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Blue Madagascar
From the NYT's Bestselling Author Of "Homeland: Carrie's Run" comes a Gripping New Action Thriller
She was a throwaway kid from the mean streets of Central Los Angeles. Now a Homeland Security Special Agent, the future of America may depend on what she does next.
A Presidential candidate commits suicide, and no one knows why. A mysterious man is killed during a jewel heist on the French Riviera. Intelligence agencies around the world are scrambling. U.S. Homeland Security sends the one woman who might be able to solve the secret of "Blue Madagascar" before it's too late.
The trail leads her on a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. But others are interested - and they will kill to get it.
Move over Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne and make room for Casey Ramirez, a heroine for our times. A woman whose story you won't be able to put down or forget. The glowing early reviews are in. Join the excitement!
She was a throwaway kid from the mean streets of Central Los Angeles. Now a Homeland Security Special Agent, the future of America may depend on what she does next.
A Presidential candidate commits suicide, and no one knows why. A mysterious man is killed during a jewel heist on the French Riviera. Intelligence agencies around the world are scrambling. U.S. Homeland Security sends the one woman who might be able to solve the secret of "Blue Madagascar" before it's too late.
The trail leads her on a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. But others are interested - and they will kill to get it.
Move over Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne and make room for Casey Ramirez, a heroine for our times. A woman whose story you won't be able to put down or forget. The glowing early reviews are in. Join the excitement!
534 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2021
192 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Kaplan
27 books138 followersAndrew Kaplan is the author of two spy thriller book series: SCORPION and HOMELAND, as well as three earlier novels, DRAGONFIRE, HOUR OF THE ASSASSINS, and WAR OF THE RAVEN, which was selected by the American Library Association as one of the 100 best books ever written about World War II. A former freelance journalist and war correspondent, he covered events around the world and served in both the U.S. Army and the Israeli Army. His work has been called “a gold standard for thrillers” and has been translated into twenty languages, topping bestseller charts around the world. Recently three of Amazon’s top 20 thrillers at one time were Scorpion books: SCORPION BETRAYAL, SCORPION WINTER and SCORPION DECEPTION. In addition, he is the author of the runaway international bestseller, HOMELAND: CARRIE'S RUN, an original prequel novel based on the award-winning hit television series. HOMELAND: SAUL'S GAME is his second HOMELAND novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 28, 2021
Thanks to Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for my honest review.
Andrew Kaplan has done it again!!! Nonstop action, suspense and adventure from page 1! It is two days before the Presidential elections and leading candidate dies from a bullet wound in an apparent suicide. Why would this happen? Was it suicide? The world is stunned and thus begins Kaplan's newest book. He introduces us to what may be his next multi- book heroine, Agent Casey Ramirez, a hard-edged Latina from the mean streets of Los Angeles. The book is divided into different time segments after the opening salvo. What happened 6-weeks ago, 4-weeks ago, 2-weeks ago, 2-days ago and the night of the death. Moving quickly from Miami, to Mexico, to Panama and then off to Washington DC, France, and other areas in Europe, Ramirez is a fish out of water, selected to help solve a French murder much to her puzzlement. A jewelry store heist in Marseilles has gone wrong and an American is murdered. Nobody knows his identity and so Casey is sent to assist the French police. There are multiple gangs, mafias and even Russians involved, and with each she is able to use her wits as they all seek the Blue Madagascar? What is it? A person, a group, a syndicate? And why has there been a demand for $100 Million Dollars that must be paid or else details will be spilled to the world press.
Kaplan keeps the suspense and action moving at a rapid pace and one is hard-pressed to put this book down until the exciting conclusion. It is a well woven plot, with interesting characters and a pacing that is synonymous with Kaplan's work. It is a worthy addition to his prior works and it is a book that also makes you wonder about who runs the world, and who really are the good guys out there! Overall a 4.5 **** rating for me!
Andrew Kaplan has done it again!!! Nonstop action, suspense and adventure from page 1! It is two days before the Presidential elections and leading candidate dies from a bullet wound in an apparent suicide. Why would this happen? Was it suicide? The world is stunned and thus begins Kaplan's newest book. He introduces us to what may be his next multi- book heroine, Agent Casey Ramirez, a hard-edged Latina from the mean streets of Los Angeles. The book is divided into different time segments after the opening salvo. What happened 6-weeks ago, 4-weeks ago, 2-weeks ago, 2-days ago and the night of the death. Moving quickly from Miami, to Mexico, to Panama and then off to Washington DC, France, and other areas in Europe, Ramirez is a fish out of water, selected to help solve a French murder much to her puzzlement. A jewelry store heist in Marseilles has gone wrong and an American is murdered. Nobody knows his identity and so Casey is sent to assist the French police. There are multiple gangs, mafias and even Russians involved, and with each she is able to use her wits as they all seek the Blue Madagascar? What is it? A person, a group, a syndicate? And why has there been a demand for $100 Million Dollars that must be paid or else details will be spilled to the world press.
Kaplan keeps the suspense and action moving at a rapid pace and one is hard-pressed to put this book down until the exciting conclusion. It is a well woven plot, with interesting characters and a pacing that is synonymous with Kaplan's work. It is a worthy addition to his prior works and it is a book that also makes you wonder about who runs the world, and who really are the good guys out there! Overall a 4.5 **** rating for me!
September 1, 2025
I do enjoy a good spy novel. Of course it also stresses me out a bit. The idea of not being able to trust anyone is terrifying. I thought this was quite entertaining and by the time I got to the end I realized I had forgotten about the beginning and had one of those Wow! moments. Well played, Mr Kaplan!
June 11, 2021
This was a surprisingly good read. There were so many times I just couldn’t put the book down. Imagine a roller coaster ride every few pages.
If you don’t know the author by now I guess you don’t cherish this genre or cable tv.
The plot was fast paced with numerous twists. Somehow the unimaginable become real. Great read
If you don’t know the author by now I guess you don’t cherish this genre or cable tv.
The plot was fast paced with numerous twists. Somehow the unimaginable become real. Great read
June 23, 2021
As I begin to write my review I’m wondering if I can truly capture the adrenaline spikes, the unforeseen adventures, the detours leading to more breathtaking twists, and the wonder if truth will prevail. There can always be various interruptions by the news outlets favorably titled, "Breaking News" especially days prior to a U.S. Presidential Election. However, no one would anticipate the death of the most likely-to-succeed candidate. The exquisite presentation in the "Prologue" introduces 5 ½ seconds of video from a cell phone across the sphere of news outlets and social media to a person that becomes known as the “Invisible Woman.” Speculation is rampant to learn if she is relevant to the news headlines. In the ensuing chapters the reveal beginning "Six Weeks Earlier" to "Four Weeks Earlier" to "Two Weeks Earlier" to "Two Days Earlier" to "The Night Of" the "Breaking News" leads to international intrigue at its finest!
How many adjectives may I use without being excessive? Edge-of-the-seat, galvanizing, spectacular, high-voltage, and powerful convey only a tingle of the goose bumps, the grip of nerve-endings, and acceleration of suspense that is a complicated puzzle to unravel. I found Mr. Kaplan’s writing in a class by itself and any quantity of descriptive adjectives should not be deemed extravagant. It’s a disquieting and thought-provoking thriller that captivated this reader from beginning to end. Each detail heightened my awe to share it is the "best-of-the-best" suspenseful writing I’ve ever read.
My sincere thanks to Andrew Kaplan, and Smugglers Lane Press for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#BlueMadagascarThrillerSuspense #NetGalley
How many adjectives may I use without being excessive? Edge-of-the-seat, galvanizing, spectacular, high-voltage, and powerful convey only a tingle of the goose bumps, the grip of nerve-endings, and acceleration of suspense that is a complicated puzzle to unravel. I found Mr. Kaplan’s writing in a class by itself and any quantity of descriptive adjectives should not be deemed extravagant. It’s a disquieting and thought-provoking thriller that captivated this reader from beginning to end. Each detail heightened my awe to share it is the "best-of-the-best" suspenseful writing I’ve ever read.
My sincere thanks to Andrew Kaplan, and Smugglers Lane Press for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#BlueMadagascarThrillerSuspense #NetGalley
July 16, 2021
“Blue Madagascar” begins with a suspenseful and chilling prologue describing the events surrounding the news of the death of a presidential candidate. It seems a woman has committed the crime, but no one knows who she is. Further along in our story, Kaplan weaves a picture that is all too familiar.
The plot of “Blue Madagascar” is somewhat complicated. To begin with, the reader is in France where a car theft by Vincent the Cat has taken place and his crew is preparing to rob a jewelry store. During the robbery, a man is killed, and an interesting woman becomes a major player in the plot. Readers are then whisked around the world to Belgrade, Greece, Mexico, and the U.S.A, all trying to learn who this woman is and what secret certain political figures were hiding. The jewelry store casualty would be a man that ultimately held those secrets. The journey to find out who the dead man is leads to a huge revelation that could change American politics and foreign relations.
Several thoughts ran through my mind as I was reading. First, I thought about the man killed in the jewelry store. He had carefully hidden the secrets of his colleagues for years. Now he is dead and has made arrangements to make things right. Exposing crime and deception can be accomplished at any stage in life or death. If we think the truth will never surface, we are wrong.
Secondly, I thought about the twists and turns of Kaplan’s plot. Honestly, it was like watching the nightly news. There were CIA, Homeland Security, and the popular Russian involvement in a plan dubbed Blue Madagascar. People were being killed left and right. Let’s not forget the Serbian involvement and the mafia. There were times I almost laughed.
After finishing “Blue Madagascar,” I took some time to reflect on how this work of fiction could almost be non-fiction. For example, Russian involvement in U.S politics and those in Washington that are working with them. The Zemun clan in Serbia is a real crime group that was active in the 1990s in Belgrade. He makes mention of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski. Kaplan did not limit how far he would go to authenticate his story.
The reader walks away learning that our country, America, is not a sole entity in the world. We are but one player on a worldwide stage. We are not invincible to the actions of the world, and we certainly cannot be the savior of the universe. It also brings to light that no matter what badge you wear, you can become jaded and make the wrong choices. Political figures can make mistakes and should be held accountable.
Ultimately, Andrew Kaplan crafted a work of fiction that tells a story similar to the world we live in. The interconnectedness of our world is amazing yet dangerous. Good people turn bad, and the truth will always surface. No one gets away with everything all the time.
I gave this work 4/5 stars because the plot is difficult to follow, and the number of characters was large. During the time I was reading, I had to take notes to keep up. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a political conspiracy theory story line.
The plot of “Blue Madagascar” is somewhat complicated. To begin with, the reader is in France where a car theft by Vincent the Cat has taken place and his crew is preparing to rob a jewelry store. During the robbery, a man is killed, and an interesting woman becomes a major player in the plot. Readers are then whisked around the world to Belgrade, Greece, Mexico, and the U.S.A, all trying to learn who this woman is and what secret certain political figures were hiding. The jewelry store casualty would be a man that ultimately held those secrets. The journey to find out who the dead man is leads to a huge revelation that could change American politics and foreign relations.
Several thoughts ran through my mind as I was reading. First, I thought about the man killed in the jewelry store. He had carefully hidden the secrets of his colleagues for years. Now he is dead and has made arrangements to make things right. Exposing crime and deception can be accomplished at any stage in life or death. If we think the truth will never surface, we are wrong.
Secondly, I thought about the twists and turns of Kaplan’s plot. Honestly, it was like watching the nightly news. There were CIA, Homeland Security, and the popular Russian involvement in a plan dubbed Blue Madagascar. People were being killed left and right. Let’s not forget the Serbian involvement and the mafia. There were times I almost laughed.
After finishing “Blue Madagascar,” I took some time to reflect on how this work of fiction could almost be non-fiction. For example, Russian involvement in U.S politics and those in Washington that are working with them. The Zemun clan in Serbia is a real crime group that was active in the 1990s in Belgrade. He makes mention of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski. Kaplan did not limit how far he would go to authenticate his story.
The reader walks away learning that our country, America, is not a sole entity in the world. We are but one player on a worldwide stage. We are not invincible to the actions of the world, and we certainly cannot be the savior of the universe. It also brings to light that no matter what badge you wear, you can become jaded and make the wrong choices. Political figures can make mistakes and should be held accountable.
Ultimately, Andrew Kaplan crafted a work of fiction that tells a story similar to the world we live in. The interconnectedness of our world is amazing yet dangerous. Good people turn bad, and the truth will always surface. No one gets away with everything all the time.
I gave this work 4/5 stars because the plot is difficult to follow, and the number of characters was large. During the time I was reading, I had to take notes to keep up. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a political conspiracy theory story line.
August 27, 2021
This was thne first book by this author that i have read. I just could not get into it, it just felt too much like a over the top unpolished movie script to me.I could not get into the story it seemed like it wanted to be bigger than what it actually was as a story. The main character was ok and the ending was ok but the story was meh to me-------I would say skip and no do not give it a spin. I am in a minor slump.
August 22, 2021
Just wow. So many stories coming together in the end. I had almost forgotten the beginning, but so important to the ending!! Great characters. Hoping for a sequel. Read this book, you won't be disappointed.
I am adding to my Amazon review. I have not watched Homeland or read the books, but I did read Kaplan's first book,
War of the Raven, which was a more historical thriller and I loved it. I am going to see Kaplan at a book talk in January and plan to ask him how he knows all this stuff!! I finished the book on a long car ride home without even getting car sick!! I just wanted to finish it because I couldn't figure out how Casey our heroine was going to pull it off. I thought all the characters, the good and the evil were so well drawn.
I highly recommend this book.
I am adding to my Amazon review. I have not watched Homeland or read the books, but I did read Kaplan's first book,
War of the Raven, which was a more historical thriller and I loved it. I am going to see Kaplan at a book talk in January and plan to ask him how he knows all this stuff!! I finished the book on a long car ride home without even getting car sick!! I just wanted to finish it because I couldn't figure out how Casey our heroine was going to pull it off. I thought all the characters, the good and the evil were so well drawn.
I highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2022
Action packed thriller full of international intrigue.
A US presidential candidate on the cusp of winning the election commits suicide. Why? In France, an older male customer is killed in a jewelry store smash and grab that goes terribly wrong. The beautiful woman who was with him leaves with the thieves. Who are they? While intelligence agencies are scrambling to find answers, Homeland Security Special Agent Casey Ramirez is tapped to work with the French authorities when no one can identify the dead man in the store. What follows is an incredible chase through many different countries as Casey tries to figure out why so many others want answers and who will kill anyone who stands in their way.
I will start by saying that this novel has a huge cast of characters from many different parts of the world. Keeping them straight is difficult at times. The bad guys are super awful and the book is full of graphic descriptions of them doing horrible things — in other words — lots of deaths. Of course our heroine manages to escape most of the mayhem, puts herself in impossible risky situations and manages to find out the big secret without getting herself killed. The pace is fast but sometimes it seemed like the narrative just rambled and it seemed a lot longer than the page count. As I was reading, I often thought how dangerous the spy game is and know that no one can be trusted with all the activity that goes on behind the scenes of politics and governments.
This was a new author to me and it is likely that I would pick up another written by him though I’m really usually not that interested in espionage and foreign criminals or conspiracies of same. This definitely was written as if for a film or limited miniseries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press for this e-book ARC to read and review.
A US presidential candidate on the cusp of winning the election commits suicide. Why? In France, an older male customer is killed in a jewelry store smash and grab that goes terribly wrong. The beautiful woman who was with him leaves with the thieves. Who are they? While intelligence agencies are scrambling to find answers, Homeland Security Special Agent Casey Ramirez is tapped to work with the French authorities when no one can identify the dead man in the store. What follows is an incredible chase through many different countries as Casey tries to figure out why so many others want answers and who will kill anyone who stands in their way.
I will start by saying that this novel has a huge cast of characters from many different parts of the world. Keeping them straight is difficult at times. The bad guys are super awful and the book is full of graphic descriptions of them doing horrible things — in other words — lots of deaths. Of course our heroine manages to escape most of the mayhem, puts herself in impossible risky situations and manages to find out the big secret without getting herself killed. The pace is fast but sometimes it seemed like the narrative just rambled and it seemed a lot longer than the page count. As I was reading, I often thought how dangerous the spy game is and know that no one can be trusted with all the activity that goes on behind the scenes of politics and governments.
This was a new author to me and it is likely that I would pick up another written by him though I’m really usually not that interested in espionage and foreign criminals or conspiracies of same. This definitely was written as if for a film or limited miniseries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press for this e-book ARC to read and review.
September 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this fast-paced spy story full of international crooks, government and politicians, and it is skillfully written. The plot was very intriguing although complex at times so I had to pay attention. It is not a "fluff" read for a beach day! I love the female protagonist who is smart as can be and knows how to do her job! Of course, you can't have a fantastic spy plot without a lot of suspense, twists, and turns, and this author/and book does not let you down in that department. I was invested the entire time I was reading and never got bored nor lost interest along the way. I have to admit that this is one spy book that was notputdownable!
I had the audiobook to listen to and I loved the narrator. I both read and listened to it, sometimes I only listened to it while doing other things, and the narrator held my interest.
I highly recommend this book! This is my first book by Andrew Kaplan, but it won't be my last. I will definitely be reading more of Andrew Kaplan's work!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a free audio verson of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I had the audiobook to listen to and I loved the narrator. I both read and listened to it, sometimes I only listened to it while doing other things, and the narrator held my interest.
I highly recommend this book! This is my first book by Andrew Kaplan, but it won't be my last. I will definitely be reading more of Andrew Kaplan's work!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a free audio verson of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 1, 2025
This book jumped all over the place and was often confusing due to having too many places and characters which lacked enough development to satisfy me and make me care about them. The story was very detailed regarding the spy game and the depraved things some men do, which made it seem realistic in that aspect. I had hoped for a different ending regarding Casey's sister, but at least the foil was satisfying. It was not my usual genre, but I didn't mind stepping out of my comfort zone on it. I rounded up from 3.6 to give it 4 stars because the story, writing and editing were solid.
May 22, 2021
This story begins with the apparent suicide of a presidential candidate at election time. The rest of the book becomes the map for why it happened.
I must admit I almost did not finish this one. It jumps all over the place, from country to country, language to language, characters to characters. What kept me going was wanting to find out why the suicide? Also, an interest in the main character that I took an instant liking to. Combine all that with high-action, puzzle-solving thriller and I’m glad I stuck with.
Recommended!
I must admit I almost did not finish this one. It jumps all over the place, from country to country, language to language, characters to characters. What kept me going was wanting to find out why the suicide? Also, an interest in the main character that I took an instant liking to. Combine all that with high-action, puzzle-solving thriller and I’m glad I stuck with.
Recommended!
August 23, 2021
‘The only person you can ever really trust is yourself.’
If you enjoy reading Fast-Paced Cat & Mouse Spy Thrillers, (Yes, Please!) then I think you’re going to like BLUE MADAGASCAR.
‘She was a throwaway kid from the mean streets of Central Los Angeles. Now a Homeland Security Special Agent [Casey Ramirez], the future of America may depend on what she does next.’
The lead-in scene of the book immediately hooked me in, followed by murder, mystery, and puzzling clues that Special Agent Ramirez must solve before it’s too late.
I LOVE Casey Ramirez, the main character in this book, and that ending! Please tell me this is Book One in what I hope will be a series.
The only issue I had was I struggled a bit with the timeline regarding the sequence of events. Also, there are numerous characters to follow throughout the book; many of the key players are discernible while others, not so much.
Overall I enjoyed reading my first Kaplan Book, and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press, for loaning me an eBook of BLUE MADAGASCAR in the request of an honest review.
.
If you enjoy reading Fast-Paced Cat & Mouse Spy Thrillers, (Yes, Please!) then I think you’re going to like BLUE MADAGASCAR.
‘She was a throwaway kid from the mean streets of Central Los Angeles. Now a Homeland Security Special Agent [Casey Ramirez], the future of America may depend on what she does next.’
The lead-in scene of the book immediately hooked me in, followed by murder, mystery, and puzzling clues that Special Agent Ramirez must solve before it’s too late.
I LOVE Casey Ramirez, the main character in this book, and that ending! Please tell me this is Book One in what I hope will be a series.
The only issue I had was I struggled a bit with the timeline regarding the sequence of events. Also, there are numerous characters to follow throughout the book; many of the key players are discernible while others, not so much.
Overall I enjoyed reading my first Kaplan Book, and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press, for loaning me an eBook of BLUE MADAGASCAR in the request of an honest review.
.
June 20, 2021
Blue Madagascar by Andrew Kaplan
The prologue grabs,
The story unfolds,
Speeding up rapidly,
As the end is in sight.
Never having read this author I was intrigued by the book description. As one thread after another was introduced with numerous characters named, I wondered where the story would go, how the characters would intersect, and if the threads would be woven together and completed seamlessly. It was slow, or seemed so, at first but the pace picked up and I felt I was in the middle of what could easily be a movie or perhaps a TV program ~ Perhaps not a surprise if I had twigged to the fact that Kaplan authored Homeland and that did become a popular TV show.
What I liked:
* Jessica’s Rules and how they played a huge part in one character’s life ~ If this IS to be a series, perhaps she will eventually take part in the cast of characters.
* Casey: Government “employee” with a wicked skillset, nerves of steel, quick thinker, lethal, and intriguing.
* Natalya: lethal, chameleon, working for a government other than and often opposed to the one that Casey works for, intelligent, pragmatic, could be a sister of another mother to Casey
* Bochard: the French connection and sometime counterpart working with Casey
* Not knowing everything too soon
* Wanting to find out what lead up to the prologue…as it actually occurred before most of the rest of the book.
* The way evil was often thwarted
* Feeling immersed in the story
* That feel of La Femme Nikita and/or the movie SALT that popped up from time to time
* Rooting for a positive conclusion to the story with my favorite characters surviving till the end
* Wondering if this is the first in a series and if so, what will happen next.
What I didn’t like:
* Exactly who and what I was meant NOT to like. The wicked evil people were easy to hate and wish the worst for.
* Not knowing what will happen next in the lives of the characters I became invested in…including Jessica.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Smugglers Lane Press, and Book Whsiperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The prologue grabs,
The story unfolds,
Speeding up rapidly,
As the end is in sight.
Never having read this author I was intrigued by the book description. As one thread after another was introduced with numerous characters named, I wondered where the story would go, how the characters would intersect, and if the threads would be woven together and completed seamlessly. It was slow, or seemed so, at first but the pace picked up and I felt I was in the middle of what could easily be a movie or perhaps a TV program ~ Perhaps not a surprise if I had twigged to the fact that Kaplan authored Homeland and that did become a popular TV show.
What I liked:
* Jessica’s Rules and how they played a huge part in one character’s life ~ If this IS to be a series, perhaps she will eventually take part in the cast of characters.
* Casey: Government “employee” with a wicked skillset, nerves of steel, quick thinker, lethal, and intriguing.
* Natalya: lethal, chameleon, working for a government other than and often opposed to the one that Casey works for, intelligent, pragmatic, could be a sister of another mother to Casey
* Bochard: the French connection and sometime counterpart working with Casey
* Not knowing everything too soon
* Wanting to find out what lead up to the prologue…as it actually occurred before most of the rest of the book.
* The way evil was often thwarted
* Feeling immersed in the story
* That feel of La Femme Nikita and/or the movie SALT that popped up from time to time
* Rooting for a positive conclusion to the story with my favorite characters surviving till the end
* Wondering if this is the first in a series and if so, what will happen next.
What I didn’t like:
* Exactly who and what I was meant NOT to like. The wicked evil people were easy to hate and wish the worst for.
* Not knowing what will happen next in the lives of the characters I became invested in…including Jessica.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Smugglers Lane Press, and Book Whsiperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
July 3, 2021
This is one entertaining story I thoroughly enjoyed I am grateful to Smuggler Lane Press and Netgalley for bringing this tittle to my attention and for the opportunity to read and review this book.
If you were or are a fan of Robert Ludlum thrillers and of authors with similar genre you will love “Blue Madagascar”. Along with its characters the plot takes us through the most dangerous locations. The focus is on Casey Raminez, she is fearless and very talented. Homeland Security counts her among their best investigators and do not shy from sending her to help or delay any investigation. She is a fascinating character, well-drawn to play an exciting role. Her latest mission is to find out who was the American killed during a botched jewel heist in Nice, France. Her involvement starts a worldwide hunt and soon a trail of bodies follow her every move to places and where people are more dangerous than she could have believed. But where does Blue Madagascar fit into this ....Looking for it is the thrill of the chase and what makes this thriller one of the best.
The opening is taut, very effective and frightful. There is a lot to sink our teeth in. A lot goes on and many characters pop in and out so it is important to stay focus on the few main characters that repeatedly show up. I enjoyed the ride and the constant intrigue and twists and the many bad guys clashing with each other. The story gives us a lot from car chases, murder and deadly threats ...what a cat and mouse game and what an adrenaline rush the story gives us.
“Blue Madagascar” is intense, fast-paced, and dynamic and most of all very entertaining.
If you were or are a fan of Robert Ludlum thrillers and of authors with similar genre you will love “Blue Madagascar”. Along with its characters the plot takes us through the most dangerous locations. The focus is on Casey Raminez, she is fearless and very talented. Homeland Security counts her among their best investigators and do not shy from sending her to help or delay any investigation. She is a fascinating character, well-drawn to play an exciting role. Her latest mission is to find out who was the American killed during a botched jewel heist in Nice, France. Her involvement starts a worldwide hunt and soon a trail of bodies follow her every move to places and where people are more dangerous than she could have believed. But where does Blue Madagascar fit into this ....Looking for it is the thrill of the chase and what makes this thriller one of the best.
The opening is taut, very effective and frightful. There is a lot to sink our teeth in. A lot goes on and many characters pop in and out so it is important to stay focus on the few main characters that repeatedly show up. I enjoyed the ride and the constant intrigue and twists and the many bad guys clashing with each other. The story gives us a lot from car chases, murder and deadly threats ...what a cat and mouse game and what an adrenaline rush the story gives us.
“Blue Madagascar” is intense, fast-paced, and dynamic and most of all very entertaining.
March 10, 2025
This was my another “new to me” author that to be honest, took me way too long to get off of my TBR list……. but I can honestly say that it will not be my last from Mr Kaplan.
From the premise of the book, I knew I was in for a wild ride and I was not disappointed. From start to finish, this book held my interest so well that I had a hard time putting it down and finished in one sitting.
The story has a little bit of everything. From jewelry heists, politics, drug cartels, and human trafficking, it leaves clues that end up causing our characters to travel to various countries in the search of the reason for the apparent suicide of a potential presidential candidate. The story line had a lot of moving parts and people that did not at first seem to fit the story, but as things began to unfold and characters began to cross paths, the plot unfurls to reveal a cliffhanging ending.
Mr Kaplan did a wonderful job of creating twists and turns that kept me guessing how it was all going to come together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press publishing for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions above are mine and mine alone.
From the premise of the book, I knew I was in for a wild ride and I was not disappointed. From start to finish, this book held my interest so well that I had a hard time putting it down and finished in one sitting.
The story has a little bit of everything. From jewelry heists, politics, drug cartels, and human trafficking, it leaves clues that end up causing our characters to travel to various countries in the search of the reason for the apparent suicide of a potential presidential candidate. The story line had a lot of moving parts and people that did not at first seem to fit the story, but as things began to unfold and characters began to cross paths, the plot unfurls to reveal a cliffhanging ending.
Mr Kaplan did a wonderful job of creating twists and turns that kept me guessing how it was all going to come together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press publishing for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions above are mine and mine alone.
July 6, 2021
A jewelry heist gone bad leads to a International Thriller. Bourne style with subtle differences.
Several governments are on high alert when a man with a beautiful woman is killed at robbery in France. The woman walks away with the men who killed him. Who is she and who is the victim. What comes up in the early investigations puts the global security on its axis. It is called the Blue Madagascar.
The main characters is a U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent Casey Ramirez and special agent of France Brochard. One has much to lose with his family and Ramirez pushes on with the strength of her sister Jessie. She draws from her courage and wisdom and being one step ahead of her enemy. She is a problem solver, math wiz, and basically as no fear. With Brochard, they must find out who was killed, what pandora box he opened and how it becomes a race between Russia and the United States.
There is a little bit of everything in this thriller. Chemistry, intrigue, and what each character breaking point is. Interesting characters and a political plot.
A special thank you to Smugglers Lane Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 2, 2021
Fast-paced, intense, and dynamic describes this excellent novel by Andrew Kaplan. Blue Madagascar is a suspenseful thriller with so many twists and turns, all working perfectly to combine in a novel that keeps you entertained throughout. The story begins at election time, with a presidential hopeful on the cusp of a big win, but breaking news declares that the candidate has committed suicide. That’s the hook for the rest of the book. Why would a seemingly successful man commit suicide on the eve of an election he is slated to win? And what does a 5-second cell phone video of what they’re calling ‘the invisible woman’ have to do with it all? Add in a jewelry heist on the French Riviera where an American man is killed, triggering a worldwide hunt for something the man left behind. At first, you’re not quite sure how these disparate storylines are going to combine into one story. However, they do and the result is an excellent read! Thanks to Netgalley and the author for a chance to read this digital copy.
June 18, 2021
This book just keeps you on toes and wanting to read more from start to finish. The front-runner candidate for the presidency commits suicide just days before Election Day. The rest of the book goes all over the world with other characters and side stories, how do they all relate? How do they relate to the political scene in the US and the suicide of a presidential candidate? This book has so many twists and turns it will make you dizzy, even though it seems like there too many side characters, this did not bother me.
Highly recommended thriller! Getting this at publishing!
Thanks to Netgalley, Andrew Kaplan and Smugglers Land Press in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 6/30/21
Highly recommended thriller! Getting this at publishing!
Thanks to Netgalley, Andrew Kaplan and Smugglers Land Press in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 6/30/21
October 30, 2021
Starts with an enticing ending and explains why and how it happened afterwards,interesting style and intelligently written — I hope it never happens. I liked the lead character more in the end. Much better than the first novel. Some sexual situations and profanity, not as much hate speech. And I enjoyed the narration on this one.
July 11, 2021
Great Book
Mr Kaplan never fails... Loved the Scorpion series. This ranks right up there with them. I highly recommend this book!
Mr Kaplan never fails... Loved the Scorpion series. This ranks right up there with them. I highly recommend this book!
January 1, 2022
An exciting thriller. Pay attention to the times at the beginning of each part. e.g. Part One - Six Weeks Earlier. Pay attention to the locations around the world. The story has many moving parts and several key players. Kaplan brings them together with the help of Casey Ramirez, a U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent. (And be sure to read Jessica's Rules at the back of the book.)
June 15, 2021
Too many characters
Very little character development aside from cliches
Very long way to go to get to the truth about what happens in chapter 1
Written more like the author wants it to be a new tv series
Very little character development aside from cliches
Very long way to go to get to the truth about what happens in chapter 1
Written more like the author wants it to be a new tv series
July 8, 2021
I received this audiobook from the publishers via Netgalley for a review. What a thriller an author on top of his game, wonderful pacing and character's could not stop listening. The author does a great job narrating his book.
July 6, 2021
Blue Madagascar was an exciting story--reminded me of a Dan Brown thriller. Casey, the main character, is a damaged but fearless detective who stumbles onto a dangerous conspiracy. Fun read!
May 25, 2021
Excellent mystery thriller, one of the best I have recently read.
In Blue Madagascar, during a botched jewel heist, an American is killed. This starts a worldwide hunt, but things are not so cut and dry as a candidate for the presidency in the US unexpectedly commits suicide.
Kaplan is definitely a master storyteller and this novel does not disappoint. It's full of twists and turns that leave you holding your breath.
Great job!
In Blue Madagascar, during a botched jewel heist, an American is killed. This starts a worldwide hunt, but things are not so cut and dry as a candidate for the presidency in the US unexpectedly commits suicide.
Kaplan is definitely a master storyteller and this novel does not disappoint. It's full of twists and turns that leave you holding your breath.
Great job!
July 2, 2021
Book Review: Blue Madagascar by Andrew Kaplan
Published by Smugglers Lane Press, June 30, 2021
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)
"Blue Madagascar", my first book by the author, reads like a pulsating Robert Ludlum spy thriller in a throwback to a John le Carré cold war era political face-off replete with eastern bloc goons and Soviet assassins.
The pursuit of "Blue Madagascar" takes a Homeland Security special agent on a dizzying road trip from D.C. to the French Riviera, to a small town in Mexico, back to Marseilles, to Genoa, Italy, to Dallas, to Panama City.
And that's just half of the way.
Special Agent Casey Ramirez, in a role reminiscent of Carrie Mathison featured in Author Andrew Kaplan's highly-acclaimed television and book series "Homeland", battles foreign agents across Europe and North America for possession of secrets embedded in the mysterious "Blue Madagascar", along with a promise of untold wealth.
Having evidently traveled across Europe, the author displays an intimate knowledge of European culture and locale, and a near-native flair for languages, by the tenth chapter, the use of slang in the French Midi makes me crave for a cloudy glass of Pastis and a bowl of bouillabaisse.
Fast-paced, breathlessly intriguing, an explosive ending.
Review based on an e-ARC from the Book Whisperer, Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley.
Published by Smugglers Lane Press, June 30, 2021
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)
"Blue Madagascar", my first book by the author, reads like a pulsating Robert Ludlum spy thriller in a throwback to a John le Carré cold war era political face-off replete with eastern bloc goons and Soviet assassins.
The pursuit of "Blue Madagascar" takes a Homeland Security special agent on a dizzying road trip from D.C. to the French Riviera, to a small town in Mexico, back to Marseilles, to Genoa, Italy, to Dallas, to Panama City.
And that's just half of the way.
Special Agent Casey Ramirez, in a role reminiscent of Carrie Mathison featured in Author Andrew Kaplan's highly-acclaimed television and book series "Homeland", battles foreign agents across Europe and North America for possession of secrets embedded in the mysterious "Blue Madagascar", along with a promise of untold wealth.
Having evidently traveled across Europe, the author displays an intimate knowledge of European culture and locale, and a near-native flair for languages, by the tenth chapter, the use of slang in the French Midi makes me crave for a cloudy glass of Pastis and a bowl of bouillabaisse.
Fast-paced, breathlessly intriguing, an explosive ending.
Review based on an e-ARC from the Book Whisperer, Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley.
June 28, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley for an honest review
How do I review this book without giving too much away well here goes
This is a wonderful roller coaster ride
I did have to start the book a couple of times due to the storyline jumping around but once I got used to the writing style it's a none stop action with plenty of puzzles to solve
This book has all of the homeland drama and would recommend and stick with it
How do I review this book without giving too much away well here goes
This is a wonderful roller coaster ride
I did have to start the book a couple of times due to the storyline jumping around but once I got used to the writing style it's a none stop action with plenty of puzzles to solve
This book has all of the homeland drama and would recommend and stick with it
May 19, 2021
The author just may be the King of Thrillers, and this latest addition provides more evidence. Details are never left out whether it’s in plot development, characters, or settings. With locations all over the world and characters of varied backgrounds, Kaplan blends together so many ingredients to create an amazing story. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley.
During a jewelry robbery, an American is killed and his identity triggers a series of clues that Special Agent Casey Ramirez will try to unravel.
This novel is an addictive thriller, full of action, mystery and characters with a lot of personality.
Andrew Kaplan manages to maintain tension without falling at any time.
Definitely a recommended book.
During a jewelry robbery, an American is killed and his identity triggers a series of clues that Special Agent Casey Ramirez will try to unravel.
This novel is an addictive thriller, full of action, mystery and characters with a lot of personality.
Andrew Kaplan manages to maintain tension without falling at any time.
Definitely a recommended book.
June 30, 2024
Blue Madagascar is one of the best books I´ve read this year so far. It has a densely woven plot that catches the reader´s attention from the beginning. There are so many layers to the story, and some of them are so believable, that I just kept on thinking that the world should not ever get near something like that. There´s treason, deceit, horrific crimes, descriptions of beautiful places and people, and the story is written at such a fast pace that the reader feels the same urge as the characters to discover the truth. Very, very entertaining!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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