Head Shot

Marko Zorn #2

by Otho Eskin

The Most Elusive Assassin in the World Versus D.C. Homicide Detective Marko Zorn

Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn is investigating the murder of an actress—an old love—when he is assigned to protect the visiting prime minister of Montenegro, the beautiful Nina Voychek.

Political enemies are planning her assassination—this, he knows—but now it’s apparent that he, too, is a target. As he foils the initial attempts on his life, he pulls out all stops—deploying his sometimes nefarious resources—to hunt whoever is targeting him and prevent an international tragedy on American soil.

Decoded messages, Supermax prisoner interviews, mafia lawyers, and an ancient Black Mountain curse swirl among the icons of D.C. Marko and his young partner, Lucy, face down what may be multiple assassins with diverging agendas. Or are they facing one assassin—the deadliest and most elusive on the international stage?

Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Daniel Silva

While the novels in the Marko Zorn Thriller Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is:

The Reflecting Pool
Head Shot

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Thriller Suspense

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2021

About the author

Before he turned to writing fiction, Otho Eskin served in the U.S. Army and in the United States Foreign Service in Washington and in Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland and Berlin (then the capital of the German Democratic Republic) as a lawyer and diplomat. He was Vice-Chairman of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, participated in the negotiations on the International Space Station, was principal U.S. negotiator of several international agreements on seabed mining and was the U.S. representative to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. He speaks French, German, and Serbo-Croatian. He was a frequent speaker at conferences and has testified before the U.S. Congress and commissions.

Otho’s career in the Foreign Service unknowingly prepared him for thriller writing later in life as he witnessed political corruption at every strata of society. While stationed in East Berlin during the cold war, the East German intelligence service (Stasi) operating on behalf of their Soviet masters, published a book entitled “Who’s who in CIA (correct title), translated into several languages and with wide distribution. This propaganda effort listed Otho and was intended to claim that he was a U.S. spy. (He was not). This was part of East German and ultimately Soviet, disinformation campaign to make the work of U.S. Foreign Service officers serving abroad more difficult.

Otho Eskin has also written plays including: Act of God, Murder as a Fine Art, Duet, Julie, Final Analysis, Season in Hell, among others, which have been professionally produced in Washington, New York and in Europe.

Otho is married to writer Therese Keane and lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shifty assassin and a snarky, offbeat police detective, Marko Zorn try to outmanueuver each other in a wild international murder plot.

This is the second installment featuring detective Zorn. The first, The Reflecting Pool, was released in 2020 and I've already purchased it for my kindle. The synopsis does mention these can be read in any order and it was fine.

I found this one to be fast-paced and action packed. There is also another murder that takes place that Zorn gets sidetracked with as well as a shooter out to get him. I enjoyed Zorn's brash, bold personality and trying to figure out how he would escape the situations he got tangled up in.

There are quite a few characters and twists going on, but it was still an enjoyable mystery that kept me invested and pulling for the good guys!

Thanks to NG and the publisher for the ARC. Published on December 14, 2021

[Susan (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's Back!

Marko Zorn, D.C. police detective with dubious side gigs again outwits and outlasts numerous miscreants. As the second in a series, Head Shot has all the adrenaline and kick of The Reflecting Pool.

The book opens with a bang with someone shooting at Marko.

From there, it’s non stop action with several murders along the way. Integrants include spies, mafia, hitmen, foreign dignitaries, and a famous actress. It’s a mire of activity but I was confident that our anti hero would come out alive with his problems solved - until the next book.

I really enjoy riding a crazy train with an unperturbed rogue. Zorn’s a character not easily ruffled and I like the fantasy - because l know I’d be terrified.

While some readers head straight to the meat of a story, I also enjoy the surrounding additives such as writer’s notes etc. Here, the publisher issued a short Dear Reader letter capturing the spirit of the novel and setting the stage.

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing, Otho Eskin, and Edelweiss for my electronic reader’s copy in advance of the December 7, 2021 publication date.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Eskin’s debut novel The Reflecting Pool so was really happy to get the arc for this one.

Our protagonist Washington DC homicide detective Marko Zorn is really in trouble in this story. He has a side gig doing the odd job for shadowy figure Cyprian Voss for which he is handsomely recompensed. This time Voss summons him and tells him he will be on the protection detail for the new Montenegrin Prime Minister, Nina Voycheck, who will shortly be visiting Washington. Marko is not impressed, he is not trained for this but Voss insists so he really has no choice.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the new PM replaced the authoritarian Mykhayl Drach who was recently killed in Chicago and whose brother, Goran Drach, is vowing revenge. He is thought to have contracted the world’s most secretive and dangerous assassin, known only as Domino, to kill Nina Voycheck. No pressure then. Marko’s assignment is confirmed by the Secretary of State so there really is no wriggle room.

Then Marko’s day job intervenes and he is called to a death at the theatre only to find that the deceased is an old flame, Victoria West, who went on to become an actress of great renown. Everyone assumes it is suicide but it soon proves to be murder. Marko must leave the running of this case to his partner Detective Lucy Tanaka so he can focus on Nina’s protection. But he soon starts to wonder if the cases are, somehow, connected. Especially as there is yet another attempt on his life (the book opened with Marko literally dodging a bullet).

This story made my head spin a bit! There were so many characters to keep track of that I eventually stopped keeping track. There were also many twisty elements. Too much? Perhaps. It was, however, very entertaining. Marko soon realised that if he didn’t kill Domino, Domino would kill him. He is not averse to twisting a few arms himself in his quest to derail Domino. Unfortunately Domino dogs his footsteps and there is a trail of bodies left in their wake.

I did like the way this ended and will be keen to see where Eskin takes this series and this character. Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps, a 3.5 star rating is in order here!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Otho Eskin, and Oceanview Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Otho Eskin returns with the second in his Marko Zorn crime thriller series. Taking a more international approach to this novel, Eskin provides moments of political intrigue and international coup plotting, while using a local murder to tie things to Washington, D.C.. Hoping for the same grittiness I found in the series debut, I was, at times, left feeling as though this was a ‘cozy murder mystery’, based on the narrative and ongoing dialogue. However, into the latter portion of the book, Eskin found his stride and turned on the proverbial engines to race towards the finish line, using a coup attempt to bring the story home. Entertaining and easy to read, Otho Eskin keeps readers turning pages.

Things do not begin well for Metro D.C. Homicide Detective Marko Zorn. A shot at him while outside his home leaves Zorn wondering who he’s upset now. Summoned to meet a man best left in the shadows, Zorn is tasked with protecting the new Montenegrin prime minister, while being reminded of some covert business he recently completed on a side trip to Chicago. Zorn is ready to help serve as part of the security detail, as long as it does not interfere with his day job.

Speaking of that, Detective Zorn is called to the scene of a possible suicide by gunshot, though many believe the dead actress may have been murdered moments after exiting the stage during a recent play. Zorn finds himself shocked to see that the actress is a woman with whom he has a past, though he seeks to shelve those feelings and get to the bottom what’s happened. This pulls him into the middle of a ‘dramatic’ world, where enemies are plentiful and the competition is ruthless.

While trying to focus on the murder investigation, the prime minister arrives in town and makes her way to the embassy. There, Zorn seeks to make introductions and lay the groundwork for how things will go during the state visit. He’s doubly tasked with protecting the international guest by a senior member of the US Administration, showing Zorn that people mean business.

When additional bodies close to the Montenegrin leader turn up strangled, Zorn realises that trouble is lurking. Things get much worse as attempts on his own life begin to occur in rapid succession. Zorn will have to use all his resources to locate the hired assassin, ensuring he neutralises them before more blood is spilled on US soil. All the while, the dead actress turns out to be part of a larger conspiracy, with Zorn in the crosshairs. A chilling story that, at times, proves to be as gritty as the series debut.

My recent discovery of Otho Eskin has proven fruitful as I found myself enthralled with this series. I devoured both books Eskin has published and am eager to see what is to come. Eskin builds on the Marko Zorn character, a gritty detective with a number of skeletons in his closet, adding more depth to the protagonist’s abilities and personality. Even with some shaky narrative moments, I am still eager to see what is to come for this rule-breaking cop!

Marko Zorn is still complex, working both sides of the law as he remains calm and collected throughout. There are some curious aspects to his backstory, revealed through some personal memories, as well as a strong focus on the law and how to protect those around him. Zorn is always ready to use his determination as a cop to get answers, even as it puts him in serious danger. While not a spy, he knows how to rub elbows with those lurking deep in the shadows and finds himself the target of the most ruthless international individuals. There’s a great deal more to discover about this man and how deep his connections go!

Otho Eskin proves himself a master storyteller, as I have come to see with these first two books. His debut was both gritty and full of mystery, with this one following suit, though it teetered on becoming a cozy mystery for a time. The narrative had moments of greatness, particularly when tackling the international angle, offset by some hokey moments at the theatre during the early stages of the plot’s development. The darker side of Marko Zorn is surely on display yet again, as some of his past handlings of events for nefarious people comes to light in passing. The reader remains invested in the process with some short chapters that tease major plot twists. International flavouring and layers of deception kept the story balanced and pushed me to keep reading well into the evening. I’m interested to see what’s next and how Otho Eskin will present it to readers.

Kudos, Mr. Eskin, for another strong piece of writing. Your experiences shine on every page.

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

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head Shot is a book that begs to be read in one sitting. It is fast paced, full of action and drama and plenty of twists to keep you guessing until the very end. This is the second book to feature Detective Marko Zorn but can easily be read as a stand alone as I did. In saying that, I will definitely go back and read the first book, The Reflecting Pool.

Marko Zorn is a DC detective who works on the side for some questionable people. He doesn't always play by the rules and likes things done his way. He has nothing to lose and puts his all into his work. Head Shot has alot going on with a dead actress with whom Marko has a history with, and a visiting political leader with a target on her head. Marko is involved in both cases, and soon finds that his life is in danger as well. There were a few times that I had to suspend belief, but I love a good police drama and I flew through this one.

Thanks to Oceanview Publishing, Netgalley and Meryl Moss for my advanced copy of this book to read. Released December 14th, I highly recommend.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A police detective finds himself in quite a pickle. Somebody is trying to kill him. A former flame, now a famous actress is murdered, and he's a prime suspect. And someone is trying to kill the beautiful prime minister of Monte Negro, and he's tasked with stopping that by three different agencies.

Very busy, but the author manages to juggle all the storylines nicely.

[AC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marko Zorn is back in this followup to 2020's The Reflecting Pool, the first book in the series, which I reviewed here - one year ago exactly to when I finished reading Head Shot. Something probably interesting only to me.

Zorn is the same cop now as we was then: not carrying a gun, being snarky, not always telling people what he's doing, and meeting up with shady characters. While it is helpful to get a feel for Zorn's character by reading the first book, it is not at all required, as Head Shot can be read as a standalone.

The book opens with the murder of an actress, with whom Zorn was intimately familiar years ago. It's a classic locked room mystery: the actress said her final line, and went to her (prop) dressing room to commit suicide in the play (it's Hedda Gabler, for those who know Ibsen). Strangely, she flubbed her last line before going off the stage. A shot did ring out, but when the stagehand goes into the room, the actress is dead on the floor, a pistol by her right hand, and a gunshot wound to her left temple. There are no windows in the room, and only one door, which no one saw open after the end of the scene, when the actress was supposed to go backstage when the lights were down. Zorn is not assigned to the case, but his partner Lucy is.

He also goes to a meeting with Cyprian Voss, who often gives him side jobs to do, and pays well for him to do them. The assignment from Voss? Protect Nina Voychek, Prime Minister of Montenegro, which is on an official state visit.

Zorn has been asked by the Secretary of State to do the same task, as it was requested by the Embassy itself. When he tries to point out he is not trained as a bodyguard or close protection detail, he's overruled and told to suck it up and do it anyway. At the Embassy, a frightened young woman presses a paper into his hand. On it, a series of numbers. He assumes it's a coded message of some kind. He gives her his card and asks her to call him. She doesn't, as the next time we hear about her, she's dead, too, after being strangled.

There have already been assassination attempts against Voycheck, and the suspicion is that it's a hired gun called Domino, who has an impressive success rate. Turns out, Zorn has had assassination attempts against himself as well, but for what reason, he does not know.

Things become a bit hectic in Zorn's world at that point: he's checking on the security covering Voychek (the lead FBI agent wants nothing to do with him and flatly tells him he isn't welcome), and bouncing between that and the case of the murdered actress and is told by a supervisor and another cop that he isn't welcome there, either). Is there a connection between the two cases? Maybe, maybe not.

The action picks up and we follow Zorn as he checks in with a hacker and gives him the message to decode, checks in with Carla, director of the FBI, who also wants him to protect Voychek, also paying him to do so. He doesn't mention that he's already being paid by Voss.

As Zorn puts the pieces together, more bodies show up. and there are plenty of suspects to go around. Eccentric or no, do any of them hold some answers to the slew of questions Zorn has about the cases?

Head Shot is a fast read, not because it's boring and the temptation to skim is there, but because it is quite good, and leaving aside a few of the things that require more suspension of disbelief than is usually required, the things that happen and the actions of the various characters is completely consistent with the story's own internal logic.

A solid four out of five stars.

Thanks to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for the reading copy.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wild ride through the streets of Washington D.C. Head Shot by Otho Eskin is the second but hopefully not the last book about Marko Zorn. I am glad i found this author. He writes fast paced suspense filled and action packed stories about the life of a homicide detective with some strange dealings on the side. This series is the most pleasant surprise of the year. If you never heard of this author or tried his work you really should. They are great and filled with witty dialogue. They are almost impossible to not read in one sitting. I must thank @oceanviewpub @netgalley for giving me this advance copy and @othoeskin for writing these great books. Highly recommended.

[Don Gerstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a germination of an idea here, but early on the story goes off the tracks.

Author Otho Eskin presents his second book featuring Marko Zorn, displaying him as a hard-charging slightly jaded detective who takes no prisoners and is willing to stand up to anybody. This characterization extends to Marko’s speech as well as the descriptive paragraphs as Marko is also the narrator. Unfortunately, while the clipped speech (a la Dragnet’s Joe Friday) works for the main character, the melodramatic speech from the other characters creates one-dimensional foils for Zorn, and the book doesn’t live up to its promise.

For readers who enjoy over-the-top fare, you will probably love this book. Zorn has his fingers in many different worlds, from his beat in Chicago to international spy escapades all around the world. The book does not worry much about the police procedural aspects and instead focuses on the action, a positive aspect that keeps the pulse of the story beating at a quickened rate. Mr. Eskin also injects multiple storylines (though not too many that the reader becomes confused).

Unfortunately, the lack of police procedural aspects pulls the book in a direction that frequently borders on the unbelievable. The ending and big reveal came out of left field, forecasted early in the story and thus anticlimactic. I am also wary of authors who insist on writing about guns without performing a minimum of investigation of terms. Incorrect use of terms, describing guns as if the author’s words were lifted straight from a manufacturer’s catalog, and complete disregard for the human element when in a life-and-death situation all were huge red flags. Worse, the main plot of a street cop being recruited by the State Department to help prevent an assassination of the leader of another country would never happen. Research of the subjects in this book would upgrade the star level. As written, the lack of realism weakens the book.

Bottom line, if you are seeking a book that has quick pacing but disregards the reality of the worlds of police work and international espionage, this book is for you. For other readers, I am not able to recommend this book. Two-and-a-half stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Meryl Moss Media for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year, I had the privilege of reading the first book in this series - The Reflecting Pool - and not only did I enjoy it thoroughly, I was delighted to find a new series "hero" to love. Well, here we go again - and if it's possible, I love him more.

Marko, it seems, isn't totally content to work as a detective with the Washington, D.C., Metro Police; on the side, he takes on top-dollar "assignments" that, well, just may cross the line between legal and criminal (oh heck - sometimes obliterate it). Shortly after someone takes a potshot at him, Marko gets a request - make that demand - from one of his underworld contacts that he protect Nina Voychek, the beautiful visiting prime minister of politically in turmoil Montenegro, his police partner Lucy Tanakar calls him to the Capitol Theater, where a murder has occurred. Turns out the victim is well-known actress Victoria West, and there's a bit of a complication: she and Marko once had a brief, but serious (at least to Marko) fling.

The political protection detail quickly turns complicated as well when Marko is ordered to meet with the Secretary of State, who in turn orders him to serve on the protection detail for the Montenegro PM. Now, he's got two "bosses" to juggle on that score, and his heart keeps urging him to find out who murdered the love of his life. That urge turns into a passion when two more people involved with the theater unexpectedly end up dead. Things get even more complicated when Marko learns that (gasp!) one of the baddest of bad guys will stop at nothing to add him to the kill list.

While I can't say I reached the edge of my seat throughout this one, I didn't miss it by much. There's plenty of action and concern over who would bite the dust next (although I always figure that the star of the show might get roughed up a bit but isn't likely to get bumped off unless the author is really, really tired of writing about him). The whole thing is exciting and fun to read, and I highly recommend both books - noting that they stand alone just fine). Until next time, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for once again allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done!

[Amy Hagberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Head Shot takes place in Washington, D.C. and follows detective Marko Zorn as he struggles to balance his moral code with breaking the rules. The story kicks off as Zorn, with his junior partner, Lucy, investigates the murder of a former flame.

But just when things seem complicated enough, he is assigned an off-the-books mission: safeguarding Nina Voychek, the prime minister of Montenegro, during her official visit. Political enemies are planning her assassination, and he soon learns that he is also a target. After a few attempts on his life, he enlists some shady resources to hunt down whoever is after him and prevent an international tragedy on American soil.

The multi-layered plot is full of action and the protagonist, the smart-ass detective, is flawed and likeable. The author clearly has a great deal of knowledge about police work and international intrigue. For example, his description of taking out an opponent in a gunfight is very believable. There's a reason he is so knowledgeable: Otho Eskin served in the U.S. Army and in the United States Foreign Service in Washington and in Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland, and Berlin (then the capital of the German Democratic Republic) as a lawyer and diplomat.

The formatting of my review copy was so messed up that it was difficult to differentiate between dialogue and paragraphs, but for the most part, the writing was solid. While each installment in the Marko Zorn series can stand its own ground, reading The Reflecting Pool (the series opener) first would have provided additional context.

I enjoy reading books published by indie presses, instead of always the big five and their imprints. I enjoyed this thriller and will read his other books. If you enjoy Daniel Silva and David Baldacci, give this author a shot.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marko Zorn is a Washington D.C. Homicide Detective who loves to play the fringes of the law. To see what he can get away with and who he can help along the way. He has friends in high places, as well as friends at the horrifying edges of society. He is cocky, brash, snarky, and my personal favorite a wicked smart ass.

Marko is being paid to protect the beautiful Prime Minister of Montenegro, for one of his many creepy contacts. Before that job even begins, Marko's past love, Victoria West is killed. He is determined to find her killer. As a web of connections begins to emerge, more and more bodies begin to pile up. You are thrown from one investigation to the next, to protecting the prime minister, to being shot at. While trying to keep all the possible suspects straight. Your head will be ringing and spinning until the final chapter. When all is revealed.

I had a hard time getting into the book and connecting with Marko. He is larger than life, over the top full of himself, and at times totally unbelievable. How is this man not locked up or lying in a ditch somewhere? It is a quick read, and you do want to know who is behind all of the murders and why. Thank you to Otho Eskin, Oceanview Publishing, and Meryl Moss for sending me this fast-paced mystery. I truly loved Marko's snark and sarcasm.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Marko Zorn is not a popular Washington Metropolitan police detective. His superiors put him on details that keep him out of the office and away from his fellow officers.

Nina Voychek is involved in a stage presentation whose main actress is killed during a performance. Zorn is chosen as a bodyguard during Nina’s time in America.

Otho Eskin has written an authentic hero in Marko Zorn. He is not the usual tall and dark James Bond type but rather overweight and short. His reputation among law enforcement has been tarnished by service in Chicago. His investigations are at times bumbling--bringing to mind Columbo. However, his successful record speaks for itself.

The climax is intriguing and very innovative. There was continual pressure placed upon Ms. Voychek by her country's ambassador and entourage. I suggest anyone who desires a good escapist tale buy the book. 5 stars - CE Williams

We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Washington DC detective Marko Zorn is a bit of a morally grey character with a lot of depth to him. This time Zorn finds his past is catching up with him, as old enemies encroach on his territory. Zorn is asked to work security detail for an international president, a role way outside his usual job description but he’s been requested - perhaps also due to his past.. Zorn also finds himself in the midst of an investigation (more as a suspect than an investigator) when an old girlfriend, a famous actress is murdered at the end of her opening night. Initially Zorn’s cases seem divergent but as time goes on it appears there’s a commonality - Zorn.

Spies, mystery, intrigue and murder are all here in this book. Plus a little fleeting romantic interest and a getting to know the complex character that is Zorn. Believable … not really, and the pace isn’t always consistent but towards the end things ramp up and it’s worth sticking around for.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this book to read and review.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marko is an over the top hero, rather unbelievable. He knows how to manipulate mobsters and convicts and he knows lots of them. He is arrogant and sarcastic and belligerent and gets away with it. He does jobs for mobsters and government agencies and, by the way, he is a Washington D.C homicide detective too. He can do three operations all at once. He doesn't wear a gun, except when he wears a gun. He is truly a hero very hard to like.

Eskin is an entertaining writer. There is lots of witty dialogue. The novel is full of action. Marko is pitted against the greatest assassin alive. There are several murders and Marko is sure they are connected. He works on revealing the web involved. Part of that web involves an autocratic regime and we get some insight in to the politics involved. There was a twist at the very end that seemed a bit too unbelievable to me.

This is a novel featuring a police detective who forces his way through adverse situations, often without regard for who is hurt in the process. There is not much police procedure as Marko works pretty independently of accepted police tactics. Readers who like an over the top hero who does what he wants will like this novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Just WOW! Clear your reading list to move Headshot to the top!

What a discovery of Ortho Eskin and his intrepid D.C.-based Metropolitan homicide detective Marko Zorn, who has an aversion to guns…unless in extreme circumstances to save a life. Then, Marko counsels his female detective partner Lucy, you do not go for the chest shot but instead you practice enough to be able to land a head shot on the perpetrator. Instead of guns, Marko mostly relies on his wits and snark, along with his phone camera, texting, distractions, and anything else on hand to get out danger…and danger abounds everywhere.

By day, Zorn works the homicide beat for the D.C. police, but he moonlights on the side for everyone from the federal government to shady gang lords for huge sums of money in doing what Zorn considers meets his own sense of ethics.

In Headshot, Zorn first gets called to a local theater where in the final moments of a Hedda Gabler play, in a closed off-set room, his long-ago ex-lover actress has been killed by a shot to the head and has a gun in her hand. Zorn goes all in investigating, even though the case has been assigned just to is partner Lucy, trying to re-enact what is clearly to him a murder, not suicide. What ensues is an investigatation of all the play’s cast of actors and stagehands. Even a murder mystery author weighs in on how the “closed room” shooting could have occurred.

In the meantime, Zorn gets hired for an off-the-books freelancing assignment to guard the life of the new beautiful and fiery prime Minister of Montenegro, Nina Voycheck, making her first state visit to D.C. Nina’s been repeatedly the target of assignation by the ex-communist tyrants who ran her country. Simultaneously, the Secretary of State assigns Zorn away from the D.C. police to officially ensure the Minister’s safety while in the U.S. While Zorn has no training as a bodyguard, he has astute observations, earns Nina’s trust, and also gets handed a coded message from a young Embassy staffer fearing for her life, and who indeed gets murdered shortly thereafter. A top assassin who’s killing method is strangulation, sets his sights on both Nina and Zorn. Even the director of the FBI has a relationship with Zorn, and wants him to stay on Nina’s protective detail.

Bodies pile up, with Zorn in the middle trying to keep Nina safe while also trying to figure out who murdered his ex-lover. And you cannot stop reading!

I went back after reading Headshot to read Eskin’s first book, The Reflecting Pool. Here a Secret Service agent ends up drowned in the Reflecting Pool on the Mall, and the cover-up extends to the White House. Zorn, assigned to investigate, has to go rogue to figure things out and to take on a domestic terrorist group illegally amassing assault weapons. It provides some great backstory on Zorn but overall does not hit the same excitement and plot brilliance of Eskin’s second outing with this character.

Of note, Eskin writes from a wealth of experience: across the span of his distinguished career, he served as both lawyer and diplomat for the U.S. Foreign Service and Army in D.C, Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland and Berlin.

CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series! Hello, next generation of Harry Bosch.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy.

[William de_Rham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2021
I’m 1/3 of the way through “Head Shot” and have to call it quits. For me, the story lacks authenticity and is simply not believable.

It starts out well enough. The first-person narrator tells us he’s been shot at and almost killed by someone with a high-powered rifle. Immediately, we want to know: who’s the narrator and why is someone trying to kill him?

Turns out he’s Milo Zorn, a homicide detective with the Washington, D.C. Metro Police who also moonlights for big money for a mysterious individual who wants him to protect the President of Montenegro about to arrive in Washington for a state visit. Simultaneously, a big-time actress and Zorn’s lover from many, many years ago, is murdered while performing "Hedda Gabbler" in something of a “locked room” mystery. And then there’s the Chicago police who would like to know if Zorn knows anything about the recent assassination of Montenegro’s former pro-Russian president, especially since Zorn was in town at the time, Clearly, there’s a lot going on.

But I didn't believe any of it. For example, there’s no believable reason stated as to why or how Zorn, a city homicide detective, can contribute to the protection of a visiting head of state. Certainly not in Washington where the U.S. Secret Service and/or the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service are charged with protecting foreign dignitaries. There’s nary a mention of either service. For further example, when called to the scene of the murder of his former lover, Zorn does not reveal their past relationship. I suspect any decent homicide detective would understand that such a failure if discovered, would only serve to strengthen any suspicion that might lie against him.

As a reader, I might have been willing to overlook some of these flaws if the characters had been the slightest bit interesting. But they just aren’t. They’re thinly drawn caricatures. An actor who dramatically throws the end of his scarf over his shoulder as he walks off in a huff. The nefarious, obese powerbroker who is eating himself to death while pulling strings to accomplish who-knows-what. Zorn himself is not very likable. He comes off as something of an arrogant wiseacre. The problem is that none of his wisecracks are funny. They’re simply awkward and off-putting. But the biggest problem of all? I can’t tell what any of these characters want or why they want it.

On the positive side, the author knows how to put words on a page. In other words, the writing is fairly clear. And there’s a lot going on. The plotting is ambitious. But I don’t believe the author knows or has researched Washington, D.C., the theater, police work, protective services, diplomacy, or world affairs well enough to make this story believable.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.

[Amy Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gruff cop who plays by his own rules is a common crime novel protagonist. He’s not pleasant to deal with, but he will do anything necessary to solve his case, thwart a killer, prevent a disaster, etc. When a novel is centered around a common character type, it needs to be well-written and interesting enough to stand out as a crime novel worth reading. Head Shot is a crime novel worth reading.

It didn’t take me long to realize that this wasn’t the first book Eskin has written about Detective Marko Zorn, but Head Shot works as a stand-alone novel. There is just enough information about Zorn to give a new reader a clear picture of Zorn, but not so much that those who read his first book would drift off. Eskin hints at the previous story without revealing so much that a new reader would not be interested in reading that book. The only spoiler is that Zorn obviously survived whatever happened in the first book, since there’s another book in the series.

Did I want to stop ready when I realized it was book 2? No. Did I grab a copy of the first book so I could read it later? Yes. That’s the biggest compliment I can give to a book series. I didn’t even need to finish the book before I knew I wanted to read another Detective Zorn novel.

Head Shot is a messy book, which is another compliment. Someone is trying to kill Zorn. His former lover is killed, and he’s working on her case. He’s pulled from the case because he has been selected to be part of the team protecting the new Prime Minister of Montenegro while she visits Washington, DC. Add in secret Caribbean bank accounts, Hedda Gabler, a potential coup, and the five NY mob families, and there’s utter chaos.

Somehow, Eskin is able to take this giant tangle and tie it up in an intriguing bow. The characters, warts and all, are intriguing. The story is always moving forward with a clear objective that compelled me to follow it through to its end. There were tiny plot points that didn’t work for me, but they were minor ones that did not affect the overall flow of this gripping novel.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read book 1, The Reflecting Pool.


Thank you Meryl Moss Media Group and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating: 3.25* of five

The Publisher Says: The Most Elusive Assassin in the World Versus D.C. Homicide Detective Marko Zorn

Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn is investigating the murder of an actress—an old love—when he is assigned to protect the visiting prime minister of Montenegro, the beautiful Nina Voychek.

Political enemies are planning her assassination—this, he knows—but now it’s apparent that he, too, is a target. As he foils the initial attempts on his life, he pulls out all stops—deploying his sometimes nefarious resources—to hunt whoever is targeting him and prevent an international tragedy on American soil.

Decoded messages, Supermax prisoner interviews, mafia lawyers, and an ancient Black Mountain curse swirl among the icons of D.C. Marko and his young partner, Lucy, face down what may be multiple assassins with diverging agendas. Or are they facing one assassin—the deadliest and most elusive on the international stage?

Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Daniel Silva

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: It tells you a lot that I read these back-to-back. I enjoyed more time with Marko Zorn that much; but as noted elsewhere, my thriller-reading time is steadily decreasing as my stress levels rise.

I quibble slightly with the comp to Daniel Silva's thrillers, as in my memory, those reads are closer to James Rollins technothrillers, and this story is light-years away from that.

Oceanview Publishingoffers a trade paper edition but it's on backorder; there are used copies available from Bookshop.org.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of eBook

Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marco Zorn finds himself investigating the murder of a world-famous actress who was once an important part of his life. At the same time, he is responsible for protecting Nina Voychek, the visiting prime minister of Montenegro, a woman targeted for assassination by her political enemies.

As Marco investigates, he comes to realize that he, too, is a target. But as the bodies begin to pile up, will Marco be able to protect the prime minister? And will he find the assassins before they find him?


Although this is the second book in the Marco Zorn series [following “The Reflecting Pool”], there is sufficient backstory for readers new to the series. Well-developed, nuanced characters and a strong sense of place anchor the telling of a tale filled with non-stop action and intrigue. The narrative, told from Marco’s point of view, begins with an attempt on the detective’s life and it isn’t long before readers discover an elusive international assassin now stalks the detective.

The quasi-locked room murder [there’s an unlocked door], the secret code, and a plethora of suspects all combine to keep the irascible detective searching for answers as he struggles to stay one step ahead of the would-be assassins and the ever-growing number of victims. The plot twists and turns as the intriguing story plays out against the backdrop of political machinations while racing toward a surprising denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Marko Zorn series was a nonstop race to catch a hired assassin. It’s an action packed murder mystery with a detective who skirts the law. Many of the gaps and holes from the first book of Zorn’s past became clearer in this follow up. The setting is again in Washington DC with a plot stretching countries, pitting government agencies and politics against truth and justice for the victim.
Nina is the beautiful young prime minister of the Republic of Montenegro whom Zorn is ordered to provide security for. Zorn has just begun the investigation of an actress’s death, a suicide or murder? He is juggling many personal and professional issues, racing between the embassy and the station.
Zorn’s partner, Detective Lucy Tanaka, seems to be left with open investigations while Zorn disappears and has other priorities. Lucy is struggling with confidence and resolve that she can do her job when put in the crosshairs. Can she take the head shot when or if she has to?
The plot is complex, many possibilities for suspects including the Russian Mafia. It kept me engaged and devouring the pages. I continue to hope for more of the series by this author, or any new endeavor, I have really enjoyed his books so far.

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in this excellent series. I really enjoyed Otho Eskin’s first book ‘The Reflecting Pool’ with Marko Zorn as the main character. Marko is brilliant, definitely a character worth following. Not only was this story entertaining, but it had quite a unique and interesting plot, with a great range of diverse characters.
D.C. Detective Marko Zorn isn’t surprised he has enemies trying to kill him, however it’s a little disconcerting that someone would come to his house to eliminate him. It’s only pure luck that he doesn’t end up dead with a bullet through his head. If Marko didn’t enjoy the finer things in life, then he probably wouldn’t be tied up with a criminal like Cyprian Voss, who paid very well for Marko to carry out jobs for him. It’s very unusual when Cyprian asks Marko to protect a very important person from overseas. Now he not only needs to stay alive himself, but keep a VIP alive as well.
This is a wonderful piece of writing, and I’ve certainly become a fan. I can’t wait for the next book. 5/5 Star Rating.

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy for an unbiased review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marco Zorn is a hard boiled cop who takes no prisoners. He goes after his prey and people better get out of his way. A great character and a very good series.
The Most Elusive Assassin in the World Versus D.C. Homicide Detective Marko Zorn

Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn is investigating the murder of an actress—an old love—when he is assigned to protect the visiting prime minister of Montenegro, the beautiful Nina Voychek.

Political enemies are planning her assassination—this, he knows—but now it’s apparent that he, too, is a target. As he foils the initial attempts on his life, he pulls out all stops—deploying his sometimes nefarious resources—to hunt whoever is targeting him and prevent an international tragedy on American soil.

Decoded messages, Supermax prisoner interviews, mafia lawyers, and an ancient Black Mountain curse swirl among the icons of D.C. Marko and his young partner, Lucy, face down what may be multiple assassins with diverging agendas. Or are they facing one assassin—the deadliest and most elusive on the international stage?

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through "NetGalley" Read Now program. In this story, Marko Zorn, has arrived at home and someone attempted to kill him. Later, he receives a call from an individual he does work requesting a meet. At the meet, Marko is hired to protect the Prime Minister of Montenegro. While at this meeting, he is called by his Homicide partner to a scene where a famous actress has died. This death hits home for Marko.

The next day, Marko learns that he has been requested by the mayor to support protection of the Prime Minister that he was already doing for someone else. As time for the visit arrives, there are more instances that surround the mission he is on.

To discover who wants the Prime Minister dead, why the death of the actress hits Marko hard and follow the adventures that he goes through while protecting the Prime Minister in addition to resolving other murders, then you must read this book.

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head Shot, the second in the Marko Zorn series, is as fascinating – if not more so – than The Reflecting Pool, Eskin’s debut novel. I’m both repelled and intrigued by Marko Zorn – a Washington DC cop who ventures to the dark side every now and then. In this book Zorn is caught up in international intrigue while trying to solve the killing of an old love. Throw in the Russian mob, the Five Families, CIA, FBI, and the State Dept, along with an Ambassador and Prime Minister and you’re guaranteed a wild ride. You may sometimes be confused because Eskin tends to jump around a bit, but stay on your toes and you won’t regret it. I’m fascinated by Eskin’s ability to weave such complex characters and different story lines into one extremely interesting book. I am absolutely eager for the next book featuring Marko Zorn.

[Louise (Bookmarks and Stages blog) Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political, rivetting and a fast-paced, nail-biting page turner right from the start. The stakes are high and it packs a punch.

It's highly visual and spine-tingling with a street built around the 1920's and an aria by Mozart playing in car; it suddenly all sounds interesting and lovely and like all should be well, except it is not. There's a shooter on the loose.

 There are spies, mafia, hitmen, foreign dignitaries, and a famous actress to come across in this action-packed thriller. Marko Zorn has a lot to contend with and dangers are around many corners. There is also Lucy Taneka, a homicide detective, who helps in a case that Zorn is doing on the side as he is called because there's a death at the theatre.

There are many characters interwoven into this story at various points, adding to its complexity, yet compelling plots that come at quite a pace, including one of revenge.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly fast paced mystery, once you get past the opening chapters, that takes a page out of spy novels. Its main plot centers around a plan to assassinate the Prime Minister of Montenegro during her visit to the United States, and install the former dictator’s brother as Prime Minister. Its subplot pays homage to Agatha Christie and locked room mysteries with the murder of an actress who was once the main character’s lover at the end of a performance of Hedda Gabbler

The main character is a flawed Washington DC homicide detective with expensive tastes who pays for them by taking off-the-books jobs from nefarious characters. Those jobs exploit gray areas of the law. One of them places him on the protection detail for the Prime Minister. The ending ties the various storylines together.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Bullets to Explosions, Zorn Masters the Mayhem

This is my second Mark Zorn novel, and I really like the character. Although he's a lawman who doesn't always follow the law, it seems that he has a healthy inner compass.

I don't know who he really is, but he appears to have more skills, contacts, and clout than his role as a detective would suggest.

This story is as well written as the last. The author allows the plot to unfold through action and the suspense builds quickly. It should appeal to any police/political suspense thriller fan.

I'm grateful for the free advance review copy of Head Shot, courtesy of Otho Eskin, Oceanview Publishing, and NetGalley, though I'm not writing my review under any obligation to them. I'm happy to recommend it!

[ShanKL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Headshot is a domestic thriller with international implications set in Washington D.C. Marko Zorn, D.C. homicide detective, is back in book 2 tracking the most elusive assassin whose target is the Montenegro Prime Minister. Zorn soon finds himself the hunted as he uncovers the identity of the hitman and the plot to commit a heinous crime on US soil. All the while, individuals with ties to Zorn are getting murdered.

This page-turner has all the intrigue and plotting with a vast cast of domestic and international characters creating an atmosphere of “NEEDING” to understand who is behind all the murders and why.

There is a lot happening in this novel, with some unrealistic aspects with the detective.

Thank you Meryl Moss Media and author for the complimentary copy of Headshot.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head Shot by Otho Eskin was an excellent read, especially as it's the first book I have read by this author. Head Shot is the second book in this new series DC Marko Zorn series.
Marko Zorn is a Washington D.C. Homicide Detective who just loves to play the fringes of the law. I loved this new Character. This book was full of twists and turns throughout that had me on the edge of my seat in several places.

This is a must read if you love these kinds of books.I will be going back to read the first book from Otho and will be looking out for further books by him. A great read all round! Loved it!

Big thank you to Oceanview Publishing, Netgalley and Meryl Moss for my advanced copy of this book to read.