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Colter Shaw #2
Der böse Hirte
Du kannst Teil der Sekte werden. Aber du kannst sie nie wieder verlassen ... Der zweite Band der spektakulären neuen Thriller-Reihe von SPIEGEL-Bestsellerautor Jeffery Deaver.
Colter Shaw spürt vermisste Personen auf, mit den ausgesetzten Belohnungen verdient er seinen Lebensunterhalt. Doch dann nimmt ein Auftrag eine tragische Wendung und Shaw muss herausfinden, wie es dazu kommen konnte. Seine Suche nach Antworten führt ihn zu einer undurchsichtigen Organisation, die sich als Selbsthilfegruppe ausgibt. Shaw tritt der Gruppe bei – denn er hat den Verdacht, dass diese weitaus perfidere Ziele als Trauerbewältigung verfolgt. Alles deutet darauf hin, dass es sich um eine gefährliche Sekte handelt, die alles dafür tun würde, ihre Geheimnisse zu bewahren. Und bald werden die ersten Mitglieder misstrauisch …
Colter Shaw spürt vermisste Personen auf, mit den ausgesetzten Belohnungen verdient er seinen Lebensunterhalt. Doch dann nimmt ein Auftrag eine tragische Wendung und Shaw muss herausfinden, wie es dazu kommen konnte. Seine Suche nach Antworten führt ihn zu einer undurchsichtigen Organisation, die sich als Selbsthilfegruppe ausgibt. Shaw tritt der Gruppe bei – denn er hat den Verdacht, dass diese weitaus perfidere Ziele als Trauerbewältigung verfolgt. Alles deutet darauf hin, dass es sich um eine gefährliche Sekte handelt, die alles dafür tun würde, ihre Geheimnisse zu bewahren. Und bald werden die ersten Mitglieder misstrauisch …
512 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2020
3267 people are currently reading
7322 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
521 books11.8k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,129 reviews
May 11, 2020
"Never assume you're safe."
3.5 stars
The Goodbye Man is an action-packed thriller about an enigmatic “reward-seeker” whose investigation into a hate-crime brings him into the crosshairs of a powerful cult.
Colter Shaw, a reward-seeker, finds himself going undercover in a dangerous cult to save some of its members. What he discovers about this mysterious organization leads him into extreme danger and darkness.
There are three mysteries packed into this novel: that of the hate-crime, the ongoings of the cult, and the death of Colter’s father. All three were compelling in different ways, although the hate-crime mystery wasn’t fully fleshed out. All three mysteries are intricately plotted and link together, but some elements came together a little too easily.
Colter’s character possesses some unique abilities. I missed the first book in this series, and I think it would have helped had I read it before reading The Goodbye Man. Plenty of background is given on Colter, but the whole time I was reading I felt like I was missing something. At the same time, I found his character to be compelling, and I am interested in filling in the questions I have about his background.
The first 20% was a bit rough, as I wasn’t able to fully connect with Colter or the various mysteries. It wasn’t until he entered the cult that I found myself unable to put this book down. Deaver always does a ton of research, and his investigation of cults is apparent. I have only read a few Deaver books (those in the Lincoln Rhyme series), and this one definitely has a different feel--it's not as gruesome or complex. Overall, I enjoyed my introduction to Colter Shaw, and plan on catching up on this series soon!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
The Goodbye Man is an action-packed thriller about an enigmatic “reward-seeker” whose investigation into a hate-crime brings him into the crosshairs of a powerful cult.
Colter Shaw, a reward-seeker, finds himself going undercover in a dangerous cult to save some of its members. What he discovers about this mysterious organization leads him into extreme danger and darkness.
There are three mysteries packed into this novel: that of the hate-crime, the ongoings of the cult, and the death of Colter’s father. All three were compelling in different ways, although the hate-crime mystery wasn’t fully fleshed out. All three mysteries are intricately plotted and link together, but some elements came together a little too easily.
Colter’s character possesses some unique abilities. I missed the first book in this series, and I think it would have helped had I read it before reading The Goodbye Man. Plenty of background is given on Colter, but the whole time I was reading I felt like I was missing something. At the same time, I found his character to be compelling, and I am interested in filling in the questions I have about his background.
The first 20% was a bit rough, as I wasn’t able to fully connect with Colter or the various mysteries. It wasn’t until he entered the cult that I found myself unable to put this book down. Deaver always does a ton of research, and his investigation of cults is apparent. I have only read a few Deaver books (those in the Lincoln Rhyme series), and this one definitely has a different feel--it's not as gruesome or complex. Overall, I enjoyed my introduction to Colter Shaw, and plan on catching up on this series soon!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2020
This is the second full length novel by Jeffery Deaver in his Colter Shaw series, an unusual protagonist, a professional reward seeker, a restless man travelling across the US in his 30' Winnebago. Colt grew up in a remote part of California with his family, gaining exceptional skills as a survivalist from his academic father, Ashton, whose suspicious death at Echo Ridge he still is in the process of looking into. He takes a break from this mission to go to Gig Harbor, Pierce County, in Washington State for a $50 000 reward being offered for 27 year old Adam Harper and 20 year old Erick Young, accused of being Neo-Nazis committing a string of deplorable hate crimes, Erick's parents have offered an additional $900 for their son. When Colter finally locates the young men, he tries to protect them from trigger happy law enforcement officers, but watches in horror when Adam jumps off a cliff, committing suicide with a smile on his face.
The wanted men had been making their way to the Osiris Foundation which offers help for those struggling with bereavement, terminal/serious illness, depression, anxiety and loneliness through an initial 3 week training course in The Process, shrouded in secrecy. The more Colt finds out about the cult that shuns all and any publicity, the more worried he becomes, leading him to go undercover as Carter Skye at the Foundation, run by the charismatic leader, David Ellis, aka Master Eli, preying on the vulnerable and gullible, through a highly isolated environment, imposing a highly controlling and rigid structure enforced by a brutal punishing regime for any infractions to the uniformity and conformity demanded. The more Colt learns of Master Eli on his most challenging of assignments, the reality underlying the system of advancing in the cult becomes all too clear, there are murders and even worse planned. Colt and others find themselves in grave and deadly dangers.
Deaver writes a great, fast paced addition to the series, with the fascinating and charismatic Colt Shaw, his need for freedom, a man of conscience and compassion, with an unusual skill set, making decisions on the basis of the likely percentages, drawing on his father's survivalist rules, and utilising the help of Mack and his friendship with ex-FBI special agent, Tom Pepper. Colt makes progress on the secrets his father was keeping and what lies behind his demise. I imagine that the series will continue with Colt taking on particular assignments as a reward seeker as the series progresses, but with a definite end in sight when Colt comes to the end of the mission he has set himself with regard to his father, and the mystery regarding the disappearance of Russell, his brother is solved. An absorbing, entertaining and thrilling series! Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
The wanted men had been making their way to the Osiris Foundation which offers help for those struggling with bereavement, terminal/serious illness, depression, anxiety and loneliness through an initial 3 week training course in The Process, shrouded in secrecy. The more Colt finds out about the cult that shuns all and any publicity, the more worried he becomes, leading him to go undercover as Carter Skye at the Foundation, run by the charismatic leader, David Ellis, aka Master Eli, preying on the vulnerable and gullible, through a highly isolated environment, imposing a highly controlling and rigid structure enforced by a brutal punishing regime for any infractions to the uniformity and conformity demanded. The more Colt learns of Master Eli on his most challenging of assignments, the reality underlying the system of advancing in the cult becomes all too clear, there are murders and even worse planned. Colt and others find themselves in grave and deadly dangers.
Deaver writes a great, fast paced addition to the series, with the fascinating and charismatic Colt Shaw, his need for freedom, a man of conscience and compassion, with an unusual skill set, making decisions on the basis of the likely percentages, drawing on his father's survivalist rules, and utilising the help of Mack and his friendship with ex-FBI special agent, Tom Pepper. Colt makes progress on the secrets his father was keeping and what lies behind his demise. I imagine that the series will continue with Colt taking on particular assignments as a reward seeker as the series progresses, but with a definite end in sight when Colt comes to the end of the mission he has set himself with regard to his father, and the mystery regarding the disappearance of Russell, his brother is solved. An absorbing, entertaining and thrilling series! Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
May 23, 2020
After a promising start with Colter Shaw #1, Mr Deaver goes off the trail with a boring cult story. 3 of 10 stars
April 24, 2020
This is an ARC Review- release date is 12 May 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It did take me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I was hooked. Jeffrey Deaver has a way of pulling you right into the middle of his stories. This was an intense thrill ride of a novel that left me wanting more. Mr. Deaver’s powerful imagery of a cult and its leader will leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend this high intensity novel.
I absolutely loved this book. It did take me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I was hooked. Jeffrey Deaver has a way of pulling you right into the middle of his stories. This was an intense thrill ride of a novel that left me wanting more. Mr. Deaver’s powerful imagery of a cult and its leader will leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend this high intensity novel.
August 26, 2024
Deaver’s stock in trade is trickery and deceit. He regularly sets up a set of circumstances that lead you to an inevitable conclusion only to then confound you with an alternative outcome you hadn’t considered. It’s clever, and this trick has kept me coming back to his books year after year.
In Colter Shaw, the author has created a new character, a man who primarily makes his living tracking down missing people for the reward money on offer. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Never Game, which introduced Shaw as a man shaped by his survivalist father who, amongst other things, embedded a list of rules beginning with the word ‘never’ in Colter’s mind. In this episode, the chase is on for a pair of men wanted for a non-fatal shooting, and it leads to a connection with a charismatic Trumpesque teacher who promises a ‘perfect tomorrow’. I’ll not delve deeper into the plot for fear of spoiling it for future readers.
It all starts up pretty well as in addition to the hunt for the two men, we are tempted with the carry over mystery surrounding the death of of Shaw’s father. But I found that the whole thing then got bogged down in a mid-section that felt both laborious and strangely predictable. The last section of the book re-introduced an element of interest, but by then, the body of this story had been told, and all that remained was what amounted to an advert for book three.
Will I come back for the next book? I just might. Disappointed as I was in this one, I do like Colter Shaw, and I am intrigued by the ongoing mystery element. I can forgive Deaver an ‘off’ novel because I know he usually delivers. But this book warrants only three stars, I’m afraid.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In Colter Shaw, the author has created a new character, a man who primarily makes his living tracking down missing people for the reward money on offer. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Never Game, which introduced Shaw as a man shaped by his survivalist father who, amongst other things, embedded a list of rules beginning with the word ‘never’ in Colter’s mind. In this episode, the chase is on for a pair of men wanted for a non-fatal shooting, and it leads to a connection with a charismatic Trumpesque teacher who promises a ‘perfect tomorrow’. I’ll not delve deeper into the plot for fear of spoiling it for future readers.
It all starts up pretty well as in addition to the hunt for the two men, we are tempted with the carry over mystery surrounding the death of of Shaw’s father. But I found that the whole thing then got bogged down in a mid-section that felt both laborious and strangely predictable. The last section of the book re-introduced an element of interest, but by then, the body of this story had been told, and all that remained was what amounted to an advert for book three.
Will I come back for the next book? I just might. Disappointed as I was in this one, I do like Colter Shaw, and I am intrigued by the ongoing mystery element. I can forgive Deaver an ‘off’ novel because I know he usually delivers. But this book warrants only three stars, I’m afraid.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
It's always a treat to see a new series from a favorite author, and I absolutely loved The Never Game, which launched this one last year. I loved this - the second - as well, albeit not quite as much, but the reason is nothing more than a personal peccadillo; the primary setting isn't, shall we say, a favorite of mine. That said, you can bet your mother's G.I. boots I'll be waiting eagerly to see what's next for self-described "reward-seeker" Colter Shaw.
As he sets out to find two young male runaways who reportedly committed serious hate crimes, he learns that the local police are on the trail as well, but with a difference: Unlike Shaw, they have no intention of capturing them alive. That doesn't sit well with Shaw, and when he and the cops find the boys, he starts to take preventive action. But suddenly, he and the cops are flummoxed when one of the boys does something unthinkable. Shaw manages to get the other boy out of harm's way, in the process learning that his cohort may have been under the influence of a cult. Home-grown survivalist and realist that he is, Shaw sets out to learn more.
As all this is transpiring, Shaw's mind remains on finding out what his late father - whose death may have been helped along by unsavory characters - was working on that seems to be connected to the growing drug trade. But most of the story's action takes place on the grounds of the Osiris Foundation, the public name for a highly secretive organization that claims to help people who are carrying around a ton of emotional baggage (a "cure" that comes with two very high price tags).
It is the nitty-gritty of that operation and Shaw's personal investigation thereof that keeps the pace moving quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat much of the way through. I also got more insights into where the quirky Shaw is coming from. In that regard, had I not read the first book, I'm pretty sure I'd have had no trouble relating to this one. Still, IMHO it's always a good idea to start any series as close to the beginning as possible - and in this case that's not very hard to do. Both are definitely worth reading, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read advance copies of both.
As he sets out to find two young male runaways who reportedly committed serious hate crimes, he learns that the local police are on the trail as well, but with a difference: Unlike Shaw, they have no intention of capturing them alive. That doesn't sit well with Shaw, and when he and the cops find the boys, he starts to take preventive action. But suddenly, he and the cops are flummoxed when one of the boys does something unthinkable. Shaw manages to get the other boy out of harm's way, in the process learning that his cohort may have been under the influence of a cult. Home-grown survivalist and realist that he is, Shaw sets out to learn more.
As all this is transpiring, Shaw's mind remains on finding out what his late father - whose death may have been helped along by unsavory characters - was working on that seems to be connected to the growing drug trade. But most of the story's action takes place on the grounds of the Osiris Foundation, the public name for a highly secretive organization that claims to help people who are carrying around a ton of emotional baggage (a "cure" that comes with two very high price tags).
It is the nitty-gritty of that operation and Shaw's personal investigation thereof that keeps the pace moving quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat much of the way through. I also got more insights into where the quirky Shaw is coming from. In that regard, had I not read the first book, I'm pretty sure I'd have had no trouble relating to this one. Still, IMHO it's always a good idea to start any series as close to the beginning as possible - and in this case that's not very hard to do. Both are definitely worth reading, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read advance copies of both.
May 15, 2020
The Goodbye Man is the latest gripping and exhilarating thriller by bestselling author Jeffery Deaver. In this twisty danger-filled story, the second in the Colter Shaw series, by bestselling master of suspense Jeffery Deaver, reward-seeker Colter infiltrates a sinister cult after learning that the only way to get somebody out...is to go in. In the wilderness of Washington State, expert tracker Colter Shaw has located two young men accused of a terrible hate crime. But when his pursuit takes a shocking and tragic turn, Shaw becomes desperate to discover what went so horribly wrong and if he is to blame. Shaw’s search for answers leads him to a shadowy organization that bills itself as a grief support group. But is it truly a community that consoles the bereaved? Or a dangerous cult with a growing body count? Undercover, Shaw joins the mysterious group, risking everything despite the fact that no reward is on offer. He soon finds that some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden...and to make sure that he or those close to him say “goodbye” forever.
This is a compulsive and addictive read just as we've come to expect from Deaver with all the action and reveals you could ever ask for; in fact, there's never a dull moment as Colter tries to bring down the nefarious organisation seemingly up to no good. Told from Colter's perspective we are taken on a journey into the cult he is investigating and Deaver discusses the indoctrination and modus operandi at the very heart of most cult-like organisations. There is a creeping sense of unease for the entirety of the story and the oppressive atmosphere can be felt as it leaps off the pages. Colter Shaw is a superb creation and a fascinating protagonist who I can relate to in the sense that he can be rather cynical and sceptical about everything he is told. The denouement sets up for the next book perfectly and has you yearning for it already. I just hope it isn't too long of a wait. A fast-paced, entertaining and impossible to put down thriller, this is a must-read page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
This is a compulsive and addictive read just as we've come to expect from Deaver with all the action and reveals you could ever ask for; in fact, there's never a dull moment as Colter tries to bring down the nefarious organisation seemingly up to no good. Told from Colter's perspective we are taken on a journey into the cult he is investigating and Deaver discusses the indoctrination and modus operandi at the very heart of most cult-like organisations. There is a creeping sense of unease for the entirety of the story and the oppressive atmosphere can be felt as it leaps off the pages. Colter Shaw is a superb creation and a fascinating protagonist who I can relate to in the sense that he can be rather cynical and sceptical about everything he is told. The denouement sets up for the next book perfectly and has you yearning for it already. I just hope it isn't too long of a wait. A fast-paced, entertaining and impossible to put down thriller, this is a must-read page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
January 10, 2024
Book 2 in a series I've started following. Another very good story that will be continued into third book. There is a new TV show coming to CBS based on this book. That is what started my interest although I have read Jeffery Deaver before and always enjoyed him. The new show is called Tracker and this is a story about a young man who finds people for the reward. There is also a side story regarding some information his father left for him before he died and he's trying to follow this up also. Looking forward to reading book #3. Definitely recommend.
August 13, 2021
Colter Shaw, the enigmatic, survivalist, independent and dogmatic protagonist of the series returns for a very good instalment in the series by Deaver.
I really enjoy the uniqueness Shaw brings to the masterful and intriguing plot. Master Eli operates the Osiris Retreat, a deadly cult manipulating those who are vulnerable and emotionally devastated.
The second book ends with a definite hint that the family mystery at Echo Ridge is getting closer to being unravelled and a clear ending could be coming. Looking forward to book #3.
I really enjoy the uniqueness Shaw brings to the masterful and intriguing plot. Master Eli operates the Osiris Retreat, a deadly cult manipulating those who are vulnerable and emotionally devastated.
The second book ends with a definite hint that the family mystery at Echo Ridge is getting closer to being unravelled and a clear ending could be coming. Looking forward to book #3.
February 13, 2021
This is the second book in the Colter Shaw series by author Jeffery Deaver and I enjoyed it so much more than the first book. I enjoy the character Colter Shaw but the plot in the first book was not to my liking but this one was significantly better.
Colter Shaw is in pursuit of two young men accused of terrible hate crimes when he stumbles upon a clue to another mystery. In an effort to save the life of a young woman he travels to the wilderness of Washington State to investigate a mysterious organisation. He has to decide whether it is a community that consoles the bereaved or a dangerous cult under the sway of a captivating leader. It all promises to be a dangerous job for Colter Shaw and as he peels back the layers of truth he discovers that some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
Exiting plot, great characters and written by Jeffery Deaver, how can it fail to be a success.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Colter Shaw is in pursuit of two young men accused of terrible hate crimes when he stumbles upon a clue to another mystery. In an effort to save the life of a young woman he travels to the wilderness of Washington State to investigate a mysterious organisation. He has to decide whether it is a community that consoles the bereaved or a dangerous cult under the sway of a captivating leader. It all promises to be a dangerous job for Colter Shaw and as he peels back the layers of truth he discovers that some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
Exiting plot, great characters and written by Jeffery Deaver, how can it fail to be a success.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2020
Lincoln Rhyme, Location Scout, Kathryn Dance--all of Jeffery Deaver's principal characters are fascinating, and Colter Shaw is no exception. We first met him in The Never Game and The Goodbye Man is equally impressive. Shaw is a reward seeker who specialises in finding missing persons, and in the course of his current case he uncovers a link to a dubious cult, which he must infiltrate to protect innocent dupes. A very enjoyable read.
June 3, 2020
Not as good as first one.
June 2, 2022
A solid 3.5. A new series with Colter Shaw the main character a bounty hunter who seeks people for rewards. Deaver is great in leading you to what appears to be an ending and then a twist. The ultimate cliff hanger ending and then escape.
Colter watches a young man die for no reason and finds himself going undercover into the Osiris cult of foundation. Their charismatic leader Eli is preaching a form of immortality. He is of course a sociopath, narcissistic and crook.
Intertwined in the story is his fathers death and obsession with a secret that has conspiracy surrounding it. Eli and his evil henchman Hugh are able to escape the compound when it all turns to toast. However, Colter is on their trail.
I enjoyed the book and although formulaic Deaver I must say kept my attention and I look forward to the next one.
Colter watches a young man die for no reason and finds himself going undercover into the Osiris cult of foundation. Their charismatic leader Eli is preaching a form of immortality. He is of course a sociopath, narcissistic and crook.
Intertwined in the story is his fathers death and obsession with a secret that has conspiracy surrounding it. Eli and his evil henchman Hugh are able to escape the compound when it all turns to toast. However, Colter is on their trail.
I enjoyed the book and although formulaic Deaver I must say kept my attention and I look forward to the next one.
November 9, 2020
3.5★s
The Goodbye Man is the second book in the Colter Shaw series by American author, Jeffery Deaver. In Washington State to track down a pair accused of hate crimes, Colter Shaw easily outsmarts his trigger-happy rival, some similarly-minded law enforcement officers and finds the young men on an isolated road near Snoqualmie Gap. As he disarms and secures them, one escapes and unexpectedly suicides.
He understands they were en route to a retreat, the Osiris Foundation, and what he observes as representatives arrive at the location of the death set his internal alarm bells ringing. Following some research and a bit of inventive online profile creation, Carter Skye pays the fee and registers for a three-week stay in their secluded enclave.
Shaw is alert for any scent of the Foundation being a cult but, despite seeing an undercover reporter assaulted and banished, he’s not entirely convinced the whole deal isn’t fairly benign. But within days, what he witnesses has him concerned for the safety of fellow attendees. And when he fails to prevent an outspoken young man from being murdered, the stakes get higher.
But what can one man, with no phone and no weapons, in an isolated compound with high security, do? Unless, of course, he has been brought up by a paranoid survivalist, that is. Unless he’s Colter Shaw.
While much of the cult-related material is interesting and believable, and quite a few aspects of the cult leader will likely remind readers of a certain recently-deposed president, some suspension of disbelief at Shaw’s abilities and activities will be needed. The story drags on for rather too long, and the unresolved issues from book one (the story behind Ashton Shaw’s death, Margot Keller, Russell Shaw) are only touched upon in the final forty pages. Perhaps they will be addressed in the next book, for those who can be bothered reading on.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia.
The Goodbye Man is the second book in the Colter Shaw series by American author, Jeffery Deaver. In Washington State to track down a pair accused of hate crimes, Colter Shaw easily outsmarts his trigger-happy rival, some similarly-minded law enforcement officers and finds the young men on an isolated road near Snoqualmie Gap. As he disarms and secures them, one escapes and unexpectedly suicides.
He understands they were en route to a retreat, the Osiris Foundation, and what he observes as representatives arrive at the location of the death set his internal alarm bells ringing. Following some research and a bit of inventive online profile creation, Carter Skye pays the fee and registers for a three-week stay in their secluded enclave.
Shaw is alert for any scent of the Foundation being a cult but, despite seeing an undercover reporter assaulted and banished, he’s not entirely convinced the whole deal isn’t fairly benign. But within days, what he witnesses has him concerned for the safety of fellow attendees. And when he fails to prevent an outspoken young man from being murdered, the stakes get higher.
But what can one man, with no phone and no weapons, in an isolated compound with high security, do? Unless, of course, he has been brought up by a paranoid survivalist, that is. Unless he’s Colter Shaw.
While much of the cult-related material is interesting and believable, and quite a few aspects of the cult leader will likely remind readers of a certain recently-deposed president, some suspension of disbelief at Shaw’s abilities and activities will be needed. The story drags on for rather too long, and the unresolved issues from book one (the story behind Ashton Shaw’s death, Margot Keller, Russell Shaw) are only touched upon in the final forty pages. Perhaps they will be addressed in the next book, for those who can be bothered reading on.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia.
April 3, 2021
This is book #2 in Deaver’s Colter Shaw series. I didn’t like the first one.
I have not warmed up to Colter Shaw. He’s an ok guy nothing wrong with him, nothing special either. He is no Lincoln Rhyme that’s for sure!
Colter is just not that interesting.
The reason he decides to infiltrate the cult is flimsy and I did not enjoy the whole cult experience. It was just creepy as all cults are.
Colter being able to make a perfectly workable weapon, a club, out of a stone and some tree branches stretched credulity.
After the whole cult drama – the latter part of the book - Colter continues the search for his father’s ‘treasure’.
I thought this book would never end.
It was barely readable.
I have not warmed up to Colter Shaw. He’s an ok guy nothing wrong with him, nothing special either. He is no Lincoln Rhyme that’s for sure!
Colter is just not that interesting.
The reason he decides to infiltrate the cult is flimsy and I did not enjoy the whole cult experience. It was just creepy as all cults are.
Colter being able to make a perfectly workable weapon, a club, out of a stone and some tree branches stretched credulity.
After the whole cult drama – the latter part of the book - Colter continues the search for his father’s ‘treasure’.
I thought this book would never end.
It was barely readable.
August 27, 2022
This is book two of Jeffery Deavers' Colter Shaw series and to be honest the book is rather bland. It hero is sympathetic and a good guy, his cause finding out about a cult that is deadly for its members. He goes undercover to find out everything.
The book also has a 2nd storyline that makes the whole prime storyline less urgent. For me the whole book was meandering towards its conclusion. Deavers' speciality the twist in the story is largely absent and the book ends.
While I admire this writer a lot for his writing skills this book left me cold. The Lincoln Rhyme and Catherine Dance books have more of a kick in my humble opinion.
Still any book written by Jeffery Deaver is certainly well worth to be read.
The book also has a 2nd storyline that makes the whole prime storyline less urgent. For me the whole book was meandering towards its conclusion. Deavers' speciality the twist in the story is largely absent and the book ends.
While I admire this writer a lot for his writing skills this book left me cold. The Lincoln Rhyme and Catherine Dance books have more of a kick in my humble opinion.
Still any book written by Jeffery Deaver is certainly well worth to be read.
August 14, 2020
I like this author and I liked this book. This was fun. I liked the MC. He was a little too perfect but I still liked him.
I liked the twists in the story, but there were some that completely left the realm of reality. So a few times, it didn't really work for me. Overall all though, I still liked this one....so 4 stars.
I liked the twists in the story, but there were some that completely left the realm of reality. So a few times, it didn't really work for me. Overall all though, I still liked this one....so 4 stars.
October 18, 2020
This is the author’s second book to feature professional reward-seeker, Colter Shaw; a follow-up to the excellent The Never Game. Although Colter is still determined to locate his missing brother Russell and discover the truth about the death of his father Ashton, he decides to take of the case of two fugitive young men in Washington state. Adam Harper and Erick Young are accused of setting a church on fire and injuring a janitor and lay preacher and Colter is working for a small fee offered by Erick’s parents to locate their son. At the same time, he is trying to outwit an unscrupulous bounty hunter called Dalton Crowe.
It soon becomes apparent to Colter that neither of the fugitives is the racist neo-Nazi type as first portrayed, but both are somehow connected to a mysterious cult located near Mount Ranier called The Osiris Foundation.
After cleverly outwitting both Crowe and some local cops, Colter manages to locate Adam and Erick. Later on he infiltrates the Foundation’s base posing as a forestry worker.
As with all Jeffery Deaver novels, this one has plenty of out-of-the-blue plot twists and turns. I’ve been reading his novels for about 25 years and am always taken by surprise.
I suppose the cult theme has been somewhat overdone recently. Probably, the Midsommar effect; the Foundation’s compound – a grassy flat plain surrounded on three sides by wooded mountains does resemble the one in that film; even some of the unwholesome beliefs and rituals are similar. Having said that, I’ve never read a Deaver novel which is less than enjoyable and this one is no exception.
It soon becomes apparent to Colter that neither of the fugitives is the racist neo-Nazi type as first portrayed, but both are somehow connected to a mysterious cult located near Mount Ranier called The Osiris Foundation.
After cleverly outwitting both Crowe and some local cops, Colter manages to locate Adam and Erick. Later on he infiltrates the Foundation’s base posing as a forestry worker.
As with all Jeffery Deaver novels, this one has plenty of out-of-the-blue plot twists and turns. I’ve been reading his novels for about 25 years and am always taken by surprise.
I suppose the cult theme has been somewhat overdone recently. Probably, the Midsommar effect; the Foundation’s compound – a grassy flat plain surrounded on three sides by wooded mountains does resemble the one in that film; even some of the unwholesome beliefs and rituals are similar. Having said that, I’ve never read a Deaver novel which is less than enjoyable and this one is no exception.
June 23, 2020
Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Galley for the chance to read the e-Arc of this book. I absolutely loved it. I was hooked right from the start. I had read the previous book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed that too.
However you don't need to have any other books in the series to enjoy this one as no background knowledge of the character is necessary but it might improve your enjoyment a little. Its only the second book I have read by this author but will definitely be looking at his back catalogue.
Jeffrey Deaver has a way of pulling you right into the middle of his stories. It has a very different theme to the last book in the series, (about the gaming community) and this one involves a cult. Shaw is a reward seeker who specialises in finding missing people, During his current case he uncovers a link to an extreme cult. I don't want give anything away but hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
My only disappointment is that I probably have to wait at least a year to read the next book in the series about Colter Shaw.
I highly recommend this exciting and high intensity novel.
However you don't need to have any other books in the series to enjoy this one as no background knowledge of the character is necessary but it might improve your enjoyment a little. Its only the second book I have read by this author but will definitely be looking at his back catalogue.
Jeffrey Deaver has a way of pulling you right into the middle of his stories. It has a very different theme to the last book in the series, (about the gaming community) and this one involves a cult. Shaw is a reward seeker who specialises in finding missing people, During his current case he uncovers a link to an extreme cult. I don't want give anything away but hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
My only disappointment is that I probably have to wait at least a year to read the next book in the series about Colter Shaw.
I highly recommend this exciting and high intensity novel.
November 26, 2022
This one was interesting - it was a bit about cults and how they work. Reminded me a little of a certain politician. But this one was sort of a religious type of cult. The leaders didn't mind killing people that posed a threat to their scam.
Even after the cult was all broken up, the story continued a bit, revisiting the ongoing story of Shaw's father's death and mission. I think this might have been to encourage the reader to continue on to the next book, and it worked with me.
The only downside to Shaw is he sometimes seems to be too smart, so just when you think he's done for, you find out he planned for it. But it's a fun read.
Even after the cult was all broken up, the story continued a bit, revisiting the ongoing story of Shaw's father's death and mission. I think this might have been to encourage the reader to continue on to the next book, and it worked with me.
The only downside to Shaw is he sometimes seems to be too smart, so just when you think he's done for, you find out he planned for it. But it's a fun read.
August 6, 2020
This book was hard to break from yesterday, but other duties called. It has such a compelling story it is probably better enjoyed in one sitting as there are many pieces to the puzzles that make up Colter Shaw's life and actions. He is the sort of strong male character that sometimes seems hard to believe, but it's rather entertaining to go along for the ride. So far he has proven to be indestructible and we can only hope he continues winning. The physical feats, survivalist skills and general smarts make for quite the appealing package.
This outing starts simply enough investigating what may have happened to a young man but it leads to a cult that is more than dangerous. This is a very good action filled novel.
Purchased Kindle
This outing starts simply enough investigating what may have happened to a young man but it leads to a cult that is more than dangerous. This is a very good action filled novel.
Purchased Kindle
April 21, 2020
I’m getting a kick out of this series.
I like Colter Shaw and his habit of quantifying everything into risk percentages. I also like the way he makes his living.
He also keeps trying to be Batman and he’s very, very bad at it. He’s such a ‘fish out of water’ character and I’m really not sure if it frustrates me more or amuses me more…but it sure does entertain me.
In this book, he ends up looking into a very dangerous organization. And, as usual, he does it kind of…badly. Every time he tries a bit of subterfuge he a) gets caught at it and b) then spills everything he knows to whoever catches him out. And I just…shake my head and go along for the ride.
I end up loving him and just about all the characters and find myself reading breathlessly until the end.
I’m totally reading the next book. And Colter Shaw will get himself into some impossible situation and he’ll probably blow it and I’ll still read and enjoy the heck out of it.
This is fun.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
I like Colter Shaw and his habit of quantifying everything into risk percentages. I also like the way he makes his living.
He also keeps trying to be Batman and he’s very, very bad at it. He’s such a ‘fish out of water’ character and I’m really not sure if it frustrates me more or amuses me more…but it sure does entertain me.
In this book, he ends up looking into a very dangerous organization. And, as usual, he does it kind of…badly. Every time he tries a bit of subterfuge he a) gets caught at it and b) then spills everything he knows to whoever catches him out. And I just…shake my head and go along for the ride.
I end up loving him and just about all the characters and find myself reading breathlessly until the end.
I’m totally reading the next book. And Colter Shaw will get himself into some impossible situation and he’ll probably blow it and I’ll still read and enjoy the heck out of it.
This is fun.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
May 15, 2021
Colter Shaw is on the hunt to find two boys for a huge reward. However, when he finally find the two boys, one of them jumps off the cliff. This shocking suicide stunned Colter Shaw. He decides to investigate this suicide. His investigation leads him to an organization, called The Osiris Foundation. Soon he finds himself knee deep in a cult.
My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable thriller! Colter Shaw was such an interesting character. He seems to be a rough and tough guy but is actually good at heart and cares about others. However, I personally don't like cult books. As this entire plot is about the cult or the Foundation, I wasn't able to get invested in the story. It's just a personal taste and I'm sure you might enjoy this book more than me. Also, I thought this book was quite slow paced.
Overall I enjoyed this thriller but wasn't a favorite. It was a good thriller with a good plot and some action. The ending of the book is quite great too. I will definitely pick the next book up. I'd definitely recommend this book!!
My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable thriller! Colter Shaw was such an interesting character. He seems to be a rough and tough guy but is actually good at heart and cares about others. However, I personally don't like cult books. As this entire plot is about the cult or the Foundation, I wasn't able to get invested in the story. It's just a personal taste and I'm sure you might enjoy this book more than me. Also, I thought this book was quite slow paced.
Overall I enjoyed this thriller but wasn't a favorite. It was a good thriller with a good plot and some action. The ending of the book is quite great too. I will definitely pick the next book up. I'd definitely recommend this book!!
June 24, 2020
As a long standing fan of Deaver, I am very sad to say that this is the worst of his books. I thought his first Colter Shaw Book 'The Never Game' was quite good but this one fell far short of the mark. I must say that Shaw is not one of my favourite Deaver protagonists. The book started out OK but when he went into the cult t just didn't work at all for me and the further into the book the more unbelievable and ridiculous it got. Unfortunately the side story relating to Colter's father wasn't managed well either. Quids on that the man in his 30's seen going into that house recently is the brother! Disappointing but Deaver has been really good so many times in his books that I will be back for the next one.
February 10, 2021
Two young men👦🧒 are accused of burning a Cross ✝️ on the grounds of a Church ⛪. While investigating their crazed neo-nazi ideologies, Colter Shaw ( a Bounty Hunter) stumbles upon the existence of a Cult which promises Immortality to its followers😵! He infiltrates the Cult under a false identity to but will he succeed? Please read my detailed review from here https://rb.gy/xcl2fr
Do Visit 🏃🏽♂️, Read 📖, Like 👍 and Comment 💭
That's what keeps me going! 🙏🙏
Do Visit 🏃🏽♂️, Read 📖, Like 👍 and Comment 💭
That's what keeps me going! 🙏🙏
May 13, 2020
DNF... 1/2 way through and there is nothing about this that doesn't make me want to continue only scrape it out of my brain. This is a huge disappointment and I don't understand the reviews for this one.
July 2, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book it’s fast past reading and the series could become as good or better than his Lincoln Ryme books I definitely recommend this
May 29, 2020
7/10
An enjoyable but not quite great action/thriller and Jeffery Deaver's new(ish) character, Colter Shaw, who is growing on me. There is plenty to enjoy here and anyone who has read any previous books by Deaver should expect his usual style and fast writing with unexpected twists from everywhere.
This outing takes Colter Shaw on a journey to hunt down some young men which leads him eventually to a cult organisation with a messiah like leader. I don't know a great deal about cult's but this felt quite accurate in how easy people can be brainwashed and turned from the truth (look at today's politics as an example) with simple distractions and leaps of misguided faith. Shaw is the reasoning voice hidden among this setting and he's up against some "interesting" characters.
Whilst I enjoyed it, this book didn't quite live up to the first one in the series but it did have a lot of the hallmarks to keep it enjoyable. This sort of book is easy to pick up and read through which is pretty ideal at this time. I hope that there are more stories of Colter Shaw in the pipeline.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy for review
An enjoyable but not quite great action/thriller and Jeffery Deaver's new(ish) character, Colter Shaw, who is growing on me. There is plenty to enjoy here and anyone who has read any previous books by Deaver should expect his usual style and fast writing with unexpected twists from everywhere.
This outing takes Colter Shaw on a journey to hunt down some young men which leads him eventually to a cult organisation with a messiah like leader. I don't know a great deal about cult's but this felt quite accurate in how easy people can be brainwashed and turned from the truth (look at today's politics as an example) with simple distractions and leaps of misguided faith. Shaw is the reasoning voice hidden among this setting and he's up against some "interesting" characters.
Whilst I enjoyed it, this book didn't quite live up to the first one in the series but it did have a lot of the hallmarks to keep it enjoyable. This sort of book is easy to pick up and read through which is pretty ideal at this time. I hope that there are more stories of Colter Shaw in the pipeline.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy for review
June 2, 2020
If I can’t finish a book because it doesn’t interest me, I have no choice but to rate it one measly star.
Jeffery Deaver used to be a favorite of mine. His police procedurals featuring Lincoln Rhyme were well written , high on great dialogue and filled with characters that jumped off the page.
His latest series, with Colter Shaw as the hero, does none of these things. The characters are vapid and predictable with no development as believable human beings.
This particular book is plot driven. I was unable to identify or connect with any given character. The story centers around a cult and unusual deaths. Enter superhero Shaw ( with no particular qualifications except being raised by a survivalist) to save the day. Sorry, I just couldn’t buy into it.
So many good books to read. So little time to read them. Why would talented Jeffery Deaver resort to writing drivel?
Jeffery Deaver used to be a favorite of mine. His police procedurals featuring Lincoln Rhyme were well written , high on great dialogue and filled with characters that jumped off the page.
His latest series, with Colter Shaw as the hero, does none of these things. The characters are vapid and predictable with no development as believable human beings.
This particular book is plot driven. I was unable to identify or connect with any given character. The story centers around a cult and unusual deaths. Enter superhero Shaw ( with no particular qualifications except being raised by a survivalist) to save the day. Sorry, I just couldn’t buy into it.
So many good books to read. So little time to read them. Why would talented Jeffery Deaver resort to writing drivel?
April 21, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I found it engaging and a pretty fast read. I assume that the main character was in at least one prior novel based on the information contained in this book, but there was sufficient background for this to be a stand alone novel. The storyline revolves around a cult for those who are interested in those types of books. The ending is set up for a sequel book involving the main character's late father.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
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