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Private contractor Matti Baker’s personal quest is to keep America safe. With unwavering loyalty, she was selectively trained to assist government and outside agencies in identifying, locating and eliminating individuals and nations that pose a threat to the United States. Baker navigates through assignments that on surface appear to have no connection, ultimately to find out that they are all intertwined and pose global destruction if not stopped. While sacrificing to keep her family hidden and safe, Baker enlists the help of her best friend and closest colleagues to eradicate double agents, who she once considered a trusted ally.

Whether in Texas, California, Middle East, or even the foothills of Montana, Baker finds herself in the center of world domination, and keeps her wits about her and those that are lucky enough to be in her inside circle.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2018

109 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Michele Packard

10 books85 followers
Michele Packard, an award-winning author, draws inspiration from her military upbringing and her career as a cable TV executive in her captivating literary works. After dedicating herself to raising her three children, Packard embarked on a remarkable writing journey that spans both fiction and non-fiction genres.

Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.

When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.

For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.

Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades:
• Finalist, American Book Festival (2019)
• Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019)
• 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020)
• Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020)
• Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021)
• Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)

With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.

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5 stars
103 (54%)
4 stars
47 (24%)
3 stars
25 (13%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Teresa Brock.
832 reviews77 followers
February 14, 2024
Matti Baker is a private contractor that is able to balance her family life, her personal life and some how kick so much tail the reader will be turning pages as fast as possible to see what is next. I am lucky enough to have run into this author on Instagram and I was thrilled to get the first book in this series through KU. I am am avid reader of military thrillers and thrillers in general and this did NOT disappoint. I loved the integration of the movie quotes and music lyrics because it places Matti in a time and place that you can easily envision and appreciate her sense of humor. I love that the current mission is wrapped up, the groundwork is laid for the next one and there are so many background teasers that I MUST HAVE ANSWERED !!! AHHHHHHHHHHH. On to the next one!
Profile Image for Joe.
199 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2024
This was a wild thrilling suspenseful story
Matti is the main character and a private contractor who assists government and outside agencies in identifying, locating, and eliminating individuals and nations that pose a threat to the United States

Because of the twists and turns in the story, she cannot always trust those around her

I enjoyed how I kept on the edge of my seat throughout
There is also a lot of humor, as Matti enjoys quoting lines from songs and movie scenes
She does this by comparing the line with her current predicament

I enjoyed this and look forward to more Matti Baker stories
Profile Image for Jim.
196 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2021
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/aesop-by-mi...

It relies heavily on a long series of pop-culture references to music, movies and TV shows. In the course of less than half a page, we get all of the following:

* I swear I felt like he was thinking about that Nine Inch Nails Closer song as he stared at me.
* I felt like Olivia Pope in Scandal.
* Just like in The Italian Job, we had orchestrated every little detail.

These get shoehorned in there, because… Actually, I’m not sure why: we’re not talking obscurist entities that will prove the author’s street-cred. I speak here, as someone who likes Nine Inch Nails. Other sections obsess over interior decor in a way that feels more like house porn. Then again, everything in Matti’s life, for her husband and children through to her pair of impeccably-trained attack dogs, are utterly perfect in every aspect. Why should her living quarters be any different?
Profile Image for Julia Blake.
Author 19 books176 followers
April 16, 2021
An extremely fast-paced and action-led read which gallops along at a cracking pace, dragging the reader with it. Matti Baker is a US agent who is very good at what she does. Living her life on the edge and at a hundred miles an hour, it’s no wonder she conducts her love life at the same breakneck speed, meeting and marrying the man of her dreams in a matter of pages – I only wish that happened in real life.

Matti is an interesting character. Her profession should have made her hard-boiled, but she has her softer side and ultimately that could be her downfall. I liked the relationship she has with her handler, Freddy, even though she has never actually met him. There is a real connection between them and a sense of genuine caring and respect. Matti’s family back story is also intriguing, and I wished there had been more time spent on it.

A quick read, I consumed this book in a couple of evenings and was left wanting more. There was so much I loved about this book – but a couple of things that didn’t quite sit right. Firstly, it was the sheer pace of the book. Many times, I found myself longing for it to slow down and take a breath. Important events were missed because they were thrown so abruptly into the storyline and then whizzed by at top speed, that a few pages on I would go – wait, what just happened? – and have to go back to refix it in my mind. Even the most active of action books need periods of contemplation and reflection, otherwise, there is a tendency for it all to mash up like food in a blender. So, my advice to the author, for what it’s worth, is to let the reader breathe sometimes.

Secondly, there were an awful lot of references to American movies and TV shows, and I mean a lot, as in several on each page. Now, I’m never a fan of pop culture references in books. For a start, they can date the book, but also if the reader is not American and not a particularly big TV or movie watcher, it can leave them bewildered and annoyed, not understanding the reference, only knowing they’ve missed a meaning here. America is not the whole world, and anything that risks alienating a large proportion of your readers is something that needs careful consideration.

But this is only a personal opinion and in no way detracts from the very solid four stars I am awarding this book, with the added proviso I wish I could have given 4.5.

Profile Image for Richard Dominguez.
958 reviews124 followers
July 17, 2023
I have always believed that there is not much sexier that a beautiful woman who can kick butt, I think i am in love, but I digress.
Aesop is the first book of a trilogy that promises to be quite an impressive read.
Mattie Baker is a civilian contractor whom I get the feeling is whom you call when no one else can get the job done.
The author Ms Packard does a wonderful job at slowly supplying background information on Mattie so that we come to know her better over the length of the story, without confusing it with the present. She also has a great cast of characters on both sides of the good and bad guys spectrum. i also found her addition of pop culture references very enjoyable, adding greatly to a familiar feel to the story. I was impressed by how the author reveals the web like intrigue that ties Mattie's missions into a conspiracy.
The story is an excellently paced action thriller with a strong plot that contributes to being a fast read and making it hard for me to put down,
Perfect for fans of fast paced fun action story that is ideal not only for reading but great in buddy reads or book club reads.
Aesop is quite different from anything I have read so far in 2020 and not only will I read it again but I hope to read more of Ms Packard's work.
Profile Image for Linda Lou.
392 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2022
I finished Aesop by Michele Packard well past midnight as I had reached the point of no return. I totally enjoyed this jaunt back in time, with a female 1970’s version of Dick Tracey, Spade, Philip Marlowe and Mike Hammer all of whom came from comic strips, the big screen and the infamous dime novel. They always seemed to have a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other. With Aesop, however, it’s a badass and brilliant woman with just the right touch of a snarky attitude to keep me turning the pages. Matti is gritty, edgy, smart and she certainly knows her music and movies.

This is one of the fastest moving books I’ve read in some time. The intensity kept building and then plummeted just as quickly leaving me speechless. Aesop has a hint of a sci-fi thread that I hope will be further explored. Although Aesop doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, there are a few questions and suspicions that I’m hoping will be answered in Fable and Teller. Matti Baker would make an awesome TV series…. A Wonder Woman without super powers.

A Suspenseful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Linda.
299 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2020
What an Adventure

Well written book about someone born with capabilities most people would never understand....but, what makes the story so good is when there is a Family that is impacted. That gets me every time!
Profile Image for Celia Buell (semi hiatus).
632 reviews31 followers
May 6, 2021
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I've only read a few books about assassins and none of them have been great, so it's safe to say it's not really a genre I'm interested in. However this fit for a few of my challenges and ultimately I'm glad I read it.

I'll admit this was hard to get into. Initially, Matti seemed like an entitled drama queen who we weren't supposed to like, but the chronology and order the story was written in really did help with that. I appreciated that we started with action in the present, and then most of the book took place in the past as we got to know Matti for who she is and what she values. I rarely read books with happily married couples where the issue is not focused on their marriage or relationship, so this was a welcome break from that type of thing. I enjoyed the romance in this novel and also the lack of pushiness I experienced with it.

I admit it was hard to see how Matti's two stories connected at first, but the way this was laid out was actually done quite well. I enjoyed the full-character approach this story took, and I think Matti and all other characters are really well written. I didn't necessarily think I would like government assassin characters as much as I did with AESOP.

There are still aspects of this novel I have unanswered questions about, including Matti's encounter with Miquel and what his role was in her past. However, most of my questions were answered throughout the novel, and this wrapped up and wrapped around itself nicely.

I'm glad I found these books when the whole trilogy was free on Amazon. While the sequel is not one I would actively seek out if I didn't already own it, I definitely see myself continuing this in the near future since I do have access to it.
Profile Image for Ian Hornett.
Author 15 books28 followers
April 27, 2022
I love stories with strong characters and Michele Packard has certainly come up with one here in the form of Matti Baker. Destined for great things because of her genes and background, Baker opts to use her exceptional physical and mental skills to contract herself out to agencies that try to counter threats from organisations hostile to the United States. She spends her life jet setting round the world, putting herself at considerable risk as she quells dangers here and there, until dots begin to get joined up and she realises there is a dominant force at work which is going to require her to make even greater sacrifices if she and her friends and colleagues are going to prevail.

I’ve not read a thriller for a while. Aesop made me realise how much I’ve missed them. This is up there with the best. It’s got plenty of pace, action, intrigue, all lightly dosed with humour, just the ingredients a great thriller need. It had me turning pages at a rate, as Matti strutted her kickass stuff. A really satisfying read.

The great news is that there is more in the series. So, watch out Matti Baker... I’m coming for you!
Profile Image for Bruce Spydar.
Author 11 books39 followers
February 23, 2024
Fast-paced, enjoyable, and distinctive.
Having seen Michele Packard around on Instagram for a while, I thought it was about time to try her writing. I’m so glad I did … Aesop is a fast-paced, action-packed ride, built around a powerful, intelligent, and ruthless female lead with a complex backstory.
I said fast paced - so much is packed into this intro to Matti Baker, it seems like she’s lived through five lifetimes already, and yet this is just the beginning. Take a breath to catch up!
The main takeaway for me was the author’s very personal writing style, which clearly demonstrates her passions for cinema and music, as she illustrates many aspects of the developing story through such references. Not being such a big film/music buff myself, I sometimes found myself a little lost; however, where I was familiar, the style worked beautifully.
I should probably catch up with a few more Hollywood blockbusters before part two!
1,714 reviews13 followers
December 26, 2021
The 1st " book in the series that I read was "Counterinteligence" which I enjoyed and wanted more. I had forgotten that I had already purchased the initial 3 books in the series. Once I completed reading another book by a different author, I started this.

The story provides an introduction of Matti and how she became the person she now was. It details how she wound up with a couple after her mother had died and how they influenced her life. She was originally ostracized at school and when her new parents brought in a new tutor she then started to excel in all facets at school and sports. Once she finished high school, she was then sent by Freddie who was a friend of her mother and learned and enhanced the skills that she would use in her later life. The training of her and another girl, went on for period of 4 years when they then began their new roles.

Follow Bethany and Matti in their escapes and learn what happened in the early. Once you have finished this book, then you will definitely be impatient until you get the next one. It is a good red and you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Damien Larkin.
Author 8 books50 followers
July 18, 2021
I’ve heard great things about the Matti Baker series and I’m glad I dived into Aesop. This is a well written, action packed romp not to be missed!

As a child, Matti is a gifted student and athlete. Supported by her parents, she excels at everything she turns her hand to, allowing her to apply for an exclusive military style training program to enhance her abilities and serve her country as a specialist contractor. After years of training, she takes the fight to America’s enemies, foreign and domestic, in some explosive and exciting action scenes.

The first that that struck me about this book is the authors strong voice and writing style. Matti is an excellent character - while also a trained killer, she has a quirky sense of humour which makes her all the more relatable and lifelike. The plot itself was great, taking us between missions while also exploring Matti’s quest for some type of normalcy.

This is a fantastic book and I can’t wait to dive into the other two!
Profile Image for N.L..
Author 9 books67 followers
February 11, 2024
Just finished this entertaining 1st book in series, AESOP by Michele Packard, and looking forward to continuing on to the next.
This book was a fast-paced, action packed ride filled with intrigue, espionage, and entertaining movie and music pop-culture references. Along with me cheering the main character on in this adventure, I found myself chuckling out loud at some of her clever and sassy comments and internal dialog.
Excellent detail and well executed.
If you like a strong, smart, kick-ass, female main character, than this series if for you.
Profile Image for Robin.
646 reviews22 followers
November 29, 2023
Ist in a series, Matti Baker is a contract agent who was groomed and trained from a young age. She leads a double life as not many know about her true job. Great storyline, intrigue, love, with great music in backround...don't start before bed as you won't want to put down...
3,963 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2021
( Format :Audiobook )
"People see what they want to see."



review follows
Profile Image for Dolly.
267 reviews3 followers
Read
November 8, 2023
wow!

Intense story, and I don’t want to spoil it by saying too much. I need to have some recovery time before I can tackle the next one!
Profile Image for Sheila.
538 reviews
April 4, 2021
This book takes you on a wild adventure. It was great how lines from movies and lyrics from songs were used throughout the book. I look forward to reading more from Michele.
Profile Image for Nancy Houser-Bluhm.
Author 2 books47 followers
January 14, 2022
This book was so fun to read. Espionage/thriller, is far from my typical genre but Packard’s style made me think I need to see what happens next to Matti. I loved the levity that diffused the more intense scenes. This story kept calling me back because I needed to see what was happening.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
April 20, 2019
AESOP fable-teller

This author is Aesop the second for she is a true story teller. Not my usual genre. I am so glad I stepped out of my box. Now I am on top of it dancing that I read a fantastic book. What a ride. Non stop action.
Profile Image for Lesley.
159 reviews
July 20, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and choose to leave a review.

Good concept, but the meaning of the title didn't come until the very end. This could have been fleshed out and made into 2 or 3 better books. I found a lot of it hard to believe, and would have stopped reading before chapter 1 except I really wanted to be able to leave an honest review. It's a great concept.
Profile Image for HollyLovesBooks.
781 reviews53 followers
March 6, 2019
I adore this protagonist, Matti Baker! She rocks! She is a fun, unique character who is on a mission. She is set on her path as a child when her parents honed her exceptional skills and fine-tuned her for her life of an agent. She is physically strong and mentally capable. The story was engaging. It will be interesting to see how this character develops over the years through further books.

#AESOP #NetGalley
Profile Image for IMHO.
682 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2020
RECOMMENDED

"AESOP" By Michele Packard is an astoundingly good book, that is impossible to put
down, and you better have a clear schedule or you are going to be late for that
important meeting. (Ask me how I know.)
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,691 reviews108 followers
Currently reading
November 13, 2023
A Matti Baker Thriller Kindle Edition
BookAdrenaline
Profile Image for Diana Stone.
Author 12 books9 followers
November 12, 2023
Great adventure

I like all the characters that are likable. And I'm very happy to see the bad guys die. I also like that the book is ending, but then more sh** happens.
Profile Image for Becky Wright.
Author 8 books151 followers
May 14, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version on Audible.

Such an enjoyable listen. I already own the ebook version of Aesop by Michele Packard, but this is certainly a book that lends itself to audio. The narrator Naomi Rose-Mock bursts Matti Baker to life from the first line... Aesop is full of well-crafted characters, gripping action and intriguing plots, with a healthy dollop of Matti's quirky humour and sarcasm.

I loved it. I can't wait to listen to book 2...
4,416 reviews28 followers
February 18, 2019
Aesop is a book that I enjoyed tremendously. It's an action packed thriller with a lot of humor written by author Michele Packard. Matti is a lot like Jane Hawk. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy.
334 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2020
This is an entertaining and fast-past thriller centered around a talented but very human spy/ assassin. There is plenty of non-stop action and a host of interesting characters and believable locales. I could not put it down until it was done!
Profile Image for Sharon Buck.
Author 33 books31 followers
September 29, 2023
Definitely a page turner. Loved this book! Funny, sometimes politically incorrect :-) but ALWAYS fast paced with great descriptions. Plot line is strong, making me want to read more of Michele's books. Matti Baker is someone I'd love to have coffee with...although I strongly suspect, since I've 'killed' far fewer people than she has, she wouldn't be interested LOL

A fun and entertaining book, almost to the point of interruption in my daily life. Read it!
Profile Image for Caroline Noe.
Author 9 books82 followers
March 28, 2020
Matti is no ordinary woman. Adopted in mystery and raised a child prodigy, she trains as a private operative, a lethal spy. Falling in love throws a spanner in the works, but doesn't prevent her landing in the middle of a terrorist conspiracy that just might end us all.
Aesop, as in the purveyor of fables, is an unusual book to review. Whilst it breaks the show don't tell rule repeatedly, it is undoubtedly a fast paced, thoroughly entertaining read, aimed at adults. Whilst containing no sexual scenes, there is bad language and copious amounts of violence, befitting the subject matter.
The storyline pulled me in with it's intelligence and air of authenticity, and the characters were well drawn, especially Matti, through whose eyes the narrative unfolds.
An original and compelling 5🌟
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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