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Marines are being murdered…

…and it takes someone outside the government to fix the problem.

It’s a race against the clock to dismantle a group that’s been in place for years. They’re well-funded, too and armed with weapons they shouldn’t have. Authorities are stymied. Ian and Jenny Bragg are not so constrained.

It’s supposed to be a single target. What if the target may not be the target at all, but a pipeline to those who deserve what Ian Bragg has to offer?

In an organization like the Peace Archive, contracts tend to take on a life of their own. When it comes to imparting justice, the operators become the last line of defense with only one chance to get it right.

Ian Bragg. A hitman with a conscience.

This book can be read as a standalone. You don’t need to read Ian and Jenny’s backstory to enjoy A Fatal Bragg, but if you are interested, take a look at The Operator, A Clean Kill, and The Replacement.

Check out Ian Bragg today.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2021

89 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Craig Martelle

328 books7,887 followers
Visit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.

I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.

I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.

No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.

We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.

Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.

It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

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5 stars
269 (71%)
4 stars
82 (21%)
3 stars
22 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews498 followers
December 12, 2021
Sometimes Good People Do Bad Things, For The Right Reason!

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick moving, fast action adventure with Ian and Jenny, as the business of keeping other's safe expands across the country and beyond. The story of those who go above in their duties, but also there is family, relationships and just dealing with everyday life! It is a race against the clock to find those murdering Marines, with many other problems that occur while seeking the head of the snake. Wild twists, turns that make you laugh at times, quick wit always present, a fantastic book to take you far away for awhile!
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,595 reviews102 followers
December 31, 2021
Ian Bragg is one of my favorite assassins out there and this time he meets my favorite bureaucrat Rick Banik. A Fatal Bragg is the latest book in this great series created by Craig Martelle. This time the Peace Archive has a new mission from the vice president and at the same time they are thinking about expanding the Club. Ian and Jenny is going after a target but is the information correct? And who is this guy Banik that feeds them information? Well read the book and you will find out. I really like this stuff that Martelle has come up with, it is exciting and fun at the same time.
Profile Image for Denny Howard.
155 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2023
What a barnstormer! The Marine and his sexy lady kick terrorist’s butts! Loved it. Just wish it were real, cause no one in America is kicking terrorist butt in real life now. Rather, they kick our butts and Biden pays them! How stupid is that? But, I was thankful to be running down the terrorists with Ian, Jenny, Rick, and Stacy! What a fabulous time I had. Being an old, retired Navy Submariner, I still love the “whomp-a-woosh” sound a missile makes coming out of a missile tube, and it’s “light-off”after it broaches the water’s surface. I can even visualize an America with balls again. No woke, DEI, or other B.S. in Martelle’s 4th. Just bad guys shot, dying, getting their butt’s kicked. You know, fun! Thanks. Martelle!
23 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2022
New Reader to Thriller Series

I just finished reading this series, books 1 through 4, about Ian Bragg. This is quite a departure for me, but I have to say I loved the series. It was different, intelligent, fast moving and even enthralling at times. Do pick it up if you enjoy fast action and good dialogue.
When perusing the author's other books, I was disappointed to see they leaned heavily toward science fiction and other venues I don't like. I have no doubt they're entertaining to those who do, as the author is quite skilled and in the thriller series, did his research and made it very believable.
I am anxious for Book five to appear.

69 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2022
I've just read the 4 Ian Bragg books. Fast moving excellent reading. I'm a fan of Craig Martelle's writing and have read many of his series.

In the background the Ian Bragg stories; he shows his knowledge, of the the hidden side of the world. I love his take on bureaucrats, the billions that their systems cost, only to completely lock their effectiveness up in red tape.

I like the touch of each chapter starting with a quote. Here's one I like . . .
"Adventure is the champagne of life." G.K. Chesterton.
Craig's books are an adventure in an armchair!

I went looking for book 5 -it doesn't appear to exist yet. As usual Craig left me hanging out for more.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
September 23, 2024
Fast-Moving, Intense Action
This book is the 4th in a series that should be read in order. Each book is a complete story with no cliffhangers. The background stories of the main characters are important for the reader to know. This thriller is filled with action! One thing ends and another thing jumps right out. All is not as it seems and our heroes are kept on their toes. These books are very satisfying. This is a clean read with no foul language. There are no bedroom scenes, but there is a nice touch of verbal foreplay. There is a reasonable amount of violence, but no gore. I am enjoying the series so much that I will continue with the next book.
Profile Image for Steven Shaw.
81 reviews
December 6, 2021
Non-stop Action!

Ian and Jenny were from two different universes, but can’t be separated now. Once a school teacher, now trained and capable, Jenny can watch Ian’s back. Ian is an operator, who solves problems by making truly bad characters disappear. Domestic terrorism is a long way from their usual contract, but when the Vice President refers you, no isn’t an option. And when smart bombs start exploding and Marines start dying, Ian is right where he’s needed. Great story with interesting twists and turns! I’m annIan and Jenny fan now!
14 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2021
Love Ian and Jenny!

I've read all books in the series and give all five stars except this one. This plot revolves around Middle Eastern terrorism . I prefer the more intimate, more secretive plots where character plays as big or bigger a role as does the action. Still, Ian and Jenny don't disappoint. I impatiently await the next book in their lives. Thanks to the author for the many enjoyable evenings.
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98 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2022
A fatal bragg

Great read i could not put this one down. I have to say I was leery about
you bringing a woman into the story because a lot of authors make them whiny about what their other half does and it ruins the story. But you made her fit right into Ian’s work. So keep up the good writing I love these type of reads.
Profile Image for van1998.
389 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2025
"ฉันควรจะฆ่านายซะตอนนี้เพื่อช่วยทุกคนไม่ต้องทนทุกข์ แต่สถานะของนายอาจทำให้พวกเขาเชิดชูเป็นผู้พลีชีพ ฉันคิดว่าจะส่งนายให้พรรคพวกฉันจัดการให้หายไป และอาจจะปั้นเรื่องว่านายยักยอกเงินของสมาคมบาร์ไป นี่แหละคือความยุติธรรม" การขู่ว่าจะถูกทำให้ "หายไป" และถูกจดจำว่าเป็นผู้ยักยอกเงิน ยิ่งสร้างความหวาดกลัวและทำลายอัตตาเสียยิ่งกว่าความตาย
Profile Image for Rita Whinfield.
1,583 reviews
November 28, 2021
Ian and Jenny move up.

This story was different to the previous books. Working for the government makes things way more complicated. There was loads of action, new friends to meet and a possible expansion. I can’t recommend the book highly enough. You need to read it.
142 reviews
November 29, 2021
Bragg’s to the Rescue

This was an exhilarating wild roller-coaster ride! If you didn’t love Ian & Jenny, you will by the end of this book. This may be fictional but so scary how easy to see how it could truly happen. Looking forward to Ian & Jenny’s next adventure!
7 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2021
fast, funny and not run of the mill.

The Ian Bragg books are hard to put down and just when you think the story ends, it changes direction and it’s almost like a new book. Worth the read. Ant wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,881 reviews71 followers
December 9, 2021
A Fatal Bragg - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Ian Bragg Book 4, A Fatal Bragg by Craig Martelle, sees former Marine Ian and his wife Jenny Bragg, (perhaps in an homage to Mr and Mrs Smith?) hired by the Vice President to work with the CIA, to take out suspected covert terrorism funder Maksim Odenkirk, an entrepreneur, for an $8million payoff...is he guilty? If not, who's behind the plot?
The action ramps up within a short time of their arrival in DC, as the couple are embroiled in what seems to be a staged street brawl intended to draw attention to them, by a media anchor...but why?
And what's the intended target for destruction?

Craig Martelle's Ian and Jenny Bragg make a believable, witty, loving - and deadly - partnership that takes them to wherever justice for the average Joe is needed, in a great series that you absolutely must not miss.
Grab your copy of A Fatal Bragg today!
89 reviews
December 7, 2021
Ever Ian Bragg thriller gets better

Craig Martelle did a super bang up job on this book. Every Bragg thriller gets better then the last one. I totally enjoyed this story. Never a dull moment in Bragg thrillers. It was fast paced, lot of intrigue, and great story telling.
224 reviews
December 14, 2021
Virtual non stop running and gunning.

Action packed with a frightening similarity to today's headlines. Ian and Jenny get involved in more than one case at a time and spend a lot of time actively staying alive. Another home run for Craig Martelle.
5 reviews
April 29, 2024
Same ol' good guys v.bad guys.
If you decide to read the series,do not read them in succession.
Better to give yourselves a little break between books so they don't meld altogether
Otherwise. a good read
Profile Image for ShanDizzy .
1,343 reviews
January 6, 2025
Intense action from the start! Ian's dry humor is a nice touch to bring levity to these stories. This one was about finding who is funding the terrorists who are killing Marines in different spots around the globe and are planning a coup de grace in New York. It was a thrill ride.
34 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
Audiobook: Unfortunately the narrator is not very good and plot slow making the 1½ hours I endured tedious. I abandoned at this point. Hopefully the book improves and the print version is probably better.
130 reviews
November 29, 2021
a page turner

Do good by getting rid of the bad guys! Hard to put down, lots of different ways of tracking them plus car and foot chases.
21 reviews
December 5, 2021
Out of the park

Another hit! Pun intended, can’t wait for the next installment to see where it takes me in the lives of Ian and Mrs Jenny.
Profile Image for Tim Cahoon.
40 reviews
December 7, 2021
Best Bragg yet

I liked the story. Exciting intriguing full of twists and enough naked hot tubs to keep up the heat! Enjoyed it immensely.
511 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2021
This was a must interesting read

This Series was very Entertaining and fun. Well worth reading the four books by Craig Martelle. I will want to add all his books to Library.
Profile Image for Sterling Kirkland.
Author 27 books13 followers
December 14, 2021
This installment was quite good from beginning to end. Once again, the main character makes the world a safer place by doing what only he can do.
11 reviews
December 20, 2021
Love the money

Great story with twists and turns. Lots of money too. Keep writing enjoying the series and the two characters. Thanks
Profile Image for Alec Peche.
Author 46 books60 followers
January 1, 2022
I like it enough to purchase the fourth book in this series.
6 reviews
January 9, 2022
Fast read. Good story.

Easy to read. Lots of action. Ian Bragg continues to be a man of action and principles. Good story line.
482 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2022
Brilliant

Another brilliant book in the Ian and Jenny Bragg series and hopefully not the last. Lots of action, twists and turns, some humour and two top notch lead characters.
1 review1 follower
January 17, 2023
Great read!

Love Ian & Jenny.
Ready for the next book.
Action packed. Good premise.
Hard to put down. Keeps me up at night.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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