphan X books), and while this one started a bit differently than the previous instalments, it was still as strong as previous entries. I like that the author can be versatile in his writing style and still write intricate plot twists and relatable characters. While this could be read on its own, I do recommend reading them all in order to get a good understanding of the relationships and political goings-on that were only lightly explained And while this book does have a satisfactory ending, there are some intrigues that will definitely be continuing in the next book and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
May 29, 2022
Received this from the Goodreads.com Giveaways.
This is the second book in this series that I have read and really enjoyed it. Need to read the others.
The book is full of action, suspense and a bit of romance. The main character Jake Keller is a tough, resilient, determined man who has been through a lot. He is on his way to a ski vacation in France when his plane goes down and he miraculously survives. While recovering back in the U. S. he has realizes that other man in his organization have also died in the past few years (more than should be expected) and he starts investigating. He believes his plane crash was not an accident and several more attempts are made to kill him. He is not certain why he is being targeted or why the others were. He travels back to France and England and reconnects with several people he has met previously, one of which he is still in love with. He meets a few others who he comes to trust and sets out to find answers to his questions and find a suspected mole in the CIA.
The story alternates between what is happening with Jake and from the point of view of the people who are trying to kill him and the reason why. A Russian oligarch is involved and it describes the lavish lifestyle he leads and the people around him especially his henchmen one of which who is a main character in the story. Lots of in depth descriptions of weapons, fights, tactics, settings.
This is the second book in this series that I have read and really enjoyed it. Need to read the others.
The book is full of action, suspense and a bit of romance. The main character Jake Keller is a tough, resilient, determined man who has been through a lot. He is on his way to a ski vacation in France when his plane goes down and he miraculously survives. While recovering back in the U. S. he has realizes that other man in his organization have also died in the past few years (more than should be expected) and he starts investigating. He believes his plane crash was not an accident and several more attempts are made to kill him. He is not certain why he is being targeted or why the others were. He travels back to France and England and reconnects with several people he has met previously, one of which he is still in love with. He meets a few others who he comes to trust and sets out to find answers to his questions and find a suspected mole in the CIA.
The story alternates between what is happening with Jake and from the point of view of the people who are trying to kill him and the reason why. A Russian oligarch is involved and it describes the lavish lifestyle he leads and the people around him especially his henchmen one of which who is a main character in the story. Lots of in depth descriptions of weapons, fights, tactics, settings.
January 12, 2022
I've really enjoyed this short action/thriller series and wish the author had more books. What I like about the books is that they are easy to read and get into. The flow of words and plot is pretty smooth. These are not deep thoughtful books but fast action books. The characters are just deep enough to carry the plot and not much more. The plot lines are simple and not overly convoluted. A good escapist series is what it is.
Spoilers below:
This 4th book kind of clears up any loose ends from the earlier books and capstones the series. Jake Keller is on a short domestic flight to a French ski resort and the plane blows up. He suffers a bit of amnesia but comes to realize that someone is trying to kill him and that these people have been killing CIA operatives for the past few years.
He eventually realizes that he has to go back to France to look for clues of the bombing and rekindles his relationship with Genevieve, the French secret service DGSE agent he was about to have a relationship with in the first book. And with the help of his other friends from the earlier books he manages to uncover the plot.
A satisfying ending to the series.
Spoilers below:
This 4th book kind of clears up any loose ends from the earlier books and capstones the series. Jake Keller is on a short domestic flight to a French ski resort and the plane blows up. He suffers a bit of amnesia but comes to realize that someone is trying to kill him and that these people have been killing CIA operatives for the past few years.
He eventually realizes that he has to go back to France to look for clues of the bombing and rekindles his relationship with Genevieve, the French secret service DGSE agent he was about to have a relationship with in the first book. And with the help of his other friends from the earlier books he manages to uncover the plot.
A satisfying ending to the series.
June 28, 2021
Just finished reading SHADOW TARGET by David Ricciardi and it was a great experience.
Jake Keller, the hero, inadvertently discovers a conspiracy to kill paramilitary officers of the CIA without anyone really drawing any attention. The Jake falls into the attention of these secret assassins and still doesn’t know why.
As he attempts to find connections, his discoveries are classified circumstantial and Jake is politely warned off.
David, the author, is a definite fresh voice in this popular field of espionage thrillers. I found the novel to have plausible and rational elements that made the story the more credible and Jake’s frustrations more acceptable.
As the novel built towards its climatic ending, it became more difficult to put it down and read it later. Unlike some of my previous selections, SHADOW TARGET was a suspenseful thriller that crept up on the reader silently.
Jake Keller, the hero, inadvertently discovers a conspiracy to kill paramilitary officers of the CIA without anyone really drawing any attention. The Jake falls into the attention of these secret assassins and still doesn’t know why.
As he attempts to find connections, his discoveries are classified circumstantial and Jake is politely warned off.
David, the author, is a definite fresh voice in this popular field of espionage thrillers. I found the novel to have plausible and rational elements that made the story the more credible and Jake’s frustrations more acceptable.
As the novel built towards its climatic ending, it became more difficult to put it down and read it later. Unlike some of my previous selections, SHADOW TARGET was a suspenseful thriller that crept up on the reader silently.
June 16, 2021
Shadow Target by David Ricciardi is a CIA paramilitary thriller. Jake Keller finds himself in a few too many accidents to be a coincidence and he must get to the bottom of it before they finish the job.
This is book four in the Keller series, however this was the first of the series that I’ve read, and my introduction to both the series and the author. That being said, I never felt like it was necessary that I go back to read the previous three book in order to understand what was going on. However, I do feel that it will definitely enrich your experience further. There is a nice mixture between world building and character building and some nice actions scenes that keep the reader engaged. Keller is a character that I enjoyed getting to know, I’m going to keep an eye on this series, and the author for sure!
This is book four in the Keller series, however this was the first of the series that I’ve read, and my introduction to both the series and the author. That being said, I never felt like it was necessary that I go back to read the previous three book in order to understand what was going on. However, I do feel that it will definitely enrich your experience further. There is a nice mixture between world building and character building and some nice actions scenes that keep the reader engaged. Keller is a character that I enjoyed getting to know, I’m going to keep an eye on this series, and the author for sure!
July 21, 2021
Shadow Target is up there with Warning Light as being my favorite Jake Keller books. The plot is action packed, intriguing, and not too out there that it's hard to get into.
Personally, I don't think you have to read the Jake Keller books in order. It somewhat adds to it, but it is by no means necessary. If I were to do it over again, I'd probably read book 1 and then jump to this one.
Fun action series for Bourne fans.
Some favorite quotes:
"As it is with human beings everywhere, personal trust sometimes transcended rules."
"They hate us until they need us, and then we're not doing enough."
"Lots of people acted tough until their actions had repercussions."
Personally, I don't think you have to read the Jake Keller books in order. It somewhat adds to it, but it is by no means necessary. If I were to do it over again, I'd probably read book 1 and then jump to this one.
Fun action series for Bourne fans.
Some favorite quotes:
"As it is with human beings everywhere, personal trust sometimes transcended rules."
"They hate us until they need us, and then we're not doing enough."
"Lots of people acted tough until their actions had repercussions."
November 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story and action flowed smoothly throughout the book. The Character Jake Keller is portrayed as a dedicated agent trying to un-ravel that has happened to him. He is not written as a “super-spy” who is invincible with bullets bouncing off him. When he gets hit. He feels the pain. This story had lots of moving parts that cover the world with intricate plots and twists that all are woven together at the end. The supporting characters are will written and their actions are reasonable within the context of the story. This book is not as heavily involved in geopolitical conspiracies as the first books, but the personal aspects of the bac story make it a great read.
July 12, 2022
Jake Keller who works for the CIA has woken up from a plane crash and still though does not remember much of what had happened. When being picked up he realizes that the men in the car are taking him somewhere to kill him, he switches up and kills them. Here starts him looking for and why he has been targeted. Still, in Europe, he must get back to the States and finally get all of the answers he is looking for. A very well-thought-out storyline and the pace of the book keep you the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Good characters and a really good read. I received this book from Netgalley.com
May 23, 2021
This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely did not disappoint! His well-developed characters and easy writing style make it an easy and pleasurable read. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 16, 2021
In the book Shadow Target, author David Ricciardi follows CIA field officer Jake Keller as he works to find out who is killing CIA operatives. And time is running out because Jake is next on the list. But who can he trust? It seems like someone is working to kill him from within the CIA. But who can the mole be? And can he trust his old friends?
This was a great heart-pounding, edge of your seat story. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great heart-pounding, edge of your seat story. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2021
Shadow Target by David Ricciardi is number four in the fantastic Jake Keller series which rivals any of the greats in this genre. Jake is on leave when he is pulled back into jeopardy. After his plane crashes he is saved by arriving helicopters. But is he out of danger with their arrival? Jake has many foes, including the C.I.A. and a mysterious Russian businessperson who wants Jake dead for reasons yet unexplained. Readers will immediately conjure visions of the great Robert Ludlum while following Jake and the dazzling array of friends, foes, lovers, and killers
October 7, 2021
If you are a fan of the Jake Keller books, then you are going to really enjoy this thrilling chapter in the life of our spy! This book had a few twists and turns but finally Jake figures everything out and I hope is on his way to enjoying life a bit safer in his future.
Trying not to give anything away, but this book has it all....bad guys, good guys, some old friends and some new friends plus our hero against the odds and some very cute scenes between Jake and a lady!
I very much enjoyed this book and unfortunately finished it in 2 days! Now I must wait till the next installment.
Enjoy!
Trying not to give anything away, but this book has it all....bad guys, good guys, some old friends and some new friends plus our hero against the odds and some very cute scenes between Jake and a lady!
I very much enjoyed this book and unfortunately finished it in 2 days! Now I must wait till the next installment.
Enjoy!
June 4, 2021
When from i can see this is the fourth installment of this series. I did not read the other ones but this one is excellent. It is quite a thriller about a man named Jake and his plane crashes but when he gets rescued he realizes people are trying to kill him. He needs to determine who is trying to kill him. he cannot even trust his bosses and he travels all around the world to find answers. It is a very thilling book.
July 18, 2021
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. Here is my completely unbiased review.
This is not normally a book I would be drawn to, but I am working on expanding my reading horizons. The book was well written and the story was easy to follow, even though I had not read the previous 3 books. I enjoyed the action in this book and it read like a tv series. If it were, I would definetly watch it. If you like action and suspense, this book is worth a read.
This is not normally a book I would be drawn to, but I am working on expanding my reading horizons. The book was well written and the story was easy to follow, even though I had not read the previous 3 books. I enjoyed the action in this book and it read like a tv series. If it were, I would definetly watch it. If you like action and suspense, this book is worth a read.
August 17, 2023
Just okay. Nothing spectacular. The plot is there but so much is unbelievable. Examples-Jake managed to be the only plane crash survivor but so quick he could escape the bad guys directly after the crash. Then is happened again but this time a car crash and then again when they blew up his carriage house. It’s a bit far fetched and I usually love this kind of action but this all came off a bit too extreme.
Also supporting characters are wildly underdeveloped.
Also supporting characters are wildly underdeveloped.
July 30, 2025
This book was pretty good. It's not something that I would have normally picked out. I received it in a Blind Date with a Book purchase. It's book four of the Jake Keller series, but I was able to follow along pretty well without having read the previous 3 books. If you like military thrillers - definitely check this out.
July 10, 2021
Excellent; Continuing character: Jake Keller; after surviving a plane crash and suffering amnesia, Keller starts putting pieces together and realizes other operators like himself have been killed through traitorous actions and works to find out who is behind it and foil their ultimate goals
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