A Downed Airliner A Plot For Revenge America in Disarray
When Will Finch is accosted by a young woman on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, she insists he’s someone named Joel Griffin. “The game is getting dangerous,” she confides. Before she can explain, she’s killed in a drive-by shooting and drops dead at Finch’s feet.
The next morning two FBI agents knock at Finch’s door. When they reveal that he’s been implicated in a deep web conspiracy, Finch realizes that he must choose to collaborate with the feds or risk his life—and those of his wife and daughter—at the hands of a foreign organization determined to destroy America.
Inspired by true events, White Sphere portrays a country beset by corrupt world politics, a global pandemic, and a brilliant married couple scheming to topple the USA from within.
D.F. Bailey is a W.H. Smith First Novel Award and a Whistler Independent Book Award finalist.
His first novel, Fire Eyes was optioned for film. His second novel, Healing the Dead, was translated into German as Todliche Ahnungen. The Good Lie, another psychological thriller, was recorded as a talking book. A fourth novel, Exit from America, made its debut as an e-book in 2013.
In 2015 D.F. Bailey published The Finch Trilogy — Bone Maker, Stone Eater, and Lone Hunter — novels narrated from the point-of-view of a crime reporter in San Francisco. He is now extending the trilogy in a series of stand-alone novels.
Following his birth in Montreal, D.F. Bailey's family moved around North America from rural Ontario to New York City to McComb, Mississippi to Cape May, New Jersey. He finally "landed on his feet" on Vancouver Island — where he lives next to the Salish Sea in the city of Victoria.
For twenty-two years D.F. Bailey worked at the University of Victoria where he taught creative writing and journalism and coordinated the Professional Writing Cooperative Education Program — which he co-founded. From time to time he also freelanced as a business writer and journalist. In the fall of 2010 he left the university so that he could turn "his pre-occupation with writing into a full-blown obsession."
For more information about D.F. Bailey's books and his free newsletter visit: www.dfbailey.com
Will is basically caught between a rock and a hard place. He needs to protect his family, but a chance encounter left his hidden identity exposed to not only the FBI but some very dangerous people. Now he has to go undercover to the FBI -- something he isn't very happy or impressed to be doing. Can he pull it off? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Great mystery, characters and fast-paced storyline
This is my first D.F. Bailey book but it won’t be my last. My favorite mystery author is Harlan Coben. I love the plot twists that Coben creates. D.F Bailey doesn’t have quite as many plot twists but this story has characters that come to life, people you care about (even the bad characters caused me to feel for the ) and a storyline that is quick paced and doesn’t entirely display itself until the end. Even though this was book 8 in a series, it is a story that stands on its own. There are several references to a shootout at Mt Rushmore that involved the main character, Will Finch, but it has nothing to do with this particular story line.
One of the reviewers stated they couldn’t believe the antagonist couple could be so bad. I was a little worried with Will Finch having a baby and a wife that something horrible was going to happen. I don’t like that kind of story. Thankfully that didn’t happen. Yes, the bad guys are bad, but the author does an amazing job telling the human side of those people such that it’s understandable how they ended up where they are. I didn’t have to like the characters but there is an understanding.
Bottom line, is an excellent murder mystery with lots of action, death and suspense. I’m definitely this series and this author on my radar.
This book follows closely from book 7. It goes back to 1988, when, thanks to an America missile attack on a civilian passenger plane, a Russian spy is made. During the 1990s he is donating huge sums of money, given to him by his Russian master to anarchist groups including senator Vince Matthews and his "Brotherhood". Fast forward to 2021 and Will Finch is witness to a cold blooded shooting, seconds after finding out that someone else has been using his fake identity, Joel Griffin. He is forced to do as the FBI tell him, or they will prosecute him in regard to the shootout in South Dakota when senator Matthews and two other criminals were killed. Once again, Will finds himself caught up in intrigue and danger as he is caught up in the plotting to destroy America by the Russian spy. DR Bailey writes excellent thrillers but seems to me to be a relatively "unknown" author, even though he's been writing for long enough to have plenty of fans. It is necessary to read the Will Finch books in order . They can be read alone, but there are things that would have no context. Definitely a five star series
Very involving story with a plot that spans years and paints a very good picture of the characters and how they are affected by the situation created by political and historical events. Will is drawn in because an ID he uses as a cover has the same name as a conspirator in the plot to damage the American way of life. The FBI are their usual selves using subterfuge to draw him into their investigation into the plot with Russian agents and home terrorist organisations all amidst the Covid 19 epidemic and the problems it caused.
After re reading the whole series of Will Finches adventures again, in order this time. I was certainly not disappointed with White Sphere. Well done again Mr Bailey. Looking forward to his next escapade.
Language that insults the senses is not worth the wasted time spent. Profaning that which is sacred is not what makes for good literature. Throwing in the f-bombs is also not necessary.
The last 100 pages grab you and choke you until you can't breathe! Awesome storyline, awesome characters, awesome pace!!! Those are the things that make a book great!!!!!
A mystery is unleashed with a bit of action and adventure in this incredible thriller. D. F. Bailey knows his craft, to the final page! I loved it!!!!!!
Journalist sees an assassination of an acquaintance and tries to find the killer - 4 stars
Will Finch is a well-connected newspaper journalist. The woman who was trying to catch his attention before she was shot and killed was familiar but not a close friend. The story unwinds with dignity if not speed.
A second story is about a pre-teen living in a small town north of Manhattan on the Hudson River. Joseph, whose parents were killed in an airliner crash in Iran. Joseph was devastated. He was sent abroad to live with a relative.
There was no apparent connection between the stories but reading between the lines, it was easy to guess that there had to be a connection. The connections became clear midway through the tale. From the midpoint on, the plot became more complex with new treats of mayhem and intrigue. Fumbling execution of a doomsday plan was done in the time-honored thriller tradition.
Each of the people in this story was exceedingly gifted in one way or another. Their lifestyles might offend but the life choices were understandable and seemed appropriate. Several people were shot without provocation and in the end, many of the main characters were laid to rest leaving sealed envelopes to be opened by selected survivors.
Will Finch was found to have a lapse of judgment; police and especially FBI agents behaved like gangsters with several examples of unprofessional behavior. One especially scary scene had a woman who was so frightened of being shot, she gave away her hidden position.
The latest in the Will Finch series is a definite winner.
In this story Will is out for a run when a girl following him mentioned a name that was an alias that he had used. After he answered that she was mistaken, an assailant killed her. Will waited for the police and gave his statement. Later he was contacted by the FBI about this and things got worse.
The story also presented the development of an American whose parents were killed in the Iranian shootdown by America. It presented the steps in his development which changed him a great deal. It led to his recruitment by the SVR and his role as a spy who wound up creating a lot a havoc.
The lives of Will and Joseph, the American who went to Russia, intersect and lead to a confrontation that has many implications.
To learn what role Joseph played, why the FBI became interested in Will and what Joseph and his wife Zena, another Russian, had planned, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received an "ARC" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Will Finch is forced to help the FBI when Myfanwy is killed as she called for Finch. Will is trying to find an American pair who are spies for the Russians. Will is forced to help because if the threat of Will arrested in using the gun he used in South Dakota. The man working for Russia is called The Orange Man and using money from Russia to help terrorists' gangs he called the White Sphere. The suspense grows higher as the Orange Man and his wife are developing a virus to kill people in America. The final end causing Will to try to protect Sheila, a roommate of Myfanwy. The end is open right to the end. Will and Sheila are safe, but the two spies are killed, along with one of the FBI agents. The book is very descriptive and brings the reader drawn very deep. This is another I set aside to real again.
White Sphere is a pithy, well-drawn thriller and the eighth volume in the Will Finch mystery thriller series. D.F.Bailey creates a very believeable story, frightening in its reality, especially in today's world. It touches all the fears of the Covid pandemic using that atmosphere to build a storyline with characters and action that makes this page-turner a novel all readers of this genre will thoroughly enjoy. I don't believe in reiterating a novel's storyline as I believe it takes away from a reader's enjoyment. Those familiar with previous Will Finch novels will recognize the clean writing style of Mr. Bailey. I highly recommend this book to all readers. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion of this novel.
This is quite an interesting story. We have four separate lines that intersect at varying times to create unexpected outcomes, yet outcomes that if they were to occur in our real life could create drastic catastrophes to our world. This author has impressed me from the get go. The suspense and mystery alone are enough to keep those pages turning. All of the characters were great and amazing people well, maybe not all but most. There was this one character which I kept waiting for each and every appearance to see where they were going to end up next. I highly recommend the writings of DF Bailey. I received this novel from Story Origins, This is my true and honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. This is an amazing entry in a solid, dependable, winner of a series. The recurring characters are so relatable and three-dimensional that reading the newest book in the series is like visiting old friends. The new characters introduced for this story are just as fully developed and true-to-life. There is plenty of action, suspense, espionage, heartbreak, twists and turns, and the ever-dependable relationship between Will and Eve. In other words, just like every other book in this series, this one has it all! I highly recommend this series and can't wait until the next book comes out.
Will Finch is enjoying life as a husband and new Dad when he is inadvertently dragged into international conspiracy and intrigue. In order to keep his family safe he is determined to see this to the end. I enjoyed the intriguing way the multiple threads of the stories were revealed and the way everything converged. To stay alive Will must rely on himself and his trusted contacts as even the good guys have their own agendas. This mystery thriller takes you through so many twists and turns, ups and downs that it's difficult to guess what might be next. A very enjoyable read!
The author pulled real history into this story and merged the fiction extremely well. Another well written story that reveals more about Will Finch, who he is and what he does. This has incredible intrigue as he brings the history in, and pulls the fiction through the facts. Clearly non-stop action with Will always trying to think ahead and stay alive.
The book is particularly significant at this point in world history.
I literally have no finger nails left. This one starts out fast, and does not let up in the slightest. From murder, to anti vaxxers to so much darker. Beautifully constructed, this one is a pleasure to read. Attention to detail left me feeling contented at the end, every detail gets cleared up in a credible fashion. Excellent addition to the series.
The novel grabs you from the beginning. Will Finch is walking along and is approached by a lady that calls him by another name. No sooner she speaks then she is shot dead. The FBI forces Will to help them or they will charge him with a federal crime related to a shooting and an illegal gun transported across state lines in South Dakota. Suspense and intrigue.
Wow definitely a five star book it was a well written book by a equally Talented Author and I thoughtly enjoyed it. I would like to the Author for my ARC copy it was a brillant which once I started could not put down.