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Jack Barr Thrillers #1
The Caribbean Affair
It was just a family vacation... until the terrorists came aboard.
Jackson Barr, Jr., along with his wife and kids, are enjoying a Caribbean cruise when all hell breaks loose.
At port in Jamaica, an explosion rocks the ship, and all passengers are sent to shore on lifeboats, where they are told they'll be reunited with their children.
But Jack senses something's not right, and hides on the ship.
His wife calls from shore: the kids are not there.
Now alone on a ship with terrorists in control, Jack must fight for his life — and his kids' lives — in order to reunite his family and bring down whoever's doing this.
Jackson Barr, Jr., along with his wife and kids, are enjoying a Caribbean cruise when all hell breaks loose.
At port in Jamaica, an explosion rocks the ship, and all passengers are sent to shore on lifeboats, where they are told they'll be reunited with their children.
But Jack senses something's not right, and hides on the ship.
His wife calls from shore: the kids are not there.
Now alone on a ship with terrorists in control, Jack must fight for his life — and his kids' lives — in order to reunite his family and bring down whoever's doing this.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
474 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
109 books438 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 25, 2022
A CIA desk jockey goes on a Caribbean cruise with his family. After a while, it's taken over by terrorists.
Jack's no Bruce Willis, but he is very determined.
Takes too long to get to the action.
Jack's no Bruce Willis, but he is very determined.
Takes too long to get to the action.
April 3, 2025
If Nick Thacker writes it, reads it, and does it all. There's a good chance, I'm going to enjoy it!
July 12, 2022
Was lucky enough to read an early draft of Nick Thacker's first book in his latest Jack Barr series. It's fast paced and a lot of fun. A quick read filled with some great one-liners and a bunch of action. All while on a cruise ship. Totally wrong place, right time. It's Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan meets Taken's Liam Neeson.
"It was just a family vacation... until the terrorists came aboard."
"It was just a family vacation... until the terrorists came aboard."
July 18, 2022
The Caribbean Affair - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
I like the way Jack(son) Barr III is introduced as a CIA pen-pusher, whose commitment to his career sees his wife frustrated and resentful and his daughters becoming strangers to him.
On his and wife Kate's 15th wedding anniversary, the couple resolve to take a make-or-break Caribbean cruise, with their 2 young daughters being mostly cared for in the crèche/kids club.
What happens to seriously interrupt their vacation? Where are the kids?
Who's Victor and what orders does he give?
It's soon action and danger all the way, as the expert story teller and adventurer Nick Thacker's series opener The Caribbean Affair ratchets up the tension and alternately thrills and terrifies you, as Jack struggles to find his inner James Bond and save the day.
An unmissable, sure-to-be-bestseller, get your hands on a copy as soon as you can - and hurry up, the countdown's started!
I like the way Jack(son) Barr III is introduced as a CIA pen-pusher, whose commitment to his career sees his wife frustrated and resentful and his daughters becoming strangers to him.
On his and wife Kate's 15th wedding anniversary, the couple resolve to take a make-or-break Caribbean cruise, with their 2 young daughters being mostly cared for in the crèche/kids club.
What happens to seriously interrupt their vacation? Where are the kids?
Who's Victor and what orders does he give?
It's soon action and danger all the way, as the expert story teller and adventurer Nick Thacker's series opener The Caribbean Affair ratchets up the tension and alternately thrills and terrifies you, as Jack struggles to find his inner James Bond and save the day.
An unmissable, sure-to-be-bestseller, get your hands on a copy as soon as you can - and hurry up, the countdown's started!
July 12, 2022
I am a big fan of Nick Thacker. Loved this new book so much I almost read it in one sitting.
New characters are always a challenge for me, I get very comfortable with book series and the way the characters and storylines adapt based on personalities.
Jack and his family are very likeable and the storyline set on a Cruise ship was a great idea. So many options and corridors to explore as the adventure unwinds. The heart-stopping moments were just that, and like all of Nick’s books unpredictable.
I will be interested to see how many of the new characters we met in this first installment will make it to the next book (or sixteen)!
The story moves fast and what one thought was true might be……or it might not be! Suspenseful, engaging and an overall fantastic read from one of our great 21st century novelists.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, and I am thrilled to leave a review and would definitely recommend it.
New characters are always a challenge for me, I get very comfortable with book series and the way the characters and storylines adapt based on personalities.
Jack and his family are very likeable and the storyline set on a Cruise ship was a great idea. So many options and corridors to explore as the adventure unwinds. The heart-stopping moments were just that, and like all of Nick’s books unpredictable.
I will be interested to see how many of the new characters we met in this first installment will make it to the next book (or sixteen)!
The story moves fast and what one thought was true might be……or it might not be! Suspenseful, engaging and an overall fantastic read from one of our great 21st century novelists.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, and I am thrilled to leave a review and would definitely recommend it.
July 18, 2022
Pretty good book
I liked this book but it just didn't seem to flow well for me. I'm not sure why, but it just didn't. It turned out to be a good plot and story line. I will read the next one in the series.
I liked this book but it just didn't seem to flow well for me. I'm not sure why, but it just didn't. It turned out to be a good plot and story line. I will read the next one in the series.
July 21, 2022
Great thriller
This was an absolutely great story full of suspense. My only complaint was that it has some bad language but it was light compared to most books in this genre so I consider it a really good novel.
This was an absolutely great story full of suspense. My only complaint was that it has some bad language but it was light compared to most books in this genre so I consider it a really good novel.
July 24, 2022
Fast-paced and intoxicating, “The Caribbean Affair” opens as Jackson Barr Jr. a desk jockey at the CIA takes a Caribbean cruise with his family only to be propelled into a mystery when an explosion in the port of Jamaica rocks their ship. Having already discovered a cache of weapons in a room on the lower deck the night before and his kids dropped off at the “kid zone” for the day Jack’s instincts are on high alert especially when the passengers are forcefully directed into nearby lifeboats. Fearing for his kids safety, he sends his wife to shore while searching for them only to uncover a terrorist plot and have to fight for his life and theirs if they are to survive.
Well-written, action and suspense quickly escalate with the terrorists’ killing of any crew members left on board, and Jack’s discovery and protection of a young cook hiding from them. Intensity builds as the plot expands, exploring not only the growing anxiety on the ship with Jack’s search but also his wife Kate’s struggle onshore as she looks for the girls while having to deal with Howard Graves the Director of Security who seems to have his own agenda while heading up the rescue operation and negotiating with the terrorist leader.
Among a cast of intriguing and compelling characters in this captivating thriller are the reserved, calculating and problem-solving Jackson Barr Jr.; his fun-loving, spontaneous wife Kate; his self-aware, hard-nosed eleven-year old daughter Riley; and the fat, lazy, deceptive ex-cop Howard Graves. Yet it’s the unscrupulous, demanding and cold-hearted Victor Elizondo who adds tension and bone-chilling fear to the situation as the plot flows seamlessly to a startling conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed “the Caribbean Affair” the first in what I'm sure will be another thrilling Nick Thacker series.
Well-written, action and suspense quickly escalate with the terrorists’ killing of any crew members left on board, and Jack’s discovery and protection of a young cook hiding from them. Intensity builds as the plot expands, exploring not only the growing anxiety on the ship with Jack’s search but also his wife Kate’s struggle onshore as she looks for the girls while having to deal with Howard Graves the Director of Security who seems to have his own agenda while heading up the rescue operation and negotiating with the terrorist leader.
Among a cast of intriguing and compelling characters in this captivating thriller are the reserved, calculating and problem-solving Jackson Barr Jr.; his fun-loving, spontaneous wife Kate; his self-aware, hard-nosed eleven-year old daughter Riley; and the fat, lazy, deceptive ex-cop Howard Graves. Yet it’s the unscrupulous, demanding and cold-hearted Victor Elizondo who adds tension and bone-chilling fear to the situation as the plot flows seamlessly to a startling conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed “the Caribbean Affair” the first in what I'm sure will be another thrilling Nick Thacker series.
July 14, 2022
This story begins with Jack being asked to spend time with his family and take a break from work. Jack wants to just go with his wife, but she convinces him to go on the cruise. The 1st glimpse that we get of Jack on the cruise is when he is climbing a rock wall. Jack is not comfortable, but he eventually gets to the top. After this exercise, he and his wife drop his daughters off at the kid zone, this gives him time alone with his wife. The dropping off of kids is an everyday affair. The day that they near Jamaca and drop their daughters off, an explosion happens. All paasengers are directed to get off the boat. Jack after making sure his wife is alright, escapes frpom the life boat. His aim was to locate his daughters and then go ashore.
While Jack starts his search, he discovers that everything is not as it seems. Jack hunts brings him in touch with terrorists that have a plan regarding a shipment. Jack has to avoid them if he wants to locate his daughters. The terrorist leeader has managed to capture all of the children and he has a plan. The end plan includes Jack and one of his daughters.
To learn what the explosion on the boat was, who was the terrorist leader and why he went on this ship, plus learn what hoops Jack had to jump through in his quest, then you need to read this book.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
While Jack starts his search, he discovers that everything is not as it seems. Jack hunts brings him in touch with terrorists that have a plan regarding a shipment. Jack has to avoid them if he wants to locate his daughters. The terrorist leeader has managed to capture all of the children and he has a plan. The end plan includes Jack and one of his daughters.
To learn what the explosion on the boat was, who was the terrorist leader and why he went on this ship, plus learn what hoops Jack had to jump through in his quest, then you need to read this book.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 21, 2022
A new CIA field agent is born!
Jack is a pencil pusher at the CIA, used to sitting at a desk and thinking things through, rather than an action man. His family decide to go on a Caribbean cruise to unwind and have fun. However things are not as they seem on this cruise liner. There is a dark secret in its belly and after an explosion, things take a turn for the worst. While 'everyone else' is evacuated, Jack tries to track down his kids and discovers that they are being used as hostages while Victor gets what he came for from the boat. While not normally a man of action, Jack is driven to react in his search for his, and the other, children and a new action hero is born.
A suspenseful game of cat and mouse ensues while Jack tries to work out what is going on and reach the kids. There are twists and turns, plenty of action, plenty of intrigue. A highly entertaining read.
Jack is a pencil pusher at the CIA, used to sitting at a desk and thinking things through, rather than an action man. His family decide to go on a Caribbean cruise to unwind and have fun. However things are not as they seem on this cruise liner. There is a dark secret in its belly and after an explosion, things take a turn for the worst. While 'everyone else' is evacuated, Jack tries to track down his kids and discovers that they are being used as hostages while Victor gets what he came for from the boat. While not normally a man of action, Jack is driven to react in his search for his, and the other, children and a new action hero is born.
A suspenseful game of cat and mouse ensues while Jack tries to work out what is going on and reach the kids. There are twists and turns, plenty of action, plenty of intrigue. A highly entertaining read.
January 24, 2024
I don’t do cruises. Right off, I don’t like lounge lizard entertainment on my vacations, I don’t like massive buffets and umbrella drinks, and I don’t want to be hijacked. Okay, I could still be hijacked while flying, but my entertainment is done through my noise-cancelling earphones, no karaoke. And I get a superbly-prepared airline meal. But I digress. I did enjoy the story and would have given the book 4 stars but I used the audiobook version which is read by the author. I’m not a fan of that. This author read too fast with really no drama. Chapters were read so abruptly it was like experiencing a whip lash. I learned that Nick Thacker doesn’t have fancy publishers and marketers so he’s a one guy business. I guess that should give him the one star I took off. As for his reading style, I really can’t stand Stephen King reading his own books either so maybe it’s just me. I will definitely read more of Hacker’s books regardless. And I’ll probably listen to more as well.
July 7, 2025
"The Caribbean Affair" by Nick Thacker is an action adventure tale set aboard a new huge cruise ship. Jack Barr takes his wife & 2 daughters of a cruise. The ship is too large to get to shore in port at Jamaica, passengers tender to shore. While anchored a bomb explodes somewhere below decks, the ship starts to list to one side. Jack & Kate have just dropped off daughters Addie & Riley at the kids only deck, as they try to get back to their daughters crew stop them & hustle them aboard a lifeboat. Jack is not having it leaping off the lifeboat to find his daughters. Jack is a CIA desk jockey but he's ex military & well trained. All the passengers & Crew are sent to shore, or are they? Jack overhears conversations making suspect terrorists have seized the ship. The adventure begins, think Die Hard 1 or Jack Ryan. Good action, interesting twists, OK dialog. A few leaps of faith, 3-4 stars.
August 15, 2023
A family vacation turns into a mission of survival and rescue
This book is an action thriller that happens on a cruise ship. Jack Barr goes on a Caribbean cruise with his wife and two daughters that turns into something totally unexpected. It starts out slow paced giving a little backstory to some of the main characters, but once the action starts it's pretty much action til the end. It was interesting because most of the story takes place on the cruise ship and the hero of the story was no superhero but an everyday guy who was willing to do whatever it took to save his children and others. I gave it 4 stars because of the editing and writing errors but overall a good read if you like action.
This book is an action thriller that happens on a cruise ship. Jack Barr goes on a Caribbean cruise with his wife and two daughters that turns into something totally unexpected. It starts out slow paced giving a little backstory to some of the main characters, but once the action starts it's pretty much action til the end. It was interesting because most of the story takes place on the cruise ship and the hero of the story was no superhero but an everyday guy who was willing to do whatever it took to save his children and others. I gave it 4 stars because of the editing and writing errors but overall a good read if you like action.
July 18, 2022
Jack Barr, a desk jockey at the CIA, is coerced by his wife to take a family vacation on a cruise ship. He reluctantly agrees to this to try to get his marriage back to something approaching normalcy. While sneaking around the ship with his inebriated wife looking or “secret passages”, they come upon a stash of weapons in a hold of the ship. The next morning the cruise ship is rocked by an explosion while docked offshore near the Jamaican harbour. Jack senses something is wrong, and stays on the ship while the other passengers are tendered to shore. All hell breaks loose as Jack searches the ship for his children being held hostage with other kids. ENJOY!
October 9, 2023
A very real main character.
I received this book free as an introduction to Nick Thacker’s Jack Barr character. I absolutely loved the tale and consider the events to be a very real possibility. The main character, Jack Barr, is portrayed not as a superhero, but a everyday man doing what needs to be done. I can see anyone in this position doing these things to keep their kids safe from harm. If you like characters like Sahara’s Dirk Pitt or Die Hard’s John McClane, you will find Jack Barr more believable as a real person that you can relate to. Thank you Nick for giving us a hero we can root for.
I received this book free as an introduction to Nick Thacker’s Jack Barr character. I absolutely loved the tale and consider the events to be a very real possibility. The main character, Jack Barr, is portrayed not as a superhero, but a everyday man doing what needs to be done. I can see anyone in this position doing these things to keep their kids safe from harm. If you like characters like Sahara’s Dirk Pitt or Die Hard’s John McClane, you will find Jack Barr more believable as a real person that you can relate to. Thank you Nick for giving us a hero we can root for.
July 18, 2023
Deadly and Devastating
Starting with a cruise, celebrating 15 years of marriage, a deskbound CIA agent is involved in a highly dangerous and deadly voyage. A senior member of a Venezuelan cartel takes over a Carribbean cruise vessel and attempts to sink the vessel to cover up an illegal smuggling operation. With at least 15 other operatives the cartel boss progressively frees the ship of its passengers, some lucky enough to be transported in to the main port, whilst others unlucky enough to be still caught on the ship are simply murdered
Starting with a cruise, celebrating 15 years of marriage, a deskbound CIA agent is involved in a highly dangerous and deadly voyage. A senior member of a Venezuelan cartel takes over a Carribbean cruise vessel and attempts to sink the vessel to cover up an illegal smuggling operation. With at least 15 other operatives the cartel boss progressively frees the ship of its passengers, some lucky enough to be transported in to the main port, whilst others unlucky enough to be still caught on the ship are simply murdered
September 26, 2023
I personally loved The Caribbean Affair, it kept me guessing the whole book. I loved Jack and how he was willing to risk everything for his family. Jack is not perfect, a little aloof but he loves his family and I found him likeable. I had a lot of The Caribbean Affair figured out as things were introduced to them. My biggest complaint is that it took a little long for the action, but once it started it didn't stop. I found myself rooting for Jack all the way. In my opinion The Caribbean Affair is a good start to the Jack Barr Thrillers Series. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
July 16, 2022
The Caribbean Affair is full of surprises along with fast paced action. Jack Barr is a desk jockey at the CIA (NOT a field agent) who is taking his family on a vacation cruise in an attempt to refresh his marriage. Then the unthinkable happens. The ship has problems, his children disappear, and someone is shooting all the crew! Can a dad who rides a desk save the kids?
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book.
July 25, 2022
Very Interesting
Jack is a desk jockey for the CIA. He puts all the puzzle pieces together. But he never dreamed he'd have to put all his training to use while on a cruise with his family. Explosion, evacuation except the kids that were in the Kid Zone and jumping back on the ship to find his little girls. Lets just say Jack may not be happy being a desk jockey anymore. Great job. Looking forward to Jack's next adventure. Thank you.
Jack is a desk jockey for the CIA. He puts all the puzzle pieces together. But he never dreamed he'd have to put all his training to use while on a cruise with his family. Explosion, evacuation except the kids that were in the Kid Zone and jumping back on the ship to find his little girls. Lets just say Jack may not be happy being a desk jockey anymore. Great job. Looking forward to Jack's next adventure. Thank you.
July 25, 2022
A new series, an unlikely ‘hero’.
Jackson Barr, Jr. works for the Justice Department, but he’s not a CIA operative. Nope, he’s just a dedicated desk jockey, a talented thinker, but not a field agent.
However, while on a holiday cruise with his wife and two ‘tweener daughters he finds himself embroiled in a distressing plot of murder and mayhem.
This is Nick Thacker’s initial Jack Barr series thriller novel, with more to come.
Jackson Barr, Jr. works for the Justice Department, but he’s not a CIA operative. Nope, he’s just a dedicated desk jockey, a talented thinker, but not a field agent.
However, while on a holiday cruise with his wife and two ‘tweener daughters he finds himself embroiled in a distressing plot of murder and mayhem.
This is Nick Thacker’s initial Jack Barr series thriller novel, with more to come.
July 30, 2022
Quick well paced action with heart
I loved that our hero is a family man. He loves his wife and kids and yet they still struggle with the same issues you and I do in marriage and family. He technically isn't a field agent but when his kids are threatened, he turns out to be everything the CIA training has taught him to be plus one determined dad despite all odds. Can't wait to read the next book by my fellow Texan! Go TEXAS!
I loved that our hero is a family man. He loves his wife and kids and yet they still struggle with the same issues you and I do in marriage and family. He technically isn't a field agent but when his kids are threatened, he turns out to be everything the CIA training has taught him to be plus one determined dad despite all odds. Can't wait to read the next book by my fellow Texan! Go TEXAS!
July 28, 2023
A little too far fetched
I felt the plot was unrealistic. I did like Jack (the main character). Although he was only two dimensional. I thought more effort should have been spent on his development. Scene settings were lacking, and the other characters were pretty flat. I have no real desire to read the next book in the series. The action scenes were good; but could have been better.
I felt the plot was unrealistic. I did like Jack (the main character). Although he was only two dimensional. I thought more effort should have been spent on his development. Scene settings were lacking, and the other characters were pretty flat. I have no real desire to read the next book in the series. The action scenes were good; but could have been better.
July 20, 2022
Do not take this cruise.
The Caribbean Affair, by Nick Thacker, is full of mystery, suspense, sorrow and courage. What starts out as an ordinary vacation aboard a cruise ship turns into terror. It is well worth your so time to read it.
I would have given it a 5 star rating, but there are a lot of cruise ship mysteries out. It is still an excellent read so enjoy.
The Caribbean Affair, by Nick Thacker, is full of mystery, suspense, sorrow and courage. What starts out as an ordinary vacation aboard a cruise ship turns into terror. It is well worth your so time to read it.
I would have given it a 5 star rating, but there are a lot of cruise ship mysteries out. It is still an excellent read so enjoy.
August 13, 2022
What's a father to do
Jack's CIA, but not an agent just a desk jockey. With a troubling marriage they take a family vacation cruise to get back on track. Then the ship gets hijacked by terrorist and his kids kidnapped. Can one man save the day. A really well laid out story that sucks you in until the end. A great read.
Jack's CIA, but not an agent just a desk jockey. With a troubling marriage they take a family vacation cruise to get back on track. Then the ship gets hijacked by terrorist and his kids kidnapped. Can one man save the day. A really well laid out story that sucks you in until the end. A great read.
Read
August 20, 2022Jack Barr is on a cruise with his wife and 2 children. He works for the CIA but only in an office ie not a field agent.
It is an ordinary cruise until some terrorists turn up.
This is a faced pace well written book with lots of action.
Although I found there were some slow bits I quite enjoyed reading it.
It is an ordinary cruise until some terrorists turn up.
This is a faced pace well written book with lots of action.
Although I found there were some slow bits I quite enjoyed reading it.
June 24, 2023
A good action adventure but the plot is a little simplistic and many holes, how did they get tons of weapons away through seawater without being apprehended? Explained away but logically impossible. Shallow character development. The author needs to find an experienced reader for his audiobooks, he has no sense of pacing, and there are annoying background noises that distract from the recording
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
While I enjoyed the book, and ordered the next in the series, it was somewhat slow getting started. Not that the build up of the characters wasn’t important, just a bit much without anything really happening. That said, when the “action” started it was full of twists that while somewhat predictable, was still entertaining. The end of the book gave me enough interest to get the next one.
Read
July 28, 2023Loved it
Always wanted to take a cruise. Now I REALLY want to take that cruise especially if there is kick a_ _ adventure on it. Didn't care for the mom character but she set the scene for Jack's strength to come through. Don't stand between a dad and his kids. Very, very entertaining. If you don't read it, you will miss a great book.
Always wanted to take a cruise. Now I REALLY want to take that cruise especially if there is kick a_ _ adventure on it. Didn't care for the mom character but she set the scene for Jack's strength to come through. Don't stand between a dad and his kids. Very, very entertaining. If you don't read it, you will miss a great book.
July 30, 2023
Thriller doesn't quite do this book justice, certainly action packed and a page turner. This is the first book I have read by Nick Thacker and will add him to my favorites list for future purchases. I have already started on the second book in this series, I hope it continues on beyond the second book eventually.
August 10, 2023
The CaribbeanAffair
This was a rollicking good yarn.
Jack is CIA but works a desk job assembling facts to solve cases. He is not a field agent.
He is on a cruise with his family when all hell breaks loose and his children are missing. He is suddenly a field agent on a mission.
If you love action movies and thrillers you will love this one.
This was a rollicking good yarn.
Jack is CIA but works a desk job assembling facts to solve cases. He is not a field agent.
He is on a cruise with his family when all hell breaks loose and his children are missing. He is suddenly a field agent on a mission.
If you love action movies and thrillers you will love this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews