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Ian Bragg Thriller #1-3
Ian Bragg Omnibus 1-3 - The Operator, A Clean Kill, The Replacement
Written by an author with over twenty years in both the US Marine Corps and intelligence communities. 799 pages of action adventure in one volume.
When good men have to do bad things...
…a hitman with a conscience.
Problems arise and too often, those problems are scumbags, oxygen thieves, and people who don’t deserve to share the same planet with decent folk.
Ian Bragg provides solutions, resolving problems for those who can afford to pay his price.
When Ian meets the woman with sparkling green eyes, everything changes.
Balancing a personal life with a career that can’t ever be public creates challenges that can't be spoken aloud. Ian meets his new world head on, determined to have it all.
The world has other ideas and a different plan for the man called Ian Bragg.
Read the first three books today.
When good men have to do bad things...
…a hitman with a conscience.
Problems arise and too often, those problems are scumbags, oxygen thieves, and people who don’t deserve to share the same planet with decent folk.
Ian Bragg provides solutions, resolving problems for those who can afford to pay his price.
When Ian meets the woman with sparkling green eyes, everything changes.
Balancing a personal life with a career that can’t ever be public creates challenges that can't be spoken aloud. Ian meets his new world head on, determined to have it all.
The world has other ideas and a different plan for the man called Ian Bragg.
Read the first three books today.
773 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
521 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
328 books7,885 followersVisit 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 2, 2025
"Ian Bragg Omnibus 1-3: The Operator, A Clean Kill, The Replacement" by Craig Martelle is a thrilling compilation of the first three books in the Ian Bragg series, offering readers a fast-paced, morally nuanced, and action-packed experience. This omnibus sets the stage for one of the more fascinating protagonists in the thriller genre today—Ian Bragg, a man hired to eliminate high-profile targets with precision and a code of ethics that sets him apart from other assassins.
Overall Series Theme
This omnibus revolves around the moral dilemmas of an assassin with a conscience. Ian Bragg isn’t your stereotypical heartless hitman; instead, he’s a man caught between his personal code and the violent nature of his job. Each book in the series expands on this internal conflict while maintaining a taut, suspenseful narrative filled with intrigue, mystery, and clever twists.
Book-by-Book Overview
The Operator – This is the explosive beginning of the series, where we are introduced to Ian Bragg’s world. Hired by a mysterious organization to execute 'justified' killings, Bragg follows a strict code that only targets those whose deaths are meant to prevent greater harm. What sets The Operator apart is how the character struggles with the weight of his choices. Craig Martelle does a fantastic job weaving a fast-paced narrative, with action scenes that feel grounded and yet gripping.
A Clean Kill – In this second installment, the stakes get higher as Bragg is drawn into more complex assignments. This novel goes deeper into the psychological elements of his character, forcing him to question the motives of his employers. The pacing here is relentless, and the action is intensified by moral undertones that make the book as much a psychological thriller as it is an action-packed one. Martelle builds upon the first book’s foundation, expanding the supporting cast and injecting more emotional depth into Bragg’s decisions.
The Replacement – By the third book, Bragg finds himself facing new enemies and evolving challenges, both externally and within himself. The Replacement dives into betrayal, trust, and how far a man can go before he loses his sense of self. The story builds to a nail-biting climax, with Martelle’s signature blend of action and ethical quandaries taking center stage. The conclusion of this book sets the stage for Bragg’s further adventures, ensuring readers are left eagerly anticipating more.
Character Analysis
Ian Bragg – The protagonist, Ian Bragg, is the heart of this series. He’s not a typical action hero. What makes him compelling is his complex nature. While he is highly skilled and unflinchingly professional, Martelle gives him a depth that transcends the standard assassin archetype. Bragg adheres to a strict code that only allows him to take out targets who, in his mind, deserve it. This moral compass often leads him into conflict with his employers, as well as himself. Throughout the series, Bragg’s internal battle with right and wrong plays out, making him a highly sympathetic and multifaceted character.
Felix – A key supporting character, Felix is Bragg’s enigmatic handler. His interactions with Bragg are often layered with tension, as Felix represents the shadowy organization that hires Bragg. His motives are ambiguous, and he plays the role of both ally and potential antagonist, depending on the situation. Felix’s relationship with Bragg adds a significant layer of suspense to the series, as we are never quite sure where his loyalties truly lie.
Maria – One of the more personal connections in Ian’s life, Maria serves as a moral counterweight to his darker profession. Her presence offers moments of respite and humanity, grounding Bragg when his job threatens to consume him. While her role is minor in terms of the action, she is essential to Bragg’s development and offers readers insight into the softer, more conflicted side of the assassin.
The Villains – While the targets and villains Bragg faces change throughout the omnibus, they are often more than one-dimensional antagonists. Martelle does a solid job of presenting them with their own motivations, making the ethical balance of Bragg’s decisions even more precarious. These characters vary from corrupt officials to dangerous criminals, each representing a different facet of the moral landscape Bragg navigates.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Compared to its contemporaries in the thriller genre, The Ian Bragg series stands out because of the moral depth that Martelle imbues in his lead character. Many books featuring assassins (think Barry Eisler's John Rain or Mark Dawson’s John Milton) tend to focus heavily on action sequences and cold professionalism. However, what Martelle does differently is create a character who is not just executing missions but is constantly wrestling with the consequences of his actions. This brings to mind the internal struggles found in Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series, though Bragg operates on a much more personal and intimate level compared to Allon’s geopolitically-driven missions.
Whereas John Milton might strive for redemption, and John Rain thrives in the moral ambiguity of his profession, Ian Bragg walks a tightrope between justice and personal guilt. This gives the series a philosophical undertone not often found in high-octane thrillers, making it as intellectually engaging as it is action-packed. Martelle’s writing style also sets him apart, with clean, precise prose that builds tension without overwhelming readers with unnecessary detail.
“An assassin who questions whether the world would be better off without him—isn't that the true suspense?”
Conclusion
"Ian Bragg Omnibus 1-3" by Craig Martelle is a standout in the thriller genre for its blend of action, ethics, and emotional depth. Readers looking for fast-paced, intelligent thrillers that explore moral gray areas will find themselves deeply invested in Ian Bragg’s journey. With strong character development, suspenseful plotting, and a distinctive moral core, this series is a refreshing addition to the hitman subgenre of thrillers.
If you’re a fan of morally complex protagonists like John Rain, John Milton, or Gabriel Allon, but want a new twist on the assassin thriller, Ian Bragg is a name to add to your list.
August 23, 2024
The Operator Ian meets Jenny and Jimmy the mayor to be. Seattle to Vegas Wedding. I kill bad people. Please no more sausage and egg biscuits.
A Clean Kill ~ Brother-in-law from hell in DC, loving Vegas to the desert of Tucson. 2 kills for the price of one. Serial killer killing our own!
The Replacenent ~ wow, we traveled in this one! Around the world cruise, Chicago, D.C. and Idaho.
The Braggs certainly have moved up in the world, including now owning The Club, time to golf and play bridge and killing the bad guys!
I am ready to quit listening to Rush!
My challenge review question is:
How do the people in this story comfort themselves and others.
Food and spectacle sex for Ian and Jenny. Good tips for everyone else.
A Clean Kill ~ Brother-in-law from hell in DC, loving Vegas to the desert of Tucson. 2 kills for the price of one. Serial killer killing our own!
The Replacenent ~ wow, we traveled in this one! Around the world cruise, Chicago, D.C. and Idaho.
The Braggs certainly have moved up in the world, including now owning The Club, time to golf and play bridge and killing the bad guys!
I am ready to quit listening to Rush!
My challenge review question is:
How do the people in this story comfort themselves and others.
Food and spectacle sex for Ian and Jenny. Good tips for everyone else.
November 22, 2023
So, I cheated. I read the first 3 as a set. Seemed like a great idea and it was a good fit for my treading plans. All 3 were delightful. Martelle likes his sentences short. To the point. Exact. He may well be the “sentence police” that my English teacher trained to persecute us long sentence types. And, he’s really good at it. It’s like getting “double taps” in your face! Story, plots, characters are all rich, vibrant. Jenny is a hot babe. I'd rank her up there with Penny Fulton of Cap Daniel’s fame. So, grab the first 3 as a set and jump in. Martelle’s water is comforting.
August 16, 2024
Wow the Ian Bragg books are fabulous. I loved being able to read all three of them and thank you so much for allowing me to read them.
Being an assassin doesn't mean he is all bad and the way the author brings this into play is awesome.
Very realistic. Fun to have a couple meet and fall in love and be as attuned to one another as Jenny and Ian are.
The emotions in the books are so realistic. The basic plot behind the books is perfect - highly recommend these books. Anyone who likes good read and one that is interesting will love these.
Being an assassin doesn't mean he is all bad and the way the author brings this into play is awesome.
Very realistic. Fun to have a couple meet and fall in love and be as attuned to one another as Jenny and Ian are.
The emotions in the books are so realistic. The basic plot behind the books is perfect - highly recommend these books. Anyone who likes good read and one that is interesting will love these.
September 22, 2024
This omnibus is the first three books in a series that needs to be read in order. There are no cliffhangers, but each story takes up where the last left off. There are important characters that the reader needs to know the backstory to get the full enjoyment of the story. These stories are relatively clean. There is no foul language. There are no detailed bedroom scenes, but there is some lusting and foreplay. There is violence, but no gore. This is a great storyline that is fast-paced and unpredictable. I enjoyed it tremendously!
November 30, 2022
Great reads from book to book
I loved these three books Ian and Jenny Bragg lead you through their adventures as Ian takes on some really nasty people who deserve just what they get.
Bragg is hitman who has a strong moral compass who works for an organization that makes good money for it and Bragg as they get rid of the scum of the earth.
I can’t wait for the next book.
I loved these three books Ian and Jenny Bragg lead you through their adventures as Ian takes on some really nasty people who deserve just what they get.
Bragg is hitman who has a strong moral compass who works for an organization that makes good money for it and Bragg as they get rid of the scum of the earth.
I can’t wait for the next book.
July 29, 2024
fun
I’m not sure why I enjoyed this series so much. I’m a retired minister and should have been put off, but I think everyone dreams of offing the bad guys. I like this and Terry Henry and the Alaska books better than Craig’s later stuff but I still look forward to his books. Recommended
I’m not sure why I enjoyed this series so much. I’m a retired minister and should have been put off, but I think everyone dreams of offing the bad guys. I like this and Terry Henry and the Alaska books better than Craig’s later stuff but I still look forward to his books. Recommended
July 30, 2024
Captivating
A well written book about An assassin/hitman with a conscience. The hitman meets lady at the bar while waiting to make a hit. He ends up falling in love with her rmarries her. He confesses to her what he dies for a living andconvinces her to become Partners in his assassin business. Loved all 3 books.
A well written book about An assassin/hitman with a conscience. The hitman meets lady at the bar while waiting to make a hit. He ends up falling in love with her rmarries her. He confesses to her what he dies for a living andconvinces her to become Partners in his assassin business. Loved all 3 books.
July 30, 2024
Loved the first trilogy
Well done Craig, you wrote well about a man who knew what he was doing, disciplined, honourable and very likeable. Jenny was like adding cream to a marvellous pie, I thoroughly enjoyed Ians' story, and I going looking forward to more a killer with the right kind of thinking.
Well done Craig, you wrote well about a man who knew what he was doing, disciplined, honourable and very likeable. Jenny was like adding cream to a marvellous pie, I thoroughly enjoyed Ians' story, and I going looking forward to more a killer with the right kind of thinking.
August 12, 2024
A killer with a conscience
Ian Bragg only wants to use his skills to make bad people disappear and he is good at it. But, this makes him a lonely man until Jenny comes into his life and proves that any can become better with the right woman helping out. Join Ian and Jenny as they learn to work together. Lots of twists and turns and great character building. Well worth the time to read.
Ian Bragg only wants to use his skills to make bad people disappear and he is good at it. But, this makes him a lonely man until Jenny comes into his life and proves that any can become better with the right woman helping out. Join Ian and Jenny as they learn to work together. Lots of twists and turns and great character building. Well worth the time to read.
December 22, 2024
mired in muck
For a good chunk of the book I was asking why I kept reading this story. I ended up skipping over parts of it without really feeling like I missed anything. Characters beside main protagonists were a bit shallow.
After all 3 nooks the reading improved a little but I read this book for entertainment and was not overly impressed.
The
For a good chunk of the book I was asking why I kept reading this story. I ended up skipping over parts of it without really feeling like I missed anything. Characters beside main protagonists were a bit shallow.
After all 3 nooks the reading improved a little but I read this book for entertainment and was not overly impressed.
The
December 5, 2021
Amazing Stories
I couldn't stop reading Ian and Jenny's stories. From the first meeting in book one to the last page of book three. It just got better and better. Bad guys beware. They are coming for you!
I couldn't stop reading Ian and Jenny's stories. From the first meeting in book one to the last page of book three. It just got better and better. Bad guys beware. They are coming for you!
August 15, 2024
Devastatingly devious
What an enthralling and all encompassing omnibus. These are some of the best stories of all my reading career. I eagerly look forward to continuing to read further action thrillers from Craig Martelle especially in the Ian Bragg series.
What an enthralling and all encompassing omnibus. These are some of the best stories of all my reading career. I eagerly look forward to continuing to read further action thrillers from Craig Martelle especially in the Ian Bragg series.
August 22, 2024
Great escape reading
3 book omnibus, you ride along as an operator "rights wrongs" by eliminating bad people. Good plotting, interesting characters, fast moving action. Author Craig Martelle has created an interesting take on justice, but it ain't "dirty deeds done dirt cheap."
3 book omnibus, you ride along as an operator "rights wrongs" by eliminating bad people. Good plotting, interesting characters, fast moving action. Author Craig Martelle has created an interesting take on justice, but it ain't "dirty deeds done dirt cheap."
September 1, 2025
Picked the ebooks up on a whim. So glad that I did, as I like Ian Bragg. What a great character, makes me laugh a lot, especially his humor and love for Rush! How he treats his partner is awesome. And I love the concept of the story! I need to read the rest now.
December 31, 2025
Great read
I found your style of presenting the plots and the ensuing description of the following events so exciting that the anticipation of getting the next book is about to go through the roof.
I found your style of presenting the plots and the ensuing description of the following events so exciting that the anticipation of getting the next book is about to go through the roof.
December 9, 2021
Fantastic
A great book by a great author. You have to wonder how someone can think of this stuff. Is Craig a former Ian Bragg???? Curious minds want to know.
A great book by a great author. You have to wonder how someone can think of this stuff. Is Craig a former Ian Bragg???? Curious minds want to know.
July 21, 2022
Not sure why I kept at this one.
January 27, 2023
I suffered through the first book. I was duped into thinking this was an action novel. The writing was slow, repetitive, and boring. I didn't care for all the romance BS at all.
July 26, 2024
Very entertaining!
What is not to like? Good guy wins, gets the girl and the world is a better place. A great refuge from the real world.
What is not to like? Good guy wins, gets the girl and the world is a better place. A great refuge from the real world.
August 25, 2024
Interesting take on hit man!
Definitely not what I expected, but I like how this is well written, well researched, and moves at a good pace! Looking forward to the next books!
Definitely not what I expected, but I like how this is well written, well researched, and moves at a good pace! Looking forward to the next books!
October 9, 2024
Really, really fantastic
The author has created an amazing and unique collection of stories to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an amazing and unique collection of stories to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
August 12, 2024
Catchy
The characters and plots sucked me in so much I had to read all 3 books straight away. An enjoyable read that I am looking forward to continuing.
The characters and plots sucked me in so much I had to read all 3 books straight away. An enjoyable read that I am looking forward to continuing.
December 16, 2024
A Clean Kill - "The first-ever meeting of professional operators to make sure they had a sound moral compass."
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews