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Dan Stone Assassin #1
Payback: A sniper seeking revenge terrorizes the mob
A new thriller from the number 1 best-selling author of “After the Fall: Jason’s Tale”
After the mob destroys his restaurant, killing his pregnant wife in the process, Dan Stone has nothing left to live for except…payback.
He unleashes a series of devastating attacks on the mob designed to destroy their operations before exacting his final revenge. Using his skills as an experienced army sniper, Dan methodically sets out to assassinate those responsible and take down the Brooklyn crime family involved in killing his wife. However his reign of terror and killing leads to a dead end. There seems to be no way out after his mission of revenge is completed. His activities attract attention of an unusual group and they offer an exit path. As events draw to their exciting conclusion and Dan’s options close down around him, will the devil’s bargain he’s offered prove a way out?
In Dan Stone we have a new thriller hero. A blue collar kind of guy who’d rather not play the role he’s now called to play no matter how good he is at it.
After the mob destroys his restaurant, killing his pregnant wife in the process, Dan Stone has nothing left to live for except…payback.
He unleashes a series of devastating attacks on the mob designed to destroy their operations before exacting his final revenge. Using his skills as an experienced army sniper, Dan methodically sets out to assassinate those responsible and take down the Brooklyn crime family involved in killing his wife. However his reign of terror and killing leads to a dead end. There seems to be no way out after his mission of revenge is completed. His activities attract attention of an unusual group and they offer an exit path. As events draw to their exciting conclusion and Dan’s options close down around him, will the devil’s bargain he’s offered prove a way out?
In Dan Stone we have a new thriller hero. A blue collar kind of guy who’d rather not play the role he’s now called to play no matter how good he is at it.
401 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2017
2371 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 6, 2018
This is almost like reading a Men's Adventure book from 1976.
When the mob firebombs his restaurant and kills his family, a sniper goes out for revenge, shooting and killing and harassing the family of higher ups in the organization.
The mobs and the police, and the the FBI begin hunting him. Increasingly hemmed in, another agency gives him another path.
Pretty good stuff.
When the mob firebombs his restaurant and kills his family, a sniper goes out for revenge, shooting and killing and harassing the family of higher ups in the organization.
The mobs and the police, and the the FBI begin hunting him. Increasingly hemmed in, another agency gives him another path.
Pretty good stuff.
August 5, 2024
An outstanding suspense thriller! I stumbled upon this book and I'm genuinely thrilled that I did. The story is utterly captivating, filled with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The main character is fantastic, and I found myself rooting for him throughout. If you're a fan of thrillers, I highly recommend diving into this one. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading all the books in this series.
November 29, 2019
I can't get away from the comparison to The Executioner books from the late '60s and '70s. (The series continues in a way but with multiple writers and is not what it was.) In '60 War Against the Mafia about a Vietnam vet who takes on the Mafia. Here a Gulf vet has his pregnant wife murdered by "the mob" and sets out for revenge. While the book takes a page from the earlier thriller series this one ties up in a different way/place.
This is not deep lit. It's not complicated, it's pure brain-candy. I like it though it is like a lot of these books and I was ready for it to be over when it was. Only so much mind-junk food you want in a go, LOL.
So good action thriller. Leaves the smell of gunfire and blood behind once it's over. Plan to read more of these on and off. Recommended.
Enjoy.
This is not deep lit. It's not complicated, it's pure brain-candy. I like it though it is like a lot of these books and I was ready for it to be over when it was. Only so much mind-junk food you want in a go, LOL.
So good action thriller. Leaves the smell of gunfire and blood behind once it's over. Plan to read more of these on and off. Recommended.
Enjoy.
April 26, 2018
Decent story about a former army sniper using his talents to take revenge against the mob. Reminded me of the Executioner series from the early 80's. Along the way his best friend is drawn into the mix, not in a good way, and from there it becomes pretty predictable.
This is the first of a series. Unfortunately the author chose to take the sniper's talents to the CIA for a covert, off the books, program. I probably won't continue the series. The main character, Dan Stone, is nowhere near as compelling in the government killer role as Mitch Rapp or Gabriel Allon. I don't see Nees' writing coming close to the late Vince Flynn or Daniel Silva's ability.
But, as a stand alone thriller, I found it to be entertaining and what I call "a no brainer read".
This is the first of a series. Unfortunately the author chose to take the sniper's talents to the CIA for a covert, off the books, program. I probably won't continue the series. The main character, Dan Stone, is nowhere near as compelling in the government killer role as Mitch Rapp or Gabriel Allon. I don't see Nees' writing coming close to the late Vince Flynn or Daniel Silva's ability.
But, as a stand alone thriller, I found it to be entertaining and what I call "a no brainer read".
May 6, 2021
I’m struggling to understand why this book got so many good reviews. I’m being overly generous giving it 2 stars. This is the 1st in a series of books based on the main character but it will be my last also.
Read
February 14, 2019I wrote it; I like it.
March 20, 2018
In many ways this book reminds me of one of those revenge-based action movies, you have a highly trained former military person out for revenge after his wife and unborn child are killed by the mob, but the author manages to elevate the story from this somewhat simplistic setup.
One thing that I am glad about is that the author didn't persist with the excessive listing of guns and ammo types that would have detracted from the actual characters and story while adding nothing to that story.
This book is mostly focused on a man named Dan Stone who used to be an army sniper and is now on a quest for vengeance against members of the mob that killed his wife and unborn child when they fire-bombed his restaurant. He basically declares war on an entire crime family, hurting them by destroying their operations prior to finally taking his revenge on the ones responsible.
Alongside Dan, there are a number of notable characters, some old school friends who get pulled into the fallout from his mission and of course a range of mobsters and law enforcement who are both trying to stop him, there is also one other person who might be able to offer him a purpose and to make use of his skills once he has finished his revenge mission.
With so many Italian-American characters featuring in this book it would have been very easy for the narrator to have given an over the top performance leading to caricatures rather than characters, but thankfully he refrained from this and went with more of a tone for these characters rather than a full-on accent and it worked well as they were suitably distinct without being a distraction.
Overall, this book was an interesting one that grew beyond the basic starting point into something more, it will be interesting to see if the main characters will remain interesting in subsequent books when the series will presumably move onto a less personal setting.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
One thing that I am glad about is that the author didn't persist with the excessive listing of guns and ammo types that would have detracted from the actual characters and story while adding nothing to that story.
This book is mostly focused on a man named Dan Stone who used to be an army sniper and is now on a quest for vengeance against members of the mob that killed his wife and unborn child when they fire-bombed his restaurant. He basically declares war on an entire crime family, hurting them by destroying their operations prior to finally taking his revenge on the ones responsible.
Alongside Dan, there are a number of notable characters, some old school friends who get pulled into the fallout from his mission and of course a range of mobsters and law enforcement who are both trying to stop him, there is also one other person who might be able to offer him a purpose and to make use of his skills once he has finished his revenge mission.
With so many Italian-American characters featuring in this book it would have been very easy for the narrator to have given an over the top performance leading to caricatures rather than characters, but thankfully he refrained from this and went with more of a tone for these characters rather than a full-on accent and it worked well as they were suitably distinct without being a distraction.
Overall, this book was an interesting one that grew beyond the basic starting point into something more, it will be interesting to see if the main characters will remain interesting in subsequent books when the series will presumably move onto a less personal setting.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
September 1, 2017
David Nees has written another outstanding book that starts a new thrilling series. He is a talented wordcrafter and has the skills to communicate his vivid imagination to the reader.
This story identifies the characters and plot swiftly. Then it builds the tension step by exciting step. Other characters are introduced seamlessly along the way and the plot matures step by step to an exciting climax.
The author has an excellent command of the English language and there are no grammatical, spelling, or wrong usage in the words he weaves into this thriller.
I am really looking forward to the other books in this series. I highly recommend that everyone who likes a great thrill ride get this book, kick back, and enjoy!
This story identifies the characters and plot swiftly. Then it builds the tension step by exciting step. Other characters are introduced seamlessly along the way and the plot matures step by step to an exciting climax.
The author has an excellent command of the English language and there are no grammatical, spelling, or wrong usage in the words he weaves into this thriller.
I am really looking forward to the other books in this series. I highly recommend that everyone who likes a great thrill ride get this book, kick back, and enjoy!
August 3, 2018
I thought this would have our sniper kill a couple of mobsters for killing his wife and then he would be approached by the CIA but it just went on and on and they didn’t come to him until about 55% of the book. He knew the two guys involved with killing the wife but Dan just kept killing and robbing the mob. It did become boring after a while, but it did make the mob crazy.
Anyway, he never went to work for the CIA until the last page of the book. He and the CIA Handler only talked about it while he went on killing mobsters. I was a little disappointing. I wasn’t looking for a book where the hero just kept pecking at the mob throughout the story. I was looking for a CIA sniper.
So, there was no romance and the F-bomb was used 89 times.
As to the narration: Awful! Kevin Scollin cannot do a woman’s voice, it sounds just like a man TRYING to do a woman’s voice. AND so many men sounded like a doofus, and somehow I doubt that all mobsters sound like that. Think Barney Rubble and that’s what some the gangsters sounded like. And the women were worse. I could never listen to this narrator again. This is from 2018! Haven’t narrators learned anything yet? PRACTICE! AND learn how to pronounce things: PSUEDO is NOT pronounced sway-doh, for chrissakes.
April 25, 2019
A DN. Mystery, Law vs the Mob, Thriller (ASB. - 1)/An Ex. Vet. Marine Sniper Returns Home, Marries, Builds A Business
DN. has. Penned the first novel in the Assassin series, which begins with a Vet. returning from Iraq. He settles down, marries and he and his pregnant wife start a restaurant, which is in a more territory. When they refuse to pay homage the restaurant is fire bomber killing his wife an unborn child. The prime character gains the upper have in his personal vendetta. He begins the first step by robbing the mobs businesses. Then he kills members of the people who forefinger his cafe. This is an excellent read for the genre.....One additional note. This series reminds me of one started in the sixties, "The Executioner" series by Don Pendleton. I do not know if the author will look upon this comment as favorable or not. I would.....The Executioner has been around for almost 60 years.....DEHS
DN. has. Penned the first novel in the Assassin series, which begins with a Vet. returning from Iraq. He settles down, marries and he and his pregnant wife start a restaurant, which is in a more territory. When they refuse to pay homage the restaurant is fire bomber killing his wife an unborn child. The prime character gains the upper have in his personal vendetta. He begins the first step by robbing the mobs businesses. Then he kills members of the people who forefinger his cafe. This is an excellent read for the genre.....One additional note. This series reminds me of one started in the sixties, "The Executioner" series by Don Pendleton. I do not know if the author will look upon this comment as favorable or not. I would.....The Executioner has been around for almost 60 years.....DEHS
May 2, 2024
It would have been so much better Without mistakes.
In 1 instant our hero, Shoots a guy in the shoulder then through the heart and then twice in the head. No any train Person not a moron Saves bullets in a combat situation you may need another shot or 2 towards 3 in a few seconds who the hell would waste ammo and time? In the Shootouts the authors get so many things wrong .. I think they read some others authors books and then just fill in some different names and different circumstances a bit. Sure aren't lee child's writing,.. Everybody makes a few mistakes But Our hero Wouldn't have made it halfway through this book without The unbelievable events the author writes in.
In 1 instant our hero, Shoots a guy in the shoulder then through the heart and then twice in the head. No any train Person not a moron Saves bullets in a combat situation you may need another shot or 2 towards 3 in a few seconds who the hell would waste ammo and time? In the Shootouts the authors get so many things wrong .. I think they read some others authors books and then just fill in some different names and different circumstances a bit. Sure aren't lee child's writing,.. Everybody makes a few mistakes But Our hero Wouldn't have made it halfway through this book without The unbelievable events the author writes in.
March 19, 2023
pretty mediocre in about every way
This book is about a man who loses his wife and child because of an overzealous mobster, and sets out to avenge them. The very best version of that story is Jack Carrs’s first James Reece book. This book is not that by a very wide margin. The best way to describe this book is that while there are no glaring errors, it is not exceptional or really even good in any way. There is no suspense, the characters are not well drawn and their backstory is almost nil. Everything fits together in a way that is much too neat. I can’t imagine reading any more of the series unless I get desperate.
This book is about a man who loses his wife and child because of an overzealous mobster, and sets out to avenge them. The very best version of that story is Jack Carrs’s first James Reece book. This book is not that by a very wide margin. The best way to describe this book is that while there are no glaring errors, it is not exceptional or really even good in any way. There is no suspense, the characters are not well drawn and their backstory is almost nil. Everything fits together in a way that is much too neat. I can’t imagine reading any more of the series unless I get desperate.
June 4, 2025
Pleasant surprise
I spent many years obsessed with Stephen King. Read all of his books up until he decided to alienate fifty percent of his readers by tossing in political jabs. I also added all of John Grishams books. David Nees seems to have the same talent of being able to put the reader fully in picture. I intend to read all of his books. This one (my first of his) captured me from the first page and held my attention all the way to the end. Not only an easy read but a truly gripping tale. I am going to order a few more right now and hope that they will hold my attention like PAYBACK.
I just love "revenge" books.
I spent many years obsessed with Stephen King. Read all of his books up until he decided to alienate fifty percent of his readers by tossing in political jabs. I also added all of John Grishams books. David Nees seems to have the same talent of being able to put the reader fully in picture. I intend to read all of his books. This one (my first of his) captured me from the first page and held my attention all the way to the end. Not only an easy read but a truly gripping tale. I am going to order a few more right now and hope that they will hold my attention like PAYBACK.
I just love "revenge" books.
February 9, 2018
At first look I thought this book may turn out to be a bit simple or juvenile. I am pleased to say that this is not the case. The story is well-written, developed characters with many twists and turns that keep the pages turning. The plot is quite believable and the situations well-conceived. Since this is the debut novel I’ll look for future volumes to the series. I have no problem recommending this book for an enjoyable listen. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
June 7, 2021
Great Action And Riveting Story!
Dan is determined to mete his own justice for the killing of his wife and unborn child. All he and Rita wanted was to run their restaurant and enjoy the good life. But the Mob doesn't like it when you refuse to pay for protection, especially when you own and run a business. It nearly ruins Dan's life trying to take down the Mob in his neighborhood. But there is redemption for him. Since he was a sniper in the Sandbox it seemed the offer from Jane would be his only chance. Will his demons depart leaving Dan with a life worth living?
Dan is determined to mete his own justice for the killing of his wife and unborn child. All he and Rita wanted was to run their restaurant and enjoy the good life. But the Mob doesn't like it when you refuse to pay for protection, especially when you own and run a business. It nearly ruins Dan's life trying to take down the Mob in his neighborhood. But there is redemption for him. Since he was a sniper in the Sandbox it seemed the offer from Jane would be his only chance. Will his demons depart leaving Dan with a life worth living?
February 29, 2024
Make Believe
This could easily have been a stellar read that grabs you, twists, turns, and ignites you into believing and accepting all of the goodies the author wanted you to have. Sorry, for me, it didn’t get there. It stumbled, bumbled and left me lurching to stop it. And, I was so glad when it did. The toughness is lacking in the main character. He’s a fish outta water or is he? I never could get a good read-out on that. But, I’m going to go and read the second in the series in hopes the games and the unrealistic venue of Book 1 died a violent death.
This could easily have been a stellar read that grabs you, twists, turns, and ignites you into believing and accepting all of the goodies the author wanted you to have. Sorry, for me, it didn’t get there. It stumbled, bumbled and left me lurching to stop it. And, I was so glad when it did. The toughness is lacking in the main character. He’s a fish outta water or is he? I never could get a good read-out on that. But, I’m going to go and read the second in the series in hopes the games and the unrealistic venue of Book 1 died a violent death.
August 23, 2025
Very easy read about an Iraqi Veteran whose wife and unborn child are murdered in a firebombing of his restaurant because he wouldn't pay protection money to the local mob.. He brings his skills to bear on the unsuspecting Brooklyn Mafia and systematically dismantles them. Once his mission is completed he is recruited by the CIA to bring his talents to bear elsewhere. First book in the Dan Stone series. The book isn't a suspenseful read but enjoyable. On a side note Dan Stone's friend,Tommy is a wanna be tough guy but more of a whiner to be honest.
September 21, 2017
An interesting very well written thriller.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for a review.
I read David Nees's "After the fall: Jason's Tale" a TEOTWAWKI/WTSHTF story and liked it enough to read another Nees's novel "Payback (Assassin #1)".
Payback (a thriller novel about "man against the mob") is an interesting, very well written, grammatical correct story that I enjoyed very much and can recommend. You will not be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for a review.
I read David Nees's "After the fall: Jason's Tale" a TEOTWAWKI/WTSHTF story and liked it enough to read another Nees's novel "Payback (Assassin #1)".
Payback (a thriller novel about "man against the mob") is an interesting, very well written, grammatical correct story that I enjoyed very much and can recommend. You will not be disappointed.
February 16, 2018
Top Class!!!
I know it's a bit early into 2018 but this book is going in to my top 5 of the year. It's jam packed with action, a bit of CIA \ spy stuff and a good bit of mob in it. David Nees is a writer to watch out for. This is they first book's that I've read belonging to him and I'm more then impressed by the man's skill in bringing a great story together and leaving you wanting to jump straight in to another of his books. 10 out of 10 for me on this book and writer.
I know it's a bit early into 2018 but this book is going in to my top 5 of the year. It's jam packed with action, a bit of CIA \ spy stuff and a good bit of mob in it. David Nees is a writer to watch out for. This is they first book's that I've read belonging to him and I'm more then impressed by the man's skill in bringing a great story together and leaving you wanting to jump straight in to another of his books. 10 out of 10 for me on this book and writer.
November 1, 2021
Good despite being formulaic
Shamelessly based on Mitch rap down to his wife and unborn child being killed. A dark government agency taking the fight off the books to the terrorists. Almost plagiarism! And a green eyed femme fatale.
But not without its appeal. Some good stuff. Unique that it involves the mob. Writing a little adolescent but better than a lot of hacks out there. I’ll read the remainder of the series.
Shamelessly based on Mitch rap down to his wife and unborn child being killed. A dark government agency taking the fight off the books to the terrorists. Almost plagiarism! And a green eyed femme fatale.
But not without its appeal. Some good stuff. Unique that it involves the mob. Writing a little adolescent but better than a lot of hacks out there. I’ll read the remainder of the series.
December 3, 2022
Found a new author that I really enjoy reading
Saw the title and blurb, it appealed to me so off we went.
What a great adventure, interesting characters mixed into an enjoyable plot..it was just what I needed laying in bed recovering from Covid etc…it was such a good read I knocked it over in under 24hr…..can’t wait to get started on book 2 hopefully the pleasure will continue.. Thank you David Nees 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Saw the title and blurb, it appealed to me so off we went.
What a great adventure, interesting characters mixed into an enjoyable plot..it was just what I needed laying in bed recovering from Covid etc…it was such a good read I knocked it over in under 24hr…..can’t wait to get started on book 2 hopefully the pleasure will continue.. Thank you David Nees 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
July 4, 2019
Right time, right spot
This is a great start. for a new series. I found you on. A page with several of my favorite authors. So welcome to my world. There is nothing I would rather do than curl up with A good book. This one sure fits the bill, it. Has a great story, but keeps your attention till the very end. Thanks for a very good read and a quiet afternoon.
This is a great start. for a new series. I found you on. A page with several of my favorite authors. So welcome to my world. There is nothing I would rather do than curl up with A good book. This one sure fits the bill, it. Has a great story, but keeps your attention till the very end. Thanks for a very good read and a quiet afternoon.
May 22, 2021
Good read
An excellent suspense thriller story. Stumble across this book and I can honestly say I'm glad I did. The book is totally engrossing with enough twists and turns to make your head spin. Love the main character, and was routing for him. I recommend, if you enjoy a good thriller then dive in.
An excellent suspense thriller story. Stumble across this book and I can honestly say I'm glad I did. The book is totally engrossing with enough twists and turns to make your head spin. Love the main character, and was routing for him. I recommend, if you enjoy a good thriller then dive in.
June 12, 2021
Story was good vengeance which I always enjoy
Please get yourself a good proof reader. There were many grammatical errors where words were in wrong order, not needed, or wrong. It seems like the only review done was spell check. Shocking really, I read A LOT and have never come across this many mistakes.
Please get yourself a good proof reader. There were many grammatical errors where words were in wrong order, not needed, or wrong. It seems like the only review done was spell check. Shocking really, I read A LOT and have never come across this many mistakes.
December 17, 2021
WOW I am do glad i round this author
Tom Clancy is probably smiling down as he watched over the shoulder as this book was being written. I know that anyone that enjoys this genre and his style , along with a few other guys that have kept his memory alive, will have trouble putting it down. Now it's on to book two.😁
Tom Clancy is probably smiling down as he watched over the shoulder as this book was being written. I know that anyone that enjoys this genre and his style , along with a few other guys that have kept his memory alive, will have trouble putting it down. Now it's on to book two.😁
June 18, 2022
I must have read a different book to the one that received all those ludicrous 5 start ratings - but then again I pay for mine and don't expect freebies.
"In Dan Stone we have a new thriller hero."
The first half of the book is like a B grade crime novel.
Or, even worse, a B grade crime movie that was transformed into a very bad book.
The first in a series? How frightening.
"In Dan Stone we have a new thriller hero."
The first half of the book is like a B grade crime novel.
Or, even worse, a B grade crime movie that was transformed into a very bad book.
The first in a series? How frightening.
July 28, 2022
I liked this book. An uncommom hero who through the tragedy of losing his wife and unborn child goes after the mob. I read a couple of negative reviews and was surprised by them. I thought this book was a good start to a series and have started the 2nd book. I read alot of this kind of genre and found this character refreshing because he wasn't former seal or delta force.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
I have been looking for a female assassin-led book for some time now, and while this isn't it, it has filled some gaps for me. I was cheering on Dan Stone, hoping he wouldn't get caught and to be able to lead an everyday life. I'm not sure about all the gun specifics since I am no expert, but the story was undoubtedly captivating.
January 5, 2024
exciting read
Very action packed, suspenseful read. Mob starts a war they can’t win in a Brooklyn neighborhood. After his wife is killed by the mob in a fire meant to make Dan pay for their protection, Dan unleashes his anger, on them one at a time. His former sniper training helps him plot his revenge on the group that shattered his life.
Very action packed, suspenseful read. Mob starts a war they can’t win in a Brooklyn neighborhood. After his wife is killed by the mob in a fire meant to make Dan pay for their protection, Dan unleashes his anger, on them one at a time. His former sniper training helps him plot his revenge on the group that shattered his life.
May 6, 2024
Mob Protection Racket Visits the Wrong Guy
Great read. Fast paced story of a former army sniper who uses his training to track down his wife’s killer. When he meets a Special Opps handler in route to extorting money from the mob for killing his family, Jane proves his savior by hiring his talents for her team that makes the bad guys quietly.
Great read. Fast paced story of a former army sniper who uses his training to track down his wife’s killer. When he meets a Special Opps handler in route to extorting money from the mob for killing his family, Jane proves his savior by hiring his talents for her team that makes the bad guys quietly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews