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Operation: Midnight
Imagine leading an idyllic life as a waiter in New Orleans only to be told by a stranger that your life is in danger and your parents are not truly yours. Lonnie Clifford, a highly gifted young man, soon learns that nothing in his life is as it seems and he is confronted with the challenges of finding who are his real parents and avoiding capture by government agents trying to bring him into the evil experimentation called MIDNIGHT.
As those around him are killed, he discovers letters comprised of seemingly random words and numbers and only by solving the mystifying clues can he hope to get the answers he desperately needs. Every bit of Lonnie's genius is challenged In this thrilling tale of betrayal and intrigue as he attempts to outwit the head of the rogue scientific operation and determine who in his life is genuinely who they say they are.
As those around him are killed, he discovers letters comprised of seemingly random words and numbers and only by solving the mystifying clues can he hope to get the answers he desperately needs. Every bit of Lonnie's genius is challenged In this thrilling tale of betrayal and intrigue as he attempts to outwit the head of the rogue scientific operation and determine who in his life is genuinely who they say they are.
316 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 10, 2025
Operation: Midnight is the kind of book that hooks you from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go. The premise is instantly intriguing, Lonnie Clifford, an intelligent but seemingly average young man, is working as a waiter in New Orleans when a stranger upends his life with a warning: he’s in danger, and his entire identity may be a lie. What follows is a breathtakingly intense journey full of cryptic letters, government chases, buried truths, and shocking betrayals.
Rick Simonds does an excellent job balancing character-driven storytelling with fast-paced suspense. Lonnie’s emotional turmoil, his confusion, grief, anger, and resilience, feels deeply real. At the same time, the plot unfolds with an intricate structure that reads like a cross between The Da Vinci Code and The Bourne Identity. The letters full of strange symbols and numbers were especially fun to interpret, and it’s refreshing to see a thriller where intellect, not just physical action, drives the story forward.
Simonds’s writing is crisp, cinematic, and engaging. Every chapter ends on a note that makes you need to know more. The supporting characters are equally compelling, some allies, some enemies, and many somewhere in between, keeping readers as disoriented and suspicious as Lonnie himself.
This is more than just an action story. It’s about identity, the nature of family, and how far people will go to protect what they think is right. I couldn’t stop thinking about the ending, it’s haunting and satisfying at once. An exceptional thriller with depth. I highly recommend it
Rick Simonds does an excellent job balancing character-driven storytelling with fast-paced suspense. Lonnie’s emotional turmoil, his confusion, grief, anger, and resilience, feels deeply real. At the same time, the plot unfolds with an intricate structure that reads like a cross between The Da Vinci Code and The Bourne Identity. The letters full of strange symbols and numbers were especially fun to interpret, and it’s refreshing to see a thriller where intellect, not just physical action, drives the story forward.
Simonds’s writing is crisp, cinematic, and engaging. Every chapter ends on a note that makes you need to know more. The supporting characters are equally compelling, some allies, some enemies, and many somewhere in between, keeping readers as disoriented and suspicious as Lonnie himself.
This is more than just an action story. It’s about identity, the nature of family, and how far people will go to protect what they think is right. I couldn’t stop thinking about the ending, it’s haunting and satisfying at once. An exceptional thriller with depth. I highly recommend it
July 10, 2025
Every now and then, a book comes along that surprises you with just how intelligent and layered it is. Operation: Midnight is one of those rare thrillers that blends fast-paced action with thought-provoking depth. From its intriguing opening in New Orleans to its explosive climax, the story is unrelenting, addictive, and completely immersive.
Lonnie Clifford is not your average action hero and that’s what makes this book so refreshing. His intelligence is front and center, and Simonds allows readers to solve the mystery alongside him. The cryptic notes with numbers and symbols gave the book a sense of intellectual engagement I haven’t felt in a while. This isn’t just a book about running from danger, it’s about solving a larger mystery, one piece at a time.
But what truly sets this novel apart is the emotional realism. Lonnie’s emotional arc is just as powerful as the external conflict. He loses people. He’s betrayed. He questions everything, including his own memories and sense of identity. These layers make him a protagonist worth rooting for.
Simonds’s prose is confident and evocative. He crafts tension without overrelying on clichés, and he isn’t afraid to challenge the reader’s expectations. The themes, genetic manipulation, trust, control, identity, are woven seamlessly into the plot, never slowing it down but always adding depth.
I could easily see this book as a film or limited series. It’s that cinematic. But more importantly, it’s memorable, thoughtful, and utterly gripping
Lonnie Clifford is not your average action hero and that’s what makes this book so refreshing. His intelligence is front and center, and Simonds allows readers to solve the mystery alongside him. The cryptic notes with numbers and symbols gave the book a sense of intellectual engagement I haven’t felt in a while. This isn’t just a book about running from danger, it’s about solving a larger mystery, one piece at a time.
But what truly sets this novel apart is the emotional realism. Lonnie’s emotional arc is just as powerful as the external conflict. He loses people. He’s betrayed. He questions everything, including his own memories and sense of identity. These layers make him a protagonist worth rooting for.
Simonds’s prose is confident and evocative. He crafts tension without overrelying on clichés, and he isn’t afraid to challenge the reader’s expectations. The themes, genetic manipulation, trust, control, identity, are woven seamlessly into the plot, never slowing it down but always adding depth.
I could easily see this book as a film or limited series. It’s that cinematic. But more importantly, it’s memorable, thoughtful, and utterly gripping
July 30, 2025
A Political Thriller That Grabs You by the Collar
From the very first page, Operation: Midnight pulls you into a world of secrets, high-stakes betrayal, and government corruption.
Rick Simonds has crafted a story that feels terrifyingly plausible, echoing real-world political tensions in a way that’s both timely and chilling.
The protagonist is smart, resourceful, and deeply human, his moral struggle and courage make him incredibly relatable.
Each chapter ends with just enough tension to force you to keep reading into the night.
There’s an authenticity to the dialogue and pacing that shows Simonds knows this world inside out.
It’s not just a thriller, it’s a layered story about loyalty, power, and truth in an age of disinformation.
The writing is crisp, direct, and never bogged down by unnecessary exposition.
Fans of Vince Flynn, Tom Clancy, or Brad Thor will feel right at home here.
It’s rare to find a political novel that blends heart-pounding suspense with serious ideas, but Operation: Midnight does it brilliantly.
This isn’t a book you’ll easily forget.
If you’re looking for a thinking person’s thriller, fast-paced yet meaningful, this is it.
It feels like you're reading tomorrow’s headlines.
A masterclass in political intrigue and narrative tension.
The stakes feel real.
The villains feel too familiar.
And the hero? One worth rooting for.
Simonds’ storytelling is cinematic and razor-sharp.
This is the kind of book you recommend to friends before you’ve even finished it.
A powerful, addictive ride from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
From the very first page, Operation: Midnight pulls you into a world of secrets, high-stakes betrayal, and government corruption.
Rick Simonds has crafted a story that feels terrifyingly plausible, echoing real-world political tensions in a way that’s both timely and chilling.
The protagonist is smart, resourceful, and deeply human, his moral struggle and courage make him incredibly relatable.
Each chapter ends with just enough tension to force you to keep reading into the night.
There’s an authenticity to the dialogue and pacing that shows Simonds knows this world inside out.
It’s not just a thriller, it’s a layered story about loyalty, power, and truth in an age of disinformation.
The writing is crisp, direct, and never bogged down by unnecessary exposition.
Fans of Vince Flynn, Tom Clancy, or Brad Thor will feel right at home here.
It’s rare to find a political novel that blends heart-pounding suspense with serious ideas, but Operation: Midnight does it brilliantly.
This isn’t a book you’ll easily forget.
If you’re looking for a thinking person’s thriller, fast-paced yet meaningful, this is it.
It feels like you're reading tomorrow’s headlines.
A masterclass in political intrigue and narrative tension.
The stakes feel real.
The villains feel too familiar.
And the hero? One worth rooting for.
Simonds’ storytelling is cinematic and razor-sharp.
This is the kind of book you recommend to friends before you’ve even finished it.
A powerful, addictive ride from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
July 30, 2025
A Sharp, Riveting Story with Real-World Relevance
Rick Simonds’ Operation: Midnight reads like a high-octane blend of political journalism and edge-of-your-seat fiction.
It’s both a gripping story and a reflection of our turbulent times, making it impossible to look away.
The plot is tight and well-structured, moving seamlessly from one tense scene to the next.
What sets this book apart is how grounded it feels in reality, you can imagine these events happening today.
Simonds doesn't waste a word, every sentence pushes the story forward.
I appreciated the complexity of the characters, especially the protagonist, who felt like a real person facing impossible choices.
There’s an undercurrent of moral tension that adds depth to the narrative.
The writing is strong, purposeful, and unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths.
Fans of political thrillers will devour this book, but so will readers who appreciate literary depth.
It’s more than just entertainment, it’s commentary with a pulse.
The action scenes are cinematic and intense, but never overdone.
There’s a sophistication here that elevates the entire reading experience.
I found myself highlighting lines and rereading passages just to soak in the craft.
Simonds challenges the reader to question authority, media, and motive.
This is a brave book.
Timely, fearless, and deeply engaging.
It’s the kind of thriller that will stay with you.
If you value substance in your suspense, Operation: Midnight delivers.
Don’t miss this one.
Easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year.
Rick Simonds’ Operation: Midnight reads like a high-octane blend of political journalism and edge-of-your-seat fiction.
It’s both a gripping story and a reflection of our turbulent times, making it impossible to look away.
The plot is tight and well-structured, moving seamlessly from one tense scene to the next.
What sets this book apart is how grounded it feels in reality, you can imagine these events happening today.
Simonds doesn't waste a word, every sentence pushes the story forward.
I appreciated the complexity of the characters, especially the protagonist, who felt like a real person facing impossible choices.
There’s an undercurrent of moral tension that adds depth to the narrative.
The writing is strong, purposeful, and unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths.
Fans of political thrillers will devour this book, but so will readers who appreciate literary depth.
It’s more than just entertainment, it’s commentary with a pulse.
The action scenes are cinematic and intense, but never overdone.
There’s a sophistication here that elevates the entire reading experience.
I found myself highlighting lines and rereading passages just to soak in the craft.
Simonds challenges the reader to question authority, media, and motive.
This is a brave book.
Timely, fearless, and deeply engaging.
It’s the kind of thriller that will stay with you.
If you value substance in your suspense, Operation: Midnight delivers.
Don’t miss this one.
Easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year.
August 14, 2026
A fast-moving thriller full of secrets, danger, and twists
Operation: Midnight pulled me in with a premise that immediately made me curious. Lonnie Clifford's life is turned upside down when he discovers that the people he thought were his parents may not be his real parents and suddenly he is being hunted by people connected to a dangerous government experiment. From there, the story becomes a race to uncover the truth before it is too late.
I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Lonnie's past. The strange letters, seemingly random words and numbers, and hidden clues added another layer to the suspense and made me want to keep figuring things out alongside him. Just when it feels like you might understand what is happening, there is another question waiting.
What worked especially well for me was the combination of personal mystery and larger conspiracy. Lonnie isn't simply trying to escape danger; he's trying to understand his own identity while surrounded by people he can no longer trust.
Rick Simonds keeps the tension moving, and the story has that addictive quality where you tell yourself you'll read just one more chapter. If you're a fan of thrillers involving secret operations, conspiracies, betrayal, mysterious clues, and characters trying to uncover the truth, *Operation: Midnight* is definitely worth checking out.
Operation: Midnight pulled me in with a premise that immediately made me curious. Lonnie Clifford's life is turned upside down when he discovers that the people he thought were his parents may not be his real parents and suddenly he is being hunted by people connected to a dangerous government experiment. From there, the story becomes a race to uncover the truth before it is too late.
I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Lonnie's past. The strange letters, seemingly random words and numbers, and hidden clues added another layer to the suspense and made me want to keep figuring things out alongside him. Just when it feels like you might understand what is happening, there is another question waiting.
What worked especially well for me was the combination of personal mystery and larger conspiracy. Lonnie isn't simply trying to escape danger; he's trying to understand his own identity while surrounded by people he can no longer trust.
Rick Simonds keeps the tension moving, and the story has that addictive quality where you tell yourself you'll read just one more chapter. If you're a fan of thrillers involving secret operations, conspiracies, betrayal, mysterious clues, and characters trying to uncover the truth, *Operation: Midnight* is definitely worth checking out.
July 9, 2025
I rarely find a thriller that satisfies both my craving for action and my love for complex character development. Operation: Midnight hit that sweet spot perfectly. Rick Simonds has crafted a story that’s not just engaging, it’s downright addictive. The writing is lean and visual, almost cinematic, and I could easily see this being adapted for the screen. But the real magic lies in the character of Lonnie Clifford.
Lonnie is no action hero stereotype. He’s a thinker, a problem-solver, and someone who carries real emotional weight. Watching him come to terms with the fact that his entire life has been fabricated was heartbreaking and riveting. As a reader, you’re thrown into the mystery with him, and you feel every twist, every betrayal, every moment of self-doubt.
The structure of the plot, revealed piece by piece through codes, puzzles, and suspenseful confrontations, keeps you constantly on edge. Simonds doesn’t let up, and yet the story never feels rushed. He has a rare talent for combining intellectual challenges with real emotional stakes.
This is not just a story about a man on the run. It’s a story about truth, trust, and the cost of discovering who you really are. If you want a thriller with brains, beauty, and soul, Operation: Midnight is the one.
Lonnie is no action hero stereotype. He’s a thinker, a problem-solver, and someone who carries real emotional weight. Watching him come to terms with the fact that his entire life has been fabricated was heartbreaking and riveting. As a reader, you’re thrown into the mystery with him, and you feel every twist, every betrayal, every moment of self-doubt.
The structure of the plot, revealed piece by piece through codes, puzzles, and suspenseful confrontations, keeps you constantly on edge. Simonds doesn’t let up, and yet the story never feels rushed. He has a rare talent for combining intellectual challenges with real emotional stakes.
This is not just a story about a man on the run. It’s a story about truth, trust, and the cost of discovering who you really are. If you want a thriller with brains, beauty, and soul, Operation: Midnight is the one.
July 5, 2025
“A Thrill Ride That Never Lets Up – Absolutely Unforgettable!”
From the very first chapter of Operation: Midnight, I was completely engrossed. Rick Simonds does a phenomenal job of building a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you questioning everything you think you know. The story of Lonnie Clifford, a gifted young man who suddenly learns that his life has been a lie, is both heartbreaking and exhilarating.
As Lonnie uncovers hidden truths and deciphers encrypted letters filled with mysterious codes, you're drawn into a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and government conspiracies. Every chapter added another layer of suspense, and I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. What I loved most was the balance between action and emotional dept Lonnie isn't just a pawn in a dangerous game, he’s a fully realized character who grows and fights back.
This is one of those rare books that manages to be both thrilling and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it to fans of intelligent thrillers and psychological suspense. Don’t miss this one!
From the very first chapter of Operation: Midnight, I was completely engrossed. Rick Simonds does a phenomenal job of building a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you questioning everything you think you know. The story of Lonnie Clifford, a gifted young man who suddenly learns that his life has been a lie, is both heartbreaking and exhilarating.
As Lonnie uncovers hidden truths and deciphers encrypted letters filled with mysterious codes, you're drawn into a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and government conspiracies. Every chapter added another layer of suspense, and I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. What I loved most was the balance between action and emotional dept Lonnie isn't just a pawn in a dangerous game, he’s a fully realized character who grows and fights back.
This is one of those rare books that manages to be both thrilling and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it to fans of intelligent thrillers and psychological suspense. Don’t miss this one!
March 7, 2026
Fast, gripping, and impossible to put down.
I picked up Operation: Midnight expecting a decent thriller, but what I got was a pulse-pounding ride that kept me reading late into the night. Rick Simonds crafts a story that starts quietly and then spirals into something much darker and more complex. The concept of a brilliant young man suddenly discovering that his life is built on secrets hooked me immediately.
Lonnie Clifford is a fantastic protagonist intelligent, determined, and constantly forced to think several steps ahead. The mystery surrounding the MIDNIGHT operation unfolds at just the right pace, with clues that make you think while still delivering the suspense thriller fans crave.
What I appreciated most was the layered plot and the constant sense of danger. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new, and just when I thought I understood what was happening, another twist appeared.
If you enjoy conspiracy-driven thrillers with puzzles, intrigue, and high stakes, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list.
I picked up Operation: Midnight expecting a decent thriller, but what I got was a pulse-pounding ride that kept me reading late into the night. Rick Simonds crafts a story that starts quietly and then spirals into something much darker and more complex. The concept of a brilliant young man suddenly discovering that his life is built on secrets hooked me immediately.
Lonnie Clifford is a fantastic protagonist intelligent, determined, and constantly forced to think several steps ahead. The mystery surrounding the MIDNIGHT operation unfolds at just the right pace, with clues that make you think while still delivering the suspense thriller fans crave.
What I appreciated most was the layered plot and the constant sense of danger. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new, and just when I thought I understood what was happening, another twist appeared.
If you enjoy conspiracy-driven thrillers with puzzles, intrigue, and high stakes, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list.
July 5, 2025
Unputdownable – A Twisting Thriller That Will Haunt You”
I picked up Operation: Midnight expecting a standard thriller, but what I got was something much more layered and unique. The storytelling is sharp, with a clear and engaging voice that kept me captivated. Lonnie's character arc is powerful. He’s a genius trying to stay alive while decoding hidden truths about his origin, and the emotional tension is just as gripping as the action.
I especially loved how the author handled the secret government experiments MIDNIGHT is a frightening yet believable creation. This book made me reflect on the dangers of unchecked power, and the way truth can be buried beneath layers of lies.
Though the plot is fast-paced, it still finds room for emotional beats, and that’s what elevates it. There were a few moments I had to pause just to think about what I’d read. This is a story that stays with you.
I picked up Operation: Midnight expecting a standard thriller, but what I got was something much more layered and unique. The storytelling is sharp, with a clear and engaging voice that kept me captivated. Lonnie's character arc is powerful. He’s a genius trying to stay alive while decoding hidden truths about his origin, and the emotional tension is just as gripping as the action.
I especially loved how the author handled the secret government experiments MIDNIGHT is a frightening yet believable creation. This book made me reflect on the dangers of unchecked power, and the way truth can be buried beneath layers of lies.
Though the plot is fast-paced, it still finds room for emotional beats, and that’s what elevates it. There were a few moments I had to pause just to think about what I’d read. This is a story that stays with you.
March 7, 2026
What impressed me most about Operation: Midnight was the intelligence behind the story design. This isn't just a chase thriller, it’s a mystery built around clues, coded messages, and the psychological pressure placed on a protagonist trying to understand who he really is.
Lonnie Clifford’s intellectual abilities are not simply a gimmick; they’re woven deeply into the plot. The letters filled with random words and numbers create an engaging puzzle element that adds another layer to the narrative. It made me feel like I was trying to solve the mystery alongside him.
Rick Simonds balances action with intrigue remarkably well. The pacing accelerates as the story unfolds, and the stakes become increasingly personal as Lonnie learns more about his past.
Overall, this is a well-constructed thriller that rewards attentive readers and keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished the last chapter.
Lonnie Clifford’s intellectual abilities are not simply a gimmick; they’re woven deeply into the plot. The letters filled with random words and numbers create an engaging puzzle element that adds another layer to the narrative. It made me feel like I was trying to solve the mystery alongside him.
Rick Simonds balances action with intrigue remarkably well. The pacing accelerates as the story unfolds, and the stakes become increasingly personal as Lonnie learns more about his past.
Overall, this is a well-constructed thriller that rewards attentive readers and keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished the last chapter.
July 5, 2025
An Emotional and Intense Ride Through a World of Secrets”
This is not your typical action-packed novel it’s something more. Operation: Midnight had me thinking about identity, loyalty, and truth in ways I didn’t expect. Lonnie’s struggle felt deeply personal. Every obstacle he faced made me root harder for him, and the way he used his mind to fight back was inspiring.
Rick Simonds delivers a story that’s rich in plot and heart. The idea of being watched, hunted, and manipulated by those you thought you could trust is chilling and it’s something this book explores in a masterful way. From the cryptic letters to the suspenseful encounters, every part of this novel is crafted with care.
A brilliant read from start to finish.
This is not your typical action-packed novel it’s something more. Operation: Midnight had me thinking about identity, loyalty, and truth in ways I didn’t expect. Lonnie’s struggle felt deeply personal. Every obstacle he faced made me root harder for him, and the way he used his mind to fight back was inspiring.
Rick Simonds delivers a story that’s rich in plot and heart. The idea of being watched, hunted, and manipulated by those you thought you could trust is chilling and it’s something this book explores in a masterful way. From the cryptic letters to the suspenseful encounters, every part of this novel is crafted with care.
A brilliant read from start to finish.
November 16, 2021
This was such a great thriller, that keeps the reader engaged till the end. I read it in two days as I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. The story follows Lonnie who is a very gifted young chap, but he learns that not everything in life is as simple as it could be. He goes on the hunt to find out who his real parents are and has to avoid capture by the government. I found it was fast paced and each chapter ends with something that makes you want to read on. It is captivating, engaging, lots of twists and turns and full of suspense. I would recommend this book for a great thriller and be keen to read more of Rick's books in the future.
July 5, 2025
A Clever Thriller That Grabs You from Page One”
From the very first scene, Operation: Midnight had me on edge. Rick Simonds has a gift for writing high-tension scenes that feel grounded in reality. What starts as a quiet life in New Orleans turns into a fight for survival, and the stakes rise with every chapter.
The mystery surrounding Lonnie’s true identity is written with just the right amount of suspense and emotional pull. The letters he receives, filled with strange codes and hidden meanings, added a unique twist to the story that I really enjoyed. It’s a thriller, yes, but also a story about reclaiming your life and finding your voice.
From the very first scene, Operation: Midnight had me on edge. Rick Simonds has a gift for writing high-tension scenes that feel grounded in reality. What starts as a quiet life in New Orleans turns into a fight for survival, and the stakes rise with every chapter.
The mystery surrounding Lonnie’s true identity is written with just the right amount of suspense and emotional pull. The letters he receives, filled with strange codes and hidden meanings, added a unique twist to the story that I really enjoyed. It’s a thriller, yes, but also a story about reclaiming your life and finding your voice.
February 19, 2026
Operation Midnight pulled me in from the very first page. What starts as an ordinary life in New Orleans quickly unravels into a gripping conspiracy filled with danger, betrayal, and shocking revelations. Lonnie Clifford is a compelling protagonist, brilliant, vulnerable, and fiercely determined. Watching him piece together cryptic letters while evading ruthless government agents kept my heart racing.
Rick Simonds masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth. The mystery behind MIDNIGHT is chilling, and the constant question of who can truly be trusted adds powerful tension to every chapter. This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story about identity, courage, and survival.
Rick Simonds masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth. The mystery behind MIDNIGHT is chilling, and the constant question of who can truly be trusted adds powerful tension to every chapter. This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story about identity, courage, and survival.
December 14, 2021
Operation Midnight is plucked from secret government programs that exist in our world. Lonnie Clifford just wants to skate by keeping a low profile in New Orleans. The problem is that he is not normal. He is special. Blessed with a perfect memory that never forgets anything, he comes to realize that this might not be just by choice. It is a breakneck novel that races forward with puzzles, twists, turns, and great characters.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews