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Rex Dalton #11
Holes In The Wall
When an office cleaner steals candy from a bowl on a general's desk, it changes the course of history.
The President of the People's Republic of China dies while in office. A heart attack is the official cause of death.
Three days later, the Politburo announces the name of the new President.
Eight months later, the CIA disguising expert who helped Rex Dalton on his last mission in China is killed in her home in Virginia. The next day, Josh Farley and his wife, Marissa, are abducted, and Rex is running out of time to save them.
Then in Beijing, an office cleaner steals candy from a bowl on a general's desk. Two weeks later, Rex Dalton and his team help a defector escape from China, and the world is heading for war.
HOLES IN THE WALL is a full-length novel, a nail-biting thriller by best-selling author JC Ryan. It is the thirteenth book in the electrifying Rex Dalton series and the sequel to The Shanghai Strain.
The President of the People's Republic of China dies while in office. A heart attack is the official cause of death.
Three days later, the Politburo announces the name of the new President.
Eight months later, the CIA disguising expert who helped Rex Dalton on his last mission in China is killed in her home in Virginia. The next day, Josh Farley and his wife, Marissa, are abducted, and Rex is running out of time to save them.
Then in Beijing, an office cleaner steals candy from a bowl on a general's desk. Two weeks later, Rex Dalton and his team help a defector escape from China, and the world is heading for war.
HOLES IN THE WALL is a full-length novel, a nail-biting thriller by best-selling author JC Ryan. It is the thirteenth book in the electrifying Rex Dalton series and the sequel to The Shanghai Strain.
- GenresThriller
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2021
371 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Ryan
48 books149 followersJ C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.
He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.
He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.
JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.
He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.
He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.
JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 17, 2021
A Woman, Cleaning For A General, Takes Candy From His Bowl...And changes History!
This is a well-researched, fantastic story bringing a different version of the virus that took us all by surprise to light...The beginning was hard for me to get through, I have never enjoyed history, but the information you are given allows you to follow exactly what is happening NOW! You will be shocked as your eyes are opened into so much deceit and illegal purpose of political organizations in China, with their hands on Everybody's business around the world...Of course when things come to light in the United States, due to a young computer tech defector, Rex, Catia, Digger and friends become involved in a big way....
There are happy moments, a wedding, love and good friends getting together...But it quickly changes with action, suspense, intelligence gathering and fear that no one will be able to stop China's deadly plan...
Another intriguing story with our friends from a very special group the U.S. President is lucky to have at his right hand...Always ready to save their country...
This is a well-researched, fantastic story bringing a different version of the virus that took us all by surprise to light...The beginning was hard for me to get through, I have never enjoyed history, but the information you are given allows you to follow exactly what is happening NOW! You will be shocked as your eyes are opened into so much deceit and illegal purpose of political organizations in China, with their hands on Everybody's business around the world...Of course when things come to light in the United States, due to a young computer tech defector, Rex, Catia, Digger and friends become involved in a big way....
There are happy moments, a wedding, love and good friends getting together...But it quickly changes with action, suspense, intelligence gathering and fear that no one will be able to stop China's deadly plan...
Another intriguing story with our friends from a very special group the U.S. President is lucky to have at his right hand...Always ready to save their country...
March 12, 2021
Another amazing book full of suspense. An office cleaner steals some candy, the President of China dies. Someone else is killed and more. What is the connection. Fast paced to keep you reading. Fascinating.
March 19, 2021
Having enjoyed pretty much everything this author has written, I was let down with this book. Rex and Digger have been wonderful stars in all the proceeding books but in this one it seemed like they were only in about 1/3 of the book and they didn't even seem to have starring roles in the parts of the book they were in. I'm sure there is a next book already in the works and hopefully this one was simply laying the ground work for it, perhaps that was why it seemed to be detail heavy. Have to say at this point this was my least favorite Rex Dalton book in the series. Crossing my fingers that the next book brings back the Rex and Digger chemistry I enjoyed in past books.
December 6, 2022
Yesterday I read my review of Unchained and it was good. Today the review has disappeared. This has been happening often of late. If this has happened to other reviewers, please let me know.
There are two things noting about this book: There is no profanity, and Rex reveals the plan of salvation. Then the writer lets us in on a big secret: China has a plan to become the charge of world domination. The President of China puts the disc holding the way China plans to do this in his candy jar on his desk, the cleaning lady mistakes it for candy and takes it to granddaughter whose father is a computer whiz. After reading it, he must defect to the USA or be killed by the Chinese. The story falls to Special Ops and from there, the nitty gritty of the story unfolds. The storyline hits too close to home. The Wars of Cyberspace are on.
The author's writing mechanics were good, but I could not keep up with the list of characters or the groups known by their initials. The good thing is that I did not have to. The author laid I t out so that I could keep up with all the action going on. Readers, do not let the technical action interrupt your reading of this book. Just read it and enjoy it. My favorite character was Digger the dog who thought like humans thought. Of course, Rex Dalton was the spy of spies who makes wrong things right. Oddly, the author based the story in true events. This book should be required reading for Congress and our President. What do they have to lose? Us.
Thank you, Mr. Ryan, for a good read.
There are two things noting about this book: There is no profanity, and Rex reveals the plan of salvation. Then the writer lets us in on a big secret: China has a plan to become the charge of world domination. The President of China puts the disc holding the way China plans to do this in his candy jar on his desk, the cleaning lady mistakes it for candy and takes it to granddaughter whose father is a computer whiz. After reading it, he must defect to the USA or be killed by the Chinese. The story falls to Special Ops and from there, the nitty gritty of the story unfolds. The storyline hits too close to home. The Wars of Cyberspace are on.
The author's writing mechanics were good, but I could not keep up with the list of characters or the groups known by their initials. The good thing is that I did not have to. The author laid I t out so that I could keep up with all the action going on. Readers, do not let the technical action interrupt your reading of this book. Just read it and enjoy it. My favorite character was Digger the dog who thought like humans thought. Of course, Rex Dalton was the spy of spies who makes wrong things right. Oddly, the author based the story in true events. This book should be required reading for Congress and our President. What do they have to lose? Us.
Thank you, Mr. Ryan, for a good read.
March 15, 2021
Slow start to a brilliant book. This book is quite different from the rest of the series, with part one setting the scene without Rex or Digger being involved. Although all the familiar characters, like old friends, show up, the action is low-key and this fits perfectly into the plot, which is so realistic that it is frightening. In the end, only those in the know, knows that some action happened and suspect something and only the one who lost candy really understands what the action means.
With the entire first section dedicated to an expose of the inner workings of China, I figured this would be important for the next couple of books and I was learning a lot of interesting things, so I couldn't stop reading. The rest of the book had me on the edge of my seat as usual and kept me awake late into the night. A masterfully written, complex plot which fits perfectly into our world today, with well-developed characters that you can relate to and would wish to befriend.
The book is stand-alone but if you've read the rest, you'll enjoy it more and most definitely, you will not want to miss the next book.
With the entire first section dedicated to an expose of the inner workings of China, I figured this would be important for the next couple of books and I was learning a lot of interesting things, so I couldn't stop reading. The rest of the book had me on the edge of my seat as usual and kept me awake late into the night. A masterfully written, complex plot which fits perfectly into our world today, with well-developed characters that you can relate to and would wish to befriend.
The book is stand-alone but if you've read the rest, you'll enjoy it more and most definitely, you will not want to miss the next book.
July 7, 2021
Great Intrigue, Timely, Frightening
Like another reviewer, the first book in the series left me wanting but I wanted to give author fair chance (and did not realize was the author of another series I loved). The Rex Dalton series has become my companion and I dread when it ends. Sometimes it drags, yeah as the observer...I have to hurry up and wait and sorry climaxes are subtle sometimes. Honestly I do like more roller coaster rides...but I live with it.
I love the series, eh building in the relationships...okay. Give me Digger but keep him safe. Regrettably I have been exposed to issues he has addressed by degrees of Kevin Bacon theory in a previous book. Thus this ongoing set of missions has my attention.
I try not to discuss plot etc or give spoilers. I will say this book is great read. But I did not like abrupt ending. Okay so you will continue in next book. My only problem as a series reader...all of the extraneous repetative verbiage that is regurgitated over and over...could all be addressed in a prologue and then write longer book. I mean you have spent sometimes almost 25 percent repeating and saying same thing. If a reader just picking up book..read prologue. Don't waste the lives of your dear fans. Just my two cents. Right now I am trying to skim or skip the superfulous, extraneous verbiage that has has now obviously become cut and paste process. But for those wondering...yes the series is great reading.
Weird spelling, words missing, etc are all a problem of the Amazon keyboard forvandroids (see). Just now keeps adding vs, deleting spacing etc. The assumptive spelling, stupid AI no matter how try, cannot turn off. And when press submit it alters. Right now keeps removing space and replacing with v. Somedays it is bs. It loves totally changing a word. Sorry if when press submit it goes haywire.
Like another reviewer, the first book in the series left me wanting but I wanted to give author fair chance (and did not realize was the author of another series I loved). The Rex Dalton series has become my companion and I dread when it ends. Sometimes it drags, yeah as the observer...I have to hurry up and wait and sorry climaxes are subtle sometimes. Honestly I do like more roller coaster rides...but I live with it.
I love the series, eh building in the relationships...okay. Give me Digger but keep him safe. Regrettably I have been exposed to issues he has addressed by degrees of Kevin Bacon theory in a previous book. Thus this ongoing set of missions has my attention.
I try not to discuss plot etc or give spoilers. I will say this book is great read. But I did not like abrupt ending. Okay so you will continue in next book. My only problem as a series reader...all of the extraneous repetative verbiage that is regurgitated over and over...could all be addressed in a prologue and then write longer book. I mean you have spent sometimes almost 25 percent repeating and saying same thing. If a reader just picking up book..read prologue. Don't waste the lives of your dear fans. Just my two cents. Right now I am trying to skim or skip the superfulous, extraneous verbiage that has has now obviously become cut and paste process. But for those wondering...yes the series is great reading.
Weird spelling, words missing, etc are all a problem of the Amazon keyboard forvandroids (see). Just now keeps adding vs, deleting spacing etc. The assumptive spelling, stupid AI no matter how try, cannot turn off. And when press submit it alters. Right now keeps removing space and replacing with v. Somedays it is bs. It loves totally changing a word. Sorry if when press submit it goes haywire.
December 7, 2021
If there ever was a book series that gets better with each reading, The Rex Dalton Thriller Series is it! This is the third time that I have read this series and they get more exciting with each reading. I have one more book to go and I will have read the entire series for the third time. This series is so good that I will read them again, at least once every year.
As Holes in The Wall opens, we find Rex Dalton still acting as the CEO of the CRC as John Brandt, The Old Man, continues to recover from brain surgery and plans his and Madame Prolls wedding. We also see an old mission rearing up to bite Josh and Marissa Foley in the butt when they are hit with knockout gas, then prisoner, and tortured to find out who was involved in throwing the monkey wrench into China’s plan to release a deadly virus on an unsuspecting world. During Rex and Catia's mission to rescue their friends, they discover an even more sinister plot that China has for conquering the world so they can become the most powerful nation on earth.
There’s a new cold war in the making and John Brandt is asked to head a new operation to keep this new cold war from turning into a very hot war. To do that, he reactivates many of the men that he worked with back in the old cold war days, although this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel because all the plot lines are brought to a satisfying climax, the story of the new cold war doesn’t end with this book. You’ll need to read the last book, book 14 in the Rex Dalton Thriller Series, The Abyss, to find out how it all ends for Rex Dalton, Catia. Digger and their pack.
As Holes in The Wall opens, we find Rex Dalton still acting as the CEO of the CRC as John Brandt, The Old Man, continues to recover from brain surgery and plans his and Madame Prolls wedding. We also see an old mission rearing up to bite Josh and Marissa Foley in the butt when they are hit with knockout gas, then prisoner, and tortured to find out who was involved in throwing the monkey wrench into China’s plan to release a deadly virus on an unsuspecting world. During Rex and Catia's mission to rescue their friends, they discover an even more sinister plot that China has for conquering the world so they can become the most powerful nation on earth.
There’s a new cold war in the making and John Brandt is asked to head a new operation to keep this new cold war from turning into a very hot war. To do that, he reactivates many of the men that he worked with back in the old cold war days, although this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel because all the plot lines are brought to a satisfying climax, the story of the new cold war doesn’t end with this book. You’ll need to read the last book, book 14 in the Rex Dalton Thriller Series, The Abyss, to find out how it all ends for Rex Dalton, Catia. Digger and their pack.
January 11, 2025
A great series
This was another intense and suspenseful story with extremely complex situations, and many more unexpected twists. This particular book had quite a bit more political aspects to it than the previous books. Although I absolutely enjoy reading thriller novels, I try to avoid any that include any and all types of political content. Admittedly, I skimmed over most of that part of the story, as I can not stand the hypocrisy of the politicians or the political views, no matter which country they are from. (Which sadly includes almost all of them these days) Overall, it was an enlightening, entertaining, as well as a scary story. We can only hope that most of it never happens.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Although I would normally deduct from the rating for a book that's ended with a cliffhanger, I completely understand why this book has. It's a long story that would not be able to be completed in one book, hence the cliffhanger. The great news is that the next book is already available, so there's no need to wait to read it.
This was another intense and suspenseful story with extremely complex situations, and many more unexpected twists. This particular book had quite a bit more political aspects to it than the previous books. Although I absolutely enjoy reading thriller novels, I try to avoid any that include any and all types of political content. Admittedly, I skimmed over most of that part of the story, as I can not stand the hypocrisy of the politicians or the political views, no matter which country they are from. (Which sadly includes almost all of them these days) Overall, it was an enlightening, entertaining, as well as a scary story. We can only hope that most of it never happens.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Although I would normally deduct from the rating for a book that's ended with a cliffhanger, I completely understand why this book has. It's a long story that would not be able to be completed in one book, hence the cliffhanger. The great news is that the next book is already available, so there's no need to wait to read it.
March 29, 2021
Not As Much Action But A Lot More
While most of the Rex & Digger books exude thriller this book is more cerebral. That there could even be a China MK Plan possible is unnerving! We in the USA expect that we are on the top of the international heap. But, are we, really? The action here was satisfying in the sense that the good guys won the skirmishes. But what about the war? It is not arguable that we are in grave trouble with the reality of security-related breaches rampant. But the foolish thought we could outsource our manufacturing to countries like China and India without fear of compromise is proving how stupid the idea of that outsourcing really is. I read this over three evenings of a few hours each, I was just that disturbed and incredulous that this story isn't far from truth.
While most of the Rex & Digger books exude thriller this book is more cerebral. That there could even be a China MK Plan possible is unnerving! We in the USA expect that we are on the top of the international heap. But, are we, really? The action here was satisfying in the sense that the good guys won the skirmishes. But what about the war? It is not arguable that we are in grave trouble with the reality of security-related breaches rampant. But the foolish thought we could outsource our manufacturing to countries like China and India without fear of compromise is proving how stupid the idea of that outsourcing really is. I read this over three evenings of a few hours each, I was just that disturbed and incredulous that this story isn't far from truth.
March 12, 2021
Rex Dalton is back with wife Catia, and best friend Digger. Rex brings along the rest of his crew in another eye brow raising thriller. Once again, author JC Ryan brings about a thrilling adventure full of action, danger, and political intrigue. As usual, this is a well written story, while a work of fiction, you can imagine the world wide head lines if the story was true. As an ARC reader for this author I was given an advance copy of the book for my fair and honest review.
March 23, 2021
Sweet Espionage
The Rex Dalton series just keeps getting better. Unfortunate, they are possibly becoming prolific. Mr Ryan is adamant regarding the authenticity of his characters, locations and situations. However, anyone not living on a deserted island without internet knows all to well these stories stink of the real world.
Holes in the Wall is highly entertaining, breathless action and a chilling message.
The Rex Dalton series just keeps getting better. Unfortunate, they are possibly becoming prolific. Mr Ryan is adamant regarding the authenticity of his characters, locations and situations. However, anyone not living on a deserted island without internet knows all to well these stories stink of the real world.
Holes in the Wall is highly entertaining, breathless action and a chilling message.
July 10, 2021
This was hard going, it reads like it's been written by two different people: one who describes the situation in China, the other who writes the Rex Dalton part, and for me there was way too much of the former! The first 3rd of the book was simply interminable explanations about China - I almost gave up at that point! This book, and its predecessor, are losing me as a reader, the earlier books in the series were far more captivating.
December 29, 2024
Will chill you to the bone!
This outline for the expansion of communism via Chinese economic and military might coupled with cyber espionage on an almost inconceivable scale and research, shows to be frighteningly plausible.It even dovetails with the COVID pandemic and as always the memory fades all too rapidly and vigilance falters... This book will stay with you. Solid 5 + star read!
This outline for the expansion of communism via Chinese economic and military might coupled with cyber espionage on an almost inconceivable scale and research, shows to be frighteningly plausible.It even dovetails with the COVID pandemic and as always the memory fades all too rapidly and vigilance falters... This book will stay with you. Solid 5 + star read!
September 8, 2025
Another good plot in this book, however, a great deal of the book was recapping the happenings in the previous books. Good for someone reading the books out of order but a bit annoying for someone binge reading the books as it becomes very repetitious. Saying that, the plot is engaging and I can't get enough of Digger, love that dog. Of course, the people in his pack are integral to the plot and kept for exciting reading, can't turn the pages fast enough.
April 1, 2021
Too much information
There were parts of the book I liked the action. And digger the dog. However the book was more than a third through before digger was even introduced. He is the star of the books after all
I look forward to the sequel and hope there is more about digger and his pack. And less pontificating
There were parts of the book I liked the action. And digger the dog. However the book was more than a third through before digger was even introduced. He is the star of the books after all
I look forward to the sequel and hope there is more about digger and his pack. And less pontificating
May 9, 2021
Excellent suspense novel!
I have read all the books in this series and they keep getting better! I do recommend reading them in order. This one was especially good with John Brandt getting married, and having a dog named cupcake! I loved that the Chinese man wanted to know about Christianity because his mother was a Christian!
I have read all the books in this series and they keep getting better! I do recommend reading them in order. This one was especially good with John Brandt getting married, and having a dog named cupcake! I loved that the Chinese man wanted to know about Christianity because his mother was a Christian!
July 9, 2021
Another Excellent Thriller
Although the beginning of the story had a lot of historical background, the action and adventure developed quickly. As usual there were unexpected twists and turns...but the good guys were winning at the end. Read it in one sitting and am looking forward to the next book.
Although the beginning of the story had a lot of historical background, the action and adventure developed quickly. As usual there were unexpected twists and turns...but the good guys were winning at the end. Read it in one sitting and am looking forward to the next book.
December 25, 2021
A New Cold War Rises
China becomes a serious Cold War type threat. Rex and crew get involved both abroad and at home, helping to pull friends and colleagues out of the fire. New organization is formed to lead the counter-China effort, with Brandt pulled out of retirement to head it. Sets the scene for the next tome.
China becomes a serious Cold War type threat. Rex and crew get involved both abroad and at home, helping to pull friends and colleagues out of the fire. New organization is formed to lead the counter-China effort, with Brandt pulled out of retirement to head it. Sets the scene for the next tome.
March 12, 2021
Holes In The Wall: A Rex Dalton Thriller by JC Ryan is stunning! I love the Rex Dalton Thriller series, of course, but this book is so apparently realistic that it is scary! Frighteningly realistic!
March 21, 2021
Wow!
This was like reading the headlines in the newspaper. Well written, great flow and fascinating. Oh, did I say scary, too? I haven't read any Rex Dalton books before but I will be sure to read more.
This was like reading the headlines in the newspaper. Well written, great flow and fascinating. Oh, did I say scary, too? I haven't read any Rex Dalton books before but I will be sure to read more.
March 21, 2021
Another great read!
The storyline started out a little slow. The author had to set the stage from past (8 months) to present (when the action took place). Once all the parts and players were setup, this went into fast paced. I wasn’t disappointed and look forward to “The Abyss”.
The storyline started out a little slow. The author had to set the stage from past (8 months) to present (when the action took place). Once all the parts and players were setup, this went into fast paced. I wasn’t disappointed and look forward to “The Abyss”.
May 3, 2021
Best book yet.
Liked the insight of Chinese plans for World dominance. Sounds all too true. The action was believable. The part about the God Believing grandma and the new convert her son shows the great numbers of Christians in China is tru.
Liked the insight of Chinese plans for World dominance. Sounds all too true. The action was believable. The part about the God Believing grandma and the new convert her son shows the great numbers of Christians in China is tru.
September 18, 2022
Amazing
Exciting read. It is good author gives big background from prior books. I am reading them in order if I can. The characters are evolving and I ike each of them . it is amazing how potential spy networks could be out there. How Harry dark web could be.
Exciting read. It is good author gives big background from prior books. I am reading them in order if I can. The characters are evolving and I ike each of them . it is amazing how potential spy networks could be out there. How Harry dark web could be.
November 30, 2022
Chinese Takeout
When Rex Dalton and his team find out what China has planned, it's all hands on deck. A new government agency, led by a man who has Rex's complete trust, take the lead in this new twist.
When Rex Dalton and his team find out what China has planned, it's all hands on deck. A new government agency, led by a man who has Rex's complete trust, take the lead in this new twist.
December 17, 2022
Another great book by JC Ryan
Digger and the cast of humans make for another action packed read. While the first part of this book seems slow as the background is told, the book does not disappoint. Enjoy.
Digger and the cast of humans make for another action packed read. While the first part of this book seems slow as the background is told, the book does not disappoint. Enjoy.
January 27, 2023
No Holes At All
This book is intended as fiction but is actually a superb primer on China’s multi-pronged efforts at world domination. It’s a sobering wake-up call for all patriotic Americans.
This book is intended as fiction but is actually a superb primer on China’s multi-pronged efforts at world domination. It’s a sobering wake-up call for all patriotic Americans.
February 25, 2023
great read
This book had all the action packed adventure of Dalton’s previously books plus it was plausible. Dalton followed through with the plot keeping the reader’s attention so we’ll that you would agree to stay up all night to finish it
This book had all the action packed adventure of Dalton’s previously books plus it was plausible. Dalton followed through with the plot keeping the reader’s attention so we’ll that you would agree to stay up all night to finish it
April 15, 2025
great series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
April 4, 2021
A Pretty Good Story
I had a hard time reading the first part of the story, probably due to the unfamiliar Chinese words and names.
I had a hard time reading the first part of the story, probably due to the unfamiliar Chinese words and names.
April 13, 2021
Incredibly Prophetic
Very well written and researched. China is a real threat to US democracy. Exciting and fast paced read. Great book!
Very well written and researched. China is a real threat to US democracy. Exciting and fast paced read. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews