Dark State

Jason Trapp #1

by Jack Slater

If you come after the CIA’s most feared assassin, there’s one cardinal rule: Don’t miss.

America is under attack. Thousands lie dead after simultaneous strikes across the country. The day will come to be known as Bloody Monday.

Jason Trapp, codename ‘Hangman’, was a covert operative whose feats became the stuff of legend. He was the tip of the spear—the man his country unleashed when all hope was lost.

Six months ago, someone sold him out. The Agency listed him as killed in action. He lost everything—and everyone—he held dear.

But Trapp’s not that easy to kill. As his country reels from the deadliest terrorist attacks it has ever witnessed, Trapp’s personal vendetta leads him right back to where he started: duty to his country. The violence, the terror, the assassination of his partner… It’s all connected.

And now the Hangman is coming for the guilty.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Fans of Ryan, Reacher and Bourne will love betrayed CIA operative Jason Trapp, who stars in a pulse-pounding revenge thriller in 2019's breakout hit."

Note: Dark State was previously published as Deep State.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Spy Thriller, Action, Audiobook

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

Reviews

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic action,exciting characters!! Only a beta read..Awaiting final copy!!

Merged review:

Explosive Thriller With A 'Dead' CIA Operative

This is an intriguing story with interesting characters and explosive action! Jason Trapp is the most lethal CIA agent in the field! Until he is betrayed on an Op, his partner killed and with his body never found, Jason is dead to the world...
Terrorists attack on a train, intent to kill as many as possible. No one can find where they came from or who they are with, all seem to be regular men with no black marks on their records. Jason doesn't have to care anymore, but he is a patriot, so when terrorists strike in Boston, right in front of him, he takes off to save innocents! He kills two men which unearths him to Langley, and he is soon on his way there, where he listens to his old boss and agrees to help with this new attack.
A fantastic story from a new author, I can not wait to see what Jason gets into next!!!

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the book starts we follow a couple of terrorists on their way to do their horrible terror business. Which will take place on a train full of people on the way from California to Chicago.

Then we meet the hero of our story. Kind-of-retired CIA agent Jason Trapp. He's not really retired. He's more dead than retired. At least the CIA thinks he is. But suddenly it seems as if he's the only person who can save the day. Or save America.

I really liked reading this book. It was an interesting and exciting action blockbuster kind of book. Lots of mystery and lots of bad guys and good guys and shooting and killing. It's not something for readers who are afraid of blood and violence. ☺

I would say if you're a 40 year old American Vet-turned-high-school-ball-coach on his way to your sister's wedding in Hawaii - this will be the perfect book for you to read on the flight.

For a 40 year old German housewife it's a nice thriller - but it's a tiny bit too American and it has too much details about guns and vehicles and whatnot in it. But I still enjoyed reading it - and I will definitely read the next book too - because Jason Trapp is all sorts of hot and capable! ☺


♡ ♡

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Kronos Ananthsimha for recommending Dark State. This is the first book in Jack Slater’s Jason Trapp series. Despite being my first experience with Slater as well with narrator Mark Garkusha, I immediately grabbed the audio based on his rec. So glad I did.

The action and mystery start immediately with the events that will be known as “Bloody Sunday”. Slater does a good job balancing worldbulding, suspense, digital spying, and various responses. Trapp finds himself unwittingly drawn into to the conflict and then learns he’s central to solving the mystery of who is behind terrorist attacks. This has strong political thriller elements as well. Pacing was well done and made it difficult anytime I had to stop listening.

I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially President Nash and FBI agent Dani Carter. I hope she’s going to be in future books. Even the protagonist was someone you love to hate. With lots of unreliable folks around, it took me a bit to figure out who it was.

I liked the way Slater wrapped things up. It’s wide open where Jason Trapp can go from here and I’m looking forward to False Flag. However, I’ll absolutely be waiting for the audiobook because…

Narration:
I was nervous listening because not only is Garkusha new to me, this is his first audiobook narration. Garkusha blew me away and I don’t have a single complaint about his performance. He graciously replied to an IG post earlier this week that he’s not new to VO or acting. That experience has obviously paid off. He does a wonderful job with all the emotions, evoking tension, and giving all the characters unique voices and accents consistent with Slater’s writing. What a fantastic listen and I’ll be eagerly waiting for more audios with Garkusha at the helm.

Content Warnings (possible spoilers):
The main theme of this is terrorism and there are several mass shootings. Domestic white nationalists play a large role in the conspiracy which includes racially motivated murders.

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-Stars for Dark State - "I Liked it...
But It Could Have Been Better"
Review to come... probably.
In the meantime:
From my listening activity:
March 30, 2025 @ 1.0%: Started Reading
April 09, 2025 @ 26.0%: "The opening chapters caused me to moan about the ineptitude of the previously unknown (to me) narrator, Mark Garkusha. However, his reading improved, or my attitude changed, or both, and this 'betrayed CIA agent + terrorism' story has started quite well"
April 12, 2025 @ 55.0%: "The overall story is good, and when the action kicks in, it becomes quite gripping, but there is too much rumination, read 'padding', by the main characters during the first half of this book."
April 14, 2025 @ 99.0%: "The 'Action' was enjoyable listening, even allowing for the implausibility of the overall story. However the Action was spoiled by the dreary and repetitious soliloquies that emanated from the main male and female characters. The narration was very average."
April 14, 2025 – Finished Reading

[Jim A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent story line, poorly written. Big money group plotting to take over America using America's own intelligence agencies. Way too many unneeded pages. Duplicate, sometimes more, thoughts of the main characters. How many times does an author have to describe a scar around the neck of one of the characters? How many times does that character's childhood need to be reviewed?

As this is the beginning of a series the author could have, and should have, left some of the background for future novels.

Not going to bother with the follow on books. This one was boring enough. Elmore Leonard once said something to the effect that he doesn't write what won't be read. This author should have taken that advice. Way too much"skip over" material.

[Aiden Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another novel that appeared on my also bought by the same author page so I thought I’d try out Jack Slater’s first self-published novel (at first, I thought this was his debut work but later discovered he was once a traditional author with HarperCollins).

The writing was great and the story got straight into the action. The hero, Jason Trapp is a former CIA agent who goes by the handle Hangman,and he’s very competent at taking down bad guys and solving mysteries, and this is one hell of a mystery. Multiple terrorist strikes across mainland U.S. send the country into a state of panic and the Federal Government scrambling to understand why they had no pre-emptive intelligence as a warning, not wishing to repeat another 11 September terrorist attack.

Unfortunately, thousands die and the country falls into chaos. Sinister, nefarious force are behind the attacks and have taken control of the National Security Agency’s vast networks of intelligence to create missions suiting their own, and not the United States’ agenda.

I enjoyed this book particularly for its fresh approach to terrorism thriller fiction, and the rapid pace of the prose. Highly enjoyable. 

[Kronos Ananthsimha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark State, the first Jason Trapp action thriller by Jack Slater, is a fast-paced, adrenaline-charged, technically smart, and complex, politically loaded action thriller. The plot is superlative but well-executed, mixing an NSA super cyber weapon, Middle Eastern terrorists, White Supremacists/Neo Nazis, an Israeli private sector hit squad, the Scorpion tactical unit of the NSA, the CIA, the FBI, domestic political conspiracies, deepfake technology, mass surveillance, and much more in a mind blowing thrill-ride. Though almost everything in this book is purely fictional escapist entertainment, the level of details and research behind it brings about an air of authenticity.



Jason Trapp, a former CIA paramilitary assassin, is officially declared dead after an operation went horribly wrong and killed his best friend. Now, alone and cynical, Trapp doesn’t trust anyone and blames his former paymasters for betraying him. When a well-coordinated ring of terror attacks strikes the US at many places, the FBI and the CIA are left dumbfounded. Trapp is at the right place and at the right time to intervene and take out a few of the bad guys at one of those locations. He then gets arrested by the cops, choppered away by the CIA, and dragged deep into a nuclear bunker, which is attacked by a US Air Force jet that’s been ordered by a voice on the radio. Trapp is reunited by his former colleagues, an analyst, a spymaster, and two other Ground Branch operators who drag him deeper into a bigger conspiracy behind the attacks.



Though he and his team suspect the involvement of a foreign nation behind the attacks, they have no real intelligence. Presumed dead, Trapp and his allies investigate the attacks from the shadows, while a female FBI agent who is like the co-protagonist of this story is also digging into the situation when most of her colleagues get arrested for treason. Her path crosses with Trapp’s and they race against time to uncover the truth behind who is controlling the cyber weapon and to prevent a coup from within the nation. A lot happens in the story and there are many characters involved, but it’s paced well and technically descriptive just enough to be smart without dragging the narrative.



The action is brutal, weaponized, and awesome, and the author’s research shows despite some scenes being too outrageous. The villains who are a mystery for the most part are complex, smart, and diabolical and give the heroes a real challenge. Despite being technically futuristic, Dark State also has a lot of spycraft and tradecraft to satisfy hardcore fans of the genre. Jack Slater uses many of our modern day fears like the DeepFake technology, AI based cyber weapons, false flag operations, the collapse of the intelligence apparatus, and many other things to portray a chillingly haunting alternate reality that is very diabolical. Nobody is safe in this story and things keep escalating with each sequence.



Jason Trapp aka the Hangman is a haunted and complex character with many personal demons, who is a lot like a darker version of Mitch Rapp, but equally heroic and awesome. The scar around his neck that created his callsign and his troubled childhood, his time in the military, and then in covert operations are painted just enough to give a bleak look at his enigmatic persona. Trapp is no antihero as he’s a badass heroic character who’s personally connected to the President by the end of the book. The female FBI agent character is also an interesting part of the book and I felt that she had more life in the story than Trapp. Though the book’s villains are hyper conservative fringe alt right characters, it does have the values of classically conservative heroism in it.



Though most of the book happens in the US, it has a post apocalyptic vibe to it and feels like a superlative take on our real world political issues. Trapp is a badass tactical action hero but still remains grounded with his complexities, flaws, and humanity. Hardcore fans of the action thriller genre who like conspiracies, technological elements, politics, espionage, and awesomeness will like this series. This is the first book in the Jason Trapp series and I plan to continue reading it someday.

For more long-form book reviews, check out - www.kronosananthsimha.com/book-blog/

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling story with lots of action. I really liked this book and Jason Trapp, but I had 2 problems with it that interfered with the story:
1. The writer is obsessed with shooting people in the head; everyone was getting shot in the head or trying to shoot someone in the head.
2. Jason was always thinking about the past and his abusive father. It got very tiresome. I want the action to keep flowing, but Jason stops to think about his father beating his mother or him way too often.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a class of fiction called "Beach Reads," typically thrillers that read well and are packed with POWs and WHAMs that keep your attention as the children swim out into shark territory. There's absolutely nothing wrong with these books—in fact, they are a common soporific that we all enjoy. Their appeal, in part, is that they follow a formula so you know where you're going and can sit back for the ride.

Occasionally, these beach reads are really very good, going in the direction you expect—the world is saved—but filled with tension and with a tightly written script that keeps your interest high and your adrenalin flowing. Deep State, John Salter's debut novel, perfectly fits this description. If you like geopolitical thrillers with a quality narrative, this one is a good choice.

The hero, Jason "Hangman" Trapp, is a CIA special ops agent just six months out of the Company. Trapp resigned from the CIA after a mission to Yemen where he and his partner were sent into an ambush set up, he believes, by the CIA. The partner died and Jason thinks that "they" are out to kill him too. And it sure seems like it—wherever Trapp goes there's someone stalking him.

Everyone heroic in this novel is Marine-Corps related: Jason and his deceased partner; President Charles Nash, just two weeks in office; Nadine "Dani" Carter, female FBI agent whose father was in the Corps. For those who didn't read the memo, these are the "Designated Good Guys." The evildoers are generally Middle-Eastern terrorists and those shadowy people who pull the terrorists' strings. The shadowy characters take top billing in Deep ZState.

Trapp is in a bar in Baltimore. The bar is owned by his ex-partner's brother and Jason is there to tell him how and why his brother died. But before he can, the TVs blare Breaking News—an Amtrak passenger train in Colorado has been attacked by two terrorists, one at each end working toward the middle and killing the passengers. First responders are then killed by a third terrorist, a sniper. The three terrorists flee on motor bikes leaving hundreds of corpses behind.

This is a major "Up Yours" for the U. S. but it's not a one-off attack: this news is quickly followed by reports of other terrorist attacks. The FBI's J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington is blown up—agent Carter killed the suicide-vest wearer but not before he pushed the button. Boston's TD North basketball arena is attacked by terrorists (I hope this doesn't kill Celtics ticket sales). A dozen high schools are attacked with great loss of life. Washington air space is closed down but a fighter pilot in the air obeys a fake order to bomb a site where Jason and top CIA/NSA officials are gathered. This multiplicity of attacks makes the 9/11 disaster look like child's play.

It turns out that someone has seriously compromised the NSA's computers via a newly-installed technology called "Birdseye." Birdeye allows the integration of all intelligence into an AI assessment that provides scenarios describing the meaning of the data—a picture of what to expect. But the downside is that hackers who can insert false information into Birdseye can shape the picture to their advantage, and can also have access to the entire array of intelligence information. Evildoers can know everything that the FBI, CIA, NSA and ebery other three-letter agency knows—they have a universal wiretap.

False information is inserted into Birdseye that makes the FBI and NSA appear to be managing a vast plot to undermine the U. S. government. The credibility of the information is so high that the Directors of the NSA and FBI are discredited and U. S. Marshalls arrest high-level figures in the FBI's Washington office as potential saboteurs.

This collection of events comes to be called "Bloody Monday." The result is chaos—nobody can believe any communications from within their agency or from any other agency, and the entire U. S. government is pitted against itself in a very clever disinformation program that has the U. S. government flying blind while the enemy is fully informed about our intentions, responses and actions.

But who is this enemy? Trapp is certain that it's not terrorists like ISIS or Al Queda: the terrorists are simply the boots on the ground used to shape a narrative familiar to the idiot Americans: do not trust your government, or Middle-Easterners. The technology required to compromise the entire U. S. government's communications is too far beyond the ability and finances of any or all private organization (except, perhaps, Elon Musk). This means that it is a state-level program, and, possibly the chaotic beginning of a coup attempt within the U. S. government.

Jason Trapp finds himself drafted back into the CIA by its Director. When news arrives that the NSA Director is flying into Andrews AFB carrying vital information for an emergency meeting with the President, Trapp goes to Andrews to assess the Director's security. The bad guys have a plan to assassinate the Director as he exits his plane at Andrews. Trapp arrives at Andrews in time to disrupt that sniper operation, but the NSA Director is killed in a massive firefight that breaks out on a bridge near the base—a firefight between police, FBI, and NSA special ops (Scorpion) agents on one side and, on the other side, a large assassination team of Israeli mercenaries tasked to kill the Director.

Dani Carter, the agent in the FBI's Washington office, finds herself in an unexpected position. The arrest of most higher-ups in the Washington FBI office has stripped it of leadership and the President appoints her as Special Agent in Charge (SAC). Trapp and Carter will eventually team up like Supergirl and Superman to foil the massive plot, and we will enjoy the story as it unfolds.

John Slater has written a solid story of intrigue and mayhem. He also tips a nod to what he has written when he writes, in regard to one scene of chaos,

This was like something out of an airport thriller.

Yes, it is. But it still stirs the adrenalin if not the little gray cells.

[Aysegul Ozkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very very good start to a new series.

[Richard Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good good good

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. This is a book I Wanted to like. After the first chapter or two I actually felt pretty positive about it. But in the end, all issues of plot to the side, it was the writing style that killed it for me.
Oh. The. Adjectives.
Sounds "emanate." Smoke "paints the back of his throat." I could go on, but I won't. And every other paragraph is reminding us that Trapp is a patriot / hero / tortured soul who just wants to serve his country. It was laid on more than a bit thick. And the constant telling (not showing) of how everyone was feeling was not only unnecessary, it really slowed down the plot. The last half of the book was actually quite scannable. You only needed to read one or two sentences per paragraph to understand how the action was advancing.
Oh, and everything was exceedingly black and white. The Speaker wasn't just a cowardly politician with delusions of grandeur, he was a child molester. (Probably.) Just in case we wondered if he was really a bad guy. The rest of the domestic terrorists were willing to shoot and kill their own friends as part of the cause. Just in case we wondered if they were Merely racist.
No-one, even our friend Trapp, got more than one dimension.

Anyway, I didn't have much of an issue with the plot. A little far fetched, and I am Sure that there are those who will whine either about the unfairness of using either the Muslim terrorists or the Neo-Nazis. But since they were both mere stalking horses for a corrupt US government official, I don't think there's really much to complain about.

It's far from the worst thing I've suffered through. I am considerably more likely to read another entry in this series than the Jack Noble (i.e. Noble Beginnings) I managed to finish a couple of weeks ago. I would really give it at least 5 out of 10 stars. But I'm sticking with 2 for this book just because I - perhaps unreasonably - find it easier to forgive bad ideas than bad writing.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like FBI/CIA thrillers where the protagonist is fighting his/her own frailties and dealing with issues of mistrust and paranoia, then this is the book for you. Jack Slater does a stupendous job of showing off his knowledge of spies without rubbing your nose in it. His character Jason Trapp is nearing the bottom of the barrel when he gets drawn into a tense situation which requires him to have some faith in people he'd lost faith in long ago. I would classify this as a true thriller and recommend anyone who likes this genre to give it a read. You will not be disappointed.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a digital copy from Amazon because I believe in compensating people for their creative work.

Deep State is not a bad book, especially for a first novel, but I am not in the target demographic for this type of book. I think if you enjoy Clancy, Eisler and that ilk, this may be your cup of tea.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Dark State (Jason Trapp Thriller Book 1) by Jack Slater

"Dark State" is an engaging thriller that grabed my attention from start to finish. The story follows Jason Trapp, also known as "Hangman," a former CIA paramilitary who was declared dead after a mission went wrong. Now, six months later, he's back and looking for revenge.
The plot is fast-paced and filled with suspense, as Trapp and his allies investigate attacks to uncover the truth and stop a nationwide catastrophe. The characters are interesting and well-developed, making it easy to get invested in their journey.
I especially enjoyed the trial parts and the tech-savvy elements of the story. This political thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, and it's a great start to a promising series. If you love action-packed, suspenseful reads, "Dark State" is definitely worth checking out.

Kindle unlimited read

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if America's intelligence apparatus was hijacked and used against them? It would be a disaster. And if a megalomaniac used this all powerful tool to forward their own agenda? Someone who did not value life or love America. But fortunately, there are a rare few that can stand against such a sinister plot. Dani, the FBI agent is unofficially recruited by anti-terrorist agent Jason Trapp, literally a ghost operative with an ax to grind. NSA computer scientist Dr. Greaves offers his unique services after his friend is murdered by mercenary forces. The idea of this NSA uber coder is somewhat reminiscent of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo #4.

This is my first Jack Slater novel, but it won't be my last. If you like Vince Flynn, Mark Greaney or Brad Thor, give Jack Slater a try. Although there are references to Yemen, most of the story is set in the United States.

Four and-a-half stars.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Trapp is a former CIA asset who has been assumed dead for months. The thing is, he survived the blown mission and is now home to get revenge on those who set him up.

This is an intriguing story about terrorism on the home front and how one man and a few others deal with it.

[Clint Neumann · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

Very typical action movie storyline. Ex military man gets brought back in to save the day. Very predictable. Characters were pretty blah.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dark State” by Jack Slater, narrated by Mark Garkusha, is a riveting thriller that immerses listeners in a world of high-stakes espionage, political intrigue, and relentless action. This audiobook, released in 2022, marks the beginning of the Jason Trapp series and sets a high standard for the genre.

Plot Overview

The story begins with a catastrophic event known as Bloody Monday, where simultaneous terrorist attacks across the United States result in thousands of casualties. The nation is thrown into chaos, and the government is desperate for answers. Enter Jason Trapp, a former CIA operative with the codename "Hangman." Trapp is a man haunted by his past, having been betrayed and left for dead by the very agency he served. Six months prior, he lost everything—his career, his loved ones, and his sense of purpose.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of the attacks, Trapp's personal vendetta against those who wronged him aligns with his duty to his country. The narrative follows his journey as he uncovers a web of conspiracy that ties the terrorist attacks to the assassination of his partner. The stakes are incredibly high, and the action is relentless as Trapp seeks justice and redemption.

Narration

Mark Garkusha's narration of “Dark State” adds a unique and compelling layer to the audiobook experience. His performance is intense and engaging, capturing the listener's attention from the very beginning. Garkusha's voice brings Jason Trapp to life, making the character's pain, determination, and grit palpable. His ability to convey the emotional depth of the characters and the tension of the plot is commendable. The pacing of the narration is well-matched to the story's fast tempo, ensuring that listeners are kept on the edge of their seats throughout.

Character Development

Jason Trapp is a complex and compelling protagonist. He is a man driven by a sense of duty and a thirst for vengeance. His character is well-developed, with a backstory that adds depth to his motivations. Trapp's transformation from a broken man to a relentless avenger is both believable and engaging. The supporting characters, though not as deeply explored, serve their purposes well, adding layers to the plot and helping to drive the story forward.

Themes

“Dark State” delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and redemption. The story explores the impact of personal loss and the lengths one will go to seek justice. The political intrigue and espionage elements are well-crafted, providing a realistic backdrop to the high-octane action. The book also touches on the moral ambiguities of espionage, questioning the cost of loyalty and the price of betrayal.

Writing Style

Slater's writing is crisp and direct, perfectly suited to the thriller genre. The action scenes are vividly described, making it easy for listeners to visualize the intense sequences. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding to the authenticity of the characters. Slater's ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout the book is commendable, ensuring that there are no dull moments.

Overall Experience

Listening to “Dark State” is an exhilarating experience. The combination of a well-crafted plot, a compelling protagonist, and Garkusha's engaging narration makes for a thoroughly enjoyable audiobook. The story's twists and turns keep listeners guessing, and the emotional depth of the characters adds a layer of complexity that elevates the book above typical action thrillers.

Conclusion

“Dark State” is a must-listen for fans of the thriller genre. Jack Slater has crafted a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who is as complex as he is relentless. The audiobook format, narrated by Mark Garkusha, adds an extra dimension to the experience, making it a standout in the genre. Whether you're a fan of espionage thrillers or just looking for a gripping story to immerse yourself in, **Dark State** is well worth your time.

[Bodo Pfündl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best debut of the year

Jack Slater crafted an amazing story with great action from the start, a startling premise and fascinating cast of characters whose protagonist is up there with the very best of the genre. Well done, Jack. Looking forward to more!

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Formulaic and implausible but entertaining

Everyone is pretty. All have amazing skills. Back stories are predictable. Still, for.a first novel it kept good pace. I would have found it perfect if I was 15 and not 50. Sometimes too many decades on earth make you overly cynical.

[Bret Schwartz · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldn't finish it.

[Sabrina S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Trapp character - good but most definitely - could have been better. Good narration by Mark Garkusha

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark State — strong 4+

My first book by this author but it won’t be my last. In fact the author has already sent me a copy of “Hangman” the back story to Jason Trapp, the reluctant hero, former CIA special forces and more, is supposedly dead and not “in service” when this opens.

This novel is full of action and fear, actually, as it opens with a catastrophic terrorist attack here in the US, supposedly worse than the 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. It leaves the reader turning the pages in horror as to what could happen here in the future, a feeling that stays with you all through the novel.

This is Jason Trapp Book 1, of which many installment novels follow, but can be read as a stand-alone, and the author states they all can be read individually and out of order. I prefer to start a series with book 1 just to have a good feel for the characters and their backgrounds.

Like many other hero’s of this caliber, think Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, etc., Jason is a man with a good moral core that can’t resist helping out when a situation warrants it. He also has a mission here to settle an injustice of the past. He’s sometimes a bit over the top, but it’s good entertainment, which is my main reason for reading. The introduction of a supporting character, Special Agent Nadine "Dani" Carter was a positive addition to the cast which are all fleshed out well, even the bad ones. Be prepared that it seems like in the beginning of each chapter Slater introduces a new character, which makes one feel as if we have to remember so many, but it’s not overwhelming, it works out and is continuity to the overall picture.

With twists and turns that will surprise, it will keep most fans of thriller/espionage thoroughly engaged and flying through those chapters. Thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read that was crisply written, and happy to recommend.

[2shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by 2shay..........🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.....

Non-stop action!!

Jason Trapp is known by friends and enemies alike as the Hangman. How he got that name is a compelling story in itself. Why he’s now on a mission of revenge is another. But the real story is the most gosh awful, convoluted, amazing, dastardly conspiracy I’ve ever read.

Beautifully plotted, brilliantly researched, this book takes us only one step, maybe two, beyond what is possible today. It’s chilling.

It’s hard for me to give 5 stars to the first book in a series. There is always characters to introduce and backstories. This one is no exception, but it’s done on such a logical way that the flow and progression are enhanced, never disturbed. Even though this is a complex conspiracy, it’s easy to follow.

If you enjoy action/adventure, this is a great one. Grab your free copy and.....

Enjoy!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an action lover's dream! It throws you right into chaos from page one and doesn’t let up. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and packed with everything from deepfake tech to NSA cyber weapons. The mix of international conspiracies, political intrigue, and the portrayal of global power dynamics added an extra layer to an already thrilling ride. Even though the story is largely fiction, the attention to detail gives it an air of believability that makes the suspense even more gripping. Super entertaining, and I'm looking forward to the next part in the Jason Trapp series!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars ⭐️

Very fun surprise for me this week. I wasn't sure what to expect because this was another "new to me" author. I did not realize when I bought it, but I actually bought the Graphic Audio version of the story. As you know, that can sometimes be hit or miss, but this one was done extremely well. Not too much - which can sometimes overwhelm the story itself - but just enough to create a great listening experience.

I really enjoyed our new MMC Jason Trapp, codename ‘Hangman’, and am REALLY looking forward to continuing on with him in the upcoming books.

Yay - I love it when I find a new series that I am going to enjoy.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so pleased to have found another series featuring a totally honorable hero. With Jason Trapp there is no moral ambiguity and no chance that he's going to fail. Yes, call me shallow, but I like my heroes indestructible, ultra smart and yet very human. So if you like political action thrillers, join me for the series!

[Martha F. Williams-Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real page turner.

Fast paced, believable, and well written characters. In times like today, with the corrupt people we have in government , it seemed ever so possible. Except today it's our living president that is our villian wannabe dictator.

[Jane Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from the first page to the last.