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Gray Man #12
Burner
Listening Length 16 hours and 38 minutes
Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA in this latest electrifying thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man series.
When you kick over a rock, you never know what's going to crawl out.
Alex Velesky is about to discover that the hard way. He's stolen records from the Swiss bank that employs him, thinking that he'll uncover a criminal conspiracy. But he soon finds that he's tapped into the mother lode of corruption. Before he knows it, he's being hunted by everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA.
Court Gentry and his erstwhile lover, Zoya Zakharova, find themselves on opposites poles when it comes to Velesky. They both want him but for different reasons.
That's a problem for tomorrow. Today they need to keep him and themselves alive. Right now, it's not looking good.
Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA in this latest electrifying thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man series.
When you kick over a rock, you never know what's going to crawl out.
Alex Velesky is about to discover that the hard way. He's stolen records from the Swiss bank that employs him, thinking that he'll uncover a criminal conspiracy. But he soon finds that he's tapped into the mother lode of corruption. Before he knows it, he's being hunted by everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA.
Court Gentry and his erstwhile lover, Zoya Zakharova, find themselves on opposites poles when it comes to Velesky. They both want him but for different reasons.
That's a problem for tomorrow. Today they need to keep him and themselves alive. Right now, it's not looking good.
17 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 21, 2023
2076 people are currently reading
3386 people want to read
About the author
Mark Greaney
59 books6,171 followersMark Greaney has a degree in International Relations and Political Science. In researching The Gray Man series he traveled to ten countries and trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close range combative tactics.
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
November 22, 2022
Well, I'm running out of ways of saying Mark Greaney is a badass. In the twelfth Gray Man, Russia has invaded Ukraine and is immediately a pariah. At first, most countries in the world were resolute in its support for Ukraine and the sanctioning of Russia. But, as the Russian President becomes more erratic and paranoid the will to hold Russia accountable diminishes. Afraid the Russian President will start WWIII, world leaders are signing an accord to welcome Russia back into the international community like nothing happened.
Meanwhile, Russian citizens are becoming disillusioned and some are fighting back anyway they can. One of those citizens is a banker living in Switzerland who launders Russian money and exchanges it for crypto which then is used to finance their operations, bribe officials around the world, etc,. Stealing top-secret documents from his bank, the banker is now in possession of materials detailing Russia's nefarious dealings. The Kremlin and certain coconspirators will do anything to keep the information from going public. Including some high ranking American officials.
Enter Court Gentry. Hiding from the CIA and bored, Court has nothing to do but think of what-ifs, mostly involving Zoya. He's basically turned into like a sullen, heartbroken teenager listening to emo music on repeat (I know the feeling well). Until the CIA finds and asks him a to take seemingly mundane task for the Gray Man. Court is sweet-talked into obtaining the information before it gets in the wrong hands. Of course, nothing is what it seems and Court is about to find out that the surprises never cease.
Burner is exactly that: A burner. Since this is Greaney's 12th Gray Man novel that means I have said "this is my favorite Gray Man novel" twelve times. Greaney always gives us interesting plots, incredible action, humor and intelligence are all hallmarks of his.. In Burner, Greaney takes the Russian invasion and shows us an outcome that would be disastrous, but entirely plausible.
What makes Greaney so successful are they subjects he broaches within the chaotic worlds of The Gray Man. Truth, honor, duty, love, forgiveness, and the fight against addiction all play prominent roles in Burner. Sure, the train scene full of assassins is awesome (its badass) but what takes Burner over the top is Court and Zoya's relationship or lack there of. Here you have two of the most feared assassins and they are acting like a couple of confused, love-dumb teenagers. Assassins really are just like us.
I cannot recommend Burner, and the Gray Man series, enough!
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of Burner!
Meanwhile, Russian citizens are becoming disillusioned and some are fighting back anyway they can. One of those citizens is a banker living in Switzerland who launders Russian money and exchanges it for crypto which then is used to finance their operations, bribe officials around the world, etc,. Stealing top-secret documents from his bank, the banker is now in possession of materials detailing Russia's nefarious dealings. The Kremlin and certain coconspirators will do anything to keep the information from going public. Including some high ranking American officials.
Enter Court Gentry. Hiding from the CIA and bored, Court has nothing to do but think of what-ifs, mostly involving Zoya. He's basically turned into like a sullen, heartbroken teenager listening to emo music on repeat (I know the feeling well). Until the CIA finds and asks him a to take seemingly mundane task for the Gray Man. Court is sweet-talked into obtaining the information before it gets in the wrong hands. Of course, nothing is what it seems and Court is about to find out that the surprises never cease.
Burner is exactly that: A burner. Since this is Greaney's 12th Gray Man novel that means I have said "this is my favorite Gray Man novel" twelve times. Greaney always gives us interesting plots, incredible action, humor and intelligence are all hallmarks of his.. In Burner, Greaney takes the Russian invasion and shows us an outcome that would be disastrous, but entirely plausible.
What makes Greaney so successful are they subjects he broaches within the chaotic worlds of The Gray Man. Truth, honor, duty, love, forgiveness, and the fight against addiction all play prominent roles in Burner. Sure, the train scene full of assassins is awesome (its badass) but what takes Burner over the top is Court and Zoya's relationship or lack there of. Here you have two of the most feared assassins and they are acting like a couple of confused, love-dumb teenagers. Assassins really are just like us.
I cannot recommend Burner, and the Gray Man series, enough!
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of Burner!
October 25, 2022
The twelfth entry into Greaney's Gray Man series is as rock-solid and filled with fast action and adventure as you would expect from this terrific series. Court Gentry, otherwise known as the Gray Man, is a former CIA operative who worked in the shadows when plausible deniability was necessary, has been rogue for many years because of an operation gone south with a kill order out for him. Now legendary for his exploits, Gentry is quietly earning a few extra bucks blowing up yachts on behalf of a Ukrainian oligarch. Of course, the yachts are owned (through numerous shell companies) by Russian oligarchs.
Timely as can be the events in this novel take place as Putin's war against the Ukraine in 2022 takes place. The West is on the surface enraged by Russia's actions, but still dying to do business with whoever has the goods. And those willing to do business with the Russians include elements of the Central Intelligence Agency, tasked with preventing ongoing trade talks from being scuttled.
Gentry's extracurricular activities do not make a lot of headlines, but they do put him in the eyes of the intelligence community once again and he is somehow roped into a new operation where information about Russian money laundering to operatives in the West has been revealed in an electronic storage device. Everyone wants that device. And Gentry is going up against the best assassins the Russians have to get it. What's more his old flame Zoya has resurfaced (although not in the best condition) an is involved in seeking it on behalf of someone.
The action flows through this book from the very first page and literally never stops. There is no break in the action, no down time, no vacation interlude. If what you are looking for is the best in nonstop action, you found it.
Timely as can be the events in this novel take place as Putin's war against the Ukraine in 2022 takes place. The West is on the surface enraged by Russia's actions, but still dying to do business with whoever has the goods. And those willing to do business with the Russians include elements of the Central Intelligence Agency, tasked with preventing ongoing trade talks from being scuttled.
Gentry's extracurricular activities do not make a lot of headlines, but they do put him in the eyes of the intelligence community once again and he is somehow roped into a new operation where information about Russian money laundering to operatives in the West has been revealed in an electronic storage device. Everyone wants that device. And Gentry is going up against the best assassins the Russians have to get it. What's more his old flame Zoya has resurfaced (although not in the best condition) an is involved in seeking it on behalf of someone.
The action flows through this book from the very first page and literally never stops. There is no break in the action, no down time, no vacation interlude. If what you are looking for is the best in nonstop action, you found it.
May 3, 2023
Greaney's Burner is one of his best efforts. Court is back, and Zoe, though severely comprised by drugs and alcohol, re-enters both the plot and Court's life. The plot tears through Ukraine, Zurich, and New York City with guns and fists blazing. Court manages to live through it all with a little luck and great skill. What delights me most, is, despite the complexity of the plot, there are no lulls that might entice the reader to skip ahead.
The reader will meet a new CIA player that I hope returns and sees an old boss fall out of leadership, perhaps to return as a villain.
This is a great read, especially for thriller fans that have not read Greaney and are looking for a great new author to read. – Tom L.
The reader will meet a new CIA player that I hope returns and sees an old boss fall out of leadership, perhaps to return as a villain.
This is a great read, especially for thriller fans that have not read Greaney and are looking for a great new author to read. – Tom L.
May 8, 2023
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous eleven Gray Man novels. I gave all 5 stars except for two which received four stars. That being said, this book was dreadful. After a 527 page slog I am not going to waste any more time reviewing it in detail (which would necessarily contain spoilers). Suffice it to say that the characters were uniformly awful, the plot ridiculous and finally this book was thoroughly boring, the worst characteristic of a spy/thriller novel. It is definitely my last Gray Man book. The Gray Man should gracefully retire along with Jack Reacher.
February 7, 2023
What’s your preferred book length?
For me its right about 350 pages. My only reading goal this year was to not be intimidated as much by length, and try to read some longer books. This one comes in at 528 pages, and it was a fast read. I love when books do that for me.
Alex is about to discover the hard way what happens when you kick a rock. He’s stolen records from his employer thinking he has found a conspiracy…but what he uncovers is not that. When you think things can go bad, just imagine that but worse. Now he’s being hunted from everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA. When Court Gentry (Gray Man) gets called to help, even he’s not sure that he’ll be able to save him.
This was my first Gray Man novel, but it won’t be my last. This was a fun fast paced action suspense thriller. The writing style is fantastic and can’t be missed. Its well-researched and very vividly done so you feel like you are right there. I fell that the main character, Court, was also well done. The amount of emotional depth that was shown in his character was phenomenal and thoroughly thought out.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book because it is rooted in current events. Not exactly what is happening but, it helped give a different perspective to the events we’re living in right now.
Check this amazing book February 21st.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For me its right about 350 pages. My only reading goal this year was to not be intimidated as much by length, and try to read some longer books. This one comes in at 528 pages, and it was a fast read. I love when books do that for me.
Alex is about to discover the hard way what happens when you kick a rock. He’s stolen records from his employer thinking he has found a conspiracy…but what he uncovers is not that. When you think things can go bad, just imagine that but worse. Now he’s being hunted from everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA. When Court Gentry (Gray Man) gets called to help, even he’s not sure that he’ll be able to save him.
This was my first Gray Man novel, but it won’t be my last. This was a fun fast paced action suspense thriller. The writing style is fantastic and can’t be missed. Its well-researched and very vividly done so you feel like you are right there. I fell that the main character, Court, was also well done. The amount of emotional depth that was shown in his character was phenomenal and thoroughly thought out.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book because it is rooted in current events. Not exactly what is happening but, it helped give a different perspective to the events we’re living in right now.
Check this amazing book February 21st.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2023
Gray man series is something not to miss. Exciting and everything else you’ve wanted in an action novel/series. You do need to start from the beginning though to get a lot of the personality interaction that is going on. Fantastic!
February 25, 2023
It has It's been a long time since I have read a book in International espionage/ CIA thriller genre. Huge thank you to #TinaJoell at Penguin Random House for asking me to be on this tour for the new #grayman book and my ARC of #Burner .
This book was one hell of a ride with non stop action and at the end of the book I was at the edge of my seat.
It is easy to see why Netflix chose to make a movie from the first book since the twelfth book in the series is full of explosions, shootouts and the main characters barely making it out of situations alive .
The MMC Court Gentry is for any reader who loves the morally gray anti hero . Forget Mission Impossible and Jason Bourne, this burned agent is the one you want to carry out a covert mission . He works alone and misses the love of his life Zoya ( code name Anthem) who is just as deadly as he is, he disappeared from her life when he knew he was on a kill list from the CIA .
Zoya was on a job to capture a Ukrainian banker who had downloaded highly classified transactions between the West and Russia . She was not the only one hunting Alex Velesky . Code Name Matador Luka Rudenko , the head of the Russian special forces also showed up to kill Velesky. Zoya with her superior shooting skills took out his team and she gets away with Alex with the clock against them ticking.
Any thriller reader would enjoy the pace of this book , and the plot is actually following current events between Russia and Ukraine and the position the United States may be in with their war.
What would have made it a 5 Star book:
I didn't like how this author chose to portray Zoya and Angela Lacy as less credible than the male main character. Honestly Zoya was fierce , I think her drug and alcohol use shouldn't have been made such a stigma , nor should her grief over the disappearance of Court made her appear to be a lesser character. I didn't like Angela Lacy's character being made to look flaky and unreliable .Just because she worked in operations doesn't make her less of a critical thinker. I am glad at the end the author used Angela's intelligence to save even the deadly trained killers Court and Zoya. I hope in his next book Zoya and Angela Lacy are portrayed as the fierce women they are; this would help gain more female readers for this series.
This book was one hell of a ride with non stop action and at the end of the book I was at the edge of my seat.
It is easy to see why Netflix chose to make a movie from the first book since the twelfth book in the series is full of explosions, shootouts and the main characters barely making it out of situations alive .
The MMC Court Gentry is for any reader who loves the morally gray anti hero . Forget Mission Impossible and Jason Bourne, this burned agent is the one you want to carry out a covert mission . He works alone and misses the love of his life Zoya ( code name Anthem) who is just as deadly as he is, he disappeared from her life when he knew he was on a kill list from the CIA .
Zoya was on a job to capture a Ukrainian banker who had downloaded highly classified transactions between the West and Russia . She was not the only one hunting Alex Velesky . Code Name Matador Luka Rudenko , the head of the Russian special forces also showed up to kill Velesky. Zoya with her superior shooting skills took out his team and she gets away with Alex with the clock against them ticking.
Any thriller reader would enjoy the pace of this book , and the plot is actually following current events between Russia and Ukraine and the position the United States may be in with their war.
What would have made it a 5 Star book:
I didn't like how this author chose to portray Zoya and Angela Lacy as less credible than the male main character. Honestly Zoya was fierce , I think her drug and alcohol use shouldn't have been made such a stigma , nor should her grief over the disappearance of Court made her appear to be a lesser character. I didn't like Angela Lacy's character being made to look flaky and unreliable .Just because she worked in operations doesn't make her less of a critical thinker. I am glad at the end the author used Angela's intelligence to save even the deadly trained killers Court and Zoya. I hope in his next book Zoya and Angela Lacy are portrayed as the fierce women they are; this would help gain more female readers for this series.
March 6, 2023
DNF This is a train wreck of a book. How The Gray Man could be so freaking boring is beyond me. Chase - shoot out - chase - shoot out - repeat ad nauseam. Was looking forward to Zoya and Court reuniting but this was a complete miss for me.
March 1, 2023
Another excellent entry to the Gray Man series, and after the semi-prequel, Sierra Six, that was just fine in my opinion Greany seems to be back to form here in Burner. This book had me pretty much riveted from page 1 with starting off with a trademark Greany action sequence. Then slowly the main plot of the book unfolds as Greany shows it from multiple sides as the threads eventually converge. While it's not a super original plot (get the thing/kill the man with the thing or stop them from killing him) the way it interweaves current geo politics and past history of characters from this universe was very satisfying. I also like how the escalation of events occurred and how the antagonists developed throughout the book. And as always the Gray Man remains probably my favorite character in this genre.
The only thing this book was really missing was an appearance from my favorite side character in the series and I expected a little more from the climax action sequence than what we got. Otherwise this book was a very good time.
Also, Jay Snyder is a fantastic narrator whom I need to listen to more of his work. His voice is made for these types of books.
The only thing this book was really missing was an appearance from my favorite side character in the series and I expected a little more from the climax action sequence than what we got. Otherwise this book was a very good time.
Also, Jay Snyder is a fantastic narrator whom I need to listen to more of his work. His voice is made for these types of books.
May 29, 2023
A record of all illegal money transfers out of Russia and around the world. Is that something you would like to get your hands on? Well that is the reason behind the events in Burner, the latest Gray Man story from Mark Greaney. Sadly it took me less than three hours to read this book, it was that good. I simply couldn't put it down. Don't worry, we get so much more in this book, Court is trying to stay under the radar while doing his thing, Zoya is doing her thing and CIA and the russians are doing their thing. It all becomes a fast paced wild ride, (literally) through many countries and with many surprising twists along the way. I must say that the two latest books about Gentry are among the best in the series and now I wonder what will happen next.
March 4, 2023
I will catch hate for this, but here goes.
I'm pissed! The only reason this book is called Burner is because Greaney just burned all his readers.
There is little to no emotional tension. We barely care about the characters. The plot was largely stale. The political implications were the heartbeat of the narrative. Then, somehow, we are left with nearly zero political fallout!? One person dies, the other resigns, that's it?! The journalism angle never paid off.
Not once have I been disappointed in this series. Perhaps that is the source of my frustration.
I'm pissed! The only reason this book is called Burner is because Greaney just burned all his readers.
There is little to no emotional tension. We barely care about the characters. The plot was largely stale. The political implications were the heartbeat of the narrative. Then, somehow, we are left with nearly zero political fallout!? One person dies, the other resigns, that's it?! The journalism angle never paid off.
Not once have I been disappointed in this series. Perhaps that is the source of my frustration.
February 23, 2023
Notes:
Had a great, snappy intro. Overall, it seemed like a transitional piece for the next Gray Man phase of crazy events. I enjoyed the intro & most of the ending. Middle parts were a see-saw of snores and mild interest.
Had a great, snappy intro. Overall, it seemed like a transitional piece for the next Gray Man phase of crazy events. I enjoyed the intro & most of the ending. Middle parts were a see-saw of snores and mild interest.
August 7, 2025
Court and Zoya are at it again. Russians, Ukrainians, dirty bankers what's not to like? A rush against the clock, will massive money laundering be exposed or will it be buried forever?
December 12, 2022
Mark Greaney’s “Gray Man” series is synonymous with insane action, well written plots, and a cast of characters that make this series second to none. This is Greaney’s twelfth installment of the “Gray Man” series, and he continuously raises the stakes for his main cast of characters, and I can honestly say my stomach lining has taken a toll from it!
In Mark Greaney’s latest “Gray Man” novel, Burner, Court Gentry is tasked with a mission that places him directly between the Russia government and the CIA. Gentry is on a mission to capture one Alex Velesky, who has stolen information from the Swiss bank he works for with the goal to uncover a conspiracy. Once he has these documents in hand, it is a far more dangerous prospect then he could have ever imagined. Now, Russia, the CIA, Court Gentry, and Courts lover Zoya Zakaharova are all on the hunt for Velesky to take back what was stolen. Court and Zoya find themselves on opposing missions, and they must work together to suss out who is telling the truth.
Burner was a brilliantly written novel with an explosive plot driving this crazy train. Like I mentioned earlier, Greaney has established a dynamo cast of characters that we as readers come to love and to hate. As a book series progresses, I start to worry about any long term characters that I’ve grown attached to. I get worried if this is the time this author will kill them off, and that feeling was prevalent for me in Burner! Greaney is an expert in character development, and it was on display here. Preorder Burner for an adrenaline filled page turner for the ages!
In Mark Greaney’s latest “Gray Man” novel, Burner, Court Gentry is tasked with a mission that places him directly between the Russia government and the CIA. Gentry is on a mission to capture one Alex Velesky, who has stolen information from the Swiss bank he works for with the goal to uncover a conspiracy. Once he has these documents in hand, it is a far more dangerous prospect then he could have ever imagined. Now, Russia, the CIA, Court Gentry, and Courts lover Zoya Zakaharova are all on the hunt for Velesky to take back what was stolen. Court and Zoya find themselves on opposing missions, and they must work together to suss out who is telling the truth.
Burner was a brilliantly written novel with an explosive plot driving this crazy train. Like I mentioned earlier, Greaney has established a dynamo cast of characters that we as readers come to love and to hate. As a book series progresses, I start to worry about any long term characters that I’ve grown attached to. I get worried if this is the time this author will kill them off, and that feeling was prevalent for me in Burner! Greaney is an expert in character development, and it was on display here. Preorder Burner for an adrenaline filled page turner for the ages!
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February 17, 2025
A very ordinary 2.0-stars - DNF @ 61%
My Listening Activity tells the tale🙄
Extracts from Listening Activity:
Feb 13, 2025 @ 20%: "I've heard the Gray Man books from #1 to #11 and I'm listening to #12 now. #13 is 'in stock' and #14 is due in March. #1 to #10 all rated 4 or 5 Stars, #11 rated 3 Stars, and sadly the first 20% of "Burner" seems drawn out. I'll persevere, but... 😐"
Feb 14, 2025 @ 27%: "Hmmm... Maybe it's just me, but I am not getting excited about Court Gentry's activities as the "Gray Man" so far."🤨
Feb 16, 2025 @ 46%: "I'm still listening to this, but I think I might be a bit "over" the Gray Man."😐
Feb 17, 2025 @ 61%: "This book is 998 minutes long and I have tolerated 608 minutes of "but suddenly...", "but then...", "then suddenly...", and multiple variations of other improbable and implausible Deus Ex events. Regrettably I intend to DNF at 61%.😣
I might try "#13 Chaos Agent" at a later date."
My Listening Activity tells the tale🙄
Extracts from Listening Activity:
Feb 13, 2025 @ 20%: "I've heard the Gray Man books from #1 to #11 and I'm listening to #12 now. #13 is 'in stock' and #14 is due in March. #1 to #10 all rated 4 or 5 Stars, #11 rated 3 Stars, and sadly the first 20% of "Burner" seems drawn out. I'll persevere, but... 😐"
Feb 14, 2025 @ 27%: "Hmmm... Maybe it's just me, but I am not getting excited about Court Gentry's activities as the "Gray Man" so far."🤨
Feb 16, 2025 @ 46%: "I'm still listening to this, but I think I might be a bit "over" the Gray Man."😐
Feb 17, 2025 @ 61%: "This book is 998 minutes long and I have tolerated 608 minutes of "but suddenly...", "but then...", "then suddenly...", and multiple variations of other improbable and implausible Deus Ex events. Regrettably I intend to DNF at 61%.😣
I might try "#13 Chaos Agent" at a later date."
March 2, 2023
UGH……I DESPISE Suzanne Brewer. Seriously HATE that woman.
This is not a spoiler. I’m only on chapter 23 (out of 73 chapters) so there is still lots to come in this book. I just had to get it out there once I saw her name.
I have no problems saying that I HOPE (man oh man do I hope) that this is the book where she finally gets what she deserves. I’ve been waiting SO patiently……
—————————————————————————————————————-
Okay. I’m done with this book.
I don’t know how Mr. Greaney continues to do it, but he does. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
ABSOLUTELY FREAKING AMAZING.
I'm not even sure what to say that I haven't said before for this series. This series is one of my absolute favorites. A favorite in this genre, heck....in any genre and Court Gentry is in my top 5 for favorite MC's. For someone who reads as much as I do, that really means something to me and I do not say that lightly.
I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to say things that would then necessitate putting a "spoiler tag" on this, but in the end, I decided to just say that this book was another winner. It has everything we have come to expect from Mr. Greaney - nonstop action, intense drama, lots and lots of violence, bad guys (really, really bad guys), and then something not so common.....uncertainty on the part of Court Gentry (the Gray Man) when it comes to a certain female operator (hint - her name is Zoya).
I absolutely ADORE Court Gentry and it is still kind of funny to see two EXTREMELY LETHAL operators, behave so adorably uncharacteristically when it comes to the possible or now should I say the "developing" possible personal relationship between the two of them.
To me, Mr. Greaney has already done a fabulous job of creating a character in Court that is such a contradiction. What a dichotomy. He is definitely lethal; in fact, he is arguably one of the most dangerous men on the planet. Yet, he is also so unbelievably good. Good in a way that is hard to explain unless you have been on this journey with Court for the many, many books in this collection. And now.....I'm just thrilled for the "possibility" of Court and Zoya and I can honestly say that my fingers (and toes) are crossed for these two crazy kids :)
Hmmm, let's see.....words about the book itself - well, it's awesome. Jay Snyder knocks the narration out of the park (again). Honestly, he is the voice of the series and I can not imagine anyone else ever portraying or attempting to portray Court/Six/Violator/The Gray Man.
This series is not only getting better with every new addition, but it somehow continues to show us
the character development of an amazing character - and humanize him in a way that never ceases to shock and humble me.
Oh, and the character that I have come to dislike so greatly......well, I have total faith in Mr. Greaney in that aspect as well.
So, the wait is on for book 13. Man I love this series :)
This is not a spoiler. I’m only on chapter 23 (out of 73 chapters) so there is still lots to come in this book. I just had to get it out there once I saw her name.
I have no problems saying that I HOPE (man oh man do I hope) that this is the book where she finally gets what she deserves. I’ve been waiting SO patiently……
—————————————————————————————————————-
Okay. I’m done with this book.
I don’t know how Mr. Greaney continues to do it, but he does. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
ABSOLUTELY FREAKING AMAZING.
I'm not even sure what to say that I haven't said before for this series. This series is one of my absolute favorites. A favorite in this genre, heck....in any genre and Court Gentry is in my top 5 for favorite MC's. For someone who reads as much as I do, that really means something to me and I do not say that lightly.
I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to say things that would then necessitate putting a "spoiler tag" on this, but in the end, I decided to just say that this book was another winner. It has everything we have come to expect from Mr. Greaney - nonstop action, intense drama, lots and lots of violence, bad guys (really, really bad guys), and then something not so common.....uncertainty on the part of Court Gentry (the Gray Man) when it comes to a certain female operator (hint - her name is Zoya).
I absolutely ADORE Court Gentry and it is still kind of funny to see two EXTREMELY LETHAL operators, behave so adorably uncharacteristically when it comes to the possible or now should I say the "developing" possible personal relationship between the two of them.
To me, Mr. Greaney has already done a fabulous job of creating a character in Court that is such a contradiction. What a dichotomy. He is definitely lethal; in fact, he is arguably one of the most dangerous men on the planet. Yet, he is also so unbelievably good. Good in a way that is hard to explain unless you have been on this journey with Court for the many, many books in this collection. And now.....I'm just thrilled for the "possibility" of Court and Zoya and I can honestly say that my fingers (and toes) are crossed for these two crazy kids :)
Hmmm, let's see.....words about the book itself - well, it's awesome. Jay Snyder knocks the narration out of the park (again). Honestly, he is the voice of the series and I can not imagine anyone else ever portraying or attempting to portray Court/Six/Violator/The Gray Man.
This series is not only getting better with every new addition, but it somehow continues to show us
the character development of an amazing character - and humanize him in a way that never ceases to shock and humble me.
Oh, and the character that I have come to dislike so greatly......well, I have total faith in Mr. Greaney in that aspect as well.
So, the wait is on for book 13. Man I love this series :)
March 9, 2023
Love this latest Gray Man thriller. My fifth overall. I have read the first 3 and the last two.
Sooner or later I will go back and resume from four on. Loved the Netflix movie as well. Might rewatch it again to refresh my memory. As mentioned in another posting, I was reading this thriller at the same time I was reading Brad Taylor's later thriller:
.
They were both released very close to another, and i was on the waiting list at my digital library. They BOTH became available within days of each other. It was tough to keep track of which threat, which villain and where in the heck my current story was at? Tough but fun, as I love to read exciting characters such as Gray Man, Pike Logan, Kyle Reese, Will Robie, Scott Harvath, Mitch Rapp, and Dewey Andres (plus several others). But what did the boat on the cover have to do with anything? I would have thought a speeding train coming out of a tunnel would be more appropriate.
Sooner or later I will go back and resume from four on. Loved the Netflix movie as well. Might rewatch it again to refresh my memory. As mentioned in another posting, I was reading this thriller at the same time I was reading Brad Taylor's later thriller:
.They were both released very close to another, and i was on the waiting list at my digital library. They BOTH became available within days of each other. It was tough to keep track of which threat, which villain and where in the heck my current story was at? Tough but fun, as I love to read exciting characters such as Gray Man, Pike Logan, Kyle Reese, Will Robie, Scott Harvath, Mitch Rapp, and Dewey Andres (plus several others). But what did the boat on the cover have to do with anything? I would have thought a speeding train coming out of a tunnel would be more appropriate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
Book Review – Burner – Mark Greaney
In Mark Greaney’s 12th Gray Man series novel, “Burner,” main character Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA who are both chasing a banker who stole records from his Swiss bank employer, hoping to expose a load of incredible corruption. The banker stores the sought after information on a burner phone, and everybody – the Russians and the CIA wants it! Gentry, an ex–CIA operator, but now a freelance contractor, is pulled off another job to help find the ‘burner’ phone. Finding the burner phone with stolen banking information on it proves to be more of a charge than Gentry expected. Gentry ends up going up against some of the best Russian assassins in the business and what's even more odd is his old flame Zoya Zakaharova has also resurfaced into the picture (although not in the best condition) and is involved in seeking out the burner device on behalf of someone else. The suspense and excitement in this thriller are relentless and so is the action! This is a ‘true’ action thriller! As usual, Greaney’s writing is clever, intelligent, and sensible. The plotline was original, distinctive, and thought-provoking. And Greaney’s character development is sensational – it just keeps getting better and better with every new book! Greaney’s “Gray Man” series is my favorite thriller series. It’s synonymous with ridiculous action, well written plots, and a cast of regular characters that makes the series second to none in the action thriller genre. I really enjoyed Burner; it was another wonderful tale by Mark Greaney. I can never get tired of this series…
In Mark Greaney’s 12th Gray Man series novel, “Burner,” main character Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA who are both chasing a banker who stole records from his Swiss bank employer, hoping to expose a load of incredible corruption. The banker stores the sought after information on a burner phone, and everybody – the Russians and the CIA wants it! Gentry, an ex–CIA operator, but now a freelance contractor, is pulled off another job to help find the ‘burner’ phone. Finding the burner phone with stolen banking information on it proves to be more of a charge than Gentry expected. Gentry ends up going up against some of the best Russian assassins in the business and what's even more odd is his old flame Zoya Zakaharova has also resurfaced into the picture (although not in the best condition) and is involved in seeking out the burner device on behalf of someone else. The suspense and excitement in this thriller are relentless and so is the action! This is a ‘true’ action thriller! As usual, Greaney’s writing is clever, intelligent, and sensible. The plotline was original, distinctive, and thought-provoking. And Greaney’s character development is sensational – it just keeps getting better and better with every new book! Greaney’s “Gray Man” series is my favorite thriller series. It’s synonymous with ridiculous action, well written plots, and a cast of regular characters that makes the series second to none in the action thriller genre. I really enjoyed Burner; it was another wonderful tale by Mark Greaney. I can never get tired of this series…
March 9, 2023
A book that's already dated. It's easy to see it was written at the height of the moral panic over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, before anybody started asking questions. The British might say it's Full Jingo.
The Gray Man is sinking yachts belonging to Russian Oligarchs, when he gets called out to retrieve a phone from someone the CIA wants. Turns out, his lady love is body guarding the guy, but the Russians, the CIA, and several other people all want this phone, which contains the key to all of the people Russia is bribing throughout America.
Very exciting, and we get some character arcs. All of the action set pieces are extremely well done.
Greaney may have just pulled away as the best writer of his genre.
The Gray Man is sinking yachts belonging to Russian Oligarchs, when he gets called out to retrieve a phone from someone the CIA wants. Turns out, his lady love is body guarding the guy, but the Russians, the CIA, and several other people all want this phone, which contains the key to all of the people Russia is bribing throughout America.
Very exciting, and we get some character arcs. All of the action set pieces are extremely well done.
Greaney may have just pulled away as the best writer of his genre.
March 14, 2023
I was a Gray Man fan. But this #12 in the series is too much. A strong 2 stars to a very weak 3.
Mr. Greaney, it's time to retire Gray Man and start with a new character. This book offers little but childishly unrealistic violence and a travelogue - little to no plot line. Definitely a low point in the series.
Very disappointing. I do not recommend it.
Mr. Greaney, it's time to retire Gray Man and start with a new character. This book offers little but childishly unrealistic violence and a travelogue - little to no plot line. Definitely a low point in the series.
Very disappointing. I do not recommend it.
March 8, 2023
In my top 3 best books ! Court Gray Man will get the jobs done for sure ! I will be reading Mark Greaney in the future !
June 29, 2025
Okay, Burner is not my favorite “Gray Man” entry…yeah, I said it. The plot? Not exactly breaking new ground. There’s your usual globe-trotting spy fare, corrupt bankers, Russian villains, and a very big Very Bad Thing that needs stopping. It’s fine. Solid. But not winning awards for originality or edge-of-your-seat intrigue.
BUT WHO CARES?
Because holy hell, this is easily the most adrenaline-soaked installment in the entire series. You want action? Greaney delivers action like he’s been possessed by the ghosts of Michael Bay and Tom Clancy. There’s a Porsche vs. Ferrari chase that doesn’t just go fast, it goes ballistic, complete with gunfire and grenades being casually lobbed out the window like it’s just another Tuesday in international espionage.
There’s a shootout at an airport that escalates into fire, suppression foam, and some wildly creative fighting that could double as a MythBusters episode gone rogue. Greaney doesn’t just describe chaos—he orchestrates it like a master conductor with a machine gun.
But the pièce de résistance? A 125+ page train sequence that is so pulse-pounding, so cinematic, so John Wick meets Extraction, I was basically casting the movie adaptation in my head while reading it. I’m not even joking; this entire arc could be filmed as a one-shot and win awards just for audacity. The last time I read anything this intense was Matt Reilly’s unhinged chase in Ice Station, and even that might need to scoot over.
And, wild as it sounds, Burner actually shines in the character development department. I know, I know, these books are supposed to be all killer, no filler, but Greaney sneaks in some real growth, especially with Zoya. I wasn’t on board with her back in Gunmetal Gray (thought she was kind of a stock love interest, honestly), but she’s evolved into a major player: sharp, layered, and crucial to Court’s emotional journey. She’s no longer just “the girl”; she’s the partner, and that shift adds real weight to the mayhem.
Burner might not win points for plot originality, (in the plot area at least) but it’s a full-throttle, punch-you-in-the-face thrill ride with surprising emotional depth. Greaney proves (yet again) that nobody—and I mean nobody—does high-octane spy fiction better. If you like your books loud, fast, and bleeding from a dozen bullet holes, this is your jam.
And honestly, even when the plot coasts on familiar ground, it’s hard to care when the execution is this sharp. The pacing is relentless, the action choreography feels cinematic, and the character moments (especially between Zoya and Court) add just enough heart to keep things grounded. Greaney threads that needle like a pro, giving us moments of humanity in between bouts of total destruction.
This is the kind of book you finish and immediately imagine the film adaptation… and then get mad it doesn’t already exist. Burner doesn’t just raise the bar for the Gray Man series—it lights it on fire, blows it up, and throws the remains off a speeding train. Strap in and hold on for dear life!
BUT WHO CARES?
Because holy hell, this is easily the most adrenaline-soaked installment in the entire series. You want action? Greaney delivers action like he’s been possessed by the ghosts of Michael Bay and Tom Clancy. There’s a Porsche vs. Ferrari chase that doesn’t just go fast, it goes ballistic, complete with gunfire and grenades being casually lobbed out the window like it’s just another Tuesday in international espionage.
There’s a shootout at an airport that escalates into fire, suppression foam, and some wildly creative fighting that could double as a MythBusters episode gone rogue. Greaney doesn’t just describe chaos—he orchestrates it like a master conductor with a machine gun.
But the pièce de résistance? A 125+ page train sequence that is so pulse-pounding, so cinematic, so John Wick meets Extraction, I was basically casting the movie adaptation in my head while reading it. I’m not even joking; this entire arc could be filmed as a one-shot and win awards just for audacity. The last time I read anything this intense was Matt Reilly’s unhinged chase in Ice Station, and even that might need to scoot over.
And, wild as it sounds, Burner actually shines in the character development department. I know, I know, these books are supposed to be all killer, no filler, but Greaney sneaks in some real growth, especially with Zoya. I wasn’t on board with her back in Gunmetal Gray (thought she was kind of a stock love interest, honestly), but she’s evolved into a major player: sharp, layered, and crucial to Court’s emotional journey. She’s no longer just “the girl”; she’s the partner, and that shift adds real weight to the mayhem.
Burner might not win points for plot originality, (in the plot area at least) but it’s a full-throttle, punch-you-in-the-face thrill ride with surprising emotional depth. Greaney proves (yet again) that nobody—and I mean nobody—does high-octane spy fiction better. If you like your books loud, fast, and bleeding from a dozen bullet holes, this is your jam.
And honestly, even when the plot coasts on familiar ground, it’s hard to care when the execution is this sharp. The pacing is relentless, the action choreography feels cinematic, and the character moments (especially between Zoya and Court) add just enough heart to keep things grounded. Greaney threads that needle like a pro, giving us moments of humanity in between bouts of total destruction.
This is the kind of book you finish and immediately imagine the film adaptation… and then get mad it doesn’t already exist. Burner doesn’t just raise the bar for the Gray Man series—it lights it on fire, blows it up, and throws the remains off a speeding train. Strap in and hold on for dear life!
April 11, 2023
I read this the same weekend that I read Freezing Order by Bill Browder. I learned more than I wanted to about Russia and their American political enablers. Where is Senator McCarthy when he's really needed? All kinds of action of every sort which is what you'd expect of the Gray man. He actually showed a softer side in this. Very satisfactory ending and no sneaky cliffhanger ending. I hope Mark Greaney is already well on the way to finishing the next installment.
March 11, 2023
I love the Gray Man and Zoya but this one was too much! Unrealistic! I am fine with heroic events but these characterizations were beyond perceived reality.
As an example: Court and Zoya are involved in a battle on a European train with lights blacked out on all cars, traveling through a multi-mile tunnel, at speeds exceeding 100 mph, the Gray Man climbs to the top of the train while being shot at by many villains welding submachine guns. He successfully moves from car to car via “roof-crawl” using rock climbing axes embedding into the cars too create every “step” or inch of the way forward. All the while dodging bullets coming through the top of the railcar - he crawls toward the next car even though he is significantly wounded. He reaches the car of his destination and is able to break from the top of the shrieking railcar making an entrance into the passenger window from atop the moving train while inside the narrow tunnel into the railcar through the window at century level speeds. However he enters a car full of Russian soldiers armed and he only has the axe. After excoriating pain from me as the reader, the Gray Man is able to feel an abandoned sub-machine gun under a seat of the speeding train. By feel, I am referring to feeling with his feet. As he bares his feet, pulling the strap of the gun toward him he realizes that his foe is close and able to kill him immediately. The Gray Man manages to place the gun with his feet into his leg without the use of his hands to allow him to “aim” at the Villain and successfully pull the trigger with his toe killing his trained GRU foe.
This was only one of many far-fetched adventures in the escapades through Europe and back into New York and Virginia. I enjoy the ability of the writer to develop a plot but sometimes the objective is achieved with very unreal situational battle tactics and magic!
Bottom line though bad Russians and bad Americans were exposed and the Gray Man and Zoya barely survive to fight another fight - that is, IF a sequel is required,
As an example: Court and Zoya are involved in a battle on a European train with lights blacked out on all cars, traveling through a multi-mile tunnel, at speeds exceeding 100 mph, the Gray Man climbs to the top of the train while being shot at by many villains welding submachine guns. He successfully moves from car to car via “roof-crawl” using rock climbing axes embedding into the cars too create every “step” or inch of the way forward. All the while dodging bullets coming through the top of the railcar - he crawls toward the next car even though he is significantly wounded. He reaches the car of his destination and is able to break from the top of the shrieking railcar making an entrance into the passenger window from atop the moving train while inside the narrow tunnel into the railcar through the window at century level speeds. However he enters a car full of Russian soldiers armed and he only has the axe. After excoriating pain from me as the reader, the Gray Man is able to feel an abandoned sub-machine gun under a seat of the speeding train. By feel, I am referring to feeling with his feet. As he bares his feet, pulling the strap of the gun toward him he realizes that his foe is close and able to kill him immediately. The Gray Man manages to place the gun with his feet into his leg without the use of his hands to allow him to “aim” at the Villain and successfully pull the trigger with his toe killing his trained GRU foe.
This was only one of many far-fetched adventures in the escapades through Europe and back into New York and Virginia. I enjoy the ability of the writer to develop a plot but sometimes the objective is achieved with very unreal situational battle tactics and magic!
Bottom line though bad Russians and bad Americans were exposed and the Gray Man and Zoya barely survive to fight another fight - that is, IF a sequel is required,
April 2, 2023
I'm not sure how Mr. Greaney does it, but each Gray Man novel builds on previous incarnations and continues to amaze me!!! In this novel, the world of international finance plays a large role, particularly the Russians' money laundering in the West. All the main characters from previous novels put in an appearance, including Zoya, Court, and Suzanne Brewer. I wish some more of the books in the series would be made into movies; they did good making the Gray Man into a screenplay, now follow it up with some more movies!!!
November 19, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
March 25, 2023
This continues to be such a consistently engaging series.
April 30, 2023
Outstanding. The best of the best.
October 4, 2023
Typical and as expected. Not the best grey man. But solid. Enjoy.
April 9, 2023
New year, new Gray Man novel - something I always look forward to.
This latest book in the series takes on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the war in this version having gone on long enough for Western support to gradually fade and a summit that might end with Russia being accepted back into the international community without so much as a slap on the wrist on the horizon. A banker with a cache of explosive secrets about dirty dealings between Russia and Western officials poses a threat to the negotiations. Court is sent by the CIA to retrieve the information. So, unbeknownst to him and by a different party, is Zoya, whom he hasn't seen in over a year. They're up against each other, against GRU assassins, and quite possibly against the very people who tasked them with retrieving the banker's data in the first place.
This was... fine, but far from one of my favourites in the series. Maybe it was the fever curtailing my attention span, but this felt like it dragged on for entirely too long. And of course, I've never been all that great a fan of Zoya or the romance subplot that just won't die...
This latest book in the series takes on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the war in this version having gone on long enough for Western support to gradually fade and a summit that might end with Russia being accepted back into the international community without so much as a slap on the wrist on the horizon. A banker with a cache of explosive secrets about dirty dealings between Russia and Western officials poses a threat to the negotiations. Court is sent by the CIA to retrieve the information. So, unbeknownst to him and by a different party, is Zoya, whom he hasn't seen in over a year. They're up against each other, against GRU assassins, and quite possibly against the very people who tasked them with retrieving the banker's data in the first place.
This was... fine, but far from one of my favourites in the series. Maybe it was the fever curtailing my attention span, but this felt like it dragged on for entirely too long. And of course, I've never been all that great a fan of Zoya or the romance subplot that just won't die...
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