Wolf Trap

Brian Rhome #1

by Connor Sullivan

Book #1 from the series: Brian Rhome
🎧Run Time = 15 hours and 51 minutes
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An “action-packed” thriller ( Lisa Gardner ) from an author who has earned “a spot on the shelf among Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr” ( Gregg Hurwitz ): Former elite paramilitary officer Brian Rhome is called upon to handle a dangerous crisis. With a global conspiracy threatening American democracy, can Rhome beat the clock and save countless lives?

Set a trap… See who comes.

Under the direction of the Special Activities Center in the Operations Directorate of the CIA, over three hundred highly trained agents operate in the darkest shadows of the country’s covert wars. Plucked from the highest echelons of America’s special mission units, these individuals go through rigorous training by the Agency to perfect the arts of assassination, sabotage, infiltration, and guerrilla warfare.

According to the United States government, this Ground Branch of the CIA does not exist. But when diplomacy and military intervention fails, the President of the United States calls upon it to solve America’s most dangerous crises.

Brian Rhome, a former Ground Branch paramilitary officer, thought his time within this elite group was over. But now, he’s on a desperate race against time around the globe as he confronts the traumas of his past and unravels a deadly conspiracy that threatens the highest levels of American democracy.

⭐“A must-read thriller from a brilliant new talent in the genre.” —Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author

⭐This “adrenaline rush of a novel” ( Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author) follows a shadow operative in the midst of a conspiracy with worldwide implications from the author of the “fast-paced international thriller” (New York Journal of Books )Sleeping Bear.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook, Spy Thriller

480 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2023

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Big Sky, Montana, Brian Rhome a former CIA Ground Branch is living a reclusive life after a disastrous mission that killed all his men. An Opportunity arises for some payback.

President Angela Buchanan and her commitment to reducing fossil fuels. She has US allies' support on the Global Green Accord, including a leading oil exporter like Saudi Arabia! Princess Amara from House of Saud is another strong female character. With such an aggressive Green agenda, you can bet there are many players trying to prevent it from happening.

From Montana to DC, to Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland this political thriller is full of twists and intrigue. I thought the second half is a lot more gripping than the first half. This second novel by the author is top notch although I must admit there are many characters and subplots and can get a bit confusing.

I enjoyed Will Damron's narration making this almost 16-hour book went by pretty quickly!

[John Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a problem, if nobody can help, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire Brian Rhome…..

Book Information

Wolf Trap was written by Connor Sullivan. The book will be published on March 14, 2023 and is 470 pages. This is Sullivan’s 2nd novel (the first being Sleeping Bear) and if it is any indication of his talent, the 2nd of many more. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader copy for review prior to publishing.

Summary

Brian Rhome is a former Ground Branch paramilitary officer, a division of the CIA that, according to the United States Government, does not exist. But in reality, they are the group that is often called upon to solve the country’s most dangerous crises quietly outside of the public eye.

Rhome has training in areas like assassination, sabotage, infiltration, and guerrilla warfare….but currently, he is spending his days, or more accurately nights, grooming ski slopes as far away from life as he can get. His isolation is an attempt to deal with the demons of missions past that haunt his thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, a worldwide political crisis is brewing. One that could realign the balance of power around the globe. As the CIA struggles to find solutions—they are left with one viable option—Brian Rhome.

My Thoughts

A few words to describe this book: unrelenting, adrenaline rush, thrilling, complex, awesome.

Sullivan clearly did his research, and it shows. This book deals with international politics from multiple perspectives. It is equally engaging whether in the White House Situation Room, on a yacht in the Red Sea, or at a black site in Saudi Arabia. Sullivan is equally adept whether describing a quiet meeting with a handler in a public park or the interrogation/torture of an individual while in search of key intelligence.

Wolf Trap grabs you by the scruff on your neck and takes you on a global whirlwind adventure. You will meet politicians, royalty, spies, and terrorists. You will meet both good and bad people—and never be quite sure which is which. You will get a glimpse of the secret, behind-closed-doors politics that often drive the publicly visible leaders and events that we see each day.

You also get a very intimate picture of the struggles that people like Rhome face. The stressors, regrets, memories, and demons that they must live with each day. While there is plenty of action and excitement, Sullivan also does a good job pulling back the curtain a bit and showing the reader the mental trauma that exists for many that work very hard to keep us all safe.

Well written, well-paced, and well-done. I very much enjoyed this book.

Recommendation

If you like political thrillers, complex (yet easily readable) plots, and are ready for an adrenaline-laden adventure that you won't be able to put down---this book is for you.

If not, read it anyway, it’s a really good book.

Highly recommended.

Rating

5 Global Crisis Stars

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. D.A.M.N. d-a-m-n. Damn. Connor Sullivan doesn't believe in sophomore slumps, apparently. Wolf Trap is tremendous and he lets everyone know he is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. President Angela Buchanan is on the cusp of seeing her life's work come to fruition. Her Green Accord is a radical, aggressive global commitment to becoming carbon-neutral quickly and eliminating fossil fuels. She has garnered support from countries around the world, including some unlikely allies. Allies with different goals in mind. What was once a global celebration, the president's Green Accord quickly morphs into a global conspiracy with the highest echelons of the American government in its sights.

Wolf Trap is a stunning feat of writing. It is all gas; no breaks. As good as Sleeping Bear is, Wolf Trap is better. It isn't just that Wolf Trap is better; it is written in a completely different style. Sleeping Bear is kind of a mix of C.J. Box and Jack Carr whereas Wolf Trap has elements of Daniel Silva and Brad Thor. It's ridiculous Sullivan could even pull this off with such panache. My jealousy at Sullivan's skill is probably unhealthy.

Like Sleeping Bear, Wolf Trap is a standalone but I would read a continuation of these characters all day long. The plot, characters, everything is developed methodically and with care. The reader is almost immediately emotionally invested in the characters with an ease that shouldn't be possible. Jealousy reigns.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should put Wolf Trap at the top of your reading list. I have no doubt it will be one of the best books of 2023!

My sincere thanks to Connor Sullivan, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Wolf Trap!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having thoroughly enjoyed the previous novel by Connor Sullivan, I thought that I’d return for another, in hopes that it was just as exciting. Sullivan dives into the middle of the terrorism genre with this well-paced novel that explores international terrorist activities, state-sanctioned murder, and even some internal strife. When the new US president wishes to push a Green Agenda, there are some within her Administration that remain leery, as is the reaction on the world scene. However, with an unlikely ally, the plan to sign a major deal moves forward. However, there are some who will stop at nothing to see the Accord stymied and the US president neutralized for her efforts. Sullivan brings it all together in this piece, which is as captivating as it is explosive.

When the US Administration seeks to push a Green Agenda, many around the world scoff at the idea. How can such a powerful and industrial nation push for something so ‘pie in the sky’? It would seem the same sentiment is just as prevalent inside the US Administration. After a series of nuclear power plants explode in various parts of the world, the push for something green is even stronger and US President Angela Buchanan will stop at nothing to ensure things take a significant turn.

Saudi Arabia agrees to go green alongside the US, leaving the world shocked, but quite impressed. A summit is planned, where an Accord will be signed, moving things along in a direction that could only mean a more environmental world. However, there is a push to see the end of the summit and ensure, not only that the Accord is never signed, but that the Leader of the Free World be removed from her ivory tower, permanently. Intel and significant planning show that there is a plot to assassinate the US president and wreak havoc on many, with cells both inside the US Administration and around the world working to this end.

Enter Brian Rhome, a former member of a highly-elite branch of the CIA, whose job it was to hunt down the most problematic elements that could harm the US. Rhome has been read in on the plan to kill the president and he will work with his team to ensure that this does not happen, as well as neutralise anyone who stands in his way. All the while, President Buchanan tries to extinguish fires in her own Administration, sure that there is something going on to dilute her authority. As the plan is slowly revealed, Rhome can see that there are traitors within the White House, in government, and around the world. One false move and it could all come tumbling down. He will have to find a way to stop the plan or risk a world thrown into even more chaos. Connor Sullivan does a stellar job once more with this piece!

While the previous novel of Connor Sullivan spoke about the rise of a new Russia, in this book he posits the strength of terrorism is still a threat to US and world peace. Cobbling together some great storytelling with strong characters, Sullivan pulls the reader into the middle of the action from the outset. There is a strong flavour of international politics and espionage with the story, whose narrative move along well and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. The plots develop slowly and with intention, as the reader learns much of what is going on as needed, rather than with omnipotence. This is the kind of novel I enjoy, for the reader is not always privy to the entire plan, but must watch it unfold in real time. I can only hope there are more books by Sullivan that illustrate the power of a great political upheaval, as I could not put this one down and hungered for more as things finally came together in the end.

Kudos, Mr. Sullivan, for mastering the political thriller.

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

[Damo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book by Connor Sullivan, Wolf Trap is an international thriller of tremendous proportions that makes use of the interest in renewable energy as the future for the world’s power and the lengths some countries will go to in order to protect their traditional interests. From the obscurity of Big Sky, Montana to the White House and Saudi Arabia and Iran in the Middle East, this is a tense and carefully constructed story that races ahead at breakneck speed.

The main protagonist is Brian Rhome, a former frontline operative who has escaped from the world after leading his men into a devastating ambush while serving in Pakistan. Events both at home and abroad have made it necessary for the CIA to come calling in a bid to get him back out in the field, performing the dangerous tasks that he has been highly trained to perform.

The well-trodden trope of the unwilling hero, close to committing suicide such is his survivor’s guilt, being brought out of retirement for one more job, is brought to bear here. Rhome understands that the man he thought was dead, the architect of the death of his entire team, is still alive and plotting further atrocities. It galvanises him into action and sends him winging his way to the Middle East in an against-the-odds mission.

The goal of the President of the United States is to finally complete a worldwide agreement that will see green energy replace fossil fuels once and for all. It’s a plan that requires the support of the major nations around the world and it appears to be on the brink of happening. But there are people dead against the idea, powerfully dangerous people who are willing to take extreme measures to stop her.

This is a deeply complex thriller that casts a wide net with numerous subplots being unfolded. It involves an extensive cast of characters, each of them extremely well defined with the sides of good and evil drawn in great detail with some of the lines blurred for added suspense. But, as is often the case, it all comes down to the US vs Saudi Arabia and the fight over oil which may be superseded by the use of green energy.

There’s significant double dealing, double crossing and duplicity that keeps changing the playing field and that makes it an even more fascinating story. The identities of the traitors are well hidden and then shocking in their respective revelations. Nothing is certain as the signing of the Green Accords draws near - an event that marks the final terrible climax to the story.

I found Wolf Trap to be a deeply engaging thriller that moved along at a sharp pace once Rhome got himself going. (It can be tiresome to go through the theatre of convincing the unwilling hero who’s too bereft to jump into battle when you know it’s inevitable, otherwise there’s no story, blah, blah). He proves himself to be a resourceful protagonist with endless skills and a rather chilling ability to become completely emotionless when entering battle.

A good solid political thriller that measures out diplomacy with all-out action in even doses to provide great entertainment. It appears to be the first of a series ensuring that Brian Rhome will be doing the near impossible for his country again, and that’s okay in my book.

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wolf Trap by Connor Sullivan
Audiobook: 15:50 Hours - Narrator: Will Damron
Heard: 07:50 Hours - Balance: 08:00 Hours
Commenced: 21/07/2023
The narration by Will Damron was excellent, as expected, but it was not enough to compensate for a lack-lustre story.
DNF @ 50% - 07:50 Hours - RETURNED to Audible 30/07/2023

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

I picked this book up from a review of one of our fellow Goodreads group. Oh my. Never read this author before but what a ride he took me on. I loved it from beginning to end. Sometimes writers quicken and get sloppy near the end as if they just are not sure how to end the book…this one by Connor Sullivan is not like that. I don’t hand out 5’s that often…take it from me—it’s good.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I am glad to be closing this book. So many characters, storylines, conspiracies, code names, countries, positions to keep track of. You have to pay VERY close attention to keep it all straight. (Honestly I’m not sure I did keep it straight, it was A LOT.) This was a bit outside my comfort zone, and I don’t know that I’d be reaching for another one anytime soon. If you love the genre of a political thriller, you’d enjoy this read. Just be prepared for a massive massive story!!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I almost liked it; I was expecting an exciting thriller and was disappointed.



First, the writing is very basic. It’s a step down from serviceable. I could overlook that if the rest was good.



There are a lot of characters, many with code names or nicknames or similar-sounding names, and I didn’t always keep up with who was who. Rhome is introduced like he’s the main character, but he’s only in about 20 percent of the scenes, so there really isn’t a main character. Many of the characters make stupid decisions; the whole conflict could have been avoided with these people acting prudently.



The author withholds information from the reader. If this is necessary to create suspense, that shows weak writing to me. A character will get critical information, act all astonished, and then it’s many chapters before the reader is told what it is. I can understand doing this once, but it’s done about five times. Other information is just missing. At the beginning, several explosions take place. But casualties aren’t even mentioned until the second half of the book.



The author also shows a very shallow understanding of fossil fuels, oil, geopolitics and human nature in general. These topics are complex and can’t be reduced to black and white terms.



The book is way too long for the plot. There are a lot of unnecessary scenes, and the 500 pages should have been condensed into 300. The beginning was very slow with all the climate preaching—moaning on and on about the climate is not the way to start a thriller. I was sorely tempted to skip chunks and probably could have without missing anything.



Most of the scenes are people talking, sometimes talking about action that happened off-page. That’s not nearly enough action for the genre. The final 25 percent got interesting with some real action and pieces coming together. I really liked how some characters you thought were good guys were really bad guys and vice versa.



*Reader’s Choice Nominee Spring 2024*

Language: Some strong language
Sexual Content: Descriptions of arousal
Violence/Gore: Terrorism and war violence, moderately graphic
Harm to Animals: None
Harm to Children: Kidnapping
Other (Triggers): Terrorism; grief; betrayal

[Yigal Zur · Rating 2 out of 5]

just boring. so far down from his first thriller which was fun read. not convincing. shallow writing.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor Sullivan sure has made his mark as a thriller writer. Wolf Trap is his second book, this time we get to follow Brian Rhome when he against his will has to tangle with the house of Saud and some bad people in the American government. Sullivan has so far written two fantastic stand alone thrillers and I am curious to see where he will go next. It's refreshing to get away from the series although I'm a seriesholic. There are some great unexpected twists in this great book and I hope you don't miss it when it releases in March. A big thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for giving me this advance copy, I also thank Atria and Emily Bestler Books for taking on this great author.

[Patrick Casebeer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like there were 10,000 different characters in this book. I had a hard time following who they were or what they were doing. I felt like they’d give everyone a name just because and you never knew if it was important to remember or not. Just too much to follow and I lost interest in the story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor Sullivan jumped on the scene with his stunning debut novel Sleeping Bear where he proved to the thriller world he has the skills. Now with his second novel, that is separate from Sleeping Bear, Sullivan has proven he is here to stay. In Wolf Trap, Sullivan crafts a story of regret and what the tole of this is on the human psyche. Wolf Trap is a novel that is hard to put down! Once you pick it up, get ready for a marathon reading session.

In Wolf Trap, we are introduced to Brian Rhome, who was a CIA Ground Branch paramilitary officer in his past. Rhome is now a broken man with no future ahead of him. Rhome is being followed by a suspicious black SUV that scream government, and when Rhome finally confronts them, he is offered a mission, and a chance at redemption to right a wrong of his past. On the other side of the mission is the conspiracy theories of all conspiracy theories…and like it or not, Rhome is the only man for the job. However, the only question is, can he find it in him to forgive himself and be able to enter this world again?

The world of Americas ultra elite paramilitary is not a kind world. It demands everything the individual has. In Wolf Trap, Brian Rhome toed that line and gave everything he had, only to have his world ripped apart. When that same world comes knocking, can Rhome find it in him to answer the call again?

Wolfe Trap is such a beautifully crafted novel with some insane twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. If you are looking for a novel with a crazy conspiracy theory to keep you up at nigh, Connor Sullivan’s Wolf Trap will fit that bill!

[Rellim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Trap is a standalone thriller by Connor Sullivan.

Wow! Just...WOW! Not only is this an edge-of-your-seat political & action packed thriller, it's even more impressive knowing this is only Sullivan's second book. I was blown away.

Sullivan compellingly weaves together several riveting worldbuilding stories while introducing a huge cast of characters. This could have been overwhelming or confusing but is done with such skill that I was immediately hooked. Unpredictable twists and turns. There are some immediate protagonists I couldn't help cheering for, but there were also characters I was unable to predict their true loyalties. I'm also impressed with a thriller that has such heavy political themes without feeling preachy or judgmental. It's a fine line to walk these days and Sullivan does it well.

Start to finish I was completely immersed in this world. I loved the final resolutions - including some deserving endings for some particularly heinous characters.

Narration:
Will Damron continues to be one of my favorite thriller narrators. Sullivan's writing challenged him with many integral characters and Damron expertly brought them to life. Various ages, accents, personalities, and emotions were performed consistently and flawlessly. Superb listen.

[Pamela Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to hear that Connor Sullivan is a new voice in the political espionage genre. I love this genre, but had difficulty with this book.

The book is WAY TOO long and very convoluted with WAY TOO MANY characters, unpronounceable names and code names. My head was spinning trying to keep track of all of them and their part and purpose in the story.

The plot line itself is intriguing, but there were too many storylines, conspiracies, people, places and people to enjoy it. At the 50% I had had enough. I was frustrated and my brain was fried. I was tempted to give up, but I really was engaged with the VERY interesting plot, so I skipped to the 75% mark and - VOILA! I was able to track and follow it so I kept reading to the exciting and electrifying climax and satisfying resolution!

Though I struggled through the majority of this book, I know I will read more from this author! Hopefully, there will be tighter editing and fewer words! ( And fewer characters!). The character of Brian is endearing and I hope he will be in future installments. I think this one just overwhelmed me with all the “ Z” names! What I was able to read is well deserving of 3 stars. I took only one star off for the aforementioned. This author knows how to punch a powerhouse of a story!

My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Steven Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books



Make sure to check out the full review

[Brady Elvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It been a long time since I've been captivated by a book like I was by this one. I thought a spark of fiction and thriller might ignite the love I used to have for reading and it did. This whole book felt like watching a detailed action movie. It had a great ending and it's plot and story line was magnificent. I think what is most impressive is the inner workings of the authors mind to create all of the detailed parts of each of the conspiracy theories. This whole book is a testimony to the authors grand plan throughout the book. The building of suspension was done well with the changing of characters perspectives. If there was one thing I didn't care for, it was that the characters would often know things the reader didn't, but I think that just comes from wanting to know what happens next. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've been this infatuated with a book, and while it did take over my life for a week or so, I really enjoyed it.

[Mike Reinking · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audible version. Narration by Will Damon was adequate but a bit monotone. The book itself was terrible. Convoluted plot about a conspiracy against a U.S. president and her Global Green Accords - whatever that is since it’s never explained in the book. Verbose, slow pace, and obtuse protagonists. I found myself rooting for the bad guys just to get the book finished.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A former operative is reluctant to return to the game….but the stakes have never been higher.

Brian Rhomes, code name Lobo, is a former member of an elite group of covert intelligence agents trying to live a quiet life in Montana. His last mission ended horribly; due to faulty intelligence, he led his group into an ambush and only he survived. He struggles with guilt over what happened, and has sworn to leave that life behind forever. He is on the verge of losing his family home to foreclosure, and regularly wonders whether he should just end it all. When he is approached with an opportunity to use his hard earned expertise in an advisory capacity overseas in return for enough money to pay off all his debts and have more than enough to help the families of his fallen comrades, he is tempted but can not stomach the idea of being a mercenary. But then he learns that Qasim al-Raymi, the terrorist who his group had been pursuing when they were ambushed was not, as had been believed, killed during the attack but is alive and well and has assumed a leadership role in Al Quaeda, vowing jihad against the West. Rhomes may be too honorable a man to become a mercenary for cash, but he won’t rest until the man who caused his men’s death is dead. With encouragement from his former CIA handlers, he accepts the assignment to help a Saudi Arabian-backed team terminate al-Raymi. In the intelligence world, however, nothing is as it seems. A group of captured Iranian Quds Force soldiers are being transported in Yemen when their caravan is attacked and they are freed. Who is behind this act, and what is their end game? The U.S. President Angela Buchanan has pushed a Green Initiative through Congress into law, and is on the verge of having her Global Green Accord signed by the major nations of the world with the help of the progressive Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. There are many people, both in the US and abroad, who are opposed to this aggressive move away from fossil fuels, and some of them have banded together to take steps to stop it. Everyone has an agenda, and no one can be trusted. With tensions rising between Iran and the United States and factions within Saudi Arabia emerging, it becomes clear that some will stop at nothing to prevent the Accord from being signed. Will Rhomes and others be able to identify those operating in the shadows before the unthinkable happens? Are they the ones setting traps, or are they going to become ensnared themselves?
In Wolf Trap, the reader will travel from the Big Sky country in Montana to Yemen, from the corridors of power in Washington DC to the palaces of Saudi Arabia, and from the mountains of Switzerland to a luxury yacht in the Red Sea. This thriller is hard to put down, and keeps the reader guessing till the very end. When power is threatened, so are longstanding loyalties. With the direction of the world at stake, a President can not fully trust her own Cabinet members or even the Secret Service agents tasked with protecting her; there is intrigue at the heart of the House of Saud; and two groups, both convinced that they are acting out of patriotism, square off to decide the world’s fate. Fans of Vince Flynn, Mark Greaney and Nelson DeMille have a new author to try in Connor Sullivan, and I recommend that they do just that. My thanks to NetGalley and Atria /Emily Bestler Books for the advanced reader’s copy.

[Heather L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by this author, though like the first, Sleeping Bear, it is a standalone. Brian Rhome is a broken man, his cabin that has been in his family since it was built by his grandfather, is being foreclosed on, he works driving a snocat grooming the local ski hill in MT. Brian realizes that he's being followed by a black SUV that looks like most government type vehicles and he's actively avoiding it. Brian used to work for the CIA in the Ground Branch, until he lead his team into a trap that killed everyone but him, which resulted in him coming back to MT and avoiding all. He eventually meets with the government types who offer him a substantial amount of money to do one job that offers redemption for his lost comrades. He agrees and soon finds himself back in the middle east, he quickly completes the job and is offered another by the Crown Prince at a very substantial amount, 2 million for one job and 4 if he does two. He's hesitant and asks for time to think it over. Meanwhile President Buchanan is going to sign a Green Accord with a number of countries to eradicate fossil fuels from use. There are a group of people that are actively working to undermine this signing, and have planned to make a dramatic statement during the signing. There is a lot going on in this book and trying to figure out who's a good guy and bad guy really captured my attention, I would highly recommend. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Atria for the ARC.

[Leane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political thriller on the national and domestic scale, secret cabals, climate change, and a veteran troubled by his service experiences and personal loss come together in Sullivan’s second thriller after Sleeping Bear (2021). I preferred his first foray into political intrigue because I connected with the CHs in that novel; however, I never really cared about anyone with the same depth (perhaps Brian Rhone & Princess Amara) in his second. This one had a great many red herrings and people that were hard to like or even see as distinctive enough to remember. However, the plotting is rich in detail and all over the US map from Big Sky, Montana to NYC and DC, and internationally from the Middle East and Asia. Saw some of the plot twists coming, but not all of them and will read Mr. Sullivan’s next one. For readers who like cinematic domestic and international political intrigue and who enjoy Jack Carr, James Byrne, and Matthew Quirk.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of political thrillers but this was a good one! I love that it features a woman president, Angela Buchanan who is all for saving the planet by reducing fossil fuels. But of course not everyone everywhere agrees with this and it becomes an issue, bringing in Brian Rhome as he is former CIA and has experience in the paramilitary. There are lots of characters so I had to read more slowly than usual, but it was nice to see so many women as well as men in the political arena. I also love the idea of conspiracy theories as in the last few years so many have emerged. So strap on your bureaucratic hats and prepare for a ride though a twisted story that will leave you breathless!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Buzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Not too great either….

Needlessly long, and overly convoluted. The bones of the story are fine, and most of the character development was good. The lack of authenticity concerning military equipment and general knowledge let the author down. Spoiler alert! Though I can’t exactly place my finger on why, I had no doubt that Tuck and the Senator were the inside enemies almost as soon as they were introduced. I hope the next book Connor writes is tighter and researched a little bit better.

[Julie Pint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…. I need time to process this beauty! It was everything a political thriller should be to the tenth degree. It will be a hard one to top in 2023. Brian Rhome has retreated from living.. his guilt is overwhelming. Until his country comes calling one more time and he needs to make a decision. Is his loyalty to himself? His family? His country? Can he be loyal to them all? Or will the decision break him? As Rhome is battling his decision, events unfold that could change the political center of our country - and the world. This book is AMAZING! It was so well done, and the details were on point while not being overwhelming. The characters were well developed, and they pulled one into the story. If you read Sleeping Bear, and were in awe, this sophomore book will not disappoint! Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!

[Lava · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the reviewer who said they couldn’t wait for this to be over. It read like a CBS procedural (which as a tv show ok — but as a book, this is terrible). The author purposely withheld information throughout. The characters came up with a plan or learned new information, shared it with each other, then kept it from the reader. And once the super secret plan was finally revealed it was so mundane that it would’ve made more sense to tell us from the beginning. Many characters made illogical and frustrating decisions, and there were so many characters it was impossible to keep track. I eventually realized I didn’t care who was who because it didn’t matter for the overall plot, which like FBI International, was predictable from the start.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, for me every spy/espionage plus conspiracy and geopolitic plot is more or less predictable. It’s hard to break the genre’s mold. So, I usually rate on the thrill and the entertaining factor. Wolf Trap is about that same old assassination, conspiracy, betrayal and of course intelligence and action but I like Connor Sullivan’s style, though. The way he tell the story, reveal plot after plot with some time to catch your breath and think then boom another plot another obstacle. Yeah, this is a real fun ride!

[Kate Stoczanyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? Wolf Trap follows a whole slew of characters as they work to uncover (and commit) a plot to overthrow the government in the United States. Brian Rhome is drawn back in to work for the Ground Branch of the CIA in what he thinks is a one and done mission that turns into so much more.

This is my first book by Sullivan and I enjoyed every minute. This is not the typical thriller I gravitate towards, but I do like the Jack Ryan series and this reminded me of the show. Sullivan did a great job of developing his characters and building such an incredible plot, which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

(NetGalley eARC)

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could’ve read this one in one sitting if time allowed. I highly recommend putting this one at the top of your TBR. It’s everything you want in a political thriller.

Thank you Connor Sullivan for another fantastic read!

[Jacob Bonesteel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! If you like political thrillers in the vain of 24 or Homeland, this is a MUST read.

[Sarah Stasulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to start and not as amazing as his first book but still so thrilling.