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Riley Wolfe #3
Three-Edged Sword
Wickedly funny. Wildly twisty. The new book from the master of the heist novel.
"A super-thief who leaves no trace."--Andy Garcia
"An anti-hero for our times."--Sarah Dunn
"A can't-miss master."--David Baldacci
Super thief Riley Wolfe can do it all. He is a master of disguise, can scale a wall, and can vanish into thin air (thick air, too). He uses these unique talents to rob the richest. But this time, it's the most powerful who have him in their grips.
ONE MADMAN. TWO HOSTAGES.
It's not just that the high-up, rogue government agent has abducted the only two people Riley loves: it's the fact that Riley has to do the man's dirty work to set them free. It's something Riley ordinarily would find a modest day's work, infiltrating a madman's Soviet missile silo in one of the world's most remote places, all to find a secret on a tiny flash drive--but he's never had to race the clock like this.
SOMETIMES TRUTH CAN BE A THREE-EDGED SWORD.
From its vivid, remote locales to its John Wick-meets-Deadpool dialogue, this gripping heist novel from Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter series, is everything: an utterly escapist, must-read novel of espionage, thievery, love and betrayal. It twists, it turns, and keeps everything on the line until the very end. Even for Riley, it looks like this time, the only way out is through.
"A super-thief who leaves no trace."--Andy Garcia
"An anti-hero for our times."--Sarah Dunn
"A can't-miss master."--David Baldacci
Super thief Riley Wolfe can do it all. He is a master of disguise, can scale a wall, and can vanish into thin air (thick air, too). He uses these unique talents to rob the richest. But this time, it's the most powerful who have him in their grips.
ONE MADMAN. TWO HOSTAGES.
It's not just that the high-up, rogue government agent has abducted the only two people Riley loves: it's the fact that Riley has to do the man's dirty work to set them free. It's something Riley ordinarily would find a modest day's work, infiltrating a madman's Soviet missile silo in one of the world's most remote places, all to find a secret on a tiny flash drive--but he's never had to race the clock like this.
SOMETIMES TRUTH CAN BE A THREE-EDGED SWORD.
From its vivid, remote locales to its John Wick-meets-Deadpool dialogue, this gripping heist novel from Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter series, is everything: an utterly escapist, must-read novel of espionage, thievery, love and betrayal. It twists, it turns, and keeps everything on the line until the very end. Even for Riley, it looks like this time, the only way out is through.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2022
53 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Lindsay
79 books4,320 followersJeff Lindsay lives in Florida with his wife, author Hilary Hemingway, daughter of Leicester Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's brother.
Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 1, 2023
If you enjoy crime thrillers with humor, a twisty plot, and a protagonist who is a thief and a master of disguise, then look no further than
Three-Edged Sword
by Jeff Lindsay. This is the third book in the Riley Wolfe series. Riley uses his abilities to rob the richest. However, this time a rogue government agent has abducted the only two people Riley loves. If he doesn’t do what is requested, then there will be severe consequences. He must infiltrate a missile silo, enter a vault, and steal a flash drive within a limited amount of time.
The characterization is excellent. Riley lacks the qualities of many conventional heroes and is flawed. While his morals aren’t the typical ones we would associate with a protagonist, he is courageous, adept at disguise, and truly cares for the two people being held hostage. He doesn’t trust others easily, typically works alone, and needs risk in his life. But is this task the one that breaks him? Several of the secondary characters gained depth in this book as secrets are revealed and events occur. Readers of the series will have met some of the secondary characters, but there’s also a few new ones to keep the story fresh and interesting.
An exciting plot, some over-the-top action scenes, excellent character development, and descriptive settings made this an enjoyable read. The settings ranged from Botswana to South Africa to Lithuania to Germany to various locations in the United States with the majority set on an island in Lithuania. The world-building was excellent making it easy to visualize everywhere Riley went. While most of the story is from Riley’s point of view, there are chapters from the points of view of other characters. This did slow the pacing at times, but kept readers up-to-date on what was happening to other characters.
The author’s writing style hooked me quickly and drew me into this exciting and suspenseful tale. The conflict and unexpected twists kept me turning the pages. There is an unsettling and disturbing scene near the end. Several themes run through the story including theft, patriotism, love, friendship, death, threats, and how people are treated and how that can affect their actions.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining thriller with some humor to break the suspense occasionally. This series is best read in order as there is a small spoiler in this one for previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.73 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The characterization is excellent. Riley lacks the qualities of many conventional heroes and is flawed. While his morals aren’t the typical ones we would associate with a protagonist, he is courageous, adept at disguise, and truly cares for the two people being held hostage. He doesn’t trust others easily, typically works alone, and needs risk in his life. But is this task the one that breaks him? Several of the secondary characters gained depth in this book as secrets are revealed and events occur. Readers of the series will have met some of the secondary characters, but there’s also a few new ones to keep the story fresh and interesting.
An exciting plot, some over-the-top action scenes, excellent character development, and descriptive settings made this an enjoyable read. The settings ranged from Botswana to South Africa to Lithuania to Germany to various locations in the United States with the majority set on an island in Lithuania. The world-building was excellent making it easy to visualize everywhere Riley went. While most of the story is from Riley’s point of view, there are chapters from the points of view of other characters. This did slow the pacing at times, but kept readers up-to-date on what was happening to other characters.
The author’s writing style hooked me quickly and drew me into this exciting and suspenseful tale. The conflict and unexpected twists kept me turning the pages. There is an unsettling and disturbing scene near the end. Several themes run through the story including theft, patriotism, love, friendship, death, threats, and how people are treated and how that can affect their actions.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining thriller with some humor to break the suspense occasionally. This series is best read in order as there is a small spoiler in this one for previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.73 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
January 7, 2023
Every time I think of author Jeff Lindsay I cannot help myself from fondly recalling his outstanding Dexter Morgan series --- impetus for the long-running cable series --- and hoping he will one day return. Even though the last novel in that series was entitled DEXTER IS DEAD, one can still dream.
Lindsay, as authors with uber-successful fictional characters often do, moved on from Dexter and started a new series featuring super thief Riley Wolfe. While the first few titles in that series were both solid reads, I still missed my demented serial-killer blood pattern specialist. That is, until this new novel --- THREE-EDGED SWORD. Lindsay pulls out all stops and creates not only the best story so far in the Riley Wolfe series but one of the finest and most entertaining novels he has ever written, period!
The prologue takes us directly into the diamond trade in Botswana. An interesting place to start, but the reason for this location is that the ably disguised Riley Wolfe is there to infiltrate the French Mining Company operating there for a big score. However, Riley will have the tables turned on him when he is not only caught but finds himself in the presence of a slick-looking silver-haired gentlemen who seems to have been expecting him.
Riley’s captor turns out to be a man named ‘Prescott’ and he has abducted Riley for the purpose of getting him to do a job for him. Rogue Government Agent Prescott wants Riley to infiltrate the middle eastern locale of a wealthy and insane entrepreneur by the name of Simon Ushakov. He is holed up in a place Riley refers to as ‘the Fortress of Solitude’ and it is there where Prescott has tasked Riley with brining back a bunch of Russian Orthodox icons of indeterminate value. If you want to know what Prescott is holding over Riley’s head it is the fact that both his mother and partner Monique are hospitalized, his mother in extremely bad healthy, and Prescott’s men will see to it that Riley never sees either of them again if he fails in this mission.
It is now up to our favorite super thief and master of disguise to pull off a new and highly believable personal that will get him not only inside Ushakov’s fortress but also allow him to reach the valuables that are constantly under lock and key to the highly militarized staff on property. Of particular interest to Prescott was a specific flash drive, more valuable to a political rogue then all the treasures hidden in Ushakov’s vault. Riley has something else in mind that will allow him to get the riches, flash drive, and secure the release of his loved ones. He gets help from an unexpected new colleague named Winston, who is more than happy to take down Prescott.
All the while, FBI Agent Frank Delgado --- now Special Agent In Charge of the Feds Moscow bureau --- always has our boy Riley on his radar. The way that Riley’s master plan to take down both Ushakov and Prescott will need to involve not only his buddy Winston but also Agent Delgado. It’s a nice turn of events to see Riley doing something that supports his country while at the same time getting to use every ounce of cunning and guile he has to pull the caper of his life. THREE-EDGED SWORD is non-stop fun and a globe-trotting thrill ride that shows us both Jeff Lindsay and his creation, Riley Wolfe, at the top of their game. The description I provided may sound like any other heist thriller, but you would be greatly under-selling this novel with such a statement. Lindsay has created a thriller worthy of his best Dexter work and in the process given us a new anti-hero to eagerly await new adventures and exploits from. I know I will be there and hopefully anyone reading this will make a date with Riley Wolfe as well!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Lindsay, as authors with uber-successful fictional characters often do, moved on from Dexter and started a new series featuring super thief Riley Wolfe. While the first few titles in that series were both solid reads, I still missed my demented serial-killer blood pattern specialist. That is, until this new novel --- THREE-EDGED SWORD. Lindsay pulls out all stops and creates not only the best story so far in the Riley Wolfe series but one of the finest and most entertaining novels he has ever written, period!
The prologue takes us directly into the diamond trade in Botswana. An interesting place to start, but the reason for this location is that the ably disguised Riley Wolfe is there to infiltrate the French Mining Company operating there for a big score. However, Riley will have the tables turned on him when he is not only caught but finds himself in the presence of a slick-looking silver-haired gentlemen who seems to have been expecting him.
Riley’s captor turns out to be a man named ‘Prescott’ and he has abducted Riley for the purpose of getting him to do a job for him. Rogue Government Agent Prescott wants Riley to infiltrate the middle eastern locale of a wealthy and insane entrepreneur by the name of Simon Ushakov. He is holed up in a place Riley refers to as ‘the Fortress of Solitude’ and it is there where Prescott has tasked Riley with brining back a bunch of Russian Orthodox icons of indeterminate value. If you want to know what Prescott is holding over Riley’s head it is the fact that both his mother and partner Monique are hospitalized, his mother in extremely bad healthy, and Prescott’s men will see to it that Riley never sees either of them again if he fails in this mission.
It is now up to our favorite super thief and master of disguise to pull off a new and highly believable personal that will get him not only inside Ushakov’s fortress but also allow him to reach the valuables that are constantly under lock and key to the highly militarized staff on property. Of particular interest to Prescott was a specific flash drive, more valuable to a political rogue then all the treasures hidden in Ushakov’s vault. Riley has something else in mind that will allow him to get the riches, flash drive, and secure the release of his loved ones. He gets help from an unexpected new colleague named Winston, who is more than happy to take down Prescott.
All the while, FBI Agent Frank Delgado --- now Special Agent In Charge of the Feds Moscow bureau --- always has our boy Riley on his radar. The way that Riley’s master plan to take down both Ushakov and Prescott will need to involve not only his buddy Winston but also Agent Delgado. It’s a nice turn of events to see Riley doing something that supports his country while at the same time getting to use every ounce of cunning and guile he has to pull the caper of his life. THREE-EDGED SWORD is non-stop fun and a globe-trotting thrill ride that shows us both Jeff Lindsay and his creation, Riley Wolfe, at the top of their game. The description I provided may sound like any other heist thriller, but you would be greatly under-selling this novel with such a statement. Lindsay has created a thriller worthy of his best Dexter work and in the process given us a new anti-hero to eagerly await new adventures and exploits from. I know I will be there and hopefully anyone reading this will make a date with Riley Wolfe as well!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
February 4, 2023
This super-thief caper was entertaining, and quite the page-turner. A vast improvement over the 2nd in this series about Riley Wolfe, 30-something thief who always is looking for a challenge and something new to steal. This self-made thief is forced to get some top secret information to save both his mother and friend Monique, both in comas at the beginning of the story. Riley's acerbic asides and 1st POV peppers the chapters mixed with 3rd POV of the other CHs both foes and allies--but mostly foe. His arrogance can be annoying but he has earned his stripes with me. The meticulous planning of his capers add to timely detail, Tone and Pace, and buttresses the Plot points as the jeopardy increases and one challenge becomes another. Depth of CH is better than the previous 2 outings and his tough childhood, devotion to his mother is explained. He makes new enemies and dances once again with FBI Agent Frank Delgado. Lithuanian coast, Botswana and New York paint our background. The others were fun but needed some editing. Red Flags: Violence, torture. If you want a lighter Thomas Perry, or something darker than Evanovich's Fox and O'Hare series, or caper/heist stories like Westlake and Block, give this a try.
December 11, 2022
#FirstLine - PROLOGUE: Babloki Letsholo was not easily intimidated.
This book was fantastic! I loved it cover to cover! Clever, funny, intense and wildly entertaining!!! This quickly paced novel will have you burning through the pages. You will enjoy the dialogue and the characters, as well as the settings! A must read!
This book was fantastic! I loved it cover to cover! Clever, funny, intense and wildly entertaining!!! This quickly paced novel will have you burning through the pages. You will enjoy the dialogue and the characters, as well as the settings! A must read!
December 14, 2022
Three books in and I still have mixed feelings about this series.
I really enjoyed the second book in the Riley Wolfe series. The first one was good enough, and this one was probably my least favorite to date. For me, it’s a series whose success is predicated almost completely on quality of plot, because, well…I just don’t like Riley all that much.
His arrogance doesn’t have the charm with which some male leads pull off this kind of persona. It feels way too desperate and try hard and detracts from his very legitimate skills as a thief and master of disguise.
I’ve also struggled a lot with the fact that this series portrays principal female characters in only two ways: Faceless villain or helpless weakling. Monique, the only woman in the series ever granted even-GASP-a skilled role in helping Riley, spends this entire book either in a coma or recovering from one while telling herself “the man will rescue me” Sigh.
I’m not totally opposed to rescue by a proverbial knight in shining armor in fiction upon occasion, but not in a modern story where women are relegated to playing ONLY this role. There are only two women in Riley’s life, and they’re BOTH in a coma for most of this book.
It’s the kind of idiotic, ego jerking drivel that male authors often fall back on when writing female characters, and it’s disappointing because Lindsay’s work is otherwise pretty sharp.
The ending to this book also took a strange turn with which I’m not entirely thrilled. While I don’t blame Riley for the actions he took under the circumstances, it’s a pretty severe tone shift from the typical light-hearted action/heist content we expect from this series, and felt out of step with the general vibe of these books with its bleakness and grotesqueness.
All that said, the actual theft around which the story centers this time is cleverly plotted and entertaining. But it’s not quite enough this time to save a book that has a lot of flaws.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed the second book in the Riley Wolfe series. The first one was good enough, and this one was probably my least favorite to date. For me, it’s a series whose success is predicated almost completely on quality of plot, because, well…I just don’t like Riley all that much.
His arrogance doesn’t have the charm with which some male leads pull off this kind of persona. It feels way too desperate and try hard and detracts from his very legitimate skills as a thief and master of disguise.
I’ve also struggled a lot with the fact that this series portrays principal female characters in only two ways: Faceless villain or helpless weakling. Monique, the only woman in the series ever granted even-GASP-a skilled role in helping Riley, spends this entire book either in a coma or recovering from one while telling herself “the man will rescue me” Sigh.
I’m not totally opposed to rescue by a proverbial knight in shining armor in fiction upon occasion, but not in a modern story where women are relegated to playing ONLY this role. There are only two women in Riley’s life, and they’re BOTH in a coma for most of this book.
It’s the kind of idiotic, ego jerking drivel that male authors often fall back on when writing female characters, and it’s disappointing because Lindsay’s work is otherwise pretty sharp.
The ending to this book also took a strange turn with which I’m not entirely thrilled. While I don’t blame Riley for the actions he took under the circumstances, it’s a pretty severe tone shift from the typical light-hearted action/heist content we expect from this series, and felt out of step with the general vibe of these books with its bleakness and grotesqueness.
All that said, the actual theft around which the story centers this time is cleverly plotted and entertaining. But it’s not quite enough this time to save a book that has a lot of flaws.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 27, 2023
This is the first book I have read of the series.
Another “hero” Who has unlimited resources and access to the most gifted people at tech or anything else he needs. A similar “villain”.
It would be okay if it wasn’t for too many drawn out scenes that are unnecessary. He spends a page deciding what music to play while creating his plan.
Then the ending is gruesome followed by boring.
Other reviewers said the first books in the series are better but I doubt I will read them.
Another “hero” Who has unlimited resources and access to the most gifted people at tech or anything else he needs. A similar “villain”.
It would be okay if it wasn’t for too many drawn out scenes that are unnecessary. He spends a page deciding what music to play while creating his plan.
Then the ending is gruesome followed by boring.
Other reviewers said the first books in the series are better but I doubt I will read them.
January 8, 2023
Every time I think of Jeff Lindsay, I cannot help but fondly recall his outstanding Dexter Morgan thrillers --- which inspired the long-running Showtime series --- and hope that he will return one day. Even though DEXTER IS DEAD is the title of the last installment, one can still dream.
Lindsay has since started a new series featuring super thief and master of disguise Riley Wolfe. While JUST WATCH ME and FOOL ME TWICE were solid reads, I still missed my demented serial-killer blood pattern specialist. That is, until I read THREE-EDGED SWORD. Lindsay pulls out all the stops here and has created not only the best story in the Wolfe series so far, but one of his finest and most entertaining novels period.
The prologue takes us directly into the diamond trade in Botswana, which is an interesting place to start. Riley is there to infiltrate the French mining company operating there for a big score. But he will have the tables turned on him when he is caught and finds himself in the presence of a slick-looking silver-haired gentleman who seems to have been expecting him.
Riley’s captor is a rogue government agent named Chase Prescott, and he wants Riley to infiltrate the Middle Eastern locale of Simon Ushakov, a wealthy and insane entrepreneur. He is holed up in a place that Riley refers to as the Fortress of Solitude, and Prescott has tasked Riley with bringing back a number of Russian Orthodox icons of indeterminate value. Riley’s mother and his partner, Monique, are in the hospital, and Prescott’s men will make sure that Riley never sees them again if he fails in this mission.
It is now up to Riley to pull off a new and highly believable persona that not only will get him inside Ushakov’s fortress, but will allow him to reach the valuables that are constantly under lock and key to the highly militarized staff on the property. Of particular interest to Prescott is a specific flash drive, which is more valuable to a political rogue than all the treasures hidden in Ushakov’s vault. However, Riley has something else in mind that will allow him to get the riches and the flash drive while also securing the release of his loved ones. He gets help from an unexpected new colleague, Jeff Winston, who is more than happy to take down Prescott.
All the while, FBI agent Frank Delgado has Riley on his radar. Riley’s master plan to take down Ushakov and Prescott will require the involvement of both Winston and Delgado. It’s a nice turn of events to see Riley doing something that supports his country while at the same time getting to use every ounce of cunning and guile he has to pull off the caper of his life.
THREE-EDGED SWORD is non-stop fun and a globe-trotting thrill ride that shows Jeff Lindsay and Riley Wolfe at the top of their games. This may sound like just another heist thriller, but that would be greatly underselling it. Lindsay has penned a novel worthy of his best Dexter work and in the process has given us a new antihero whose adventures and exploits we eagerly await. I will be there, and hopefully those reading this review will make a date with Riley as well!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Lindsay has since started a new series featuring super thief and master of disguise Riley Wolfe. While JUST WATCH ME and FOOL ME TWICE were solid reads, I still missed my demented serial-killer blood pattern specialist. That is, until I read THREE-EDGED SWORD. Lindsay pulls out all the stops here and has created not only the best story in the Wolfe series so far, but one of his finest and most entertaining novels period.
The prologue takes us directly into the diamond trade in Botswana, which is an interesting place to start. Riley is there to infiltrate the French mining company operating there for a big score. But he will have the tables turned on him when he is caught and finds himself in the presence of a slick-looking silver-haired gentleman who seems to have been expecting him.
Riley’s captor is a rogue government agent named Chase Prescott, and he wants Riley to infiltrate the Middle Eastern locale of Simon Ushakov, a wealthy and insane entrepreneur. He is holed up in a place that Riley refers to as the Fortress of Solitude, and Prescott has tasked Riley with bringing back a number of Russian Orthodox icons of indeterminate value. Riley’s mother and his partner, Monique, are in the hospital, and Prescott’s men will make sure that Riley never sees them again if he fails in this mission.
It is now up to Riley to pull off a new and highly believable persona that not only will get him inside Ushakov’s fortress, but will allow him to reach the valuables that are constantly under lock and key to the highly militarized staff on the property. Of particular interest to Prescott is a specific flash drive, which is more valuable to a political rogue than all the treasures hidden in Ushakov’s vault. However, Riley has something else in mind that will allow him to get the riches and the flash drive while also securing the release of his loved ones. He gets help from an unexpected new colleague, Jeff Winston, who is more than happy to take down Prescott.
All the while, FBI agent Frank Delgado has Riley on his radar. Riley’s master plan to take down Ushakov and Prescott will require the involvement of both Winston and Delgado. It’s a nice turn of events to see Riley doing something that supports his country while at the same time getting to use every ounce of cunning and guile he has to pull off the caper of his life.
THREE-EDGED SWORD is non-stop fun and a globe-trotting thrill ride that shows Jeff Lindsay and Riley Wolfe at the top of their games. This may sound like just another heist thriller, but that would be greatly underselling it. Lindsay has penned a novel worthy of his best Dexter work and in the process has given us a new antihero whose adventures and exploits we eagerly await. I will be there, and hopefully those reading this review will make a date with Riley as well!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
June 10, 2024
“Three-Edged Sword” by Jeff Lindsay is an intriguing yet flawed addition to the thriller genre, marked by moments of sharp wit and suspense but hindered by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters.
The novel follows Riley Wolfe, a master thief and con artist, who is thrust into a high-stakes heist with life-or-death consequences. The premise is compelling, with the promise of elaborate schemes, clever twists, and a protagonist who operates on the edge of legality and morality. Lindsay’s talent for crafting intricate plots is evident, and the heist sequences are meticulously detailed and thrilling.
One of the strengths of “Three-Edged Sword” is its central character, Riley Wolfe. Lindsay creates a protagonist who is both charismatic and morally ambiguous, drawing readers into his world of deception and danger. Wolfe’s cunning and resourcefulness make him a captivating anti-hero, and his interactions with other characters often crackle with tension and dark humor.
However, the novel’s pacing is uneven, with sections that drag and others that rush through crucial plot points. The buildup to the heist is prolonged, filled with repetitive planning and dialogue that can feel tedious. Conversely, the execution of the heist and the ensuing action are sometimes too brisk, leaving little room for the suspense to fully develop.
The supporting characters in “Three-Edged Sword” lack the depth and complexity needed to complement Wolfe’s dynamic presence. Many of them are relegated to stereotypical roles or are insufficiently fleshed out, making it difficult for readers to become fully invested in their fates. This lack of character development diminishes the emotional impact of the story.
While Lindsay’s writing style is generally engaging, with moments of sharp wit and clever dialogue, it sometimes falls into predictable patterns. The twists and turns, though entertaining, can occasionally be seen coming, reducing their overall impact.
In conclusion, “Three-Edged Sword” by Jeff Lindsay offers a mixed bag of thrills and disappointments. The novel succeeds in creating a fascinating protagonist and delivering some genuinely exciting moments, but it is let down by uneven pacing and underdeveloped supporting characters. Fans of heist thrillers and morally complex anti-heroes may still find enjoyment in Wolfe’s escapades, but the book may leave others wanting more depth and consistency.
The novel follows Riley Wolfe, a master thief and con artist, who is thrust into a high-stakes heist with life-or-death consequences. The premise is compelling, with the promise of elaborate schemes, clever twists, and a protagonist who operates on the edge of legality and morality. Lindsay’s talent for crafting intricate plots is evident, and the heist sequences are meticulously detailed and thrilling.
One of the strengths of “Three-Edged Sword” is its central character, Riley Wolfe. Lindsay creates a protagonist who is both charismatic and morally ambiguous, drawing readers into his world of deception and danger. Wolfe’s cunning and resourcefulness make him a captivating anti-hero, and his interactions with other characters often crackle with tension and dark humor.
However, the novel’s pacing is uneven, with sections that drag and others that rush through crucial plot points. The buildup to the heist is prolonged, filled with repetitive planning and dialogue that can feel tedious. Conversely, the execution of the heist and the ensuing action are sometimes too brisk, leaving little room for the suspense to fully develop.
The supporting characters in “Three-Edged Sword” lack the depth and complexity needed to complement Wolfe’s dynamic presence. Many of them are relegated to stereotypical roles or are insufficiently fleshed out, making it difficult for readers to become fully invested in their fates. This lack of character development diminishes the emotional impact of the story.
While Lindsay’s writing style is generally engaging, with moments of sharp wit and clever dialogue, it sometimes falls into predictable patterns. The twists and turns, though entertaining, can occasionally be seen coming, reducing their overall impact.
In conclusion, “Three-Edged Sword” by Jeff Lindsay offers a mixed bag of thrills and disappointments. The novel succeeds in creating a fascinating protagonist and delivering some genuinely exciting moments, but it is let down by uneven pacing and underdeveloped supporting characters. Fans of heist thrillers and morally complex anti-heroes may still find enjoyment in Wolfe’s escapades, but the book may leave others wanting more depth and consistency.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
"Three-Edged Sword" is an exhilarating ride through the world of espionage, daring heists, and nail-biting suspense. In this captivating novel, author Jeff Lindsay takes readers on a wild journey alongside the enigmatic and skillful Riley Wolfe, a master of disguise and feats of incredible dexterity.
The story unfolds with a gripping premise: Riley Wolfe, the ultimate thief with a penchant for targeting the wealthy, finds himself caught in a high-stakes game where the tables have turned. The narrative takes an electrifying turn as Wolfe's loved ones are held captive, and he's coerced into a dangerous mission that goes far beyond his typical exploits. The tension escalates as he must navigate a web of intrigue, rogue government agents, and a race against time.
What sets this book apart is the sheer ingenuity of Riley Wolfe's character. The author crafts a unique and multi-dimensional protagonist who combines his unparalleled talents with a dash of audacity, making him a joy to follow through each twist and turn. From scaling walls to vanishing into thin air, Wolfe's skills are showcased with vivid detail that immerses readers in his world of calculated risks and heart-pounding escapades.
The dynamic between the characters, especially Wolfe and his captor, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The suspense is skillfully maintained as Wolfe faces off against the enigmatic antagonist, all while racing against the clock in a daring mission to uncover a vital secret hidden away in a remote Soviet missile silo.
Jeff Lindsay masterfully balances heart-stopping action with moments of introspection, giving readers a glimpse into Wolfe's motivations and internal struggles. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions transport readers to exotic locations and heart-pounding scenarios, making the book a visual and sensory treat.
In conclusion, "Three-Edged Sword" is a thrilling and well-crafted novel that combines elements of espionage, heist, and a race against time. The skillful character development, intense plot twists, and fast-paced action make it a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers. Prepare to be swept away by Riley Wolfe's daring feats and the high-stakes world he navigates with finesse.
The story unfolds with a gripping premise: Riley Wolfe, the ultimate thief with a penchant for targeting the wealthy, finds himself caught in a high-stakes game where the tables have turned. The narrative takes an electrifying turn as Wolfe's loved ones are held captive, and he's coerced into a dangerous mission that goes far beyond his typical exploits. The tension escalates as he must navigate a web of intrigue, rogue government agents, and a race against time.
What sets this book apart is the sheer ingenuity of Riley Wolfe's character. The author crafts a unique and multi-dimensional protagonist who combines his unparalleled talents with a dash of audacity, making him a joy to follow through each twist and turn. From scaling walls to vanishing into thin air, Wolfe's skills are showcased with vivid detail that immerses readers in his world of calculated risks and heart-pounding escapades.
The dynamic between the characters, especially Wolfe and his captor, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The suspense is skillfully maintained as Wolfe faces off against the enigmatic antagonist, all while racing against the clock in a daring mission to uncover a vital secret hidden away in a remote Soviet missile silo.
Jeff Lindsay masterfully balances heart-stopping action with moments of introspection, giving readers a glimpse into Wolfe's motivations and internal struggles. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions transport readers to exotic locations and heart-pounding scenarios, making the book a visual and sensory treat.
In conclusion, "Three-Edged Sword" is a thrilling and well-crafted novel that combines elements of espionage, heist, and a race against time. The skillful character development, intense plot twists, and fast-paced action make it a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers. Prepare to be swept away by Riley Wolfe's daring feats and the high-stakes world he navigates with finesse.
August 10, 2024
“Three-Edged Sword” (TES) is the third book in the Riley Wolfe series by US author Jeff Lindsay.
Once more Riley Wolfe, the world’s greatest thief, has a prize to steal from an impossibly difficult location - a flash drive hidden in a international killer’s vault in the bottom of a middle silo on a remote island. It’s not Riley’s choice to do this but this time the only people Riley cares about have been kidnapped by the people who want that flash drive to be used as leverage. As Riley says - there’s always a way…perhaps this time there isn’t.
TES is the best so far in the series. Lindsay has used all of the usual elements, action, tension, thrills, impossible situations, exotic locations, and lots of twists and turns…but this time we actually get to see more of Riley’s human side, what really drives him, his fears and his desires.
Riley is the perfect anti hero and it did take me a while to warm to his as the lead character. But TSE really provides a deeper look at him as a person. Yes he’s still incredibly self centred but this time Lindsay has allowed the reader to see Riley’s vulnerabilities as well. Lindsay did this very well with his Dexter Morgan character. This allows the reader to feel empathy for Riley empathise which means Riley becomes a more engaging character.
Overall if you like fast paced edge of your seat thrill a minute action adventure stories (with a bit of dry, and sometimes black, humour) then this is a series for you. Each book builds and improves on its predecessor.
TSE gets 4 Ushakov icons out of 5.
Once more Riley Wolfe, the world’s greatest thief, has a prize to steal from an impossibly difficult location - a flash drive hidden in a international killer’s vault in the bottom of a middle silo on a remote island. It’s not Riley’s choice to do this but this time the only people Riley cares about have been kidnapped by the people who want that flash drive to be used as leverage. As Riley says - there’s always a way…perhaps this time there isn’t.
TES is the best so far in the series. Lindsay has used all of the usual elements, action, tension, thrills, impossible situations, exotic locations, and lots of twists and turns…but this time we actually get to see more of Riley’s human side, what really drives him, his fears and his desires.
Riley is the perfect anti hero and it did take me a while to warm to his as the lead character. But TSE really provides a deeper look at him as a person. Yes he’s still incredibly self centred but this time Lindsay has allowed the reader to see Riley’s vulnerabilities as well. Lindsay did this very well with his Dexter Morgan character. This allows the reader to feel empathy for Riley empathise which means Riley becomes a more engaging character.
Overall if you like fast paced edge of your seat thrill a minute action adventure stories (with a bit of dry, and sometimes black, humour) then this is a series for you. Each book builds and improves on its predecessor.
TSE gets 4 Ushakov icons out of 5.
January 28, 2024
While this is still a good book, it isn’t quite up to the standards of the previous two in the Riley Wolfe series. The first two acts are, for the most part, meandering and slightly repetitive at times. While the third act is incredibly well written, and new characters are well written, leaving a very strong character like Monique on the sidelines with an amnesia plot feels very cheap.
Prescott is a very compelling villain and makes the third act stand out as an incredibly strong piece of writing, with his eventual death being incredibly well written in Lindsay’s usual style, but it feels like the character of Riley was dumbed down quite a bit in order to facilitate the plot. The Riles was established over the first two novels wouldn’t be so stupid and careless as to get himself caught in such an obvious way, not to mention leaving behind a comatose Monique, and yet that’s what this book relies on to kickstart its story.
While the plot as a whole is still very interesting and the new characters introduced are memorable, I just can’t put it on the same level as either “Just Watch Me” or “Fool Me Twice”
Prescott is a very compelling villain and makes the third act stand out as an incredibly strong piece of writing, with his eventual death being incredibly well written in Lindsay’s usual style, but it feels like the character of Riley was dumbed down quite a bit in order to facilitate the plot. The Riles was established over the first two novels wouldn’t be so stupid and careless as to get himself caught in such an obvious way, not to mention leaving behind a comatose Monique, and yet that’s what this book relies on to kickstart its story.
While the plot as a whole is still very interesting and the new characters introduced are memorable, I just can’t put it on the same level as either “Just Watch Me” or “Fool Me Twice”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
I know that everybody loves Dexter, but that is just because they haven't had the pleasure of meeting Riley Wolfe. This series is a gem. The dialogue crackles and just when you think you might have something figured out, guess again.
Wolfe is the world's greatest thief, and master of disguise. And he is funny and snarky and brilliant.
In Three-Edged Sword, in the midst of a caper at a diamond mine, a CIA hack gets the best of Riley and through kidnapping (his mother and Monique with amnesia and a traumatic brain injury) he extorts Riley's talent to steal the un-stealable, a very important flash drive that has information worth Billions. With global dominance the prize.
But, not all is as it seems and through some trial and error, Riley deduces the real scheme.
When you combine Russian oligarchs, traitorous spies, a brilliant hacker and an old foe who is now the SAC in Moscow.. Something has got to give.
If you haven't read this series, start now, it is that good. You will thank me.
Wolfe is the world's greatest thief, and master of disguise. And he is funny and snarky and brilliant.
In Three-Edged Sword, in the midst of a caper at a diamond mine, a CIA hack gets the best of Riley and through kidnapping (his mother and Monique with amnesia and a traumatic brain injury) he extorts Riley's talent to steal the un-stealable, a very important flash drive that has information worth Billions. With global dominance the prize.
But, not all is as it seems and through some trial and error, Riley deduces the real scheme.
When you combine Russian oligarchs, traitorous spies, a brilliant hacker and an old foe who is now the SAC in Moscow.. Something has got to give.
If you haven't read this series, start now, it is that good. You will thank me.
December 29, 2022
This was my first time reading Jeff Lindsay, but I loved Dexter and so was really looking forward to it. I wasn't disappointed.
This is a great thriller, fast-paced, and packed full of interesting characters.
This is the third Riley Wolfe novel, but I don't think it mattered that I had not read any of the others. Riley Wolfe is a super thief who likes to do the impossible. He has two loves in his life, and at the start of the book is protecting both of them. This leads to him being set up to pull off an impossible robbery to save them both.
This book had my laughing out loud as well as scratching my head, wondering how Riley was going to pull this off.
There are twists and turns, likeable characters, and some that are just despicable.
If you love fast paced thrillers where you cannot see how it can end then this is a book for you.
Published by Orion Publishing and is available to order from 8th December 2022.
This is a great thriller, fast-paced, and packed full of interesting characters.
This is the third Riley Wolfe novel, but I don't think it mattered that I had not read any of the others. Riley Wolfe is a super thief who likes to do the impossible. He has two loves in his life, and at the start of the book is protecting both of them. This leads to him being set up to pull off an impossible robbery to save them both.
This book had my laughing out loud as well as scratching my head, wondering how Riley was going to pull this off.
There are twists and turns, likeable characters, and some that are just despicable.
If you love fast paced thrillers where you cannot see how it can end then this is a book for you.
Published by Orion Publishing and is available to order from 8th December 2022.
January 3, 2023
This is the third book in the series and I will say this one I did not like I much as the first two or really the first one. First, it took me a while to get into the story even though for the most part it picked up where the last book left off. I still felt off with his relationship with Monique and though in the stories he thinks about her and even in the other books she did so much to help I just feel that there is no growth between them and it is frustrating for me. Yes, he does all of his stealth to get in and out but after a while, I was just looking for more, felt let down with this book, maybe just me. I received this book from Netgalley.com
August 6, 2023
This was a wonderful book and i really really enjoyed the ending. I am loving this series and i can’t wait for the next book to come out in the next few months!!! This book really humanized Riley and gave us some interesting new characters that I think may continue on into the next book. I also really liked the development of Delgado and the slight cliffhanger at the end where he discovers what Riley looks like. I’m curious to see what happens between Riley and Monique and if she even gets all her skills back. This book ends with Riley being depressed and very down on his luck so I am expecting the next book to be something really out of the box to help get him out of his slump.
March 25, 2024
It has been a while since I read anything from Lindsay, furthermore let me say the experience of listening to the author in the audio version is simply phenomenal. My guess is that the prose matches precisely the timing and intonation as conceived by the author, making it a unique, well adjusted and sincere experience. Sure Lindsay's work is by all means an aquired taste, but like any good hard drug it hooks on to you and does not let go. I won't bother with the storyline here, but if you enjoyed Linsday's past work you're gonna love Wolfe's latest adventure. In my opinion this is the best Riley Wolfe book.
October 29, 2024
Let me save you some time - if you are expecting another Dexter-like smash hit, you’ll be disappointed.
Not realising this is the third book in the series, perhaps it was my own fault, but I expected something as good as the Dexter series. This being a completely different genre and protagonist, somehow, didn’t sit quite well with me.
The actual adventure of the main character could have been described better. This felt rushed and without much detail. There were some funny remarks in there, but the best part of the book, where I was mostly drawn in was the ending, the last part of the book.
I feel like giving Mr. Wolfe another chance and reading some of the other books in the series.
Not realising this is the third book in the series, perhaps it was my own fault, but I expected something as good as the Dexter series. This being a completely different genre and protagonist, somehow, didn’t sit quite well with me.
The actual adventure of the main character could have been described better. This felt rushed and without much detail. There were some funny remarks in there, but the best part of the book, where I was mostly drawn in was the ending, the last part of the book.
I feel like giving Mr. Wolfe another chance and reading some of the other books in the series.
June 8, 2025
Riley Wolfe is the best thief! He can steal anything and get away with it. So he claims. In this adventure he may be getting in a bit deeper than he thinks. Contacted by the FBI to steal a flash drive that contains unknown information that must not get into the wrong hands, Riley is urged to take the job. When he refuses, his mother and his very close friend Monique are taken to an unknown location and Riley is again urged to act for the FBI. Since the two most important people in his life are held hostage, Riley decides to take the job, but on his terms and in his own way. Thus the stage is set for some twist and turns, deception and disguises as only Riley can do.
January 2, 2023
Jeff Lindsay writes quirky, engaging characters as evidenced by both his Dexter series and his Riley Wolfe series. Riley Wolfe is the preeminent international thief who gets used on occasion to do some off the books operations by clandestine departments of the U.S. government. Well developed characters, especially the sarcastic wit of Riley Wolfe, along with a fast paced plot kept me reading late into the night. Although this can easily be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend the reading all three books starting with "Just Watch Me" from 2019. Highly recommended
January 5, 2023
(3). Jeff Lindsay is a a talented guy. I really enjoyed the Dexter series (I stayed away from the TV show, it would have spoiled everything for me) and Riley Wolfe is also a really engaging character. As always, these stories are way over the top. In fact, I thought the first half setup on the big heist and all was the weakest part of the book. The second half was slam bam, thank you m’am quality, where putting it down was not much of an option. Always fun to follow around a really smart guy who does things we can never even consider. Good stuff.
January 23, 2023
A fully realized and exceptional addition to the Riley Wolfe series. Riley is such a fantastic character and following along in his escapades is so much fun. This one was way different than what the other two were. More foibles. More fallacy. Things are not always going as planned. That's great. I loved that. The ending was a bit of a bummer and ended at a low point, but that makes me want to get into the other one and see what happens. Love it. I just wonder about Grisha sometimes. Hmmm... Grisha.
May 9, 2023
This is what happens when you get taken in by a shiny cover. Premise sounded interesting and I had enjoyed the early Dexter books he wrote, so I thought I would give this book a try. The bad news is that this is book 3 in the series, but the good news is that I was not terribly lost either. It seems the books are mostly standalones. It was an entertaining heist book, though I don't know if I would put the dialogue as similar to Deadpool as the cover declared. It was also darker than I anticipated, but in hindsight it is written by the author who wrote Dexter.
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January 21, 2025Each book in this series gets better than the last. In this one, Riley Wolf, the best theif ever is forced to steal a thumbdrive of emense value to many world powers. At steak are the lives of the only two people in the world Riley loves. But for this character there’s always a way, even when it seems impossible. I can’t wait to see where Rley’s next adventure takes us. MR. Lindsay has created in Riley Wolf, an entirely lovable scamp.
January 12, 2023
Maybe not as caper heavy as the first two, instead we get some decent character development, where the main players are filled out a little more. And the denouement plays out just right. Looks like the series might well have real legs. They’re going to get Ryan Reynolds to play Riley in the movie, aren’t they? Well if the casting directors know their job they will….
March 15, 2023
Riley Wolfe is a bad dude. Besides being a competent thief, he is a Master of Disguise. He was forced into a job that he couldn't refuse. A former colleague and his Mom were kidnapped. The job in front of him was a cold death trap. How he even planned the heist is amazing. His research was impeccable. The revenge for the double cross was sweet. Excllent novel.
March 27, 2023
22-2023. I really love this series of books. This third volume did not disappoint. Our anti-hero, Riley Wolfe, is coerced into doing an impossible heist for a shadowy operator. After preparations, snarky dialogue, and plain old cleverness, he gets things done. And, later, seeks justice against the folks who had wronged him in the first place. Really good fun, and satisfying on most levels.
May 11, 2023
I liked this book and the one before it, although it is hard to keep track of all the characters (even the main one who changes his persona all the time). You need to take a lot of the story at face value because while lots of things happen, there is often no logical explanation for HOW they could have reasonably happened. Just accept them and go on.
July 11, 2023
Twisty, action packed and a lot of fun. Riley Wolfe is a master thief, master of parkour, and master of disguise. The villains are over the top evil, but no match for our dauntless antihero. This book is begging to be made into a movie. Guess I'll have to go back and read the first two books in the series.
June 3, 2024
Definitely my favorite of the three. Riley and Delgado were absolutely incredible (the Valjean/Javert dynamic literally always works on me) and the emotions of Monique and Riley's mother definitely impacted me. Jeff Lindsay's narration is so effective-- his Riley voice is so perfectly sarcastic and it's a great example of how great an author-narrated audiobook can be.
June 16, 2025
My first Jeff Lindsay book. Took me a little while to get in the saddle. Felt like an Oceans 11 movie but without the edginess. Wolfe seemed just as self-absorbed as the villains he was chastising. I’ll try to backtrack to the previous books in this series since a lot of reviewers seem to enjoy those better.
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