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Jack Barr Thrillers #2
The Peruvian Exchange
Jack Barr is back. But so are his problems.
After barely escaping with his life in Jamaica, Jackson Barr, Jr. is suddenly thrown into the fray once again.
Victor is still alive, and he's surfaced again. The Vínculo cartel is moving truckloads of weapons and drugs across Columbia into Peru, and the CIA thinks they have a chance to bring them down.
Jack is given a chance to take Victor down once again.
But as he quickly discovers: not everything is as it seems.
After barely escaping with his life in Jamaica, Jackson Barr, Jr. is suddenly thrown into the fray once again.
Victor is still alive, and he's surfaced again. The Vínculo cartel is moving truckloads of weapons and drugs across Columbia into Peru, and the CIA thinks they have a chance to bring them down.
Jack is given a chance to take Victor down once again.
But as he quickly discovers: not everything is as it seems.
- GenresThriller
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
335 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
109 books440 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 67 reviews
December 7, 2023
In this second book of the series, Jack Barr is sent down to the jungles of Peru to find where the drugs are coming in. Soon, things get complicated behind the scenes, but Jack just keeps trying to stay alive while everybody is pursuing him.
Some exciting parts, but a little too much flailing away in the rain forest.
Some exciting parts, but a little too much flailing away in the rain forest.
November 10, 2022
Hold onto your Hat
Nick Thacker always comes through with a fabulous thriller but, with The Peruvian Exchange, he's outdone himself. I first met CIA agent Jackson Barr Jr. In The Caribbean Affair and I was impressed with Jack's intuitive problem solving.
However, Jack has been thrown to the crocodiles this time and not given great odds for survival. Sent to Iquitos, Peru with a seasoned field agent as his partner, Jack's job is to gather intelligence and information about a large drug cartel's activities and to eliminate the second in command.
Something goes very, very wrong with the op. He and his partner are shot down over the Amazon jungle. They survive to make it to Iquitos where his partner is killed. Jack is on the run, getting Intel from drug cartel members and mercenaries who tell him, rather than complete his mission and eliminate the second in command of the cartel, he is now to leave him alive.
Reading the rest of The Peruvian Exchange is like watching an old Bruce Willis movie, you will be unable to put it down for any reason, even for that! The ending is mind-blowing and left me speechless. Definitely a highly recommended book.
Nick Thacker always comes through with a fabulous thriller but, with The Peruvian Exchange, he's outdone himself. I first met CIA agent Jackson Barr Jr. In The Caribbean Affair and I was impressed with Jack's intuitive problem solving.
However, Jack has been thrown to the crocodiles this time and not given great odds for survival. Sent to Iquitos, Peru with a seasoned field agent as his partner, Jack's job is to gather intelligence and information about a large drug cartel's activities and to eliminate the second in command.
Something goes very, very wrong with the op. He and his partner are shot down over the Amazon jungle. They survive to make it to Iquitos where his partner is killed. Jack is on the run, getting Intel from drug cartel members and mercenaries who tell him, rather than complete his mission and eliminate the second in command of the cartel, he is now to leave him alive.
Reading the rest of The Peruvian Exchange is like watching an old Bruce Willis movie, you will be unable to put it down for any reason, even for that! The ending is mind-blowing and left me speechless. Definitely a highly recommended book.
April 3, 2025
I just really like the simplicity of the writing and while the plot is usually predictable. Most action movies are too, but we still watch them.
November 12, 2022
It’s Good, but…
Read the book. It’s captivating, excellent character development, action , lots of plot twists. I hate that I had to add a “but” to a Nick Thacker review and only 4 stars(I couldn’t do it-I went back & changed it to 5 stars), after reading literally everything he ever published I could find. The “but” explanation takes me back in time to Steven King & “The Stand”-a truly awesome book & talented author. His success made him complacent-he substituted great concepts deeply explored for a white board, systematic “book writing system”. He could now crank out book after book and make millions! Except only rarely were they really good. My “but” is a cautionary warning to Nick, Kevin, Ernest & a few other really really talented authors: I understand that writing produces a “product”, and “systems” allow a more proficient model of producing that product. Except they remove that indescribable little piece of each of your works that keep us, your readers, fans & admirers 100% faithful to you. We buy every book, we read every email, some of us love being ARC readers and feel in a tiny way we help you do what you do. Please don’t grow into Amazon-we love you too much as our favorite mom & pop bookstore where we go every payday to spend our hard earned pennies. We count on you to let us forget that gas is $6.99 a gallon, Thanksgiving is costing double what we spent 2 years ago, that we have given Ukraine far more money than we spent on the entire Vietnam war & that our government wants us to be ok with murderers & rapists on the street and leave us without guns or police. We love to escape into the action, the fight, the miraculous odds that our protagonist beats. Please don’t take that away from us. Jack is good, but like “Terminator 11” or “Top Gun: Maverick goes to Mars”, you can overcomercialize (yes I made that up). Please continue to grow & improve, but don’t sell out on us-we love you & your work too much!
Read the book. It’s captivating, excellent character development, action , lots of plot twists. I hate that I had to add a “but” to a Nick Thacker review and only 4 stars(I couldn’t do it-I went back & changed it to 5 stars), after reading literally everything he ever published I could find. The “but” explanation takes me back in time to Steven King & “The Stand”-a truly awesome book & talented author. His success made him complacent-he substituted great concepts deeply explored for a white board, systematic “book writing system”. He could now crank out book after book and make millions! Except only rarely were they really good. My “but” is a cautionary warning to Nick, Kevin, Ernest & a few other really really talented authors: I understand that writing produces a “product”, and “systems” allow a more proficient model of producing that product. Except they remove that indescribable little piece of each of your works that keep us, your readers, fans & admirers 100% faithful to you. We buy every book, we read every email, some of us love being ARC readers and feel in a tiny way we help you do what you do. Please don’t grow into Amazon-we love you too much as our favorite mom & pop bookstore where we go every payday to spend our hard earned pennies. We count on you to let us forget that gas is $6.99 a gallon, Thanksgiving is costing double what we spent 2 years ago, that we have given Ukraine far more money than we spent on the entire Vietnam war & that our government wants us to be ok with murderers & rapists on the street and leave us without guns or police. We love to escape into the action, the fight, the miraculous odds that our protagonist beats. Please don’t take that away from us. Jack is good, but like “Terminator 11” or “Top Gun: Maverick goes to Mars”, you can overcomercialize (yes I made that up). Please continue to grow & improve, but don’t sell out on us-we love you & your work too much!
October 23, 2023
More Fantasy Than Reality!
When a writer makes up so-called airplane facts and actions that don't or can't exist, or a plane's loss of control, etc., as a 2,600-hour flight instructor I know is totally wrong, the enjoyment of reading ends. Creative plots are fun but made-up facts are distracying and help create fear in many people who don't understand aerodynamics. He needs to find a facts checking editor!
When a writer makes up so-called airplane facts and actions that don't or can't exist, or a plane's loss of control, etc., as a 2,600-hour flight instructor I know is totally wrong, the enjoyment of reading ends. Creative plots are fun but made-up facts are distracying and help create fear in many people who don't understand aerodynamics. He needs to find a facts checking editor!
October 21, 2023
Plodding and predictable plot. Completely unrealistic scenario. Slow development: I easily skipped pages at a time without losing anything. And to top it all: no final resolution! I guess that’s meant for us to want to buy the next book? Not going to happen.
August 19, 2023
Like the character, the plot line is intriguing, but the story often bogs down in mundane details. The ending left me wondering what was next which should lead me to reading another. Only time will tell.
July 16, 2023
“The Peruvian Exchange” the second thriller in Nick Thacker’s Jack Barr series opens when the plane he’s travelling on with seasoned CIA operative Rudy Estrada is downed by a grenade over the Amazon jungle. Suspecting their mission to track down Victor Elizondo a top leader in the Vinculos drug cartel so they can observe, record and report back information on the new operation route, Jack soon finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the cartel and mercenaries after his partner is killed in the jungle.
Fast-paced and action-packed the gun fire never stops as Jack draws closer to Victor, a man with secrets that could hamper his CIA mission. Well-written, intriguing and intertwined with an American government plot to bring all the CIA operatives in the region home, tension and suspense quickly heat up keeping you on the edge of your seat until a climax that begs a 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling and multifaceted characters is the capable, smart and tough Jack Barr who learns to “trust only himself”; Rudy Estrada the resourceful and stoic CIA veteran; as well as the cruel and self-centered Victor Elizondo. These and others make this novel one you can’t put down until finished.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Peruvian Exchange” and look forward to the 3rd book in the series.
Fast-paced and action-packed the gun fire never stops as Jack draws closer to Victor, a man with secrets that could hamper his CIA mission. Well-written, intriguing and intertwined with an American government plot to bring all the CIA operatives in the region home, tension and suspense quickly heat up keeping you on the edge of your seat until a climax that begs a 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling and multifaceted characters is the capable, smart and tough Jack Barr who learns to “trust only himself”; Rudy Estrada the resourceful and stoic CIA veteran; as well as the cruel and self-centered Victor Elizondo. These and others make this novel one you can’t put down until finished.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Peruvian Exchange” and look forward to the 3rd book in the series.
August 28, 2024
This is the first time reading a Nick Thacker book.
I am not very good with words, that is why I could never write a book.
But, I sure do love reading books. As a youngster I read all the James Bond books.
In all my years in the Army I only read 3 books. That has all changed.
I read a lot of spy books after that, then I switched to science fiction. Read a few adventure books along the way. Here it is 50 years after the James Bond books. I now have a Kindle.
I really like this Nick Thacker book: The Peruvian Exchange. In the evenings I would read.
I would read long after everyone was in bed. It was hard to put this book down to read later
even if I was real tired. After being startled awake by dropping my Kindle a few times
I would surrender and go to bed.
If you like suspense, action and adventure then you should read this book.
I am now going to see what else this author has for us to read.
I am not very good with words, that is why I could never write a book.
But, I sure do love reading books. As a youngster I read all the James Bond books.
In all my years in the Army I only read 3 books. That has all changed.
I read a lot of spy books after that, then I switched to science fiction. Read a few adventure books along the way. Here it is 50 years after the James Bond books. I now have a Kindle.
I really like this Nick Thacker book: The Peruvian Exchange. In the evenings I would read.
I would read long after everyone was in bed. It was hard to put this book down to read later
even if I was real tired. After being startled awake by dropping my Kindle a few times
I would surrender and go to bed.
If you like suspense, action and adventure then you should read this book.
I am now going to see what else this author has for us to read.
December 4, 2022
The Peruvian Exchange-the most poorly proofed book ever
I absolutely love Nick Thacker’s fascinating stories, and I have read all of them. In Thacker’s latest Thriller series featuring Jack Barr, I was cringing on every page that was inundated with misspellings, duplicate words and phrases, and convoluted sentence constructions. Whoever is proofreading and editing this brilliant author’s works should be eradicated (KOS) from the necessary editing and proofreading profession. Horrible editing and proofing tortures and lessens the value of a well written story of intrigue by a creative author.
I absolutely love Nick Thacker’s fascinating stories, and I have read all of them. In Thacker’s latest Thriller series featuring Jack Barr, I was cringing on every page that was inundated with misspellings, duplicate words and phrases, and convoluted sentence constructions. Whoever is proofreading and editing this brilliant author’s works should be eradicated (KOS) from the necessary editing and proofreading profession. Horrible editing and proofing tortures and lessens the value of a well written story of intrigue by a creative author.
December 15, 2023
I was/am conflicted on this series/author. The plot is very good even if story is little unbelievable but I agree with other reviewers that some things (ie. firearms) need more research…a full understanding of terms, parts, action, and functions ( not gonna pop off 454 rounds like 9mm), and holy cow I get that guys gotta be tough but even Rambo had to cauterize a wound to get bleeding to stop so he didn’t bleed out. I’ve heard/ read people say write what you know; know what you write. I have received arc of this book (and others) and this is my personal opinion. Writing is good but the devil is in the details.
January 2, 2024
When your friends are all dead, your enemies lend a hand
This book offers a thrilling read of America’s fight against the drug cartels of South America and the internal politics within drug enforcement.
Despite occasional unobtrusive info-dumps, the writing is precise and keeps an exciting pace throughout.
Thacker’s protagonist surpasses James Bond in skill.
The family dynamics add a twist; with a family like this, who needs enemies?
Indeed, with a government like this, you have lots of enemies.
The book is a well-written, gripping read. Thacker’s storytelling prowess shines, earning this novel a solid four-star review.
This book offers a thrilling read of America’s fight against the drug cartels of South America and the internal politics within drug enforcement.
Despite occasional unobtrusive info-dumps, the writing is precise and keeps an exciting pace throughout.
Thacker’s protagonist surpasses James Bond in skill.
The family dynamics add a twist; with a family like this, who needs enemies?
Indeed, with a government like this, you have lots of enemies.
The book is a well-written, gripping read. Thacker’s storytelling prowess shines, earning this novel a solid four-star review.
January 23, 2025
Enjoyed this story more than I expected. Character development was solid and the descriptive writing was on point without being too much.
The storyline flowed well, without the gratuitous over the top violence and sex that so many of these types of books contain. This was a solid, well crafted story without having to lean too far into that arena. Not that there isn't violence and death, there definitely is...but it is presented as integral to to the story as opposed to glorifying it.
As I noted, I enjoyed it more than expected... and I expect that I will be reading more by this author.
The storyline flowed well, without the gratuitous over the top violence and sex that so many of these types of books contain. This was a solid, well crafted story without having to lean too far into that arena. Not that there isn't violence and death, there definitely is...but it is presented as integral to to the story as opposed to glorifying it.
As I noted, I enjoyed it more than expected... and I expect that I will be reading more by this author.
October 17, 2023
The Peruvian Exchange (Jack Barr Thrillers Book 2), my twenty-seventh read from author Nick Thacker. An enjoyable thriller involving the CIA that I finished in one sitting. ” I purchased a discounted BookFunnel adio copy a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Thogh not as well-written as his earlier books I've readI look forward to reading more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 23, 2023
The Peruvian Exchange - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Special Agent Jack Barr goes off-assignment when he targets the cartel boss he was told to bring in. The tables are turned unexpectedly and after their helicopter is taken out by a missile Jack is captured and severely wounded.
With a twist you won't have seen coming he survives and gets revenge.
Who not only saves Jack, but warns him he's a KOS target - by a most unexpected foe?
What will he do next?
It's death, danger and thrills all the way in Nick Thacker's excellent political action-thriller, The Peruvian Exchange. Get your copy today!
Special Agent Jack Barr goes off-assignment when he targets the cartel boss he was told to bring in. The tables are turned unexpectedly and after their helicopter is taken out by a missile Jack is captured and severely wounded.
With a twist you won't have seen coming he survives and gets revenge.
Who not only saves Jack, but warns him he's a KOS target - by a most unexpected foe?
What will he do next?
It's death, danger and thrills all the way in Nick Thacker's excellent political action-thriller, The Peruvian Exchange. Get your copy today!
December 4, 2023
I liked it from the start, not too many characters and action from the git go. Until it gets to where Jack gets wounded and then the story gets a little wonky. It really starts to go off the rails In believe ability on the boat. Really he was dead a couple of times, otherwise he’s Superman. Thacker uses way too much verbiage in writing this crazy story. As you get near the end it turns into a real Superman story, as Jack overcomes all odds. I couldn’t take it at the end, it was too unrealistic. 3
November 1, 2022
Jack Barr finds himself heading into the Peruvian jungle down in the Amazon to get eyes on a cartel leader. His job is simply to observe. When his plane gets shot down him and his other team member are left to fight nature and others in trying to get eyes on their target. But the jungle and the cartel themselves may have other plans... Who do you really trust when you're thousands of miles away from home and you work for the CIA??? Pick up this great new book by Nick Thacker and find out!
March 4, 2023
Keeps you on your toes.
Page turner. No dull moments. Surprise ending.
Jack is on his first assignment with his handler, Rudy, in the Amazon jungle. Rudy's words "trust only yourself," are the most important words ever taught. The things Jack does are almost unbelievable. His training was extreme and his years as an analyst help Jack to think on his feet as long as he remembers Ruby's advice. Great story. Can't wait for Book 3. Thank you!
Page turner. No dull moments. Surprise ending.
Jack is on his first assignment with his handler, Rudy, in the Amazon jungle. Rudy's words "trust only yourself," are the most important words ever taught. The things Jack does are almost unbelievable. His training was extreme and his years as an analyst help Jack to think on his feet as long as he remembers Ruby's advice. Great story. Can't wait for Book 3. Thank you!
January 2, 2024
Food for Thought
Jack Barr, Jr. decides something needs to be done after his family vacation (book 1) to stop the cartel that is trading in drugs and weapons. An analyst for the CIA, he decides he needs a more hands on training approach. But can he do it? His mentor and partner says to not trust anyone, before he ends up dead. Lots of plot twists and turns and a great ending. I can hardly wait for the next book.
Jack Barr, Jr. decides something needs to be done after his family vacation (book 1) to stop the cartel that is trading in drugs and weapons. An analyst for the CIA, he decides he needs a more hands on training approach. But can he do it? His mentor and partner says to not trust anyone, before he ends up dead. Lots of plot twists and turns and a great ending. I can hardly wait for the next book.
August 11, 2023
The Peruvian Exchange
This was so good.
Once again Jack is fighting for his life. Only this time he has 4 factions gunning for him. Victor and the Cartel, some zealots, mercenaries and Washington DC.
I hope there will be a 3rd book to bring the backstabbers and traitors in Congress to justice.
This was so good.
Once again Jack is fighting for his life. Only this time he has 4 factions gunning for him. Victor and the Cartel, some zealots, mercenaries and Washington DC.
I hope there will be a 3rd book to bring the backstabbers and traitors in Congress to justice.
October 20, 2023
A tale of intrigue
Just who to trust ? Well, the answer is clear: only trust yourself ! From a simple mission to get eyes on the cartel and their new routes, how could it come about that Jack is now the target and is to be killed on sight ?
Nick Thacker is an author worth your while following
Just who to trust ? Well, the answer is clear: only trust yourself ! From a simple mission to get eyes on the cartel and their new routes, how could it come about that Jack is now the target and is to be killed on sight ?
Nick Thacker is an author worth your while following
October 21, 2023
It’s been ages since I’ve read a book that is this exciting. My adrenaline was high from just flipping the pages as I read! SUDDEN REALIZATION: this is why I love a good thriller. That adrenaline high. I worked in the ER for years. We were often referred to as adrenaline junkies. I guess I still am. Great writing Mr. Thacker.
November 8, 2023
Jack Barr didn’t really work for me. I can’t imagine a desk jockey being chucked out into the universe, particularly the Amazon, with not much training to speak of. That was something I just couldn’t let go. It bugged me throughout and for good reason-Jack didn’t actually know how to do a few pretty important things while on a serious mission.
November 18, 2023
A side of Peru no one wants to experience
It's been years since I've read the a fast auction book. I found this book kept me up all night, running for my life along side of CIA agent Jack after losing his partner deep in the jungles of the Amazon. I'm looking forward to more such adventures by Nick Thacker.
It's been years since I've read the a fast auction book. I found this book kept me up all night, running for my life along side of CIA agent Jack after losing his partner deep in the jungles of the Amazon. I'm looking forward to more such adventures by Nick Thacker.
November 27, 2022
fast thrilling read
Enjoyed the book. However, I was dismayed that every time a reference to the South American country of Colombia was made it was misspelled as Columbia. Was this intentional?
Enjoyed the book. However, I was dismayed that every time a reference to the South American country of Colombia was made it was misspelled as Columbia. Was this intentional?
December 2, 2022
Talk about action! Jack Barr decided to become an operative with the CIA. He has a mentor, and goes to Peru with two directives….only to have it all go to hell in a hurry. Drug cartels, bought police, mercenaries, and Jack. Quick and interesting, fast-paced read!
February 9, 2023
This has more action and plot twists than book one. He also developed the character better ( Jack) as a field kick butt agent. The ending left a lot of open questions but really set up the series, hopefully it will continue.
My first reads with this author, will definitely follow him.
My first reads with this author, will definitely follow him.
April 6, 2023
Glued to my seat scary!
Jack Barr goes from a desk jockey to an amazing field agent! This character goes from one horrible situation to the next, with me rooting for him all the way. Thanks for a spine tingling read!
Jack Barr goes from a desk jockey to an amazing field agent! This character goes from one horrible situation to the next, with me rooting for him all the way. Thanks for a spine tingling read!
August 1, 2023
This 2nd book was just as thrilling and heart pounding as the first one. The plot went is so many different directions, never knew where it was going to end. The ending is a total surprise, don't know if there will be more Jack Barr books in this series, but sure hope so.
August 17, 2023
Excellent Sequel
Very different, in plot though not the non-stop tension, follow up. Part action thriller, part conspiracy thriller, the plot and characters race along, making for a book that is very difficult to put down.
Very different, in plot though not the non-stop tension, follow up. Part action thriller, part conspiracy thriller, the plot and characters race along, making for a book that is very difficult to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews