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Titus Black #8
State of Conspiracy
Some conspiracy theories are actually true.
When a high-ranking U.S. government official goes missing, the president wants to keep the situation from the public, summoning the Firestorm team to take handle the job.
However, when Titus Black and the team hit the ground, the clock is ticking. With just three days to find the kidnapped official and return home before everything is exposed, Black must navigate a precarious situation to ensure success behind enemy lines.
But when things go south, Black must improvise. And there’s no margin for error. If he fails, there’s more than just one life in danger … and it’s an outcome the country can’t afford.
When a high-ranking U.S. government official goes missing, the president wants to keep the situation from the public, summoning the Firestorm team to take handle the job.
However, when Titus Black and the team hit the ground, the clock is ticking. With just three days to find the kidnapped official and return home before everything is exposed, Black must navigate a precarious situation to ensure success behind enemy lines.
But when things go south, Black must improvise. And there’s no margin for error. If he fails, there’s more than just one life in danger … and it’s an outcome the country can’t afford.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2021
274 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Patterson
194 books207 followers*** Signup for my newsletter and receive a free copy of The Warren Omissions, the first book in my James Flynn thriller series, by visiting http://eepurl.com/bZwpdf ***
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 22, 2024
A good read, but needs editing in a fe places.
May 31, 2021
Titus Black’s mission is to take out a terrorist named Ahmed, but things went terribly wrong and Ahmed escaped Meanwhile Secretary of State Geller, against a directive from President Young, decided to go to Africa on a humanitarian mission. Again things went terribly wrong and Secretary Geller is captured by terrorists. Black is then tasked with rescuing her. He was able to get her out of the terrorists hands but Black ended up being captured himself by the terrorist group ADF. Also, the terrorists have another plan involving Christina Shields. She is captured and held hostage. What ensues is a plot to assist terrorists in attacking the U.S. There is so much going on here. Capturing, kidnapping, a plot to attack the U.S.—I could not keep up with it! What a great book! I loved every minute of it! I truly cannot get enough of Black, Shields, Blunt and the entire Firestorm team! Also a snippet with Brady Hawk is a welcome addition to this story. Read and enjoy!
May 18, 2021
STATE .OF.CONSPIRACY
..Titus.S
..RJ..Patterson..
Titus Black in South Africa wanting to take out Hasan Ahmed, to stop the terrorists activities. When a CIA guy he knew stops him, five years to now able to take them all out with an underground meeting in a couple of days.
Titus didn’t like the change of plans nor would President Young.
When Firestorm is given orders and other players change them doesn’t go well for Titus or Blunt.
When a US government official is kidnapped, and the US cancels Envoy to South Africa. They have three days, Titus would have to improvise, the stake for out country was high and getting secretary Geller out.
A great flowing plot from the beginning the tension is high, can Titus do it.
Loved it, a good clean thriller
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
..Titus.S
..RJ..Patterson..
Titus Black in South Africa wanting to take out Hasan Ahmed, to stop the terrorists activities. When a CIA guy he knew stops him, five years to now able to take them all out with an underground meeting in a couple of days.
Titus didn’t like the change of plans nor would President Young.
When Firestorm is given orders and other players change them doesn’t go well for Titus or Blunt.
When a US government official is kidnapped, and the US cancels Envoy to South Africa. They have three days, Titus would have to improvise, the stake for out country was high and getting secretary Geller out.
A great flowing plot from the beginning the tension is high, can Titus do it.
Loved it, a good clean thriller
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 26, 2021
Glad to see Titus back
Titus Black is caught up in an attempt to rescue the US Secretary of State, captured by a despot wanting to use her to show the US that its attempts at trying to democratize African nations is pure folly. While getting her free, Titus himself is captured as the Secretary wings away to freedom. Titus is now being used to land a group of terrorists in Washington, a group bent on capturing the President, to use him in a propaganda video to demoralize the US citizens. Titus has to stop this. ENJOY!
Titus Black is caught up in an attempt to rescue the US Secretary of State, captured by a despot wanting to use her to show the US that its attempts at trying to democratize African nations is pure folly. While getting her free, Titus himself is captured as the Secretary wings away to freedom. Titus is now being used to land a group of terrorists in Washington, a group bent on capturing the President, to use him in a propaganda video to demoralize the US citizens. Titus has to stop this. ENJOY!
June 5, 2021
State of Conspiracy R.J. Patterson
The Secretary of State has been kidnapped by terrorists. Her predecessor was murdered by terrorists. A nightmare scenario again for POTUS. America doesn't negotiate with terrorists. If a team is sent in to rescue her, she will most certainly die. One man Titus Black a covert operative is given the mission. Non stop action from the first to last page. Another excellent read in this series!!! Enjoyed immensely!!
The Secretary of State has been kidnapped by terrorists. Her predecessor was murdered by terrorists. A nightmare scenario again for POTUS. America doesn't negotiate with terrorists. If a team is sent in to rescue her, she will most certainly die. One man Titus Black a covert operative is given the mission. Non stop action from the first to last page. Another excellent read in this series!!! Enjoyed immensely!!
May 30, 2021
This latest Titus Black thriller is without a doubt the best yet. Mr. Patterson has added a new dimension to Titus which makes this story very enjoyable. Along with the min story line the underlying story regarding the conspirators is really heating up. I’m looking forward to what is next for Black, Shields and the Firestorm team. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review
October 16, 2024
A terrific series
This was another intense, complex, suspenseful, and harrowing story that could've resulted in far reaching devastation for the US. There were many unanswered questions after the mission, but hopefully they'll be addressed in future books.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was another intense, complex, suspenseful, and harrowing story that could've resulted in far reaching devastation for the US. There were many unanswered questions after the mission, but hopefully they'll be addressed in future books.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
May 20, 2021
A well written action thriller with a great storyline. Plenty of non-stop action with great realistic characters. Titus Black has plenty on his plate in this story loaded with suspense. A real page turner that I highly recommend. Bring on the next Titus Black thriller.
June 19, 2021
State of conspiracy
Another excellent story. Watching how the president and sec of state get captured by terrorists and the seek g if black and shields can fine away to rescued them. Since they were held captive also by different teams.
Another excellent story. Watching how the president and sec of state get captured by terrorists and the seek g if black and shields can fine away to rescued them. Since they were held captive also by different teams.
September 18, 2021
Another great read
Patterson’s stories keep getting better and better, and each one is harder to put down than the previous one. Titus Black is at his best, and it turns out that he is really human after all.
Patterson’s stories keep getting better and better, and each one is harder to put down than the previous one. Titus Black is at his best, and it turns out that he is really human after all.
March 5, 2022
read. it in 1day
Black and Shields are out to save the US again.But they run into Complication of Black being kidnapped as well as shields being kidnapped. Can they save the President again?
Black and Shields are out to save the US again.But they run into Complication of Black being kidnapped as well as shields being kidnapped. Can they save the President again?
Read
May 3, 2023You do 't know how they get out of it!!
This story will keep you turning the pages, u til you figure out you do not know what is coming g next. The problems faced internationally, but within our country are true to fact.
This story will keep you turning the pages, u til you figure out you do not know what is coming g next. The problems faced internationally, but within our country are true to fact.
June 5, 2021
State of conspiracy
I always enjoy the titus black thriller the action starts in the first chapter and keeps you engaged up to the last chapter
I always enjoy the titus black thriller the action starts in the first chapter and keeps you engaged up to the last chapter
July 14, 2021
Wherever Titus and his men are, the job gets done. A missing person and a president who wants to keep it low key. Fast paced book that draws you in as always from start to finish.
September 15, 2021
Another winner
This is indeed another outstanding thriller by R.J.Patterson, this time zeroing in on Agent Titus Black and his brave partner Shields.
This is indeed another outstanding thriller by R.J.Patterson, this time zeroing in on Agent Titus Black and his brave partner Shields.
January 28, 2022
Great book. Fascinating plot, well developed/multi-dimensional characters, and great editing
July 27, 2022
Pretty good!
Pretty good story, great characters and lots of action, with a hard to put down story. A couple of minor grammar errors but still a good read.
Pretty good story, great characters and lots of action, with a hard to put down story. A couple of minor grammar errors but still a good read.
January 23, 2023
4 Stars
State of Conspiracy (Titus Black Book #8) by R.J. Patterson.
Full Review Still to Come.
State of Conspiracy (Titus Black Book #8) by R.J. Patterson.
Full Review Still to Come.
July 20, 2023
Excellent book, mega-intense, hard to put down. I rate it 5 stars.
April 8, 2024
This was my favorite Titus Black book. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. The ending was great when Titus "missed" kissing Christina.
April 11, 2024
Book Review – State of Conspiracy – R J Patterson
Author R J Patterson’s Titus Black stories are hard to put down, they keep getting better and better with each new book. “State of Conspiracy” is Book 8 in the series and probably one of my favorites so far. It was a quick and exciting read! When the US Secretary of State is kidnapped, the president summons Titus Black and the covert paramilitary ‘Firestorm’ team to handle the rescue mission. However, Black and the clandestine team must operate behind enemy lines to ensure a successful rescue. This 'fast read' was a well written action thriller with a great storyline. It has plenty of non-stop action with great natural characters interwoven into exciting subplots. Loaded with anticipation, tension and thrills, State of Conspiracy is a real page turner - I read it in one night! I really enjoyed this action thriller and I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Titus Black is a ‘formidable’ protagonist that should be recognized in the thriller genre…
Author R J Patterson’s Titus Black stories are hard to put down, they keep getting better and better with each new book. “State of Conspiracy” is Book 8 in the series and probably one of my favorites so far. It was a quick and exciting read! When the US Secretary of State is kidnapped, the president summons Titus Black and the covert paramilitary ‘Firestorm’ team to handle the rescue mission. However, Black and the clandestine team must operate behind enemy lines to ensure a successful rescue. This 'fast read' was a well written action thriller with a great storyline. It has plenty of non-stop action with great natural characters interwoven into exciting subplots. Loaded with anticipation, tension and thrills, State of Conspiracy is a real page turner - I read it in one night! I really enjoyed this action thriller and I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Titus Black is a ‘formidable’ protagonist that should be recognized in the thriller genre…
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews