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Jack Reilly #3
The Dorado Deception
Hidden beneath the dense canopy of a South American jungle is a discovery that will change history forever.
Jack Reilly travels to Colombia on behalf of his new employer, the Tactical Archaeological Command, a clandestine organization whose objective is to locate and, if necessary, protect historically valuable assets around the globe. The former Delta operator is sent to investigate the violent kidnapping of veteran TAC agent Lorenzo Matias. But this is more than just a missing person's case. Seconds before Matias was abducted, he sent an encrypted message to his and Jack's superiors back in the United States. It read, "El Dorado exists!"
The production of illicit narcotics has made Santiago Aguilar rich beyond his wildest dreams. Still, it isn't enough. The powerful drug lord longs for more. After acquiring a 500-year-old map drawn by a famous Spanish explorer, Aguilar refocuses his attention, and a large percentage of his fortune, on an expedition to uncover the grandest prize of them all, the lost City of Gold. But the legend isn't what it seems.
Those who find El Dorado never escape.
Jack Reilly travels to Colombia on behalf of his new employer, the Tactical Archaeological Command, a clandestine organization whose objective is to locate and, if necessary, protect historically valuable assets around the globe. The former Delta operator is sent to investigate the violent kidnapping of veteran TAC agent Lorenzo Matias. But this is more than just a missing person's case. Seconds before Matias was abducted, he sent an encrypted message to his and Jack's superiors back in the United States. It read, "El Dorado exists!"
The production of illicit narcotics has made Santiago Aguilar rich beyond his wildest dreams. Still, it isn't enough. The powerful drug lord longs for more. After acquiring a 500-year-old map drawn by a famous Spanish explorer, Aguilar refocuses his attention, and a large percentage of his fortune, on an expedition to uncover the grandest prize of them all, the lost City of Gold. But the legend isn't what it seems.
Those who find El Dorado never escape.
- GenresThriller
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
386 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Matthew James
44 books123 followersMATT JAMES is the international bestselling author of over thirty-five action-packed titles, including the fan-favorite Jack Reilly series, The Cursed Thief, and The Blood King. He specializes in globetrotting thrillers that fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will devour!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 16, 2021
City of Gold is discovered in The Dorado Deception
Having taken the challenge to end his job as a park ranger to work for a new company called Tac, Jack Reilly finds himself in the rainforests of Columbia. This search for El Dorado and an another agent who has mysteriously disappeared is even more exciting, cruel, and diabolical than his two previous books in the series.
As is the custom with this author, the villains are nefarious in their crimes, described fully so that the reader feels the pain and horror inflicted on their victims. Matt James takes many liberties in this novel which I found at times a bit disturbing. Using modern movies and characters to compare his action sequences and characters suggested that he was spinning off on already trite and hackneyed storylines. However, his imagination and descriptions kept me pinned to finishing the tall tale.
He does develop a credible ending to his tall tale. His characters who are questionable at the start are developed to be worthy friends in the conclusion. Nature at its worst is well developed so that one can fully appreciate the natives who live in the Amazon region. I appreciated the contrast between the desert country and the rainforest.
His references to narcotics and their effects make me wonder. He didn’t mention OJ in this book but I am wondering if he had been on some drugs the night he allegedly murdered his ex wife. This book is quite useful in its attempt to explain the power of drugs on a person.
I highly recommend this. At first, I had not wanted to read it after the first two. But it surpassed both despite its alluding to movies and tv too much.
Having taken the challenge to end his job as a park ranger to work for a new company called Tac, Jack Reilly finds himself in the rainforests of Columbia. This search for El Dorado and an another agent who has mysteriously disappeared is even more exciting, cruel, and diabolical than his two previous books in the series.
As is the custom with this author, the villains are nefarious in their crimes, described fully so that the reader feels the pain and horror inflicted on their victims. Matt James takes many liberties in this novel which I found at times a bit disturbing. Using modern movies and characters to compare his action sequences and characters suggested that he was spinning off on already trite and hackneyed storylines. However, his imagination and descriptions kept me pinned to finishing the tall tale.
He does develop a credible ending to his tall tale. His characters who are questionable at the start are developed to be worthy friends in the conclusion. Nature at its worst is well developed so that one can fully appreciate the natives who live in the Amazon region. I appreciated the contrast between the desert country and the rainforest.
His references to narcotics and their effects make me wonder. He didn’t mention OJ in this book but I am wondering if he had been on some drugs the night he allegedly murdered his ex wife. This book is quite useful in its attempt to explain the power of drugs on a person.
I highly recommend this. At first, I had not wanted to read it after the first two. But it surpassed both despite its alluding to movies and tv too much.
May 4, 2023
Hidden beneath the dense canopy of a South American rainforest is a discovery that will change history forever.
Jack Reilly travels to Colombia on behalf of his new employer, the Tactical Archaeological Command, a clandestine organization whose objective is to locate and, if necessary, protect historically valuable assets around the globe. The former Delta operator is sent to investigate the violent kidnapping of veteran TAC agent Lorenzo Matias. But this is more than just a missing person's case. Seconds before Matias was abducted, he sent an encrypted message to his and Jack's superiors back in the United States. It read, "El Dorado exists!"
The production of illicit narcotics has made Santiago Aguilar rich beyond his wildest dreams. Still, it isn't enough. The powerful drug lord longs for more. After acquiring a 500-year-old map drawn by a famous Spanish explorer, Aguilar refocuses his attention, and a large percentage of his fortune, on an expedition to uncover the grandest prize of them all, the lost City of Gold. But the legend isn't what it seems.
Those who find El Dorado never escape.
Jack Reilly travels to Colombia on behalf of his new employer, the Tactical Archaeological Command, a clandestine organization whose objective is to locate and, if necessary, protect historically valuable assets around the globe. The former Delta operator is sent to investigate the violent kidnapping of veteran TAC agent Lorenzo Matias. But this is more than just a missing person's case. Seconds before Matias was abducted, he sent an encrypted message to his and Jack's superiors back in the United States. It read, "El Dorado exists!"
The production of illicit narcotics has made Santiago Aguilar rich beyond his wildest dreams. Still, it isn't enough. The powerful drug lord longs for more. After acquiring a 500-year-old map drawn by a famous Spanish explorer, Aguilar refocuses his attention, and a large percentage of his fortune, on an expedition to uncover the grandest prize of them all, the lost City of Gold. But the legend isn't what it seems.
Those who find El Dorado never escape.
August 15, 2024
While all these various "archaeological adventure" books I've been reading for weeks suffer from varying degrees of poor or no editing -- bad word choices and flat-out wrong words (I've mentioned "retort" from a gun as an earlier example), sentences that just stop in the middle, etc. -- James' books get the award for worst written books ever. I made it through the first two OK, but this one was abysmal. I'm surprised I actually read it to the end. From the improbable -- "Tactical Archaeological Command" (!), a giant extinct snake, a Nazi submarine in the Colombian jungle -- to just stupid mistakes. Take, for example, the ancient "Musica" people. There was indeed a Muisca civilization, but "musica" is Italian for music. Then there's “Matias has personally witnessed a handful of the atrocities that Aguilar was rumored to have perpetrated.” How do you “witness” something that is “rumored” to have happened? All wrapped up in atrocious writing. I didn't even bother to move on to the fourth book in the series. The publisher, Severed Press, styles itself a "leading independent publisher of horror and science fiction," but apparently is neither very selective nor provides editors.
August 2, 2023
Unfortunately, to me, it read like a David Attenborough documentary. There's the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and the giant extinct anaconda (Titanoboa cerrejonensis), and then we have the good old Hippopotamus amphibius - a short lesson on the native and not so native fauna of South America. The narrative concentrated more on the journey than the destination, which was El Dorado. When we did eventually reach the city, it was very anticlimactic and lackluster in its delivery. However, the author did have a new and mildly interesting angle on the myth, but by then, I had lost interest just like the city.
I had difficulty getting drawn into the story. I didn't find it engaging enough to capture my imagination. After all, this genre has been written about to within an inch of its life.
Overall, I was disappointed. I was hoping for more, but sadly, I didn't get it - just the usual bumbling through the jungle, with men getting picked off one at a time.
I had difficulty getting drawn into the story. I didn't find it engaging enough to capture my imagination. After all, this genre has been written about to within an inch of its life.
Overall, I was disappointed. I was hoping for more, but sadly, I didn't get it - just the usual bumbling through the jungle, with men getting picked off one at a time.
July 24, 2024
Bogotá, Columbia. TAC agent Lorenzo Matias is captured by the drug lord Santiago Aguilar after discovering a map to El Dorado. His contact smuggler Hugo Nunez is the last person to see him.
Jack has left the Park Ranger Service and is now an undercover TAC (Tactical Archaeological Command) agent His first mission is to Bogotá to locate and rescue Matias.
Footnote: 1) That POS boat they stole may not seem much to them, But it probably provided that woman’s only livelihood and she may have family to support. With it gone, she will have to find someway else to survive and it’ll probably less agreeable. She maybe hurt also and the needed time to heal is time she’s not working.
Fave scenes: the crane on the highway, meeting the jaguar, the three staying to help Jack and the submarine.
Jack has left the Park Ranger Service and is now an undercover TAC (Tactical Archaeological Command) agent His first mission is to Bogotá to locate and rescue Matias.
Footnote: 1) That POS boat they stole may not seem much to them, But it probably provided that woman’s only livelihood and she may have family to support. With it gone, she will have to find someway else to survive and it’ll probably less agreeable. She maybe hurt also and the needed time to heal is time she’s not working.
Fave scenes: the crane on the highway, meeting the jaguar, the three staying to help Jack and the submarine.
June 21, 2022
Story concept was excellent, but the writing wasn’t as good as the first book in the trilogy. It felt like the author was “rushing” the story to meets deadline rather than fleshing out Jack’s tale of survival against all odds!!!
Also, Jack did not get to report his findings to TAC command? Would have made sense if there were going to be further adventures for Jack??
That said, As I left my house this afternoon, i didn’t see anyHippos or wild Guinea pigs, I did cross paths with s 2-foot long black racer snake, he or she did not have RED eyes!!!!!!!! Matthew James certainly described a terrible, terrific Guardian quite well and should be commended!!
Also, Jack did not get to report his findings to TAC command? Would have made sense if there were going to be further adventures for Jack??
That said, As I left my house this afternoon, i didn’t see anyHippos or wild Guinea pigs, I did cross paths with s 2-foot long black racer snake, he or she did not have RED eyes!!!!!!!! Matthew James certainly described a terrible, terrific Guardian quite well and should be commended!!
May 18, 2021
Wow what a trip! Immerse yourself, but be prepared -- your going to the Amazon.
The good always wins out in the end. The main characters came together nicely and had each other's back. Wonderfully action packed from chapter one. Immersion was complete; almost feels like I went on the adventure. Certainly imagined the long extinct elapid constrictor. The author captured the essence of the demon heart and detailed it within the plot quite smoothly. What a read! PottsvillePA_05182021. Thank you Matt James!
The good always wins out in the end. The main characters came together nicely and had each other's back. Wonderfully action packed from chapter one. Immersion was complete; almost feels like I went on the adventure. Certainly imagined the long extinct elapid constrictor. The author captured the essence of the demon heart and detailed it within the plot quite smoothly. What a read! PottsvillePA_05182021. Thank you Matt James!
June 4, 2021
Has El Dorado been found?
Matt James, once again, draws us into the amazing world of his writing. Join Jack Reilly as he ventures into Colombia to discover if El Dorado is real. He must try to outwit a criminal genius, who is on the same path , and neither group may like what they find. Matt James does an incredible job of creating new stories and characters that I can't wait to follow next. Thank you sir for including your books in Kindle Unlimited.
Matt James, once again, draws us into the amazing world of his writing. Join Jack Reilly as he ventures into Colombia to discover if El Dorado is real. He must try to outwit a criminal genius, who is on the same path , and neither group may like what they find. Matt James does an incredible job of creating new stories and characters that I can't wait to follow next. Thank you sir for including your books in Kindle Unlimited.
March 22, 2023
Goos Premise, but loose story, lack of character development
Really like the character but an ex Delta operator should be more confident. Jack keeps "loosing his foot", "kicking a loose stone" etc.
Additionally, there is no element of mystery as per the titles. There is no treasure "hunting" or mystery solving but rather just straightforward "Go here and you shall find it".
Quitting after 3 books !!
Really like the character but an ex Delta operator should be more confident. Jack keeps "loosing his foot", "kicking a loose stone" etc.
Additionally, there is no element of mystery as per the titles. There is no treasure "hunting" or mystery solving but rather just straightforward "Go here and you shall find it".
Quitting after 3 books !!
July 5, 2021
Great Read
Very interesting interpretation of the El Dorado legends. I found it original and inventive. While I might not have gone in that direction, it did provide an exciting story to read. It was extremely fast paced, and I ended up loving Hugo and the brothers. Excellent characters. I loved watching them become a team. Really worth the read.
Very interesting interpretation of the El Dorado legends. I found it original and inventive. While I might not have gone in that direction, it did provide an exciting story to read. It was extremely fast paced, and I ended up loving Hugo and the brothers. Excellent characters. I loved watching them become a team. Really worth the read.
August 23, 2023
Amazingly Great Reading
From start to finish this book is jazz dropping. All the way through I was on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down. The suspense and action took my breath away. The ending was like a clash of cymbals ending. I will not disclose what goes on. Read it. It won't disappoint.
From start to finish this book is jazz dropping. All the way through I was on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down. The suspense and action took my breath away. The ending was like a clash of cymbals ending. I will not disclose what goes on. Read it. It won't disappoint.
June 17, 2021
Is A Snake in The Grass An Asp? Or, A Grasp in The Ass A Goose?
A fun ride through the jungle that brings mythology to light. A rip roaring fun house filled with terrors of the Amazon, even though they will ship anything in 2 days.
A fun ride through the jungle that brings mythology to light. A rip roaring fun house filled with terrors of the Amazon, even though they will ship anything in 2 days.
June 25, 2021
They keep getting better and better.
Very enjoyable reading. Lots of interesting twists and turn throughout the whole novel. You will enjoy reading this third episode of the Jack Reilly series.
Very enjoyable reading. Lots of interesting twists and turn throughout the whole novel. You will enjoy reading this third episode of the Jack Reilly series.
November 7, 2022
Excellent excitement
This book was kind of like an Indiana Jones novel.Lots of excitement, a little history, and a few of the legends of South America to go with it. I truly do enjoy historical fiction.
This book was kind of like an Indiana Jones novel.Lots of excitement, a little history, and a few of the legends of South America to go with it. I truly do enjoy historical fiction.
May 20, 2023
Another excellent book!
What can I say...but Jack Reilly did it again! He was joined by the cast of perfect characters entwined in the super plot. It was a page-turner from the beginning to the end. Kudos to Mr. James!
What can I say...but Jack Reilly did it again! He was joined by the cast of perfect characters entwined in the super plot. It was a page-turner from the beginning to the end. Kudos to Mr. James!
May 22, 2023
love a great adventure
Matt’s Jack Reilly adventures are no holds barred thrill rides. And they keep getting better and Better. Cities of gold, giant snakes, evil drug lords, and German U boat in the Amazon. What’s not to love?
Matt’s Jack Reilly adventures are no holds barred thrill rides. And they keep getting better and Better. Cities of gold, giant snakes, evil drug lords, and German U boat in the Amazon. What’s not to love?
May 30, 2023
Great Adventure
A fast paced action and adventure with thrilling plot twist that will keep you glued to the pages. The characters are awesome, both strong and well developed. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
A fast paced action and adventure with thrilling plot twist that will keep you glued to the pages. The characters are awesome, both strong and well developed. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2023
Good Read
This is the third book in the series and it just keeps getting better! I've read the first two and they all are action packed, non-stop action and adventure. I'm looking forward forward to reading the next two in the series!
This is the third book in the series and it just keeps getting better! I've read the first two and they all are action packed, non-stop action and adventure. I'm looking forward forward to reading the next two in the series!
August 8, 2023
Dorado Deception
Another good reading book with Jack as main character.light reading to keep you occupied.will get book Four to read.if you can start with book one so u get to know Jack
Another good reading book with Jack as main character.light reading to keep you occupied.will get book Four to read.if you can start with book one so u get to know Jack
June 18, 2024
packed with unimaginable
We’ve all heard about El Dorado. Matt James imagines it completely differently. The bad guys eat it. The good guys escape. Some of the bad guys become good guys.
We’ve all heard about El Dorado. Matt James imagines it completely differently. The bad guys eat it. The good guys escape. Some of the bad guys become good guys.
July 11, 2024
Exciting, over the top, action novel.
These are easy to read novels with great action and an extremely likeable hero in Jack. Very well written, although this one got quite crazy, the archeological aspects are well done. I look forward to continuing the series.
These are easy to read novels with great action and an extremely likeable hero in Jack. Very well written, although this one got quite crazy, the archeological aspects are well done. I look forward to continuing the series.
October 13, 2025
Pulse pounding read!!!
Another thrilling, fast-paced and fun Jack Reilly adventure. A novel once started - will leave you wanting to finish the book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next Jack Reilly's novel.
Another thrilling, fast-paced and fun Jack Reilly adventure. A novel once started - will leave you wanting to finish the book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next Jack Reilly's novel.
Read
June 2, 2021Good series. Would like to see more
August 4, 2021
WOW
This was a page turner! Being taken away to the Amazon for wild adventure did not disappoint! Can’t wait to read the next Jack Reilly tale.
This was a page turner! Being taken away to the Amazon for wild adventure did not disappoint! Can’t wait to read the next Jack Reilly tale.
August 11, 2021
Nice adventure!
December 2, 2021
Preferred the Roosevelt Conspiracy by the same author, much better plotted and more interesting.
December 23, 2021
Fun read
Another fun read from the author, I really enjoyed the mixing of history and fiction to give us a page turner.
Another fun read from the author, I really enjoyed the mixing of history and fiction to give us a page turner.
January 26, 2022
Amazing
A definite page turner all the way to end. You will enjoy this.
I'm on to the next Matt James book!
A definite page turner all the way to end. You will enjoy this.
I'm on to the next Matt James book!
July 9, 2022
A good read
July 14, 2022
A fun read, some nice twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews