What do you think?
Titus Black #4
Line of Fire
Not even darkness can hide from Titus Black.
When members of the intelligence community in Washington started disappearing, the CIA was prompted to investigate. Unable to trust anyone at the agency, the CIA turned to Firestorm and Titus Black to uncover the truth.
However, what Black found was more than a vendetta against the agency by rogue operators, instead uncovering a conspiracy that stretched deep into the federal government. And with time running out, Black has to eliminate the ring leader before he executes his plan that will lay waste to the United States.
When members of the intelligence community in Washington started disappearing, the CIA was prompted to investigate. Unable to trust anyone at the agency, the CIA turned to Firestorm and Titus Black to uncover the truth.
However, what Black found was more than a vendetta against the agency by rogue operators, instead uncovering a conspiracy that stretched deep into the federal government. And with time running out, Black has to eliminate the ring leader before he executes his plan that will lay waste to the United States.
286 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2021
About the author
R.J. Patterson
230 books225 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!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 9, 2022
A good read, but needs some editing.
November 12, 2021
Book Review - When members of the intelligence community in Washington started disappearing, the CIA was prompted to investigate. Unable to trust anyone at the agency, the CIA turned to a clandestine unit called Firestorm and Titus Black to uncover the truth. “Line of Fire” is author R.J. Patterson’s Book 4 in the Titus Black series. What Black finds is more than a vendetta against the agency by rogue operators, instead, he uncovers a conspiracy that stretches deep into the federal government. With time running out, Black must eliminate the ringleader (an ex-US senator) before he executes his plan that will eliminate a potential world threat to the United States. Titus Black stories are action packed and filled with enough plot twists and turns to keep readers from anticipating the outcome. Line of Fire is no different from the other books in the series, in fact the action in this story takes on some decidedly dark turns. Intriguing plot of blackmail, revenge, power, and greed. Patterson lives up to my expectations of this very fast action thriller and quick read – 288 pages. I enjoyed it.
October 25, 2021
LINE OF FIRE...Titus. Black # 4.....Patterson
Weapons deal of Saudi Prince Alsheri and the immediate concern the rise of Al-Jaladum if it takes place. That’s why Titus was sitting and waiting too quiet for his liking, to stop it.. Blunt was informed the undercover agent that gave them the information was killed, then 2 other agents were killed. These men were highly dignified agents. Firestorm team looking for a connection. A ghost from the past had worked with these agents, was it him.
Intriguing plot of blackmail, revenge, power and greed. A near escape of his life as Titus goes after the man and the evidence that needed to be destroyed. Still there was a connection of someone they had not thought of
that had the final piece. This story has many twist, and trying to figure out who gave us a rich compelling plot.
Given ARC for voluntary review and my honest opinion
Weapons deal of Saudi Prince Alsheri and the immediate concern the rise of Al-Jaladum if it takes place. That’s why Titus was sitting and waiting too quiet for his liking, to stop it.. Blunt was informed the undercover agent that gave them the information was killed, then 2 other agents were killed. These men were highly dignified agents. Firestorm team looking for a connection. A ghost from the past had worked with these agents, was it him.
Intriguing plot of blackmail, revenge, power and greed. A near escape of his life as Titus goes after the man and the evidence that needed to be destroyed. Still there was a connection of someone they had not thought of
that had the final piece. This story has many twist, and trying to figure out who gave us a rich compelling plot.
Given ARC for voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 11, 2020
Line for Fire. R.J. Patterson
POTUS and the director of the CIA are being blackmailed. The connection a corrupt ex senator who committed suicide in lieu of public humiliation and imprisonment. Undercover CIA agents are being murdered. They were all connected to a secret program the ex senator was in charge of. Agents Titus and and Shields who work at firestorm a clandestine unit with the presidents consent are tasked with finding the culprits responsible for these heinous actions. As usual for R.J. Patterson, non stop suspense and action. Enjoyed immensely!!
POTUS and the director of the CIA are being blackmailed. The connection a corrupt ex senator who committed suicide in lieu of public humiliation and imprisonment. Undercover CIA agents are being murdered. They were all connected to a secret program the ex senator was in charge of. Agents Titus and and Shields who work at firestorm a clandestine unit with the presidents consent are tasked with finding the culprits responsible for these heinous actions. As usual for R.J. Patterson, non stop suspense and action. Enjoyed immensely!!
June 16, 2020
When members of the intelligence community in Washington started disappearing,so the CIA was told to investigate. But since they could not trust anyone, they went to Firestorm and Titus Black to uncover the truth. So Black went to work thinking this was some sort of vendetta against the agency, but then he uncovered a conspiracy that stretched deep into the federal government. Black has to work fast to stop the ring leader. The book is full of action with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Hard book to put down. Looking forward to the next book.
October 14, 2024
A definite must read series
It's somehow intriguing and terrifying what some people will do to hide their secrets, especially those who are in positions of power. Perception seems to be everything to most people, which unfortunately means that the actual truth doesn't really matter. It was certainly an interesting story that you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
It's somehow intriguing and terrifying what some people will do to hide their secrets, especially those who are in positions of power. Perception seems to be everything to most people, which unfortunately means that the actual truth doesn't really matter. It was certainly an interesting story that you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
June 6, 2020
When three undercover operatives are found murdered execution-style, the Firestorm team (Black, Shields and Blunt) are on it. There are lots of twists and turns in this book which kept me guessing until the end. So interesting and such a great read. I easily give this book 5+ stars. Thoroughly enjoyable!
June 16, 2020
Line of fire
Another excellent Titus Black thriller. This is one story that I had no idea what the outcome would be as I read it. As usual the work of the Firestorm was excellent. I can't wait to read the next story. I would like to see the whole team get together to eliminate a world threat.
Another excellent Titus Black thriller. This is one story that I had no idea what the outcome would be as I read it. As usual the work of the Firestorm was excellent. I can't wait to read the next story. I would like to see the whole team get together to eliminate a world threat.
August 1, 2020
Since the operation in Maldives went awry, Black wondered what the connection was between a failed arms deal in the Indian Ocean, the dead agents scattered around the world, and a brazen agent who’d successfully extorted information from the director of the CIA’s computer. The only link holding them all together seemed tenuous at best.
February 2, 2023
Action-filled and emotional thriller. NM(usual)G but it does have lotsa 4 star ratings and you can add mine. Ending is clear but there’s a lead-in to next episode.narrators are terrific and add to the excitement. Some profanity. And “descriptive female attributes” but fast forward works or just keep reading on.
February 14, 2024
Another good read
RJ Patterson is a very good writer and he has specialized in this particular series of Titus Black, a master "Good Guy." A well written suspense novel, replete with a thrilling ride like a wonderful rollercoaster. It's just another good read! I like this book quite a lot , but I don't give out 5 stars unless it blows me away. No offense mister Patterson.
RJ Patterson is a very good writer and he has specialized in this particular series of Titus Black, a master "Good Guy." A well written suspense novel, replete with a thrilling ride like a wonderful rollercoaster. It's just another good read! I like this book quite a lot , but I don't give out 5 stars unless it blows me away. No offense mister Patterson.
July 8, 2020
Line of Fire
The story jumped around in the beginning and skipped over some information, but for the most part it had a lot of suspense and drama. Would I read more of the Titus Black series? Yes.
The story jumped around in the beginning and skipped over some information, but for the most part it had a lot of suspense and drama. Would I read more of the Titus Black series? Yes.
December 8, 2021
Titus Black Back in Action
It's always great to get the latest Titus Black adventure. This latest thriller is no exception. Black Shield, Blunt and the gang go non stop to stop the murders of former agents and the twists and turns they encounter make this a really great read.
It's always great to get the latest Titus Black adventure. This latest thriller is no exception. Black Shield, Blunt and the gang go non stop to stop the murders of former agents and the twists and turns they encounter make this a really great read.
February 21, 2022
Another one to keep you on the edge of your seat
Titus Black and Shields get involved in a tangled web of deceit and murder. Trying to ID the leak and where it was coming from. National security was at risk. The action was riveting up to thr end.
Titus Black and Shields get involved in a tangled web of deceit and murder. Trying to ID the leak and where it was coming from. National security was at risk. The action was riveting up to thr end.
January 5, 2023
Great Book
I thought the storyline was a bit complicated. However its unpredictable and I really enjoyed reading. I love the characters especially black and shields. Also when hawk and Alex appear. I am looking forward to the next book.
I thought the storyline was a bit complicated. However its unpredictable and I really enjoyed reading. I love the characters especially black and shields. Also when hawk and Alex appear. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 17, 2023
Audiobook. Government agents being killed. Other agents must find out why and by who before any more agents are murdered. Trying to work with the President and keeping a low profile makes it very difficult to work out what is happening. Action, thriller keeps book moving!
April 19, 2023
Not everything I'd in the past
A fast paced story that takes you right into the dirty politics in Washington DC. Secret societies that expand all over the world van bring down the President, but also the Senators behind it.
A fast paced story that takes you right into the dirty politics in Washington DC. Secret societies that expand all over the world van bring down the President, but also the Senators behind it.
June 6, 2020
5 stars again
Yet again a Titus Black lives up to expectations. These 4 books have been a pleasure to read, and I can't wait for more.
Yet again a Titus Black lives up to expectations. These 4 books have been a pleasure to read, and I can't wait for more.
June 24, 2020
What a story. Blackmail and suicide to bring loads of action to keep you reading. Titus as always is the man for the job. Loved it.
October 9, 2020
Back on track with great (could this really happen) plots. Love the added characters giving this series room for growth
December 10, 2020
Good to past the time
Not enough meat on the bone. Book reads more like a short story than a novel. But this apparently is RJ's style.
Not enough meat on the bone. Book reads more like a short story than a novel. But this apparently is RJ's style.
March 25, 2021
Good story
Another fun read, I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Order the next one.
Another fun read, I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Order the next one.
July 24, 2021
Good story!
Good story, well written and a fast read. Maybe a little to fast. But still an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next story.
Good story, well written and a fast read. Maybe a little to fast. But still an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next story.
February 3, 2022
Author gets his characters confused at times. Mentioning one when it should be the other.
December 18, 2022
Excellent book! I couldn't put it down unfinished and read this one in one day. This is a good series and Titus Black is a worthy protagonist. I rate it 5 stars.
January 23, 2023
4 Stars
Line of Fire (Titus Black Book #4) by R.J. Patterson.
Full Review Still to Come.
Line of Fire (Titus Black Book #4) by R.J. Patterson.
Full Review Still to Come.
February 27, 2024
Another action-packed Titus Black book. Christina Shields is a wonderful character. I enjoy the banter between Shields and Black.
Read
June 7, 2025Good fast-paced entertaining action-packed thriller :)
June 1, 2020
Titus Black stories are action packed and filled with enough plot twists and turns to keep you from anticipating the outcome. Line of Fire is no different from its predecessors, in fact the action in this story takes on some decidedly dark turns. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
May 31, 2020
An excellent Titus Black thriller with a great storyline and fantastic realistic characters. Contains plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several twists and turns. Very enjoyable read that was very hard to put down. Highly recommended book and series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews