Robert Ludlum's The Treadstone Transgression

Treadstone #3

by Joshua Hood

A blown mission and a dead team leave Adam Hayes the last loose thread in a tapestry of betrayal in this latest high stakes international thriller from the world of Robert Ludlum.

The most pressing issue on Adam Hayes' mind is planning his son's upcoming 5th birthday party. After years of operating in the world's most dangerous spots for Treadstone, he's ready to call it quits, but the feeling isn't mutual.

Levi Shaw, Treadstone's director, calls Hayes back for one more mission. "It's a walk in the park. You don't even have to go in with the strike team. I just need you to set up the safe house. You'll be home in time to pick up the birthday cake."

But nothing is ever easy where Treadstone is concerned. When the mission is blown only Hayes is left alive, and everyone, it seems, is determined to correct that oversight.

Genres: Espionage, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Action, Mystery

416 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Joshua Hood graduated from the University of Memphis before joining the 82nd Airborne Division. During his five years in the Infantry, he conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is still racing. The action is non-stop!

Third in the series, Adam Hayes is done with Treadstone. He's starting over with his family on a ranch near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Having missed much of his son in earlier years, nothing can stop Hayes from his first family festivity for Jack's 5th birthday.

The Director of Operations at Treadstone, Levi Shaw has one more favor to ask of Hayes. To fly to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, set up a safe house, and wait for American DIA officers and a local Haitian banker with an encrypted flash drive to make contact, an easy 48-hour job. As if!

From Haiti to the Dominican Republic and back to New Mexico, this thriller is high octane from start to finish. The Treadstone Transgression is an espionage thriller on steroids!

Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
Available April 5, 2022!

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hayes is finally home on his ranch and recuperating from the events in the last book. This time he will be home to celebrate his sons birthday for the first time in many years. Or will he? The Treadstone Transgression by Joshua Hood is a book you will stay up late to finish, I did. That doesn't happen very often. His old boss Levi Shaw only needs him for two days to set up a safe house for an extraction from Haiti, he doesn't even have to go there? This series is very well written and at first I was hesitant but at the end of book one I was sucked in and book two was even better. Now I have trouble finding words for this the third and best in the series which will hit the shelves on April 5 2022. I recommend that you mark that day in your calender for this is one of the best book I have read this year. I really must thank @penguinrandomhouse and @PutnamBooks #GPPutnamsSons and @this_is_edelweiss @edelweiss_squad for granting me the opportunity to read this advance copy of #TheTreadstoneTransgression and @joshuahoodbooks for inventing this great character.

[Ross Sidor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best entry yet in this series, and if you want assassins and spies trying to kill each other around the world, without any filler, forced personal drama, politics, and romance, then this is the right series. This time, Treadstone recruits Hayes to extract a DIA officer from Haiti who is in possession of a flash drive containing details of a bank's sketchy financial dealings and international corruption. Other actors, including a rival CIA official, become interested in the flash drive as well and deploy armed gangs and kill teams to retrieve it. Like in the previous books, we follow Hayes along every step of the mission. Joshua Hood writes with clear, cinematic prose some of the most intense and brutal action scenes you will read in the genre. He also excels at developing the setting and bringing a Haiti to life. If you're a fan of the Bourne movies or the Gray Man novels, you will not be disappointed.

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Adam Hayes series. I really enjoyed the first two books but this was the weakest installment so far. It's well written and action packed but I wasn't into the story as in the other two books. Regardless, I'm sure this will be another hit and receive high ratings.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.

[Nick Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third “Treadstone” book from Joshua Hood. Set in Robert Ludlum’s world but featuring Adam Hayes and not Jason Bourne. Robert Ludlum’s books were covered after his death by Eric Van Lustbader who somehow made the series rather dull. Mr Hood is a very different writer, his style is page turning action and that is what he delivers in spades, hard to take a breath with this one.

Hayes is trying to retire and be there for his family, but the CIA are in need of his skills and convince him to head for Haiti and recover some evidence that may point to corruption in American intelligence. As you would expect, it all goes horribly wrong and Hayes ends up on the run not knowing who to trust.

A lot to like here, including a very different setting. Times have changed since Robert Ludlum sucked us in with conspiracies and secret organisations so the books had to change too, towards more action in a world that is more immediate and where information is almost instant.
So, maybe not for you if you want cerebral deep plotting, but if you want a fast paced action thriller you should grab this.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time there was this secret organization that created a legendary assassin by the name of Jason Bourne. They however created a few more like Bourne, the man still being run by Treadstone is Adam Hayes who after Angola has been recuperating with his wife and son. Seemingly at peace he is preparing for his son’s birthday.
However being a Treadstone asset means there is always a threat around the corner. Hayes flies into Haiti to safeguard an asset and a couple of agents who are in trouble. It is meant to be an easy job, however the local head of secret police becomes his opponent and thrown in for good measure is a cadre of Wagner mercenaries. This in a poor country still destroyed by the 2010 earthquake makes for some serious action.
Joshua Hood does deliver an high octane actioner that does not let you go until the last page of the book. This book does take place in the Bourne universe without JB taking part. Adam Hayes is a brilliant character whom is entertaining enough to carry his own series without any assistance.
Well worth your reading time but expect no quiet night rest as you will want to continue reading until dawn and beyond.

[Rellim]

6/2022 - rec from Kronos

[Bodo Pfündl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hood’s best yet - a mesmerizing action thriller

Adam Hayes is yet again in over his head. Trapped between corrupt Haitian intelligence killers, Russian assassins and a vengeful CIA officer, the former Treadstone operative will need every vestige of tradecraft and will power to make it back to his family in one piece…

Joshua Hood’s Treadstone books just get better and better and The Treadstone Transgression is a soaring, perfectly crafted adrenaline rush on every level. Authentic locations, stunning action and great characters. Highly recommended for fans of Ben Coes and the Bourne movies!

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love nonstop action, blood-and-guts topped by more blood-and-guts and superhuman heroes who can mow down 24 men with AK-47s and machetes with 24 more lurking right around the building he just blew up with a grenade, trust me, you won't be disappointed with this book. Quite honestly, it was a little too much for me (make that way too much), but the fact remains that there's a well-written story in here for those with the stomach for finding it. And in the interests of full disclosure, I'm pretty sure I'd have had an easier time keeping all the characters straight had this not been my first book in the Treadstone series (this is the third).

Actually, I developed a fondness of sorts for that hero, Treadstone agent Adam Hayes, who at this stage of his much-battered life wants to plan his son's upcoming birthday party far more than how he'll survive his latest mission. His superiors, of course, visualize a different scenario; just one more mission, claims his boss, Treadstone director Levi Shaw - who promises that Adam will be back at home in time to watch his kid smack the pinata.

If any readers believe that, I've got a great deal on a bridge in Arizona for you. In reality, Hayes isn't dumb enough to fully believe it either, but his boss's offer isn't really an offer, so off he goes. The mission? To set up a safe house in Haiti for a man who is in possession of an incriminating flash drive and get the heck out. Simple, yes?

Don't be silly. Immediately, the entire plan is blown to shreds - nearly taking Hayes along for the ride. Worse, the fact that he's still alive seems to be a bug in the bonnet of nasty characters who want to change that - and who go all out to make sure it happens. But hats off to Hayes, who not only has to figure out who to trust (and who not to trust) but also how to rise to all the physical and mental challenges he encounters in large part because, well, what kind of dad makes a promise to his son and doesn't keep it?

Since this is a series, I certainly didn't expect Hayes to be bumped off, but I will say it was touch and go for a while. As for the details, you'll just have to read it for yourself. I'll just be content to say thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hayes is called back into service by Treadstone in the third installment of the series. A easy job turns treacherous from the moment Adam arrives in Haiti. Instead of setting up a safe house for a small group, he ends up trying to save the group from a number of enemies. Just when he thinks he is out, he is drawn back in to the highest stakes of his life.

This book is an excellent addition to the series. The setting of Haiti is perfect and the opposition to Adam Hayes is top notch. There is no lack of action as it comes fast and furious throughout the book.

This book is worth picking up for all thriller fans, and does a great job representing the Jason Bourne Universe.

[Sabastian Burlison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua Hood created another amazing thriller novel set in the Ludlum Universe!

Treadstone Operative Adam Hayes had one final mission. Something easy. Get in, and Get out. But nothing is ever easy when Treadstone gets involved.

This book has everything I wanted, suspense, action, and great characters. I also enjoyed the settings of New Mexico and Haiti. I can't wait to read the other Treadstone novel and hope Mr. Joshua Hood writes more books in the series. 10/10

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

eBook ARC Review – Author Joshua Hood delivers ‘again’ in the third installment of Robert Ludlum’s, “The Treadstone Transgression.” Hood is three for three in these Treadstone books. This doesn't happen very often in this genre, but it did with this third high energy, particularly intense action thriller. The entire series has been well written and thoughtfully plotted out. I am now having trouble finding words for this the third and probably the best of the three books in the series. The Treadstone Transgression once again keeps the reader enthralled, energized, and invigorated while following the latest adventures of protagonist Adam Hayes. Hood has developed him into a most notable central character. I love the storyline of Hayes trying to successfully complete an assignment in time to get back home to celebrate his son’s birthday after many years of missing them. This is unheard of especially for people in Hayes’ field of work. It really added to some individuality to Hayes’ character and helped me as a reader to see into his heart. The whole ‘family’ piece was a great add by Hood. As expected in most of Hood’s writings, the action scenes are very illustrative, copious, and intense. This book represents the action thriller gene! Adam Hayes is a ‘badass’ and Hood’s depiction of him makes readers appreciate him as one. His ‘witty’ dialogue is awesome too. Readers can’t help but to like him. On shelves on April 5, 2022, The Treadstone Transgression featuring main character Adam Hayes, doesn’t disappoint and is on track to being a successful long-standing series like Ludlum’s Jason Bourne, Mark Greaney’s Gray Man, Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath, and Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp. Joshua Hood has found his niche with this series, and I will continue to read this exciting series. Special thank you to author Joshua Hood, NetGalley and publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the digital ARC of The Treadstone Transgression. This is my honest review.

[Neal Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character, Adam Hayes, is flat compared to his predecessor Jason Bourne. What remains of Bourne’s physical and psychological trauma is an occasional nagging voice in the head, and a temptation to take strong analgesics. Part of the appeal of the Bourne character is his challenge to the establishment, both intellectual and material. Again, a decadent version of that remains, in that Hayes doesn’t want to take on the mission, but is induced to do so by some unspecified leverage that his former boss has on him.

The book exceeds the original in terms of the number of violent deaths per page, and there’s emphasis on specific military equipment, from guns to underwear. In terms of an exotic locale, I can’t say how faithfully it represents Haiti, but it is passably evocative.

During the middle part of the book, Hayes is told repeatedly that the team needs to escape via Pedernales. It did make me laugh when he reflects to himself that he’ll need to find out where on earth that is. Later, when Hayes is solo again, and needs to find the airport, instead of asking anyone, he rides his motorbike around till he sees a road sign. I’d like to think that this was a satire on male pride, although that is probably reading too much into it.

I do believe in judging work on its own terms - in this case, within an ongoing thriller genre franchise – otherwise my rating would’ve been lower.

[Jonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was constant action making the book a quick read. The issue I had with the story was that there were too many coincidences (both good and bad) that were too improbable to believe even for an action/thriller book. It seems like it was written to be made into a movie with a lot of explosions, dead bodies, and crashes. Like the other books in this series, there were also frequent logic gaps in the characters' actions that were frustrating to me as a reader.

I'm not sure if I will read the last book in the series or not. I like the action in the series and the main character is decent, but overall there have been too many plot holes to make this a must-read series.

[Kevin Stumpf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overall but action was a little too forced/unbelievable (spiral staircase scene) and there were a few plot points that irked me.

Characters wearing costumes (with masks) yet they could see “by the expression on my face.” Really? How?

The shantytown people just being observers with everything going down?

I enjoy the Treadstone series, but it is not a “must read” series for me. I will read the books as long as they are available through my library and I don’t have to purchase them.

[Michael Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam Hayes is a Beast. He was pursued by the Portuguese, Chinese and Russians. He killed at least 30 peiple. Mike Carpenter was a disgraced, demoted Agent who was pulling all kinds of illegal strings. I still want to know whatbwas on the flash drive. Dallys Carver needs to be in a follow up novel. The action was set in Haiti after the earthquake. Grimding poverty is the backdrop for intense fighting.

[Matt. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book! The Treadstone Transgression by Joshua Hood is a non stop action packed read. This book will keep your blood pumping all night long. This is the third book in the Treadstone series and it definitely didn't let the other 2 books down. This is a must read and Thank You to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this advanced copy. Go out and buy this book now!!

[Peter Kruger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this on holiday; it was a fine story and the type of thriller holiday reading I was looking for. Unfortunately, the writing was so bad, I found it distracting... a lot of detail without being value-add; it was uninformative to the overall narrative and felt disjointed from the flow of the text.

[Shawn Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE TREADSTONE TRANSGRESSION took my thriller junkie brain for a ride that no action movie or tv show could match. The pace had me gasping and panting so much that I barely remembered to breathe. Congratulation to Hood on another banger💣 for the franchise.

[Stephen Skripak · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I've ever read. The plot is preposterous, and the characters are poorly developed. Don't waste your time on this one.

[Ray Grynol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book provides a fast-paced, action-packed adventure, it does stretch a person’s credibility a lot. Not only is Adam Hayes the prototypical superhero for Treadstone, a CIA group of black-ops, who are highly trained assassins, but he is also seemingly invincible, no matter how bad the odds are against him. Despite his attempts to recuperate from the injuries Hayes sustained in his last mission in Angola, Director Levi Shaw has different ideas for Adam and thinks that he is giving Hayes a supposedly simple mission of going to war and earthquake-torn Haiti and extracting a couple of CIA officers, along with an asset who has incriminating evidence on some fraudulent banking activities that can destroy many people. Nothing is as simple as it appears, however, and the promised simplicity of the quick “there-and-back” mission quickly disintegrates. Not only are the Haitian police and its corrupt secret service (ANI) searching for the asset but so too are corrupt factions of the CIA trying to destroy the mission. Added to those forces are the crack teams of assassins from at least three other nations. Hayes seems to be playing Whack-a-Mole, first defeating one threat and then immediately confronting another. The battles did challenge my willingness to suspend my disbelief after a while: Hayes survives the collapse of a spiral staircase onto which he is holding to prevent a longer fall; he engages in a fight with only a piece of garbage can metal against a machete-wielding ANI chief; CIA agent Dallys Carver manages to escape the clutches of gangs of desperate Haitians who are holding her down; the Haitian police are presented as totally incompetent and easily expendable.
While author Joshua Hood has a terrific knowledge of military weaponry and technology, something which may appeal to other more knowledgeable readers, I found that he put too much technical emphasis on the different types of guns and devices. He also seemed to like describing in detail the damage that certain weapons inflicted on their victims. I did not need to know or like to read exactly what happened to a person’s body or where parts of it splattered. As exciting as this series may be, I will not be looking for another of its books.

[Sue Ellen Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at bedtime so it took me a bit longer to read than it normally might have, this was a bit edgier than other books I’ve red that were under Robert Ledlum’s actual authorship but on balance, Joshua Hood stayed very true to Robert Ledlum’s actual writing style. It was a bit longer than I thought it needed to be but was still very interesting as I couldn’t wait to see how Adam Hayse would bring down Tredstone’s nemosis and if he would get back to his wife and child. The story kept me guessing that was for sure. This was the first book I found in this series but I don’t see me going back to catch up with or continue this series as This particular main character didn’t hole me draw me in. The book was just a little more brutal than I like.

[Beach Bum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better

An improvement on the previous books in the series
Still lots of action, little intelligence gathering, lots of violence, the exact opposite of how I remember the Bourne books
Mentioning Bourne, it's strange there is no reference to him at all, not necessarily having him the book, but no reference to him and his impact on the Treadstone project
Looking forward to the next.im the series

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action on top of action on top of more action. But, there is a definable plot line and the author did well for this genre of story. The scenes in the Haitian shanty towns were exceptional. I'm not a weapons geek, but apparently the author is and I suppose most of the readers of these type of novels are. I personally feel his weaponry, ammunition descriptions are distracting and should only be emphasized when performance of the weaponry is significant to the storyline.

[Tanya Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, awesome book. Fast paced, exciting and thrilling I couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend.

[Robert L Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

As always it’s a book you have a hard time putting down. Strong characters with some unpredictable twists and turns.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could have been written by a computer. Same old story where the hero does superhero stuff. And a terrible ending too. Don't bother.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another CIA insider took a wrong turn and Hayes has to be sent in to set things right.

[John de Wit-Zondag · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner this is!

[lee arnstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story about trying to recover evidence implicating a spy in the organization, It's a continuation of adam and now his family.