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Jonathan Grave #14
Lethal Game
The exhilarating new thriller from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author takes readers on an action-packed thrill ride from the wilds of Montana to the streets of Mexico, as a sniper attack turns wilderness hunters into the hunted and Grave’s enemies stalk him with a vengeance…
Hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, are hunting in Montana when shots ring out, and they realize they’ve become the prey for assassins. In the crosshairs of unseen shooters, cut off from all communication, with the wind at a blood-freezing chill, the nightmare is just beginning. Because Jonathan and Boxers aren’t the only ones under fire.
Back in Fisherman’s Cove, Virginia, Jonathan’s Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. A vicious onslaught is clearing the way for a much bigger game by eliminating anyone in the way. If Jonathan and Boxers can make it out of the wilderness alive, the real war will begin.
Hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, are hunting in Montana when shots ring out, and they realize they’ve become the prey for assassins. In the crosshairs of unseen shooters, cut off from all communication, with the wind at a blood-freezing chill, the nightmare is just beginning. Because Jonathan and Boxers aren’t the only ones under fire.
Back in Fisherman’s Cove, Virginia, Jonathan’s Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. A vicious onslaught is clearing the way for a much bigger game by eliminating anyone in the way. If Jonathan and Boxers can make it out of the wilderness alive, the real war will begin.
512 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
693 people are currently reading
5468 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
77 books1,203 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 1, 2022
Well, that was awesome! Lethal Game is the 14th installment of the Digger and Boxers Show and is in the running for my favorite of the series.
What happens when the hunters become the hunted, quite literally. Or when the rescuers need rescuing? While hunting in Montana, Digger and Boxers come under attack from a team narco-assassins. On the other side of the country, the other members of the team are under attack as well. The enemy is unknown but it's clear they want revenge and will go to great lengths to destroy everything Digger loves.
Even after 14 books, Gilstrap is able to keep the series fresh which can't be easy to do. From the first page Lethal Game grabs hold and doesn't let go. If you've never read the series you should probably fix that. You will not regret it!
My sincere thanks to John Gilstrap, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advance copy of Lethal Game.
What happens when the hunters become the hunted, quite literally. Or when the rescuers need rescuing? While hunting in Montana, Digger and Boxers come under attack from a team narco-assassins. On the other side of the country, the other members of the team are under attack as well. The enemy is unknown but it's clear they want revenge and will go to great lengths to destroy everything Digger loves.
Even after 14 books, Gilstrap is able to keep the series fresh which can't be easy to do. From the first page Lethal Game grabs hold and doesn't let go. If you've never read the series you should probably fix that. You will not regret it!
My sincere thanks to John Gilstrap, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advance copy of Lethal Game.
April 17, 2022
Wow, what a wild ride this was. It is almost nonstop action from page one until the end. It starts with several attacks on our friends and family and then it's catch up to find out who and why. Lethal Game by John Gilstrap revives the series about Jonathan "Digger" Grave and his friends. I was amazed at the speed of the story and I had to force myself to put it down so I could get a few hours of sleep. Gilstrap now has two of my absolute favorite series going and I just love the way he writes. If someone out there has missed this series? Or never heard of this author? You better get yourself a copy of some of his books and start reading at once. John Gilstrap is a master story teller. I am grateful that I got this advance copy of #LethalGame from #KensingtonBooks #Pinnacle and #Netgalley It is out in stores on June 28th.
August 7, 2022
Another great Grave book. Gilstrap just delivers with this group. It seems now that Roman will take on a bigger role. This one closed a storyline at the same time it might have opened another. Will they go after Aisling’s boss? Can’t wait to find out.
Two gripes. First, Gail shouldn’t always be taking dumb risks and getting seriously injured. Something tells me she’d only make a mistake like that once. Second, to all eBook publishers, how about proof reading? This had a ridiculous amount of mistakes. We pay way too much for them. Especially when the production costs are so low.
Two gripes. First, Gail shouldn’t always be taking dumb risks and getting seriously injured. Something tells me she’d only make a mistake like that once. Second, to all eBook publishers, how about proof reading? This had a ridiculous amount of mistakes. We pay way too much for them. Especially when the production costs are so low.
March 15, 2022
So, coming into this series as a new reader, and not having read any of the other books, I’m very happy to tell you that this works beautifully as a standalone.
The plot is instantly engaging and the characters even more so. Before I knew it, I was deep in a nail-biting tale full of action, emotion, and some good old fashioned gun fights! I was so intrigued by our characters and the world they inhabit that I’m definitely going to seek out other books!
This is a super fast and intense read that barely lets you come up for air.
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
*ARC via Publisher
The plot is instantly engaging and the characters even more so. Before I knew it, I was deep in a nail-biting tale full of action, emotion, and some good old fashioned gun fights! I was so intrigued by our characters and the world they inhabit that I’m definitely going to seek out other books!
This is a super fast and intense read that barely lets you come up for air.
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
*ARC via Publisher
March 2, 2024
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Payback is a bitch! Having made serious enemies in the past, especially in the last book in this series, narco-assassins are sent after the Security Solutions team. Jonathan (Digger) Grave and Brian (Boxer) Van de Muelebroecker are hunting wildlife in Montana when they become prey for a sniper assassin while back in Fisherman's Cove, Gail (Slinger) Bonneville and Venice (Mother Hen) Alexander are also targets but Gail sees the tail and turns the table; however, when she pursues the perp, she is gravely injured. As a final insult, Mama Alexander is run off the road in yet another attempt to paralyze the team. Meanwhile, Roman Alexander is pre-warned of a threat, and is eventually able to get this information back to his mother, leading the team towards the puppetmaster who sent the killers. As always, lots of action with the "good guys" versus the "bad guys." Roman's role and some of the issues with which he has to grapple are a highlight, including his being briefed on Security Solutions' true mission/calling.
Payback is a bitch! Having made serious enemies in the past, especially in the last book in this series, narco-assassins are sent after the Security Solutions team. Jonathan (Digger) Grave and Brian (Boxer) Van de Muelebroecker are hunting wildlife in Montana when they become prey for a sniper assassin while back in Fisherman's Cove, Gail (Slinger) Bonneville and Venice (Mother Hen) Alexander are also targets but Gail sees the tail and turns the table; however, when she pursues the perp, she is gravely injured. As a final insult, Mama Alexander is run off the road in yet another attempt to paralyze the team. Meanwhile, Roman Alexander is pre-warned of a threat, and is eventually able to get this information back to his mother, leading the team towards the puppetmaster who sent the killers. As always, lots of action with the "good guys" versus the "bad guys." Roman's role and some of the issues with which he has to grapple are a highlight, including his being briefed on Security Solutions' true mission/calling.
May 12, 2022
Big thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Lethal Game.
How on earth did I miss discovering this series before book #14?? Lethal Game grabbed me from the beginning! It was so suspenseful, with bits of humor thrown in!! I was a little confused at first, having not read the previous books, but it didn't matter before long.
This book tells the story of hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, when they are hunting in Montana. When shots ring out they realize they've become the prey for assassins. At the same time, Jonathan's Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. Did I mention suspense?? It was quite a wild read! Some of the comments Grave and Boxer tossed back and forth to each other had me laughing out loud!!
So now I'm going to do something I rarely do and read the older books in the series so that when #15 is released, I will be ready! Mr. Gilstrap has a new series called Victoria Emerson I want to read, too.
How on earth did I miss discovering this series before book #14?? Lethal Game grabbed me from the beginning! It was so suspenseful, with bits of humor thrown in!! I was a little confused at first, having not read the previous books, but it didn't matter before long.
This book tells the story of hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, when they are hunting in Montana. When shots ring out they realize they've become the prey for assassins. At the same time, Jonathan's Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. Did I mention suspense?? It was quite a wild read! Some of the comments Grave and Boxer tossed back and forth to each other had me laughing out loud!!
So now I'm going to do something I rarely do and read the older books in the series so that when #15 is released, I will be ready! Mr. Gilstrap has a new series called Victoria Emerson I want to read, too.
June 17, 2023
First Gilstrap read. Action-packed page turner. Boxer and team face a major threat as they are target by a Columbian drug cartel.
Cartels, Government Corruption, and a major spy operation what's not to like.
Cartels, Government Corruption, and a major spy operation what's not to like.
March 12, 2022
you think. It has the Special Forces stuff with Jonathan Graves and his sidekick Boxer, the top two operatives at Graves' company Security Solutions, specialists in finding and rescuing individuals from difficult to impossible circumstances. It also has the geeky side with Venice, the world's best hacker and responsible for uncovering the secrets that allow Security Solutions to do what they're so good at.
This particular story starts with bad-guys (no spoilers about who they are) who unleash coordinated attacks on Graves, his top operatives, and--oddly--Venice's elderly mother. The intention is to destroy the core of what allows this company to operate by catching them off-guard, killing everyone important before they have a chance to mount a defense or a response. All attacks fail and place Jonathan on high alert. How he deals with this threat--well, if you've read any of the other books in this series, you know the answer to that.
I’ve loved every book in this series and can't wait for the next one.
This particular story starts with bad-guys (no spoilers about who they are) who unleash coordinated attacks on Graves, his top operatives, and--oddly--Venice's elderly mother. The intention is to destroy the core of what allows this company to operate by catching them off-guard, killing everyone important before they have a chance to mount a defense or a response. All attacks fail and place Jonathan on high alert. How he deals with this threat--well, if you've read any of the other books in this series, you know the answer to that.
I’ve loved every book in this series and can't wait for the next one.
July 6, 2022
Hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, are hunting in Montana when shots ring out, and they realize they’ve become the prey for assassins. In the crosshairs of unseen shooters, cut off from all communication, with the wind at a blood-freezing chill, the nightmare is just beginning. Because Jonathan and Boxers aren’t the only ones under fire.
Lethal Game is the 14th installment of the Jonathan Grave series and it's still getting better and better. It's action-packed from start to finish and filled with suspense as always. John Gilstrap never disappoints. Love the continuance of characters that he uses and I can’t wait for his next one. Highly recommend this series.
Thanks to the author, Kensington and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Lethal Game is the 14th installment of the Jonathan Grave series and it's still getting better and better. It's action-packed from start to finish and filled with suspense as always. John Gilstrap never disappoints. Love the continuance of characters that he uses and I can’t wait for his next one. Highly recommend this series.
Thanks to the author, Kensington and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 17, 2022
Lethal Game by John Gilstrap
Jonathan Grave #14
Another stellar story starring Digger & Boxer as they once again fight the good but rather bloody fight to right wrongs they are faced with. Intense, well written, drew me in and kept me reading throughout.
What I liked:
* Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed to causes that require a special type of black ops type operative, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs
* Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend and lethal colleague of Digger who works with him to right the wrongs
* Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, bright, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, and part of the team doing secretive things with Boxer and Digger
* Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, gets lost when working, intriguing, great asset to the team
* Roman Alexander: son of Venice, fourteen, had a rough time in a previous book, integral to this story and growing up through all he experiences
* The plot, pace, writing, and intensity
* The dual locations of where action was taking place
* The communication between team members
* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guys
* Rooting for the demise of the bad guys
* That good eventually does overcome evil
* Hoping there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil people who do evil things and too often get away with it
* The loss of so many innocent lives
* Having to wait for the next book to be available
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kesington Pinnacle for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Jonathan Grave #14
Another stellar story starring Digger & Boxer as they once again fight the good but rather bloody fight to right wrongs they are faced with. Intense, well written, drew me in and kept me reading throughout.
What I liked:
* Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed to causes that require a special type of black ops type operative, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs
* Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend and lethal colleague of Digger who works with him to right the wrongs
* Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, bright, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, and part of the team doing secretive things with Boxer and Digger
* Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, gets lost when working, intriguing, great asset to the team
* Roman Alexander: son of Venice, fourteen, had a rough time in a previous book, integral to this story and growing up through all he experiences
* The plot, pace, writing, and intensity
* The dual locations of where action was taking place
* The communication between team members
* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guys
* Rooting for the demise of the bad guys
* That good eventually does overcome evil
* Hoping there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil people who do evil things and too often get away with it
* The loss of so many innocent lives
* Having to wait for the next book to be available
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kesington Pinnacle for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Want to read
July 8, 2022John Gilstrap never fails to deliver and does once again in his 14th book in the Jonathan Grave Series. I have loved this series from book 1 and I can say without any hesitation, that this series continues to grab my attention 14 books in. If you haven’t read Gilstrap, then I suggest you do soon. From book 1, No Mercy to the present book Lethal Game you will find yourself wrapped up in the characters and keep wanting for the next book to be released.
John Gilstrap’s writing has all the intrigue and mystery deserving of a series thriller. You don’t want to miss anything written by this author. I have read him since his first book came out and I couldn’t dare miss this one.
Thank you to #netgalley and #kensington for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
John Gilstrap’s writing has all the intrigue and mystery deserving of a series thriller. You don’t want to miss anything written by this author. I have read him since his first book came out and I couldn’t dare miss this one.
Thank you to #netgalley and #kensington for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
June 27, 2022
First, thank you to NetGalley for sending me this ARC to review. As a long-time fan of the Jonathan Grave series, this did not disappoint. For those who are not familiar with this action-packed thriller series (Jonathon's specialty is hostage rescue), I'd suggest starting with Gilstrap's 'No Mercy', then 'Hostage Zero'. By then you'll be hooked too!
August 5, 2024
Great book. Suspense.😎😎👍
April 19, 2022
Sometimes it's the nature of the our business that we sometimes piss people off.
I have only read a few of the Grave series and so far I like how the characters and plot pull you in the world of political and crime warfare. Grave and his team are now being attacked by an unknown enemy. They always work well together and the piece by piece play action is intense. Just reading it I feel like I am part of his team.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I have only read a few of the Grave series and so far I like how the characters and plot pull you in the world of political and crime warfare. Grave and his team are now being attacked by an unknown enemy. They always work well together and the piece by piece play action is intense. Just reading it I feel like I am part of his team.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 8, 2022
The story has hostage rescue expert Jonathan and Boxers hunting and then shots are heard.
They quickly realize they are in danger, as well as, cut off from all communication. Back in Fisherman’s Cove, Virginia, Jonathan’s Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. A vicious onslaught is clearing the way for a much bigger game by eliminating anyone in the way. If Jonathan and Boxers can make it out of the wilderness alive, the real war will begin.
Edge of your seat mystery, Lethal Game was just the kind of book I was hoping it would be when I started reading it. It was thrilling, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the very end.
They quickly realize they are in danger, as well as, cut off from all communication. Back in Fisherman’s Cove, Virginia, Jonathan’s Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. A vicious onslaught is clearing the way for a much bigger game by eliminating anyone in the way. If Jonathan and Boxers can make it out of the wilderness alive, the real war will begin.
Edge of your seat mystery, Lethal Game was just the kind of book I was hoping it would be when I started reading it. It was thrilling, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the very end.
June 22, 2022
First of all, ranks for the ARC of the latest Jonathan Grave book. This has a phenomenal set up (a hit team goes after Digger and Boxers while hunting in Montana and goes after every one else at Rez House. Unfortunately, Gilstrap abandons the scenario too soon and the book blurs into just another one in the series. This is a real shame, because he has shown the potential for this i. Hix Crimson Phoenix series. Oh well, it's still a worthy installment for fans.
February 1, 2025
John Gilstrap has another winning installment in the long-running Jonathan Grave series. His firm fronts as a security firm yet his skills set indicates it is much more than corporate or cyber security; he has made deadly enemies in his fight against ruthless drug cartels and syndicates. This time, the Colombian drug lord seeks revenge by sending professional hit men to assassinate Jonathan Graves and everyone he loves.
Mr. Gilstrap writes engrossing storylines filled within non- stop electrifying action! The reader is immersed in an intriguing plot which moves at a fast pace. The characters are well developed, complex and three dimensional.
A thoroughly intense and spectacularly enjoyable read! An electrifying climax is followed by a satisfying denouement in the denouement.
My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. Gilstrap writes engrossing storylines filled within non- stop electrifying action! The reader is immersed in an intriguing plot which moves at a fast pace. The characters are well developed, complex and three dimensional.
A thoroughly intense and spectacularly enjoyable read! An electrifying climax is followed by a satisfying denouement in the denouement.
My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2022
Book thirteen in the series, and it’s getting a bit flat. The requisite gun porn and rants about a porous southern border, but it’s getting harder to care about who survives the finely crafted action scenes. Perhaps he’s looking for a movie deal. Scorpion and Boxers haven’t changed much recently, except for a bit of elevated hypocrisy. The righteous rage is getting a bit old, not to mention the fact that they have less and less to be righteous about. Probably the last in the series that I’ll read.
May 24, 2022
4.5 Stars 🌟
Well, this made up for the last book. One thing I asked in my review of that book was "Isn't anybody worried that the cartels now have Jonathan name? His real name?" At first I thought that fact had been missed. Apparently...it wasn't.
This book starts from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the last page. There is action occurring all over the place with attacks designed to happen simultaneously - both in Montana and in Fisherman's Cove. As usual, I LOVE the banter between Big Guy and Boxers...gold....pure gold. I will admit that for a little bit I was wondering where the whole Victor information belonged, but as usual, it all becomes clear at the end.
I enjoyed this installment quite a lot. The only thing that I would comment about - even though this seems to be a fairly normal occurrence lately - is that the ending is rushed. We have this long drawn out chase, killings happening left and right, and then everything is over. Quickly.
I would have liked to have a little more information on the specifics of what happened - both with the "bad guy" and then the other bigger "bad guy". But, that's just me.
I'm more than ready for book 15. I'm curious if everything is really over with this subject. You never know......
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
Well, this made up for the last book. One thing I asked in my review of that book was "Isn't anybody worried that the cartels now have Jonathan name? His real name?" At first I thought that fact had been missed. Apparently...it wasn't.
This book starts from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the last page. There is action occurring all over the place with attacks designed to happen simultaneously - both in Montana and in Fisherman's Cove. As usual, I LOVE the banter between Big Guy and Boxers...gold....pure gold. I will admit that for a little bit I was wondering where the whole Victor information belonged, but as usual, it all becomes clear at the end.
I enjoyed this installment quite a lot. The only thing that I would comment about - even though this seems to be a fairly normal occurrence lately - is that the ending is rushed. We have this long drawn out chase, killings happening left and right, and then everything is over. Quickly.
I would have liked to have a little more information on the specifics of what happened - both with the "bad guy" and then the other bigger "bad guy". But, that's just me.
I'm more than ready for book 15. I'm curious if everything is really over with this subject. You never know......
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
June 23, 2022
Lethal Game is the 14th book in the Jonathan Graves series from John Gilstrap.
"Digger and Boxers are ambushed during a hunting trip in Montana. Mama Alexander is run off the road. Venice and Gail are attacked in Fisherman's Cove. Someone is coming after Jonathan and all of the people he cares about. He and Boxers will have to avoid a lot of killers to find answers."
First a content warning - I don't usually do one but this book has some harm to kids and I'm not really a fan when that happens. I'm sure the author intends to show something about one of the killers but I don't really want to see that.
This book is different in that Digger has to fight without his usual gadgets, armor, weapons and overwhelming force. And a young Roman Alexander is brought into the inner circle
The storyline is very good here. Digger and Boxers do what they do. The difference is the body count of innocents is unusually high in this one. Some parts were tough to read.
"Digger and Boxers are ambushed during a hunting trip in Montana. Mama Alexander is run off the road. Venice and Gail are attacked in Fisherman's Cove. Someone is coming after Jonathan and all of the people he cares about. He and Boxers will have to avoid a lot of killers to find answers."
First a content warning - I don't usually do one but this book has some harm to kids and I'm not really a fan when that happens. I'm sure the author intends to show something about one of the killers but I don't really want to see that.
This book is different in that Digger has to fight without his usual gadgets, armor, weapons and overwhelming force. And a young Roman Alexander is brought into the inner circle
The storyline is very good here. Digger and Boxers do what they do. The difference is the body count of innocents is unusually high in this one. Some parts were tough to read.
June 25, 2022
Thanks to netgalley.com and Kensington Publishing for the advance ARC copy for my honest review.
The author John Gilstrap is one of my favorite authors, really like his Jonathan "Digger" Grave series a lot, it's great escapism from today's World and the support characters all make the story so much better. Boxer, Gunslinger, Mother Hen, Gail and Roman always add ingredients too always make it a good read.
Lethal Game, was my type of book, it's fast paced, you get a helping of tension, dash of suspense, a side of action packed, a side of twist and turns, mix in nasty characters and it bakes to a great conclusion.
Although I do think it would have been a more epic conclusion, to see the President and his right-hand man get caught up in this one and ultimately get taken out by Digger and Boxer.
You can't go wrong with John Gilstrap, your always in for an entertaining read.
The author John Gilstrap is one of my favorite authors, really like his Jonathan "Digger" Grave series a lot, it's great escapism from today's World and the support characters all make the story so much better. Boxer, Gunslinger, Mother Hen, Gail and Roman always add ingredients too always make it a good read.
Lethal Game, was my type of book, it's fast paced, you get a helping of tension, dash of suspense, a side of action packed, a side of twist and turns, mix in nasty characters and it bakes to a great conclusion.
Although I do think it would have been a more epic conclusion, to see the President and his right-hand man get caught up in this one and ultimately get taken out by Digger and Boxer.
You can't go wrong with John Gilstrap, your always in for an entertaining read.
June 16, 2022
I liked it better than I thought I would.
February 1, 2024
Extremely boring
June 25, 2022
I received this advance proof in a giveaway in exchange for my review. Lethal Game is a powerful thriller that is hard to put down. I have always enjoyed an exciting plot with lots of action and strong characters, and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be reading more of Jonathan Gilstrap's thrillers. I rate this book a strong 4 & 1/2 stars.
September 26, 2022
I read my first John Gilstrap book in 1998 and, while I won't read another of his newest character, Victoria Emerson, I've been a fan of the Jonathan Grave books since the first was introduced which I read in 2010.
Lethal Game has all that we've come to expect from Jonathan Grave, dangerous adventure, more dangerous antagonists, and the most dangerous, Jonathan Grave and Boxer.
In Lethal Game some secrets are necessarily revealed. It's a risk here and I predict it will become more of one in future novels.
Lethal Game has some very profound, and ugly, political truths tucked in it.
The only problem I have with Lethal Game is its lack of the usual complexity and complicated twists. It seems almost straight line, one dimensional compared to earlier Grave novels.
While Jonathan and Boxer vanquished the threat to them, we are left with missing pieces about the leader who instigated the threat, about the well-being of those closest to Jonathan, about the high ranked politicians. Therefore, 4 Stars for Lethal Game.
Lethal Game has all that we've come to expect from Jonathan Grave, dangerous adventure, more dangerous antagonists, and the most dangerous, Jonathan Grave and Boxer.
In Lethal Game some secrets are necessarily revealed. It's a risk here and I predict it will become more of one in future novels.
Lethal Game has some very profound, and ugly, political truths tucked in it.
"In fact, my campaign is going to be all about stopping the scourge of drug trafficking in America." . . . "I'm going to be really honest with you. ... The very last thing I want is for the drug trade to end. If it did, I would lose as talking point." ... "I don't say this with any pride, ... but you need to understand the nature of politics. Politicians are like dogs that chase cars. We have no intention of actually catching what we chase. What would be the point? Once a problem is solved, the public loses interest in it. You get twenty minutes of attention at the celebratory press conference, and then it's gone. People shift to the next issue. We spend years and countless amounts of money developing perceptions of problems into perceptions of crises*. No one want to start that over again."
"The decades-long so-called war on drugs - much like the war on poverty and the war on equal rights and so many others - were not wars at all. They’d never been intended to be won. If it weren't for the local drug dealers in Big City and Small Town America, convenience stores and bodegas would have to shutter their doors because the drug trade was the only profitable industry left in the neighborhood.*Emphases mine. Remember that when you vote.
Yes, drugs drove the gang violence that left hundreds of young people dead on the streets, but the violence itself was likewise useful to the political class. Health, peace and harmony didn't sell. No one wrote thank-you checks to aldermen or congressmen. They wrote checks so elected officials would pretend to fix the very crisis that they had created in the first place."
The only problem I have with Lethal Game is its lack of the usual complexity and complicated twists. It seems almost straight line, one dimensional compared to earlier Grave novels.
While Jonathan and Boxer vanquished the threat to them, we are left with missing pieces about the leader who instigated the threat, about the well-being of those closest to Jonathan, about the high ranked politicians. Therefore, 4 Stars for Lethal Game.
October 23, 2024
I've read and listened to most of this series in the last month. Many of the books are free if you have Audible and or Kindle unlimited.
There were a lot of things that didn't make sense in this book.
In the previous book Jonathan and Boxers save Roman and his girlfriend from kidnappers in Mexico.
They are worried enough about Roman's safety to move his education to Rez house where they have guards. They don't consider that Roman's laptop can be accessed even though he keeps it in an unlocked room!
Rez house is for kids whose parents are in prison. It seems crazy to not look into who their parents are! Roman is there to be safe! His friend Mateo is the nephew of Antonio Filho, a Colombian drug lord! Jonathan and Boxers burned down Filho's cocaine plantation and destroyed his submarine!
It made me mad when Gail and Venice blame Roman for telling the Mexican kidnappers about Jonathan and his big friend! Even if Jonathan wasn't paying attention to where Roman was going on a school trip, Venice knows about their problems in Mexico and South America!
Why didn't they warn Roman about talking to others about Jonathan!?
Jonathan and Boxers were the ones who made things a lot worse in Mexico! Instead of concentrating on finding Roman and Ciara they destroyed a brothel that belonged to the cartel guy!
They are all worried about their safety especially after the attacks on all of them. But Gail is supposed to be living in a house with no security cameras and alarm!?
It doesn't make sense that Antonio Filho would be OK with killing Victor McCloud and his family! Victor is the one with the trucking company who is transporting Filho's drugs! Renaldo kills Victor's son first instead of going after Jonathan and Boxers.
"The children were young—ten and twelve, maybe—and were totally absorbed in a cartoon about penguins."
No way! Kids that age don't watch cartoons about penguins! It would have made more sense if they were 1 and 2 years old.
There were a lot of things that didn't make sense in this book.
In the previous book Jonathan and Boxers save Roman and his girlfriend from kidnappers in Mexico.
They are worried enough about Roman's safety to move his education to Rez house where they have guards. They don't consider that Roman's laptop can be accessed even though he keeps it in an unlocked room!
Rez house is for kids whose parents are in prison. It seems crazy to not look into who their parents are! Roman is there to be safe! His friend Mateo is the nephew of Antonio Filho, a Colombian drug lord! Jonathan and Boxers burned down Filho's cocaine plantation and destroyed his submarine!
It made me mad when Gail and Venice blame Roman for telling the Mexican kidnappers about Jonathan and his big friend! Even if Jonathan wasn't paying attention to where Roman was going on a school trip, Venice knows about their problems in Mexico and South America!
Why didn't they warn Roman about talking to others about Jonathan!?
Jonathan and Boxers were the ones who made things a lot worse in Mexico! Instead of concentrating on finding Roman and Ciara they destroyed a brothel that belonged to the cartel guy!
They are all worried about their safety especially after the attacks on all of them. But Gail is supposed to be living in a house with no security cameras and alarm!?
It doesn't make sense that Antonio Filho would be OK with killing Victor McCloud and his family! Victor is the one with the trucking company who is transporting Filho's drugs! Renaldo kills Victor's son first instead of going after Jonathan and Boxers.
"The children were young—ten and twelve, maybe—and were totally absorbed in a cartoon about penguins."
No way! Kids that age don't watch cartoons about penguins! It would have made more sense if they were 1 and 2 years old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
I've been reading a great many adventure books as Gilstrap writes. Over the years I think I like one writer or other. Then I'll read a few in the series I think i like best and realize i don't care for it. Gilstrap has had ups and downs. See my other reviews for more of that. Yet, I do constantly find his books exhilarating. including this one.
I place Gilstrap and James Hall as writing books with a more comic book flavor. Something long gone from the past few decades of real comic books. There are good guys and bad guys. There's also a mystery and a good deal of action to get the bad guy. These are fun and often well written books of that adventure.
This volume I attained through NetGalley.com, having me leap 5 books ahead of where I left off in the series. As i read this book, I quickly learned i need to read the book before this book. However, this volume does maintain itself well enough all by itself.
The plotting it very well done. Dialogue mostly distinct. Settings very well done. The contrast of Gilstrap writing of forested mountain area and the more dingy, older built city area well displays his skills.
Only real issue I might raise was the final pages and wrap up. Gilstrap's call might have been the better one. Or would the resolution of a side issue been a good basis of the fifteenth installment of the Graves series?
I also have to be honest as fun as this tale is and how i was glued to the tale to the end, missing a drawing deadline and being up to 5 in the morning, the book could've been better written here and there.
Bottom line: i recommend this book. 9 out of ten points.
I place Gilstrap and James Hall as writing books with a more comic book flavor. Something long gone from the past few decades of real comic books. There are good guys and bad guys. There's also a mystery and a good deal of action to get the bad guy. These are fun and often well written books of that adventure.
This volume I attained through NetGalley.com, having me leap 5 books ahead of where I left off in the series. As i read this book, I quickly learned i need to read the book before this book. However, this volume does maintain itself well enough all by itself.
The plotting it very well done. Dialogue mostly distinct. Settings very well done. The contrast of Gilstrap writing of forested mountain area and the more dingy, older built city area well displays his skills.
Only real issue I might raise was the final pages and wrap up. Gilstrap's call might have been the better one. Or would the resolution of a side issue been a good basis of the fifteenth installment of the Graves series?
I also have to be honest as fun as this tale is and how i was glued to the tale to the end, missing a drawing deadline and being up to 5 in the morning, the book could've been better written here and there.
Bottom line: i recommend this book. 9 out of ten points.
June 2, 2022
Thank you to John Gilstrap and Pinnacle/Kensington for an ARC of Lethal Game. I do not give away spoilers in my reviews.
This is my second book of John Gilstrap's that I've loved. I usually don't read many action books but Mr. Gilstrap's writing makes it so easy to fall into his stories. I usually fall asleep still trying to read his book and only realie it when the book falls out of my hands and lands on my glasses.
Jonathan Graves is a strong character in a strong occupation. His partners are just as strong. I especially loved Big Guy and would love to see him in a separate book with his own back story.
The two women - Venice and Gail - are different characters but also in the same occupation. I don't want to give away anything.
I will say if you like adventure, drama, action-packed books, you will enjoy this book. It's a bad guys vs good guys but has so many layers to it. I enjoyed getting to know each character as the book went on.
The ending was perfect - it wrapped up every loose end and I can easily see the books continuing. I really liked the way Mr. Gilstraps writes inner dialogue especially. Not every writer can do that and I loved being able to clearly know what each character was thinking.
This is my second book of John Gilstrap's that I've loved. I usually don't read many action books but Mr. Gilstrap's writing makes it so easy to fall into his stories. I usually fall asleep still trying to read his book and only realie it when the book falls out of my hands and lands on my glasses.
Jonathan Graves is a strong character in a strong occupation. His partners are just as strong. I especially loved Big Guy and would love to see him in a separate book with his own back story.
The two women - Venice and Gail - are different characters but also in the same occupation. I don't want to give away anything.
I will say if you like adventure, drama, action-packed books, you will enjoy this book. It's a bad guys vs good guys but has so many layers to it. I enjoyed getting to know each character as the book went on.
The ending was perfect - it wrapped up every loose end and I can easily see the books continuing. I really liked the way Mr. Gilstraps writes inner dialogue especially. Not every writer can do that and I loved being able to clearly know what each character was thinking.
November 19, 2022
This is book #14 in the series and the first time I have read anything by this author. I think I will be heading to the library to read some stuff by him. I really enjoy a book that can stand alone in a series... I have no idea on the back story of this merry band of hostage rescue experts ... how they got together , why they got together and this incredible school compound idea and where oh where does all the money come from to outfit this group.
This story starts out with the stars of the book out on a hunting trip in Montana where some assassins' have tracked them down. So they have to survive the attack, find some cell service to call back to the rest of the team in VA ...who oh no... have also been under attack by another cell of assassins. Enter the town sheriff and the grandmother character and throw in a teenager ... son of one of the experts and his teen friend/ enemy who planted some spy ware on Roman' s computer to track some the merry band of hostage rescuers. Do not forget to throw in some bad politicians and some bad rich people and some how they are linked in together..
This story starts out with the stars of the book out on a hunting trip in Montana where some assassins' have tracked them down. So they have to survive the attack, find some cell service to call back to the rest of the team in VA ...who oh no... have also been under attack by another cell of assassins. Enter the town sheriff and the grandmother character and throw in a teenager ... son of one of the experts and his teen friend/ enemy who planted some spy ware on Roman' s computer to track some the merry band of hostage rescuers. Do not forget to throw in some bad politicians and some bad rich people and some how they are linked in together..
June 28, 2022
John Gilstrap is one of my favorite authors, and Jonathan Grave and his team are some of my favorite protagonists. I have yet to read one of these books that I didn't like, and "Lethal Game" is no different. It's so exciting!
I never give spoilers, but you can tell the set-up from the blurb. While Grave and Boxers are under attack in Montana, the rest of the team is under attack at home. What the blurb doesn't tell you is the crackling dialogue, or the excitement of this fast-paced, twisty plot. Gilstrap never lets up, and it's a wild, fascinating ride.
If this is your first Gilstrap, you won't have any trouble keeping up. And you are in for a treat, not to mention the books earlier in the series which you are definitely going to want to read. This suspenseful, action-packed book hits every possible benchmark, and like me you'll be glad you read it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I never give spoilers, but you can tell the set-up from the blurb. While Grave and Boxers are under attack in Montana, the rest of the team is under attack at home. What the blurb doesn't tell you is the crackling dialogue, or the excitement of this fast-paced, twisty plot. Gilstrap never lets up, and it's a wild, fascinating ride.
If this is your first Gilstrap, you won't have any trouble keeping up. And you are in for a treat, not to mention the books earlier in the series which you are definitely going to want to read. This suspenseful, action-packed book hits every possible benchmark, and like me you'll be glad you read it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
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