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Mike's Place
“You’re one of them, aren’t you?”
For a moment, he thinks to plead ignorance. Ask her what she is referring to. A notion that lasts only an instant as he sees the earnestness on her features, a slow dawning occurring to him.
“You’ve witnessed it before,” he whispers.
“Not that,” she replies, “but something similar. Something most people don’t have.”
Three years ago, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Joseph Robert “Mike” Mychalski walked away from the United State Army. Halfway to his pension, he decided he’d seen enough of man’s depravity to last him a lifetime.
A choice made after a chase that took him halfway across the Asian continent in pursuit of an international terrorist. A bombmaker took out dozens of high value targets before using one of his devices to take his own life.
The explosion nearly ended Mike’s as well, his survival due only to a very special proclivity granted to him upon birth—impenetrable skin making him uniquely qualified for such situations.
Moving to a small island in Bali, he opens a bar and spends every minute trying to forget his previous life and the unusual attribute until a woman from halfway around the world arrives to ask for his help.
His every inclination is to turn the woman away, but something in the story she shares won’t let him. A tale that resonates much deeper than he would like to admit, for a variety of reasons.
Reasons pulling him back into a life he thought he left behind against a foe he never knew existed.
For a moment, he thinks to plead ignorance. Ask her what she is referring to. A notion that lasts only an instant as he sees the earnestness on her features, a slow dawning occurring to him.
“You’ve witnessed it before,” he whispers.
“Not that,” she replies, “but something similar. Something most people don’t have.”
Three years ago, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Joseph Robert “Mike” Mychalski walked away from the United State Army. Halfway to his pension, he decided he’d seen enough of man’s depravity to last him a lifetime.
A choice made after a chase that took him halfway across the Asian continent in pursuit of an international terrorist. A bombmaker took out dozens of high value targets before using one of his devices to take his own life.
The explosion nearly ended Mike’s as well, his survival due only to a very special proclivity granted to him upon birth—impenetrable skin making him uniquely qualified for such situations.
Moving to a small island in Bali, he opens a bar and spends every minute trying to forget his previous life and the unusual attribute until a woman from halfway around the world arrives to ask for his help.
His every inclination is to turn the woman away, but something in the story she shares won’t let him. A tale that resonates much deeper than he would like to admit, for a variety of reasons.
Reasons pulling him back into a life he thought he left behind against a foe he never knew existed.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2021
37 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Kohler
11 books20 followersTR Kohler is the pseudonym for bestselling author Dustin Stevens. A new platform allowing him to create a universe filled with ordinary characters possessing extraordinary abilities. A host of different talents and enhancements, adding a new dimension to the action-adventure thrillers readers have come to love.
Writing under his own name, Stevens is the author of more than sixty novels. Among them are the award-winning Reed & Billie series, Hawk Tate, HAM, My Mira Saga, and a number of standalone novels.
A member of both the International Writers, Inc. and the Mystery Writers of America, he calls a number of different places home, each the setting for at least one of his previous works.
Writing under his own name, Stevens is the author of more than sixty novels. Among them are the award-winning Reed & Billie series, Hawk Tate, HAM, My Mira Saga, and a number of standalone novels.
A member of both the International Writers, Inc. and the Mystery Writers of America, he calls a number of different places home, each the setting for at least one of his previous works.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 6, 2021
T. R. Kohler launches a new series with Mike’s Place. It is brilliant. A tight storyline is driven by multi-dimensional characters that only Kohler can deliver - and the adventure is frighteningly believable. Greed, lust for power, political intrigue, bare knuckle brawls, and a bit of science fiction take the reader on a wild ride.
Evolution is a constant process - but it is not always equal. Some individuals leap forward - in every species. Kohler explores this phenomenon in Mike’s Place - where a few humans have taken an evolutionary leap. They are emergent with unique and heightened abilities - making them both gifted and cursed. They have an advantage, but they are not immortal, and they feel pain.
Kohler adds Mike to this unique group of humans when he pops up on the radar of a rogue organization calling themselves ‘The Ranch’ - who gather these conflicted folks with accelerated evolutionary anomalies. And not for completely altruistic motives.
The Ranch offers safe haven for the emergent humans and trains them to accept, nurture, and control their enhanced abilities. In exchange for anonymity and support the emergents must join the battle of good versus evil - often at great personal peril.
Mike had chosen to live in relative isolation on an island in Indonesia to avoid dealing with his ‘power’ and the risks that would go hand-in-hand. His bubble is burst with the arrival of Kari Ma - head of The Ranch - who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. The full tilt adventure that launches from that visit will consume the reader until the dust settles.
Kohler fans will be familiar with Kari Ma from previous adventures. The intersections of the old and the new hint at future possibilities to be explored.
Readers will enjoy a tight story arc and characters that are not only well developed - with depth - but believable. Enhanced, but not immortal, builds a unique tension. The situation is ultra realistic and plausible. The reader will find elements of international terrorism, solid action and adventure, evolutionary speculation, and some science fiction - all on an absorbingly believable level. Mike’s Place is the perfect indoor companion now that it is dark and cold outside.
Evolution is a constant process - but it is not always equal. Some individuals leap forward - in every species. Kohler explores this phenomenon in Mike’s Place - where a few humans have taken an evolutionary leap. They are emergent with unique and heightened abilities - making them both gifted and cursed. They have an advantage, but they are not immortal, and they feel pain.
Kohler adds Mike to this unique group of humans when he pops up on the radar of a rogue organization calling themselves ‘The Ranch’ - who gather these conflicted folks with accelerated evolutionary anomalies. And not for completely altruistic motives.
The Ranch offers safe haven for the emergent humans and trains them to accept, nurture, and control their enhanced abilities. In exchange for anonymity and support the emergents must join the battle of good versus evil - often at great personal peril.
Mike had chosen to live in relative isolation on an island in Indonesia to avoid dealing with his ‘power’ and the risks that would go hand-in-hand. His bubble is burst with the arrival of Kari Ma - head of The Ranch - who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. The full tilt adventure that launches from that visit will consume the reader until the dust settles.
Kohler fans will be familiar with Kari Ma from previous adventures. The intersections of the old and the new hint at future possibilities to be explored.
Readers will enjoy a tight story arc and characters that are not only well developed - with depth - but believable. Enhanced, but not immortal, builds a unique tension. The situation is ultra realistic and plausible. The reader will find elements of international terrorism, solid action and adventure, evolutionary speculation, and some science fiction - all on an absorbingly believable level. Mike’s Place is the perfect indoor companion now that it is dark and cold outside.
November 21, 2021
This is my second novel by TR Kohler and like the first, it takes off at a fast pace after the initial chapters. Mike’s Place is the first novel in the Bulletproof series. Yes, the main character, Mike, has the special ability of being bullet-proof! No spoilers here but Mike, as the hero in the story, uses his special gift to save people! You’ll have to read the book to find out how!
Mike’s Place shares some characters with the Jumper Series, also by TR Kohler, including Kari Ma and Doc. The novel begins with a call to Kari Ma from the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President asking for assistance after a second bombing in Jakarta. Kari Ma knows just the person who can help and sets out to Bali to recruit Mike, retired from the US Army as an explosive specialist. What Mike discovers after the third bombing brings him back full circle to his life in the Army.
Mike’s Place primarily takes place in Jakarta. This area of the world is unfamiliar to me and so the first few chapters were a slower read as I had to familiarize myself with the area and various characters, good and bad. However, once I found my stride and knew who was who, I couldn’t put it down!
Will Mike identify who is responsible for the bombings in Jakarta? Will Mike encounter his nemesis from a previous mission? Read Mike’s Place to answer these questions and many more.
Mike’s Place shares some characters with the Jumper Series, also by TR Kohler, including Kari Ma and Doc. The novel begins with a call to Kari Ma from the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President asking for assistance after a second bombing in Jakarta. Kari Ma knows just the person who can help and sets out to Bali to recruit Mike, retired from the US Army as an explosive specialist. What Mike discovers after the third bombing brings him back full circle to his life in the Army.
Mike’s Place primarily takes place in Jakarta. This area of the world is unfamiliar to me and so the first few chapters were a slower read as I had to familiarize myself with the area and various characters, good and bad. However, once I found my stride and knew who was who, I couldn’t put it down!
Will Mike identify who is responsible for the bombings in Jakarta? Will Mike encounter his nemesis from a previous mission? Read Mike’s Place to answer these questions and many more.
December 11, 2021
This was my second T R Kohler novel and it definitely kept me on my toes. As a military brat with long family and personal ties to the military, I always enjoy stories about characters with the same background. Kohler does a fantastic job in describing the environment and multitude of characters that I could actually picture myself in the story. So Mike, who has an explosives background, has removed himself as far as possible from the military but of course our hero has a unique ability that comes in handy. In what amounts to only a few days, he’s jetted off to handle some terrorist action which leads to a plot twist about halfway through that I didn’t expect. I expected a little more action when it came time to face the antagonist, but I did like how it ended… the terrorist situation handled and there was hope for the future in many ways. Mike’s Place didn’t have as much humor in it, but there was definitely some action and lots of intense moments. As I said previously about the first TR Kohler book I read, I could definitely see this turned into a movie or tv show. In fact, I even imagined Jason Statham playing Mike! To be honest, I think it would be like having a bunch of individuals with their stories being told and then coming together like the Avengers! Loved the book and can’t wait for the next one!
February 22, 2022
I have read many books by Dustin Stevens so when he talked about writing under T.R. Kohler, decided to give this one a try. Overall, I liked this one and read it in one day. In a way, it made me think of the Xmen movies as the main character and some of the supporting characters all have 'special' abilities such as Mike having bulletproof skin. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I thought there were a few spots where the story could have been fleshed out a bit more. For example, there was one scene where Mike has to throw himself aside behind a wall because a bomb just went off. I would have liked to see what followed right after but the author doesn't include any of that. You next see Mike waiting to get on a plane. This is the first and only one out in the series so far but the author is planning on more. I will be on the lookout for them.
Overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy this type. If you haven't ever read Dustin Stevens, I would also recommend him. My favorite series he writes is the Reed & Billie about a detective and his K9 as well as the Zoo Crew. I have read all of both series to date with the exception of The Ghost which just came out.
Overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy this type. If you haven't ever read Dustin Stevens, I would also recommend him. My favorite series he writes is the Reed & Billie about a detective and his K9 as well as the Zoo Crew. I have read all of both series to date with the exception of The Ghost which just came out.
December 24, 2021
Mike's Place is a great start to a new series by TR Kohler
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Joseph Robert “Mike” Mychalski decided he had enough explosions after surviving a recent one. So he decided to leave the U.S. Army, and opened up a bar entitled, "Mike's Place" in Bali.
Everything was fine until Kari Ma showed up at his bar with a request: I would like for you to look into the recent bombings in Jakarta. Then she followed up with a kicker designed to entice him to help her: I can locate your missing daughter.
From then on Mike finds himself in a dangerous mission of looking for an experienced bomber who's placing a number of explosive devices all over the city.
Heads-up: Once you start this book, it is very difficult to stop for any reason.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Joseph Robert “Mike” Mychalski decided he had enough explosions after surviving a recent one. So he decided to leave the U.S. Army, and opened up a bar entitled, "Mike's Place" in Bali.
Everything was fine until Kari Ma showed up at his bar with a request: I would like for you to look into the recent bombings in Jakarta. Then she followed up with a kicker designed to entice him to help her: I can locate your missing daughter.
From then on Mike finds himself in a dangerous mission of looking for an experienced bomber who's placing a number of explosive devices all over the city.
Heads-up: Once you start this book, it is very difficult to stop for any reason.
Read
December 7, 2021Another great book by T. R. Kohler.
There are two major bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia. Normally this wouldn’t be unusual, but the two companies involved are American owned, the Pepsi bottling company and a Gatorade company. Perry Walker, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the USA contacted Kari Ma who is over a group of individuals who have special abilities. Kari knows just the person for this job. She just has to fly to Bali and convince him to help. Mike was an explosive ordinance specialist in the Army. That alone would have made him the person for the job, but he also has a unique ability. His skin is bullet proof and explosives can’t get through.
There are two major bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia. Normally this wouldn’t be unusual, but the two companies involved are American owned, the Pepsi bottling company and a Gatorade company. Perry Walker, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the USA contacted Kari Ma who is over a group of individuals who have special abilities. Kari knows just the person for this job. She just has to fly to Bali and convince him to help. Mike was an explosive ordinance specialist in the Army. That alone would have made him the person for the job, but he also has a unique ability. His skin is bullet proof and explosives can’t get through.
December 6, 2021
Mike's Place is a new series by TR Kohler. As with other series by this author, this book has the main character possessing super human abilities. . But this isn't just a "super human" series. As in his other series, TRKohler develops the character in a way that makes you feel like he really is a person you might meet on the street. This is an ability that makes his books so enjoyable. Mike's Place doesn't disappoint. I eagerly await the next book in this series and urge you to give this fantasy series a try. You won't be disappointed.
December 6, 2021
Do you like Super Humans? ME TOO!
Mike's got a bar In Bali, the days of the war and Army life are behind him. Until life is unsettled when a rogue organization known as "The Ranch" comes to collect him. The Ranch offers a safe haven and training for these superhumans. Are you thinking Professor X? Not as altruistic though. This book is nonstop action and the character development is amazing. It draws you in and keeps you up at night waiting for the next installment of this series. Can't wait to see what adventure awaits.
Happy reading.
Mike's got a bar In Bali, the days of the war and Army life are behind him. Until life is unsettled when a rogue organization known as "The Ranch" comes to collect him. The Ranch offers a safe haven and training for these superhumans. Are you thinking Professor X? Not as altruistic though. This book is nonstop action and the character development is amazing. It draws you in and keeps you up at night waiting for the next installment of this series. Can't wait to see what adventure awaits.
Happy reading.
January 8, 2022
Twists And Turns And Thrills Overflowing!
When you start reading this you begin to wonder what the heck is going on because you are several pages in and there are no references to Mike or Mike's. That's okay. It will eventually become clearer. What really baffles is what do these seemingly random events have in common with Mike? Mike wants to be left alone with his life, his bar and his "special" abilities. But that isn't going to happen. And, no, there will be no Spoilers here.
When you start reading this you begin to wonder what the heck is going on because you are several pages in and there are no references to Mike or Mike's. That's okay. It will eventually become clearer. What really baffles is what do these seemingly random events have in common with Mike? Mike wants to be left alone with his life, his bar and his "special" abilities. But that isn't going to happen. And, no, there will be no Spoilers here.
November 16, 2021
Mike settled in a new life, with a bar in Bali
The days of the Army, destruction of bombs
that almost took his life, behind him
Bombings were a norm in that part of world
The targets hit were not, or the frequency of
Drawn back in when a request came
To fight the unknown, skills remembered or not
Gripping plot, surviving the unknown, can he
Given ARC for my voluntary review and
my honest opinion
The days of the Army, destruction of bombs
that almost took his life, behind him
Bombings were a norm in that part of world
The targets hit were not, or the frequency of
Drawn back in when a request came
To fight the unknown, skills remembered or not
Gripping plot, surviving the unknown, can he
Given ARC for my voluntary review and
my honest opinion
December 6, 2021
"The Ranch" is bringing in a new member of their elite workforce.
Mike is a formidable addition to their already extraordinary squad, and adds a whole new set of skills to the mix.
This is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge, and involved.
I recommend this highly, and, as with all his books, he will push you to the brink of impossibility. Then leave you wondering, or is it?
Read it and enjoy
Mike is a formidable addition to their already extraordinary squad, and adds a whole new set of skills to the mix.
This is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge, and involved.
I recommend this highly, and, as with all his books, he will push you to the brink of impossibility. Then leave you wondering, or is it?
Read it and enjoy
December 7, 2021
Not knowing if or when another bomb will be detonated makes Mike's work doubly hard. First the one, which got him out of his comfort zone, then the next. Will there be another? This is non-stop action with characters we have come to know and excitement we expect and receive. Set aside a few evenings and enjoy Mr. Kohler's newest novel. It's one of those hit out of the ballpark wonders. Highly Recommended.
November 29, 2021
I'm relatively new to this author. This genre is a little different from my go to but I am really enjoying these books. Mike, a retired military explosive guy is recruited for a job by Kari. He is chosen for his special skill set. Does he still have what it takes to diffuse bombs? Can he defeat evil and survive this mission? This story sucks you from the beginning and keeps you wanting more.
November 29, 2021
Mike a guy living a quiet life until his past comes back to haunt him. Reluctant/anti hero with a talent, drawn back because of a tantalizing promise of a different life that he had no idea about. A ghost from his past that turns his whole World around. Fast paced and with enough characters to keep you thinking and guessing as to what comes next. I enjoyed it all and think you will too.
December 7, 2021
Leaving his relaxing place on Bali to go into the field again was not on Mike's agenda but he was unable to turn away from the scenario presented to him. Even though he appears to be bullet proof, and the bullets don't kill him, his body takes a beating during this story.
I enjoy stretching my imagination with this book and the situations that occur.
I enjoy stretching my imagination with this book and the situations that occur.
July 14, 2022
An excellent read. Plenty of action and suspense as Mike, a former EOD specialist, is asked to go to Jakarta to investigate several explosions. What people don't realize is that Mike is literally bullet as well as bomb proof, After investigating the locations of the bombings he realizes that they are the handy work of his nemesis. But can Mike find him before more bonbs are set off.
November 20, 2021
I had the pleasure as a part of the ARC team to read this book and found it to be action packed and entertaining. Mike is a complex person with tons of baggage from his previous career. He is presented with a mission that is hard to pass up. Definitely worth reading this book.
December 6, 2021
Another fantastic book. Mike is definitely special and different. He happens to be Bullet Proof. There’s no stopping until you get to the end. Fascinating all the way. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
December 9, 2021
Mike is enlisted to find out who is bombing big businesses in Jakarta. With his special talent and experience in the military, he is uniquely qualified to do this.
This book is part of the TR Kohler universe. Unique people with unique talents. Quite an interesting series.
This book is part of the TR Kohler universe. Unique people with unique talents. Quite an interesting series.
December 9, 2021
Mike is a retired explosives expert living on a small island. After a couple of explosions in Jakarta, Mike is called to help. Mike has skin that is bullet and explosive proof. He encounters an enemy from a previous mission. An action thriller that will keep you reading.
December 12, 2021
A new series to fall in love with. Action packed, fast paced, and hey we all need a new hero to root for. Can’t go wrong, this book gives you time away from life, unfortunately, it stops and you have to get back to living. Good thing is it’s a series so more to look forward to.
December 13, 2021
Exciting
Leaves a desire for more information about being one of the ‘ones’. Who they are; where they came from;what is special about the others. Looking forward to more adventures.
Leaves a desire for more information about being one of the ‘ones’. Who they are; where they came from;what is special about the others. Looking forward to more adventures.
December 24, 2022
A great read
A great read but for me took a while to get into, once hooked I didn’t want to put it down, kept thinking about the book wanting to get back to it. Such a great writer what ever he calls himself.
A great read but for me took a while to get into, once hooked I didn’t want to put it down, kept thinking about the book wanting to get back to it. Such a great writer what ever he calls himself.
February 13, 2022
A Nice Quick Read
The book has a good story line, but it doesn't really need the main character to have extraordinary power to make the book work.It
The book has a good story line, but it doesn't really need the main character to have extraordinary power to make the book work.It
December 6, 2021
An ex ordinance disposal soldier (Mike) runs a small island bar. He is special as he has a gift he was born with. He is soon recruited by a secret government entity to solve a bombing problem in Jakarta. He refuses until he finds out he has a daughter he didn’t know about. From there the action is fast & furious as Mike resolves the bombing problem and waits to see if in fact he’s a father. Folks, this non stop from beginning to end !
December 6, 2021
I loved the first book in this genre under T.R. Kohler pen name ("Into The Jungle", A Jumper Novel) and this one is a continuation with some of the same main characters. I love everything about this book - a good story, thrill, action, nicely developed characters, place setting. I literally could not put it down, it's both easy to read and a page turner. Recommend to anyone who is into super hero, people with extraordinary abilities stories, you will not be disappointed.
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