Black Flag

Jake Keller #3

by David Ricciardi, Jonathan Davis (Narrator)

*Running Time => 9 hrs. and 42 mins.*

CIA officer Jake Keller faces stakes that are very high and very personal in the latest electrifying thriller from the author of Rogue Strike.

After years of relative calm, piracy has returned to the high sea.

But the days of AK-47s and outboard engines are over. The new pirates hit like a SEAL team. Highly trained, and using cutting edge technology, they make sure their victims are never heard from again.

Ships and crews are vanishing at a staggering rate.

As the threat to international shipping grows, U.S. authorities become determined to find the source of this new danger.

Jake Keller has a plan - to lure the pirate mastermind out of hiding by infiltrating his organization - but it’s a dangerous gambit, made more so by Jake's personal involvement with the beautiful heiress to a Greek shipping fortune and an ulterior agenda coming out of CIA headquarters.

As the threats close in from all sides, Jake finds himself faced with a familiar choice: back off, or go on the offensive.

His fate, and the fate of a nation, hang on his decision.


©2020 David Ricciardi (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Espionage, Mystery Thriller, Military Fiction

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published May 19, 2020

About the author

A keen outdoorsman, David incorporates many personal experiences into his writing. He’s backpacked through the mountains of the western United States and Alaska, received extensive training from law-enforcement and US special operations personnel, and once woke up for a 2 AM watch aboard a sailboat only to discover that it was headed the wrong way through the Atlantic sea lanes in heavy weather, with one of the crew suffering from hypothermia. In addition to being an avid sailor, David is also a certified scuba rescue diver and a former ski instructor. "Warning Light" is his first novel.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the ARC for the latest novel in this series waiting for me, I am thoroughly enjoying this David Ricciardi collection. Exploring yet another international political theme with which I am not all that familiar, Ricciardi takes the reader on a wonderful adventure that never stops building steam throughout. Jake Keller continues to make a great name for himself within the CIA and has been tasked with working on a case of international kidnapping on the high seas. While pirates have often been a part of lore, it would seem that the region around Somalia is rife with those who will stop at nothing to attack ships and pillage anything they can. Keller will not only have to be quick about it, but will have to prove just how wily he can be, connecting with a warlord to set a trap. His cunning will be tested at every turn, as well as his safety, in a region of the world where questions tend to bog down progress. All that before Keller learns of another horror that awaits the Somali people, unless it can be neutralised. Ricciardi proves masterful again in this third novel of the series, leaving me ready to tackle the ARC and add to the buzz!

While there are many stories about pirates flying the Jolly Roger on the high seas, pillaging and taking whatever they like, the 21st century has seen the rise of a new type of criminal. No longer is it riches and gold, with people walking the plank. Now, the world of high seas piracy is focussed on targeted specific ships weeks before they leave port, confiscating things when no one expects it, then causing both the vessel and crew to disappear. This stealthy activity has created much concern amongst the international shipping community, sending panic and queries in all directions.

While the focal point of the piracy appears to be in and around Somalia, no one has been able to catch the specific pirates at their game. Still, rumours emerge that there are many who are basking in riches and using teams to target ships in such a way that they are done before anyone notices the ships have gone missing. While an international issue, few countries are prepared to act, worried about how to broach the subject or what force they can exert without causing an international incident.

Enter Jake Keller, who is a highly trained CIA operative who appears to fear very little. Keller is prepared to travel to the heart of Africa to investigate, hoping to get the answers his superiors need. However, being as white as the driven snow makes it a little harder for him to work effectively in the region, forcing Keller to work alongside another operative who has an equal dose of passion in his veins.

Keller must not only find the correct warlord who has been orchestrating these attacks, but determine a future plan to ensure they are captured. This will require all the grit he has, as Keller poses as an investor and eventually tries to get onto the team of Somalia’s most feared pirate, a man who cares little for anyone else and has the scars to prove it. Knowing which ship will be targeted will help ensure he’s ready for the attack and can plan accordingly.

All that being said, Keller is not wanting to go into this completely blindsided, which leads him to strike up a connection with a Greek shipping magnate, with a vessel that might be perfect for targeting. Keller will have to keep both sides in the dark about his plans and work effectively to push them closer together, all while trying to synthesise his feelings about the heiress to the shipping fortune, who appears to fancy him.

There is sure to be blood in the water either way, but Keller must do all he can to stop the piracy and ensure international ships are safe as they traverse open bodies of water. The only way that will occur is by striking to neutralise the largest fish in the proverbial sea. This will take grit, gumption, and even a bit of patience. Keller has them all, but time is not a commodity that is plentiful at the moment. Is he willing to risk his connection to a wonderful woman by setting a trap?

All the while, Keller learns of something worse than pillaging on the open waters. One warlord will use the bounty he has collected to turn it on his own people, leaving the country even more devastated than before. Yaxaas is a truly evil man, as Jake Keller has come to notice from afar. However, it will take a calculated attack to neutralise the man and his mission before it’s too late. Working to bring this all to fruition, Keller learns that not everyone around him can be trusted. Will he have time to do all that must be completed before the Somali people are victims of another atrocious event?Only time will truly tell! Ricciardi proves that he is at the top of his game with this piece and I am eager to see what’s next.

I enjoyed so much about this novel, from well-crafted chapters through to the unique international content about which I know nothing. David Ricciardi presents his writing like no other in the genre and the reader is easily kept on their toes throughout. Ricciardi one to watch, able to stand next to some of the greats in the genre. He knows action, thrills, and political fallout, conveying it with ease to the curious reader.

Jake Keller remains strong throughout this piece, returning to being the key actor in the story’s success. Keller emerges with his usual grit and determination, always looking to overcome the obstacles put before him. While he is keen to get into the thick of things, there is another side to the man, one that does not usually surface when he is handling weapons or killing those who would bring harm to the masses. Ricciardi takes the time to show the softer side of Jake Keller in this piece, one in which loss fuels something else inside of him. This other side balances nicely throughout this piece, adding a spark to Keller and making him want to do what he can to help those in need.

The cast of supporting characters proved just as stunning as in the past two novels. There is an obvious focus on the African continent in much of the story, with a push towards Somalia. The country, its people, as well as the customs they possess, all come to the forefront here. However, that is not all, as Ricciardi spends a lot of time educating the reader about the shipping business and where power in that industry can be found. Those who find themselves as parts of the story help to enrich it, some complementing Jake Keller, while others serve as needed roadblocks to advance the plot effectively.

The story was, again, quite strong, and offered a unique perspective. While many in the genre use an apparent recipe for their pieces, Ricciardi tends to offer unique approaches to advance a complex story and keep the reader enthused. I had no issue with being fully attentive to what was going on and can only expect more of the same moving forward. There were more plots that focussed on international politics, at least on the high seas, but the added bonus was exploring Somalia and how it has become a vacuum, leaving power brokers on both sides of the law to fill the void. Ricciardi engages the reader throughout, making them feel as though they are right there, in the middle of the action at key moments. Short chapters help push the momentum along and the writing is strong, offering a narrative that flows with ease. Balancing the personal side of Keller with some of the things he is facing made the story resonate even more for me. With the ARC ready, I will delve in to see what David Ricciardi has in store for Jake Keller and what amusements await me as well.

Kudos, Mr. Ricciardi, for another great addition to the series. I can only hope others will soon find your work and bask in the excitement it brings.

Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/bl...

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by David Ricciardi and this won’t be the last. The pace was good, no unnecessary sidebars or weird dialogues.
Characters are developed well and are believable.
David’s writing reminds me a lot of the old Vince Flynn (not the recent copycat books that have come out since his death).

** I received this book as an advanced edition in exchange for an honest review**

[Steven Netter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better, with this being David Ricciardi's best book to date. In fact, I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. Fast paced, lots of action & solid plot w/several twists. And I liked that the story mainly takes place in Somalia/Greece for two reasons. First, those aren't two locations that get a lot of action in recent thrillers. Second, may thrillers these days have the protagonist and villains going all over the world, visiting several countries along the way. It was refreshing to have everything contained to 2 places. Lastly, the character development of Keller in this book is fantastic. You start to learn more about him and his moral compass. The result is a killer book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third outing from David Ricciardi finds hero Jake Keller fighting piracy in Somalia in Black Flag. This is a new type of piracy that's gotten more sophisticated and more lethal. The pirates are no longer a bunch of desperate AK-47 wielding Somalians. They are professional mercenary crews and they don't just hijack the ships, they kill the crew and steal the cargo.

Jake is partnered with Pickens an old school CIA operative who's been embedded in Mogadishu for several years. The pairing with Pickens is a good match as he is old-school and relies on connections and human intelligence whereas Keller comes from a more analytical background relying more on technology. Their investigation leads them to two main suspects. Badeed and Yaxaas; rival warlords who cut a bloody swath through Somalia.

Keller's analysis leads him to a shipping magnate and his very attractive daughter. He strikes up a friendship but whether that will help end the threat or merely put more people in danger is the question.

Ricciardi does not gloss over the violence and deplorable conditions in Somalia, the ineffectiveness of its government or the ruthlessness of the warlords and arms dealers that ride roughshod over the population. As Keller closes in on a suspect his mission is further complicated by agendas coming out of Washington DC. This conflict leads to some introspection on Jake Keller's part as he reflects on his job, his duty, and the consequences of his actions.

Ricciardi does an excellent job of laying the foundation for the investigation setting up multiple conflicts between both international and local players. Once everything is laid out, the action spins up to another level and races to an exciting, action-packed conclusion.

Ricciardi has definitely arrived on the thriller scene and the Jake Keller thrillers are a must-read. Black Flag does not disappoint and is one of the best thrillers of the summer. Ricciardi checks all the boxes and is sure to have thriller fans rushing out to read this and each new Jake Keller book. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a thriller to take your mind off things? Try this one focuses not on global destruction but... piracy. Piracy has changed a great deal in recent years, so much so that this is worth a read if only to learn about what the threats are to the supply chain- which is more critical than ever, Jake, a CIA officer has hatched a great plan to identify and thwart the villains. He's working with Dave Pickens and the two of them have a bantering relationship that pulls on the strengths of each. The situation in Somalia- wow. The villains- wow. The violence-wow. This is thoroughly plot driven (although I liked the characters) and it's the sort of novel where you find yourself turning pages past when you planned to put it down. I liked this more than I expected. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This would be a perfect airplane novel if we were doing than but for now it's one to pick up to read and enjoy at home.

[Theresa]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for my husband. When he finishes I’ll update the star rating.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller held my attention and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I definitely will read more books by this author

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good thriller about modern pirates. Although I find it not likely with a white guy moving around in Somalia like the hero does. But a great book with lots of action and brutality.

[Brett T · Rating 1 out of 5]

David Ricciardi's Black Flag begins with an interesting idea and benefits from his less ponderous prose style compared to some other genre writers working today. But it eventually wastes these strengths on a paint-by-numbers story with very few twists that actually surprise and a narrative path that breaks almost no new ground.

Somali piracy, thought to have been contained by naval patrols and better-defended target ships, has returned. But this time the pirates seem to be top-level operatives, equipped with advanced combat weaponry and using precision military tactics. There are no crew ransoms and no negotiations for returned cargos -- just ships and people disappeared without a trace. Jake Keller's boss at the CIA, Ted Graves, wants him to find out who's running the pirate operation and put him to work against targets that will help accomplish U.S. foreign policy goals. Two Somali warlords -- Badeed and Yaxaas -- are the prime suspects, and Jake works with in-country asset John Pickens to navigate the deadly maze of Mogadishu's twisted power structure and uncover the pirate network as well as its spies in commercial shipping. His encounter with Athena Romanos, one of the owners of the targeted tankers, will leave him questioning what Graves wants to accomplish and how far he wants to trust both his own superiors and the pirate network they want to use.

Ricciardi obviously researched both Somalia's recent history and the seemingly insoluble problems the country faces. He takes some extra time to sketch backstory for the two main villains and sets them against each other in an arrangement that hints at quite the game of chess we can expect to be played between them. But having done so he pivots to an extremely predictable set of outcomes for almost all of the lead characters, written almost as if he had allotted Black Flag only a set amount of creativity and he used it up in the first half. Careless writing -- like an enemy gunman shouting at his men to keep firing a page after said gunman took a round to the temple and "crumpled to the ground instantly, as if his entire skeleton had been removed" -- doesn't help matters much either.

As a character, Keller carries some interesting backstory of his own and that allows for interesting possibilities for his missions and adventures. But Black Flag, despite its well-researched scenario and promising beginning, won't be one of them.

Original available here.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Flag is the third book in the Jake Keller series, and I really enjoy this series as the author puts quite a bit of emphasis on current technology and how it impacts the work CIA analysts and field investigators are doing. And as I've always enjoyed the personal elements in these novels and the psychological effects being out in the field has on agents, and this author definitely deals with that in his novels, I am able to empathize with the main character, even the so-called 'bad guys'. Jake Keller has grown into one of my favourite characters over these books, and would put him up there with Jason Bourne and Gabriel Allon.

I really enjoy Jake Keller as a main character. Jake is more of an analyst with years of experience in the military, but tends to rely more on technology. He is paired with Pickens, who has been in Somalia for years and tends to fit the mould of the old-school type of agent who relies on his connections as well as his personal sources for information. It was quite interesting to see the dichotomy of the two ways of using information for a common goal, with the understanding that both ways of doing things are still relevant in today's world. They both have to deal with CIA boss Graves who has his own agenda to push, usually contrary to what is best for those out in the field and Jake often has to make decisions that would get him in a lot of trouble with Ted Graves. It is not hard to see where these books are heading when it comes to that relationship, and the warnings about how Ted deals with agents who don't listen to orders was pretty loud and clear in this book.

Most of the action took place in Somalia, and although I know a little bit about the political situation in that part of the world, there is a lot that I didn't know so I appreciated the information the author shared. It is obvious he spent a lot of time researching the area, the government, and the political events happening there. He also spent a lot of time setting up the backstory, making sure the reader understood the political situation as well as the political implications of Jake's interference without making it mundane or boring.

The plot moves rather quickly, and the author is adept at weaving a quick story with good explanations so the reader understand the political situation and the characters. And there was a lot going on, from piracy to warlords to arms dealers to betrayal and the usual political intrigue in the CIA.

Black Flag was a complex and fast-paced story that I enjoyed very much. The plot moved rather quickly and there were plenty of twists and turns that made it interesting. I really liked the personal element though, as I like to feel empathy for characters that I read about and like to see some character development. This one was much more plot-driven than character driven so I am hoping to see a bit more character development in future books. All in all, a fun, suspenseful read, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd installment of Jake Keller deals with pirates off the Horn of Africa. Spoilers ahead, do not read if you don't want any of the book to be spoiled.

A new group of pirates are making entire ships disappear without trace (instead of holding for ransom) and Keller is sent to find the culprit. There are two major warlords (of different clans) and Keller has to narrow down which one it is. He finds out by figuring out how the pirate leader gets news of the ships before they get there. And he finds that they do it through a shipping agent in Greece. And as a romantic subplot he falls in love with a Greek shipping heiress.

Back in Somalia, Keller is held back from killing the pirate warlord. Instead Keller's boss uses the pirate warlord to work for the CIA such as in disappearing ships for them, like a shipment of arms to the Middle East or oil to the North Koreans.

However the warlord discovers a biological agent in a shipment of arms and instead of sinking it, decides to use it against the other warlord and his clan conceivably killing a million people. That's the last straw for Keller and he goes against his bosses command and kills the warlord.

As usual this is a fast paced action book with lots of violence and killing. The author also does a great job of summarizing the situation in Somalia, its people and the country. The characters are a bit cliched but well done. Overall, another good product from the author.

[Paula Ackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mr. Ricciardi has a hit on his hand as Jake Keller faces a new threat in Black Flag (Jack Keller #3). With the non stop action from start to finish, with the twists and turns and that surprise ending you are guaranteed not to be bored. With it's vivid descriptions of life in Somalia, modern piracy, weaponry and technology this book keeps you so immersed that you must keep on reading. Everything in this book fits. Everything in this book works. Nothing is extraneous. Nothing is immaterial. There is nothing that shouldn't be included in the pages of this book. There is no extra wording, filler, unnecessary segues or anything out of place. And like the fast paced action in the story the story's telling is fast paced as well.

Having read both Warning Light and Rogue Strike (Jack Keller #1 & #2) I wasn't sure whether this newest novel from Mr. Ricciardi would be as intense and satisfying. Well, it is and it does not disappoint. As long as Mr. Ricciardi continues to write these novels I plan on reading them. If you haven't read #1 and #2 I highly recommend them. No pressure Mr. Ricciardi but when will there be a Jack Keller #4?

[Monsieurh · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLACK FLAG is a great thriller set in battle-strewn Ethiopia. Our hero Jake Keller has been assigned there and is tasked with trying to discover the powers behind a very modern, capable, and swift pirate tactical force that is terrorizing and stealing ships on the open sea. We also get an interesting and fascinating look into the life style of the poor people of Ethiopia.
The author writes this thriller using the conventional short and brief chapter design in this novel. This allows the reader to read a single or multiple chapters at his/her leisure.
David Ricciardi also acknowledges that a portion of his funds from the novel goes to the FALLEN PATROTS program. A suitable gesture that acknowledges the sacrifices made by soldiers who fought and died performing deeds such as BLACK FLAG.
I enjoyed reading BLACK FLAG because of its characters and depictions of life in over-heated and destitute Ethiopia. No travel costs either.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by David Ricciardi. It won't be the last. I'm going back and reading the first two in the series, "Warning Light" and "Rogue Strike".
If they're half as action-packed as this one, I'll very happy indeed.

CIA operative Jake Keller is currently stationed in Somalia.
He's there because after 20 years piracy has returned to the high seas.

The new pirates have state-of-the-art technology and are trained like SEALs.

It's a huge threat to international shipping.

Amid war-torn strife, famine and drought Keller has deal with warlords, arms dealers, a beautiful woman, betrayal and death.

There's no shortage of threats.
But Jake Keller has a plan.

This was an ARC giveaway in exchange for an honest review

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Flag is a welcome distraction, especially during these horrendous times. But even without C-19, David Riccardi’s newest is entertaining, exciting, and brilliant. Black Flag revisits the scary and unpredictable world of piracy on the high seas.
Our hero is a C.I.A. named Jake. He is working with his partner, Dave. Both are attempting to prevent and if necessary, combat piracy. The action is hot and heavy as we experience the violence and insanity that reigns on all the players in this absorbing story. If you are craving outstanding escapism with stimulating characters Black Flag is the book for you.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super intense action thriller that grabs you from page one and never lets go. It features a new, more professional type of piracy that moves fast and violently. The hero, Jake, and his partner, Pickens, are a good match for each other with their different approaches and really have their work cut out for them with this new dangerous threat. For me, this is an exciting read in a new and gripping action series that I will be following from now on.
(As an aside, I have to say the picture of Somalia is shocking and sobering. How can these conditions exist?)
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A promising start but meh for me. Lots of action, gratuitous acts of cruelty that seemed to be inserted to make the reader feel good about Jake killing everyone. Some descriptions of the poverty of Somalia, again that seemed to be inserted to help the reader think Jake was actually acting in the best interests of the destitute nation when he goes rogue. Unbelievable acts of physical stamina ending with Jake apparently living in the home of the billionaire father of his murdered love interest (even though they only kissed once), guiding a US strike against the evil pirates, even though he'd disobeyed his superior's orders and would presumably be persona non grata.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Flag is the 3rd book in the Jake Keller series, and it’s a blast right from the start. I was skeptical of the plot at first (Pirates?), but my fears were totally unfounded, Jake is on a mission to uncover the identity of a Somali warlord whose crew has been attacking ships. As you might expect, things go haywire, and Jake is in the fight of his life. This is a quick and captivating read, lots of action and roadblocks that keep the reader totally engaged. Best of the series so far. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris Sunderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I have read by Ricciardi and my son's recommendation was spot on: a great story, with as many dangerous twists and turns in the plot as on the streets of Mogadishu, where Jake Keller and his CIA partner Pickens are treading a thin line between two warring warlords, trying to determine which group of pirates are plundering ships for their cargo and leaving no trace of the ships nor their crews. If you are looking for a page turner, that will keep you mind racing and the adrenaline flowing, grab of a copy of this Keller adventure and hang on!

[Marisia Robus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!
I really enjoyed this book. It is difficult to believe it is only David Ricciardi's 3rd book. Jake's travels take him to Somalia and it is not a nice place. The scene was set for a very rough ride, and that is what it was. From a potential love interest to a friend who deceives him, it never stops.
Well written and kept me glued to the end.
My only complaint is that the book was too short,before I knew it was done!
Scott Brick is superb and the nest narrator in my opinion

[Lawrence Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t remember how I heard about this author but this novel was decent. I had a hard time becoming involved at the beginning of the tale but it picked up. The story line was interesting and the characters were well developed. Wasn’t thrilled with the ending but the author obviously set it up for the next chapter of the series and of course free from the local public library and the curbside pickup

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this author that I've read. Knowing that there are two other books in this series that came before this third one, I know I'll want to get the first two. Black Flag was action-packed at a steady pace with believable characters. Captivating thriller. Thank you Berkley Publishing for the ARC.

[James Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good book. I was thinking through out the book that they was going to be a twist and pow it happened. The storyline was really creative and keep me interested from the beginning. I have to say I read the last 150 pages in one sitting. The last 150 pages had plenty suspense, a love story, and tragedy but the story moved at a lighting pace. Which keep me reading.

[Bob Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake Keller- CIA bad ass- fighting Somalia warlords and modern pirates- not too thrilled with Somalian problems and the poverty and stuff- but lots of action- good guys kill a lot of bad guys- good guy gets caught and tortured- then good guy goes on rampage and gets bad guys- so lots of action,lots of tight spots- but Jake is the winner in the end

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; Continuing character: Jake Keller; when pirates from Somalia go high tech and also start leaving no survivors, Keller's CIA bosses in the CIA assign him, but with orders that strike Keller the wrong way, as he falls for a shipping magnate's daughter and has to walk a tightrope between rival warlords, one of whom now has a WMD

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads). Fast paced, easy to read adventure of pirates attacking and making the ships disappear as well as all the crewmen on board. The American CIA Agent Jake Keller is there to intercept and do what the higher ups are telling him to do. Unfortunately, not all is as what it seems. Great read, keeps you guessing, and rooting for the main character.

[Tom Mahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, lets see, we have one CIA agent who kills two warlords and destroys their personal armies, falls in love with one of the worlds richest and most beautiful woman, and goes up against his own superior time and again, and saves the horn of Africa from a biological WMD. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah, any remote semblance of reality.

[Garry Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two books in the series set expectations that this novel did not meet. It seems as if we are recycling the same plot, just changing the location and the supporting characters. Jake is a one-man problem solver and most everyone else is killed.

I plan to read the next book in the series, but it may be my last.

[Bobmanning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was hard to understand, Not becasue there wasn't enough plot twists, but because the twists were so unrealistic. Also, Jake Keller is like superman, he recovers from some horrible situations. Also, he can shrug from off everything from direct orders to overwhelming gun fights. I struggrlrd to finish this book.