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Mark Ericksen #1
The Ericksen Connection
The Ericksen Connection is an espionage suspense thriller about betrayal, PTSD, corruption, conspiracy, murder, and terrorism. Mark Ericksen, former Navy SEAL Team-Six operator, and successful business technology executive was all about duty, honor, and country. He resigned his commission in 2002, and over the next several years worked for three defense contractors, maintaining his top secret security clearance while concealing his PTSD.
In 2009, the CIA received actionable intelligence about a wealthy terrorist mastermind aided by Russian arms dealers who needs a classified biometrics encryption communication system from EyeD4 Systems, to direct his sleeper cell operatives in the USA to launch a horrific nuclear attack on American cities. The Agency contacts Ericksen, who is the executive vice-president of EyeD4 Systems, based in Wilsonville, Oregon.
When America urgently needs his services again, the CIA tasks him for Operation Avenging Eagles to sabotage the plans. Can Ericksen avoid discovery and thwart the nuclear attack before a network of sleeper cell terrorists achieve their evil destruction?
In 2009, the CIA received actionable intelligence about a wealthy terrorist mastermind aided by Russian arms dealers who needs a classified biometrics encryption communication system from EyeD4 Systems, to direct his sleeper cell operatives in the USA to launch a horrific nuclear attack on American cities. The Agency contacts Ericksen, who is the executive vice-president of EyeD4 Systems, based in Wilsonville, Oregon.
When America urgently needs his services again, the CIA tasks him for Operation Avenging Eagles to sabotage the plans. Can Ericksen avoid discovery and thwart the nuclear attack before a network of sleeper cell terrorists achieve their evil destruction?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2014
48 people are currently reading
3882 people want to read
About the author
Barry L. Becker
4 books51 followersGraduated from San Francisco State University. Military Veteran. Graduate courses and certification: Stanford Graduate Business School, and Columbia Graduate Business School.
1984-1986: Vice-President of Marketing for Eyedentify, Beaverton, Oregon. Company designed, manufactured and marketed the eye-retinal scanning biometrics technology for positive identification.
1986-1991, Vice-President of International Sales.
Targeted customers: Intelligence Agencies, Ministries of Defense and Interior; Aerospace and Defense Contractors; Nuclear Power Plants; and Banks and Financial Institutions. 1987, wrote an article on biometrics for access control. It appeared in the Journal of Defense and Diplomacy.
1991-2013: Consultant within the Biometrics Industry.
http://www.theericksenconnection.com/...
1984-1986: Vice-President of Marketing for Eyedentify, Beaverton, Oregon. Company designed, manufactured and marketed the eye-retinal scanning biometrics technology for positive identification.
1986-1991, Vice-President of International Sales.
Targeted customers: Intelligence Agencies, Ministries of Defense and Interior; Aerospace and Defense Contractors; Nuclear Power Plants; and Banks and Financial Institutions. 1987, wrote an article on biometrics for access control. It appeared in the Journal of Defense and Diplomacy.
1991-2013: Consultant within the Biometrics Industry.
http://www.theericksenconnection.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 4, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
One long checklist of cliches, by someone who seemed to do only surface research.
One long checklist of cliches, by someone who seemed to do only surface research.
November 1, 2018
It is rare for me not to be able to finish a book. I got 8% into this book and just could not stand it anymore.
This book reads as if it was written for the SF wannabes, and the armchair commandos. I can accept some suspension of belief, but when an officer ignores the UCMJ, orders another officer to commit murder (violation of Article 118, and he was stupid enough to follow the illegal order) I just could not stomach it any more.
Whoever the author got to edit this book obviously never served in the military. Too many military, weapon, and vehicle errors for me to continue to read. I can accept some suspension of belief, but the amount of suspension required for this book is more than I can apply.
This book reads as if it was written for the SF wannabes, and the armchair commandos. I can accept some suspension of belief, but when an officer ignores the UCMJ, orders another officer to commit murder (violation of Article 118, and he was stupid enough to follow the illegal order) I just could not stomach it any more.
Whoever the author got to edit this book obviously never served in the military. Too many military, weapon, and vehicle errors for me to continue to read. I can accept some suspension of belief, but the amount of suspension required for this book is more than I can apply.
December 6, 2022
The 3 letter agencies & Presidential intrigue is not usually my first choice in looking for a new book to read but I have to say that the Erickson Connection grabbed my attention from the start and just kept building. The plot had many twists and with each turn of events the tension increased between the good guys and the bad. I read the entire book in 3 days/evenings mainly because I couldn’t put it down. The characters were realistic and developed with the story. I did struggle with the character names and code names , there were so many different ones and they changed as the story progressed which made it harder and that’s the reason I rated it 4 stars instead of 5. Other than that it’s an awesome first book and I look forward to many more from Barry L. Becker. I look forward to more adventures with Mark Erickson and company! Great Read!
April 25, 2018
Good book but a little hard to read due to half pages and empty pages while reading..plot was good and characters were well defined...recommend reading for thriller fans
November 9, 2022
Fast reading story that was interesting and complex. Good writing.
Note to author: Make your next Kindle Read better. The book was hard to read.
Note to author: Make your next Kindle Read better. The book was hard to read.
February 2, 2023
I normally do not read spy thrillers. However, after winning this through a Giveaway, I immediately read it upon receiving it. Oh was I surprised. It was so fascinating, in-dept, intense, very descriptive, easy to follow (at times), violent and fast paced. I did have to make a written flow chart to keep the code names straight o the good and evil sides.
Looking forward to Book 2. The teaser has sparked my interest.
Looking forward to Book 2. The teaser has sparked my interest.
March 20, 2020
The Erickson Connection hits a home run!
This was my first read of a Barry Becker novel. I am always weary of picking new authors to read. However, Barry did not let me down. This was an action packed novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read another novel by Barry Becker. Keep up the good work!
David M of Maryville Tennessee.
This was my first read of a Barry Becker novel. I am always weary of picking new authors to read. However, Barry did not let me down. This was an action packed novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read another novel by Barry Becker. Keep up the good work!
David M of Maryville Tennessee.
November 9, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
I am not a proofreader, so I do my best to ignore proofing errors and try to concentrate on the storyline and its presentation. This book would be easier to read with better formatting/proofing.
Not really my writing style. Reads more like an after action report. A lot less focus on our hero, Erickson (his name is in the title after all). The story does a good job of illustrating all of the many players and parts involved in an international terror plot, but I expected our protagonists to have a much larger heroic role. And I felt that many of the antagonists were just a bit too trusting of how they get their tools of destruction. That could have more to do with those having money, just assume anybody and anything can be bought.
Go find your next GoodReads.
I am not a proofreader, so I do my best to ignore proofing errors and try to concentrate on the storyline and its presentation. This book would be easier to read with better formatting/proofing.
Not really my writing style. Reads more like an after action report. A lot less focus on our hero, Erickson (his name is in the title after all). The story does a good job of illustrating all of the many players and parts involved in an international terror plot, but I expected our protagonists to have a much larger heroic role. And I felt that many of the antagonists were just a bit too trusting of how they get their tools of destruction. That could have more to do with those having money, just assume anybody and anything can be bought.
Go find your next GoodReads.
February 14, 2023
I wasn't impressed this book and I am sorry I bought it and the sequel. The proofreading was poor in the paperback version. There wasn't a page I read that didn't have words stuck together that shouldn't be. i.e. "Theycame" This was very annoying. The book also focused much on the "sales" of the retina/palm ID technology. The story seemed secondary to me.
July 26, 2022
Great story, poor formatting
As much as I like the story, and it is a damned good one, the Kindle formatting after the couple of chapters is a mess. If it was better formatted, I probably would have given it five stars. Maybe get a physical copy instead.
As much as I like the story, and it is a damned good one, the Kindle formatting after the couple of chapters is a mess. If it was better formatted, I probably would have given it five stars. Maybe get a physical copy instead.
September 20, 2022
Just The Facts
Reads more like an action report. Just the facts. Very dry. A lot of names being thrown around. Very little excitement and intrigue. Dull ending.
Poor formatting in Kindle version.
Reads more like an action report. Just the facts. Very dry. A lot of names being thrown around. Very little excitement and intrigue. Dull ending.
Poor formatting in Kindle version.
May 23, 2015
This book is full of action. I could not put it down for the last hundred pages.
April 9, 2023
ERICKSEN CONNECTION by Barry L Becker is a captivating thriller, well written with great suspense and revelation.
Mark Ericksen (Gold Eagle), the protagonist, obeys, as a sergeant, the order of Colonel Shane Dawson (Iron Fist), in the presence of Pulaski and Delgado during the Afghanistan mission in the interest of the American state but shocked with the revelation, from Dex, that Sadozai _ who has the picture of his wife and daughters, is a journalist whom, he murdered contrary to the rules of engagement.
The inciting incident is why does Colonel Shane Dawson (Iron Fist) want Sadozai dead at the time the mission is compromised? Besides, why is Master Sergeant Lech Pulaski supporting Shane Dawson against Ericksen? Are they working for the terrorists? What are the terrorists fighting for? It calls for the reading of the book.
"Please, sir, I have a wife and two daughters. I'm telling you the truth. I beg you." The words of Sadozai, apart from impact of loss of Ericksen's wife, Karen, continues tormenting Ericksen. The emotional trauma Okonkwo Ebubedike, a great warrior, who has killed so many people in war, in the Chinue Achebe's book, THINGS FALL APART, has when he killed Ikemefuna, kept in his custody, is the same fate of Mark Ericksen after the death of Sadozai. Just like Michael Brock in the John Grisham's book, THE STREET LAWYER, unravels who is Mister, and starts assisting in charity organizations, so Ericksen in Ericksen Connection seeks for the true identity of Sadozai and assists Sadozai family to leave Afghanistan for America.
Ericksen after military services, works as an independent contractor. His connections, assist him in the heroic deed, appreciated by American president. Besides, the story contains the themes of terrorism, corruption, betrayal etc.
There are interesting characters in the story. Ericksen, a hero, Dawson, an antagonist and a villain while Elizabeth Caldwell, Delgado are deuterangonists.
As for the plot of the story, it is good except that the same styles are used in beginning most of the chapters, although conflicts and suspense in the scenes make them interesting. The scene 1 and scene 2 contain the inciting incident, a perfect story arc for inciting incident. I could see characters for scenes in most of the scenes.
I suggest the book for lovers of the works of Stephen King, John Grisham and Jeffrey Archer.
Mark Ericksen (Gold Eagle), the protagonist, obeys, as a sergeant, the order of Colonel Shane Dawson (Iron Fist), in the presence of Pulaski and Delgado during the Afghanistan mission in the interest of the American state but shocked with the revelation, from Dex, that Sadozai _ who has the picture of his wife and daughters, is a journalist whom, he murdered contrary to the rules of engagement.
The inciting incident is why does Colonel Shane Dawson (Iron Fist) want Sadozai dead at the time the mission is compromised? Besides, why is Master Sergeant Lech Pulaski supporting Shane Dawson against Ericksen? Are they working for the terrorists? What are the terrorists fighting for? It calls for the reading of the book.
"Please, sir, I have a wife and two daughters. I'm telling you the truth. I beg you." The words of Sadozai, apart from impact of loss of Ericksen's wife, Karen, continues tormenting Ericksen. The emotional trauma Okonkwo Ebubedike, a great warrior, who has killed so many people in war, in the Chinue Achebe's book, THINGS FALL APART, has when he killed Ikemefuna, kept in his custody, is the same fate of Mark Ericksen after the death of Sadozai. Just like Michael Brock in the John Grisham's book, THE STREET LAWYER, unravels who is Mister, and starts assisting in charity organizations, so Ericksen in Ericksen Connection seeks for the true identity of Sadozai and assists Sadozai family to leave Afghanistan for America.
Ericksen after military services, works as an independent contractor. His connections, assist him in the heroic deed, appreciated by American president. Besides, the story contains the themes of terrorism, corruption, betrayal etc.
There are interesting characters in the story. Ericksen, a hero, Dawson, an antagonist and a villain while Elizabeth Caldwell, Delgado are deuterangonists.
As for the plot of the story, it is good except that the same styles are used in beginning most of the chapters, although conflicts and suspense in the scenes make them interesting. The scene 1 and scene 2 contain the inciting incident, a perfect story arc for inciting incident. I could see characters for scenes in most of the scenes.
I suggest the book for lovers of the works of Stephen King, John Grisham and Jeffrey Archer.
April 25, 2023
Bringing his firsthand knowledge and experiences to this book, author Barry L. Becker delivers a novel penned like someone who has lived it all. Reading like a non-fiction, Jason Bourne-esque story, the level of detail is impeccable. From the code names to the locale, the action scenes, and the agency insights, it’s incredible the aptitude Becker has brought so comprehensively to this read.
“The Ericksen Connection” reads like a movie. Flashing from setting to setting, big player to big player, as the story winds together, shocking readers at various turns as they unravel the plot in their heads and root for Ericksen, and his partners, every step of the way. The mental warfare Dawkins plays on our lead character, Mark Ericksen, builds the foundation for this book, slamming these two together as they lead separate lives. Upon rejoining civilian life, Ericksen is suffering from PTSD due to the decisions he was forced to make in the heat of battle. Readers are introduced to the realities of re-entry as we navigate civilian life alongside Mark Ericksen.
Ericksen makes an ideal lead as his upheaval from military life drops him squarely into the exciting world of biometric encryption. His new role lends well to his military experiences, while maintaining the action, intrigue, and maybe even romance, that have the pages practically turning themselves. Conversely, our villain is all too realistic as greed begins to cloud one’s judgement, causing a masterful game of cat and mouse to ensue.
“The Ericksen Connection” is the perfect read for fans of Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher, and those who love thrilling action adventures.
“The Ericksen Connection” reads like a movie. Flashing from setting to setting, big player to big player, as the story winds together, shocking readers at various turns as they unravel the plot in their heads and root for Ericksen, and his partners, every step of the way. The mental warfare Dawkins plays on our lead character, Mark Ericksen, builds the foundation for this book, slamming these two together as they lead separate lives. Upon rejoining civilian life, Ericksen is suffering from PTSD due to the decisions he was forced to make in the heat of battle. Readers are introduced to the realities of re-entry as we navigate civilian life alongside Mark Ericksen.
Ericksen makes an ideal lead as his upheaval from military life drops him squarely into the exciting world of biometric encryption. His new role lends well to his military experiences, while maintaining the action, intrigue, and maybe even romance, that have the pages practically turning themselves. Conversely, our villain is all too realistic as greed begins to cloud one’s judgement, causing a masterful game of cat and mouse to ensue.
“The Ericksen Connection” is the perfect read for fans of Jason Bourne, Jack Reacher, and those who love thrilling action adventures.
January 12, 2024
If you really enjoy action-packed thrillers, you must read Barry L. Beker’s The Ericksen Connection. The Ericksen Connection was Barry’s first time up at bat as a novelist and he hit a homerun. He says that he was inspired by David Baldacci, and that comes through in his writing style where attention to detail is concerned. The Ericksen Connection was also the first book in his Mark Ericksen Thriller series. Although it is the first book in a series, it has a solid ending and can be read and enjoyed as a standalone thriller. On the other hand, Becker has created a cast of characters that you will want to get to know better by reading more of his books
In many ways, Becker with his military and civilian biometrics background is uniquely qualified to write these thrillers, and I say that as someone who has been there and done that. The temporary suspension of disbelief was never an issue for me with this novel because Barry keeps it real. For the thriller reader who has had no real-world experience with those alphabet soup agencies, this novel will not only be an adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride, but an educational experience as well.
At the conclusion of The Ericksen Connection, Barry gives us a preview of what is to come in The Ryschkow Vendetta, book 2 in the Mark Ericksen thriller series and it is as addictive as book 1 was.
Barry and Mark are worthies to ride the river with!
In many ways, Becker with his military and civilian biometrics background is uniquely qualified to write these thrillers, and I say that as someone who has been there and done that. The temporary suspension of disbelief was never an issue for me with this novel because Barry keeps it real. For the thriller reader who has had no real-world experience with those alphabet soup agencies, this novel will not only be an adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride, but an educational experience as well.
At the conclusion of The Ericksen Connection, Barry gives us a preview of what is to come in The Ryschkow Vendetta, book 2 in the Mark Ericksen thriller series and it is as addictive as book 1 was.
Barry and Mark are worthies to ride the river with!
June 26, 2023
It's been a while since I read a thriller of this genre written by someone who knew what they were talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Ericksen Connection."
Mark Erickson is the type of character we all love to read. He's tough when he needs to be, but he has a very human side, tempered with a massively acute sense of right and wrong. This is the type of character I like to read. Very human on all angles.
I thought the plot was sufficiently provocative, read at a good pace, and had a certain undeniable sense of authenticity. I liked that I didn't know the end by chapter 4, which is the area of a book that I normally figure out plots in thrillers. Good job on letting me ponder all the way through to the end.
I thought it was clever how a little romance was worked into such an action thriller. Once again, not easy to accomplish. Over all, I couldn't put it down, and intend to read more works by Barry L. Becker.
For anyone that's looking for a thrill a minute, not easy to figure out the ending, varied scenarios book with realistic characters and a lead that makes you want to have a beer with him; this is for you. Good job Barry L. Becker! I will be reading more of your works.
Mark Erickson is the type of character we all love to read. He's tough when he needs to be, but he has a very human side, tempered with a massively acute sense of right and wrong. This is the type of character I like to read. Very human on all angles.
I thought the plot was sufficiently provocative, read at a good pace, and had a certain undeniable sense of authenticity. I liked that I didn't know the end by chapter 4, which is the area of a book that I normally figure out plots in thrillers. Good job on letting me ponder all the way through to the end.
I thought it was clever how a little romance was worked into such an action thriller. Once again, not easy to accomplish. Over all, I couldn't put it down, and intend to read more works by Barry L. Becker.
For anyone that's looking for a thrill a minute, not easy to figure out the ending, varied scenarios book with realistic characters and a lead that makes you want to have a beer with him; this is for you. Good job Barry L. Becker! I will be reading more of your works.
November 3, 2022
Very thorough and engaging read
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you!) I haven’t read the bio on the author, but I suspect he’s former military based on the extreme detail throughout this story. It brought to mind Tom Clancy’s books from the early to mid 90’s. The storyline was interesting and the characters were very well developed. The reader is properly primed to dislike Dawkins and cheer on Ericksen, so mission accomplished. At times, I almost felt as if I needed to consult a calendar since such specific dates were given; I actually think the story would have been just as good without the granular details like that. All told, a worthy read, especially for people who like military thrillers.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you!) I haven’t read the bio on the author, but I suspect he’s former military based on the extreme detail throughout this story. It brought to mind Tom Clancy’s books from the early to mid 90’s. The storyline was interesting and the characters were very well developed. The reader is properly primed to dislike Dawkins and cheer on Ericksen, so mission accomplished. At times, I almost felt as if I needed to consult a calendar since such specific dates were given; I actually think the story would have been just as good without the granular details like that. All told, a worthy read, especially for people who like military thrillers.
February 24, 2026
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I thought for sure I’d like this book, its subject matter definitely called to me. But I just could not get over how rough this book was to read. I realize it’s probably an early release version, but that said, I’d be surprised if anybody actually proofread it. Too many spelling and grammatical errors to count, and the formatting was off for some reason on the kindle version so it just could not be easily read.
Too many characters with code names, unbelievable dialogue, and a story that kind of fell flat.
Sorry, it’s a hard no for me on book 2.
Too many characters with code names, unbelievable dialogue, and a story that kind of fell flat.
Sorry, it’s a hard no for me on book 2.
March 15, 2020
The Ericksen Connection by Barry Becker is a good read. Mr Becker has the background to know his subject well and that is a big plus for this book. I found that the story could come straight from today’s news, so it is relevant and topical.
Mr Becker’s writing style is enjoyable and he knows the terminology used by the people who inhabit his book. It is a good thoughtful look into a world of espionage and intrigue that most of us have never glimpsed. I highly recommend this well-written and interesting book.
~John Holland~ Author of Old Year’s Day and many other books.
Mr Becker’s writing style is enjoyable and he knows the terminology used by the people who inhabit his book. It is a good thoughtful look into a world of espionage and intrigue that most of us have never glimpsed. I highly recommend this well-written and interesting book.
~John Holland~ Author of Old Year’s Day and many other books.
September 4, 2023
An excellent international thriller that combines originality with authenticity
Barry Becker’s debut novel reads like the work of a well-established author. I was stunned reading his brief biography at the end of the book describing his professional background and the fact that he’s a first time author.
I’ve read many international thrillers that tell gripping stories, but lack the authenticity that makes them credible. And similarly, I’ve read many that have the ring of authenticity but are not well written.
What is so impressive about Mr. Becker’s novel is that he delivered on both accounts with his debut effort.
I can’t wait to read his sequel, The Ryzhkof Vendetta.
Barry Becker’s debut novel reads like the work of a well-established author. I was stunned reading his brief biography at the end of the book describing his professional background and the fact that he’s a first time author.
I’ve read many international thrillers that tell gripping stories, but lack the authenticity that makes them credible. And similarly, I’ve read many that have the ring of authenticity but are not well written.
What is so impressive about Mr. Becker’s novel is that he delivered on both accounts with his debut effort.
I can’t wait to read his sequel, The Ryzhkof Vendetta.
February 13, 2024
I really don’t like slamming any book. In this case I’ll make an exception. I will do so in short clipped sentences. The author also used short clipped sentences. See Spot run type sentences. I won’t discuss characters. There was little to no character development to discuss. Ultimately this was a mishmash of intricate technology, confusing code names for people which seemingly changed randomly, and a story which failed to evoke any emotion in me as a reader. No excitement, no suspense, no nothing. Not the best news for a thriller.
June 10, 2024
Being generous with the four stars. I had to force myself to read the entire book. Too many characters, code names, and alphabet agencies. I felt like I needed a score card to keep track of all the characters. I never felt like I was pulled into the story. I have no interest in reading the next book in this series, which is very unusual for me. Normally I HAVE to know what where the characters are headed. This book I’m just happy to be finished reading.
December 17, 2022
Got it free and give it a try and finished it! I had some reserve at the beginning but the plot was good so I co to je and do not regret it! Only one constructive comment to the author is that too much informations is like not enough and sometime could cause more damage than helps! Like the ending and will try the next one of the series! Thanks to the author for sharing!
June 24, 2017
Fast paced action packed thriller with a believable story line. The Characters were well developed and with everything that has happened in the past 20 years very much in line with what has gone on in the USA. Bit much use of foul language, but otherwise I could recommend this to read.
September 22, 2018
Worthwhile read, you will like it.
Good plot, neat characters, worth your time and money. No doubt there will be sequel, looking forward to it. Recommend this book, again worth your time and money.
Good plot, neat characters, worth your time and money. No doubt there will be sequel, looking forward to it. Recommend this book, again worth your time and money.
December 15, 2022
Fast-paced, complex thriller with a rich gallery of characters. The author's knowledge in tradecraft was particularly enjoyable. The large number of characters made the read somewhat demanding. The story line was uncomfortably believable.
November 9, 2018
Text to Speech....
This book is best read (pronounced red) by Joey (USA). A few stumbling points exist, but they're excused given the reader's speed.
This book is best read (pronounced red) by Joey (USA). A few stumbling points exist, but they're excused given the reader's speed.
December 2, 2019
Keeps you on ypur toes
April 6, 2020
Exciting Read!
Great International Terror Plot. Fast moving, hard to put down. How about an Erickson Series? The author has a great imagination.
Great International Terror Plot. Fast moving, hard to put down. How about an Erickson Series? The author has a great imagination.
July 26, 2022
Loved the story, but the Kindle formatting for the copy I was got pretty bad after the first four or five chapters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews