Counterintelligence

Matti Baker #4

by Michele Packard

Award-winning author Michele Packard delivers again in her most intense thriller yet.

A virus.
A pandemic.
Big Tech.
Corrupt governments.

Matti Baker and her team are once again called to navigate through the depravity of hostile intelligence services, who are determined to control and mislead the public. Overnight a malicious virus is released, changing how the world operates.

Matti must get to the bottom and determine…what if it wasn’t “them”, but “us”?

183 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2021

About the author

Michele Packard, an award-winning author, draws inspiration from her military upbringing and her career as a cable TV executive in her captivating literary works. After dedicating herself to raising her three children, Packard embarked on a remarkable writing journey that spans both fiction and non-fiction genres.

Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.

When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.

For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.

Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades:
• Finalist, American Book Festival (2019)
• Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019)
• 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020)
• Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020)
• Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021)
• Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)

With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.

Reviews

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's Back, in her next adventure Matti Baker is the queen of Rock and Roll. Action packed from start to finish and with Matti's love of 70's references, once again Ms Packard brings us a fast paced story that will entertain and surprise right to the very finish.
Matti and her lovable assortment of friends and family take on a new adventure and it is shaping up to be as good as the last series if not better.
Another winner from the author Michele Packard.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows the impact that our country has suffered with the release of a virus that has wreaked havoc on the world. Our government has been impacted and a special team has been requested to get to the bottom of the event. As the team has started looking into many attacks have been made with serious effects on the members. As the team continues their task, a new disclosre is made to Maddie which results in a new strategy.

To discover who was involved in activities that related to the virus outcome, what Maddie learns which involves her family and what ger team is required to do to answer the question that was asked then you need to read this book. It will definitely keep your interest from start to finish.

I received an ARC through NetGalley "Read Now" program and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Damien Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matti Baker is back with a bang!

Following on from the other three books in the series, we find Matti once again fighting to uncover a global conspiracy. Shadowy figures at the very heart of the American government continue their nefarious plots, determined to tighten their grip on power. With the assistance of her family and trusted friends, Matti risks everything to take down the evil doers and make a stand for what is right.

I absolutely love this series as every book is a roller coaster of action, adventure and quirky humor that never fails to entertain. Matti is an excellent lead character always fighting the good fight while looking after her family.

I look forward to many more books in this fun series!

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Counterintelligence is the story of an elite team tasked by the highest elected official in the US to perform certain functions discreetly. When a virus is released Mattie and her team will be required to discover who is responsible for its release. The highest two ranking individuals are dead. With no one actually in charge, Mattie follows her training to finish the job.

This is an intense, fast paced, action packed sci-fi story that is totally relatable with our own experiences with the Covid virus pandemic. If you love this genre you will love this story. The story mixes some of today's conspiracy theories about who is responsible, a foreign entity or the threat of corporate greed.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is soon trying to find out who released the virus which has wiped out millions. Countries and their governments are blaming the other for releasing it. He will need to tread a fine line making sure he is not tripped up by lies. Who released the virus? Why was it released? Is is just to bring the population down? How will he find the truth? See how he gets on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MKM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by the very talented and witty Michele Packard. Counterintelligence left me feeling like I'd been blasted out of the desert on some SpaceX creation. Matti is back moving faster than ever, growing wiser with age, and leaving no stones unturned. It's amazing how much research goes into these books. The only downside is waiting for the fifth book in the series. Little cliffhanger there...just saying.

[Nannette Kreitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When can I read the next one??

Counterintelligence (book four of the Matti Baker series) is a work of fiction, but is peppered with scary truths. The fiction is just as scary (maybe more so) as it is not only believable, but hard to differentiate from fact because of how credible it is. (A similar dilemma is a component of the plot - the mind boggles.) With the real life pandemic as backdrop, Packard devises cause and effect, with her Matti Baker character fighting the good fight against a storm of mind spinning political conspiracies. The book ends with an unexpected twist which has me impatiently waiting for the next in the series.

[DLV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another Wonderful book by Michele Packford.
Real life events are intertwined with the plot!!

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counterintelligence is another Matti Baker thrill ride. The “ripped from the headlines” premise of this book is a nefarious virus run amok through the world population. Matti and her team must work against her own government as well as foreign agents bent on getting their hands on the origins of the virus. The interim president and her advisors aren’t necessarily in the American people’s corner, and there’s some question about the former president’s demise. In the middle of the mess, her triplets have decided to join her team. Like any good mom, Matti is at once proud of them and terrified about their life choices.

Packard’s prose is liberally laced with movie and pop culture references that will leave you laughing. She states in the afterward that she writes short books so readers can enjoy them on a plane ride. Be prepared for some looks from fellow passengers when you’re in hysterics. Fair warning.

The book ends on a cliffhanger—not one of my favorite tropes—but this one is a doozy. I can’t wait for the next installment of this super-fun thriller series.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the AESOP series, Matti Baker is back! A virus is released in the United States leaving Matti and her elite team to uncover a global conspiracy. When you think back on what happened during the Covid Pandemic and read this action packed, conspiracy filled, sci-fi sprinkled, no padding added in thriller, you are going to be going down historic rabbit holes and comparing truth and fiction. The two are so close when it comes to matters discussed in this book, and some of the truths sprinkled in are just plain scary. I just want to give my opinion here – in my gut – I feel like media and knowledge are our biggest enemies. People don’t do the right things with the power they possess.
Is there a cliffhanger? Yes, yes there is! Did I message Michele in a panic – that would be a yes too. Now, back to Defcon!

[Christy Drayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the entire Aesop series, I am more than impressed not only with her writing style, which I find enlightening, but also her in depth knowledge of what is going on globally. I think most people have a fair idea what is happening to a degree. Michele Packard takes it to a whole different level challenging your own ideas and thoughts about how far reaching our universal problems are. Hope there is more to come from this author.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started off with lots of promise, but seemed to lose momentum as it progressed. Characters and plot were more formulaic than original and creative. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.