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Ian Bragg Thriller #2
A Clean Kill
Killing a bad man is easy, as long as it’s a clean kill.
Ian Bragg is thrust into a world in between. An operator AND a manager. Can he teach morality to professional hit men?
Know when a target needs to be taken down and when to walk away.
What happens when operators get together? One place. One time. Will any of them live to see a new day?
Jenny works to keep Ian sane just until she gets in the line of fire. Ian unleashes on his new reality, changing the world by his force of will alone.
Ian Bragg. A hitman with a conscience. Pick up the second book in this explosive new series today.
Ian Bragg is thrust into a world in between. An operator AND a manager. Can he teach morality to professional hit men?
Know when a target needs to be taken down and when to walk away.
What happens when operators get together? One place. One time. Will any of them live to see a new day?
Jenny works to keep Ian sane just until she gets in the line of fire. Ian unleashes on his new reality, changing the world by his force of will alone.
Ian Bragg. A hitman with a conscience. Pick up the second book in this explosive new series today.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2020
190 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
326 books7,878 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 30, 2020
The Hitman With A Conscience Returns, Trying To Teach Others Morals...
A second smashing story in this author's 'Ian Bragg' series, and what a twisting road we travel! I started reading last evening....And could not stop!! I was totally involved in every moment with Ian and Had to finish! An incredible tale with Jenny, who his now his wife, working hard to gain strength to be right there alongside her husband.
Ian so wants to be able to train other Operatives, to help them stay safe and keep the company clean. He is now investigating bids that have been put out, using his own style to make sure those people named are truly evil. The Company believes he has a great idea....Now to put an Operator event together!
A thrilling adventure follows, as Ian tries to 'teach' morals to a bunch of hired killers.....Sound interesting?! Grab this book NOW for a dive into a different world....That is there for Good, to keep evil at bay!!
A second smashing story in this author's 'Ian Bragg' series, and what a twisting road we travel! I started reading last evening....And could not stop!! I was totally involved in every moment with Ian and Had to finish! An incredible tale with Jenny, who his now his wife, working hard to gain strength to be right there alongside her husband.
Ian so wants to be able to train other Operatives, to help them stay safe and keep the company clean. He is now investigating bids that have been put out, using his own style to make sure those people named are truly evil. The Company believes he has a great idea....Now to put an Operator event together!
A thrilling adventure follows, as Ian tries to 'teach' morals to a bunch of hired killers.....Sound interesting?! Grab this book NOW for a dive into a different world....That is there for Good, to keep evil at bay!!
December 29, 2020
Yet another gripping thriller in this series. I devoured it in two sittings.
Fast-paced, just like the first in the series. A killer with a conscience indeed. Ian is up against a professional hit man who finds himself putting himself and his girlfriend in mortal danger.
To say more would truly give the game away in this epic battle of wills and fire power.
Fast-paced, just like the first in the series. A killer with a conscience indeed. Ian is up against a professional hit man who finds himself putting himself and his girlfriend in mortal danger.
To say more would truly give the game away in this epic battle of wills and fire power.
May 26, 2021
A killer with a conscience? A Clean Kill is the second great book about assassin Ian Bragg by Craig Martelle. Ian has a great idea, a retreat for killers with lectures how to get better at work and develop morals about who to kill and why. Sounds great doesn't it. Read and find out. His new wife has also made him agree to meet her siblings and their families, great idea? Well read the damn book and find out. I for one love this series, it's different from most assassin series and filled with both action and humor. I can really recommend it.
December 29, 2020
A New Teacher in Town
Really liked the first book. Loved this second one. Ian really does have a conscience. We get to see a bit of the hierarchy of the Peace Archive and all the usual excitement. Can't wait for the next one. Hope it publishes early.
Really liked the first book. Loved this second one. Ian really does have a conscience. We get to see a bit of the hierarchy of the Peace Archive and all the usual excitement. Can't wait for the next one. Hope it publishes early.
December 10, 2021
The strength of the partnership between Ian and Jenny continues to grow in this book. It's refreshing to see an MC's female partner be something more than arm candy or a plot prop in thriller books, and Martelle knocks it out of the park with Jenny. She proves herself to be not only smart and a fast learner, but intuitive and a crucial element in missions. Ian still has the main stage, but they consistently share the spotlight and work together toward a shared life mission.
The writing is excellent, the characters full and believable, and the story flows well. There was a single point where the outcome was easily predictable, but those moments are inevitable in the long run, and the end result was still satisfying.
Overall, a complete page-turner that will keep you up late to read (or listen to)! Definitely grab this book if you'd like a refreshing take on hitman thrillers and reading dynamic, three-dimensional characters!
I LOVED it and I can't wait for the next book!
The writing is excellent, the characters full and believable, and the story flows well. There was a single point where the outcome was easily predictable, but those moments are inevitable in the long run, and the end result was still satisfying.
Overall, a complete page-turner that will keep you up late to read (or listen to)! Definitely grab this book if you'd like a refreshing take on hitman thrillers and reading dynamic, three-dimensional characters!
I LOVED it and I can't wait for the next book!
January 29, 2021
A Clean Kill - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Ian and Jenny Bragg are settling into their new version of Ian's former life, as an expert assassin-for-hire with The Peace Archive, in Craig Martelle's excellent new novel, A Clean Kill.
The major changes are, that not only have Ian and Jenny been freed from the threat from the criminal organisation, but they can now have both a more normal lifestyle and set up their own contracts under The Peace Archive's aegis, plus the latter has agreed Ian's new system of training assassins in practical essentials for their 'trade'.
What are the family issues Ian and Jenny have to face? How does that work out?
A thrilling sequel to book 1, that you're sure to be fascinated by, get your copy of Book 2, A Clean Kill by Craig Martelle today.
You'll enjoy it even more if you get the first one as well, for a complete reading experience!
Ian and Jenny Bragg are settling into their new version of Ian's former life, as an expert assassin-for-hire with The Peace Archive, in Craig Martelle's excellent new novel, A Clean Kill.
The major changes are, that not only have Ian and Jenny been freed from the threat from the criminal organisation, but they can now have both a more normal lifestyle and set up their own contracts under The Peace Archive's aegis, plus the latter has agreed Ian's new system of training assassins in practical essentials for their 'trade'.
What are the family issues Ian and Jenny have to face? How does that work out?
A thrilling sequel to book 1, that you're sure to be fascinated by, get your copy of Book 2, A Clean Kill by Craig Martelle today.
You'll enjoy it even more if you get the first one as well, for a complete reading experience!
July 18, 2022
Ian and Jenny's lives continue in this second book of the series. I love the balancing act of Ian as he further involves the woman he adores/loves into this dangerous world and his admiration of her as she navigates it. Yet he also struggles with exposing her to the dangers. How she adapts and grows is fascinating to follow. The ambiguity of their situation and making their relationship work was the main pulling power for me.
The various storylines of professional life and family dynamics maintain tension throughout. Since I never served in the military, I also loved learning the strategies the author weaves into the story.
There are likeable characters, but I feel like I can never get too comfortable nor do I know exactly whom to trust. Maybe just like Ian and Jenny. A great read!
The various storylines of professional life and family dynamics maintain tension throughout. Since I never served in the military, I also loved learning the strategies the author weaves into the story.
There are likeable characters, but I feel like I can never get too comfortable nor do I know exactly whom to trust. Maybe just like Ian and Jenny. A great read!
January 4, 2021
I don't know how...
...but this series got even better. I am completely booked on Ian & Jenny's story, and kicking myself for starting the series before it was finished, since I now have to wait for the next installment! Drat!
It will be worth the wait though, guaranteed. I have a feeling that there may be a lot more to the news delivered in the last few pages of book 2, along with a suspicion that it somehow ties to the events at the Dude Ranch. That all seemed a little more cut and dried than I usually expect from Craig Martelle's stories. We will see what we shall see!
...but this series got even better. I am completely booked on Ian & Jenny's story, and kicking myself for starting the series before it was finished, since I now have to wait for the next installment! Drat!
It will be worth the wait though, guaranteed. I have a feeling that there may be a lot more to the news delivered in the last few pages of book 2, along with a suspicion that it somehow ties to the events at the Dude Ranch. That all seemed a little more cut and dried than I usually expect from Craig Martelle's stories. We will see what we shall see!
March 23, 2021
The second book in the Ian Bragg thriller series builds on the previous one. I was eager to find out what Bragg and new wife, Jenny, would get up to next. There are too many variables in his line of work. As the Marine Corps saying goes “No plan survives first contact”. Can there really be so many rich people wanting to get even with reprehensible human beings? If there are, it does mean there’ll be a need for a lot of operators who can work flexibly.
It’s not essential to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but I’d highly recommend it.
January 3, 2021
A remarkable story
Kudos to Craig... he has managed to create what is the action filled world of a hit man and his wife. Combining that premise with the complication that he has a conscience, a need to be sure that the target is someone who has earned the elimination. A gripping read.
Kudos to Craig... he has managed to create what is the action filled world of a hit man and his wife. Combining that premise with the complication that he has a conscience, a need to be sure that the target is someone who has earned the elimination. A gripping read.
January 25, 2022
This second book in the series was even better than the first! There are more twists and turns in this story and I love how the author allows us to climb right into Ian Bragg's over active brain, thank God he introduced Jenny to the series, she keeps Ian somewhat balanced. There is never a dull moment in this book and the last sentence in the book tells you that more fun and games (death and mayhem) will immediately begin in book three!
January 6, 2021
Awesome story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read some more Ian Bragg books. It is really well written and the scene of his journey in the mountain is vivid. Ian and Jenny are a great couple.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read some more Ian Bragg books. It is really well written and the scene of his journey in the mountain is vivid. Ian and Jenny are a great couple.
January 14, 2021
Second book in the series picks right up where Book One leaves off, and leads into Book Three. Lots of action in this one as the newlyweds host a retreat for their band of assassins. The retreat turns ugly, but Ian is up to the task.
February 7, 2021
Another Craig Martelle hit series
Craig Martelle has another hit series on his hands with Ian Bragg. I am a fan of his writing across all of his genres and his characters always have depth and humanity, no matter their vocation
Craig Martelle has another hit series on his hands with Ian Bragg. I am a fan of his writing across all of his genres and his characters always have depth and humanity, no matter their vocation
February 14, 2021
What a delight!
Man, I'm loving this series. Just enough snark as well as action and romance makes for an enjoyable read. The heartwarming endeavor of Ian Bragg makes you just keep waiting for the next book.
Man, I'm loving this series. Just enough snark as well as action and romance makes for an enjoyable read. The heartwarming endeavor of Ian Bragg makes you just keep waiting for the next book.
February 19, 2021
I read Clean Kill after the Operator.
Both are thrillers par excellance.
One pace from great action to another.
You get addicted.Apleasurable read.
Am now looking forward to the next and the next.
Both are thrillers par excellance.
One pace from great action to another.
You get addicted.Apleasurable read.
Am now looking forward to the next and the next.
March 7, 2021
Very entertaining story in spite of the roles of the leading characters. The changing personas of Ian and his wife and their recognition of the nature of their colleagues is interesting. I look toward to the next book.
April 19, 2021
Always a body count.
Wonderful character development and an intriguing storyline. The detailing of the planning of the hits is engrossing. I look forward to reading many more Ian Bragg thrillers.
Wonderful character development and an intriguing storyline. The detailing of the planning of the hits is engrossing. I look forward to reading many more Ian Bragg thrillers.
June 5, 2021
Just buy it!!
The second book of the series was as awesome as the first! If you read the first book, why are you nothing to read the reviews? Buy the book already! You won't be disappointed!
The second book of the series was as awesome as the first! If you read the first book, why are you nothing to read the reviews? Buy the book already! You won't be disappointed!
July 23, 2021
A solid read
Just finished... On to the next one down the rabbit I go. lol thank you Craig for keeping me entertained. I'm even reading the fun quips to my husband, made him laugh as well!
Just finished... On to the next one down the rabbit I go. lol thank you Craig for keeping me entertained. I'm even reading the fun quips to my husband, made him laugh as well!
January 9, 2022
Another book setting up the series. This was just ok. Jenny is becoming much stringy/tougher. They attempt to teach morals and techniques to other operatives. Looks like Ian is moving up in the organization.
April 16, 2022
nothing like a “nice”assassin
I don’t know why but I’ve always liked books about hired killer’s. Ever since I read Butchers boy I’ve been hooked. Ian Bragg is up there with Butchers Boy and I hope this series continues with this new approach to dispensing justice.
I don’t know why but I’ve always liked books about hired killer’s. Ever since I read Butchers boy I’ve been hooked. Ian Bragg is up there with Butchers Boy and I hope this series continues with this new approach to dispensing justice.
December 31, 2020
This deserves 6 Stars
The quality of the storyline and the writing takes me back decades to authors of the past whose thrillers took me places far and wide with skill outstanding.
The quality of the storyline and the writing takes me back decades to authors of the past whose thrillers took me places far and wide with skill outstanding.
January 9, 2021
Heart Pounding!
:Another hit! This will have your heart pounding,, sitting on the edge of your seat, all the while you are cheering for Ian & Jennie.
:Another hit! This will have your heart pounding,, sitting on the edge of your seat, all the while you are cheering for Ian & Jennie.
January 11, 2021
Good read
Well worth reading . Kept me turning pages late at night. One of the better Indie authors writing today
Grab it. Enjoy
Well worth reading . Kept me turning pages late at night. One of the better Indie authors writing today
Grab it. Enjoy
January 11, 2021
Follow up
Great fast read with action but thought provoking as well . Detective work, some really bad guys and guess at who the real hero is?
Great fast read with action but thought provoking as well . Detective work, some really bad guys and guess at who the real hero is?
April 17, 2021
Another Outstanding Read
I am really enjoying this series. The character development and action are top notch. I read this in one sitting--it was that good.
I am really enjoying this series. The character development and action are top notch. I read this in one sitting--it was that good.
April 21, 2021
Good read.
Was a good, fast paced, story. Had enough side plots to make it hard to put down. I thought the rattlesnake bite was a little overboard, not really needed.
Was a good, fast paced, story. Had enough side plots to make it hard to put down. I thought the rattlesnake bite was a little overboard, not really needed.
May 17, 2021
Good story, good read, several surprises
These are easy reading books and hard to put down. The style is good and the characters are developed slowly.
These are easy reading books and hard to put down. The style is good and the characters are developed slowly.
August 21, 2021
Fascinating
A bit man with a moral compass makes for a fascinating read. I had read book 1 a few months back and book 2 day in my queue for awhile. Book 3 will not wait.
A bit man with a moral compass makes for a fascinating read. I had read book 1 a few months back and book 2 day in my queue for awhile. Book 3 will not wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews