Counterterrorism operative Matti Baker is in a deadly game of cat and mouse with internal government agencies and external countries attempting to modify natural selection to create a New World Order. Traveling between Italy, Russia, China, Afghanistan, and the United States, Baker must do whatever it takes to stop the conspiracy, not knowing that she actually is the genesis of it all. Baker is more exposed and vulnerable than ever before, but is also more determined. TELLER brings to conclusion the award-winning AESOP series with raw emotion and relentless action you will devour in one sitting. Inspired and interwoven with historical events and conspiracies, it will leave the reader wondering: could this be fact versus fiction?
Michele Packard, an award-winning author, draws inspiration from her military upbringing and her career as a cable TV executive in her captivating literary works. After dedicating herself to raising her three children, Packard embarked on a remarkable writing journey that spans both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.
When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.
For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.
Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades: • Finalist, American Book Festival (2019) • Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019) • 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020) • Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020) • Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021) • Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)
With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.
I'll preface this by saying that in hindsight, this may not have been the best thing to read in light of the recent Ukraine developments.
Overall, this third Matti Baker installment was just confusing. I didn't understand a lot of it. Some parts went too fast (similar to what I've experienced with the prior two books as well). Things jumped around a lot, and the "truth" was even more convoluted. This also introduced some science fiction elements , which had always kind of been in the background but hadn't surfaced until this book.
The character relationships in this one were also interesting, since we know all of Matti's inner circle by now. I don't feel that Michele Packard did a great job of strengthening these relationships in this book, and instead just kind of let them hang. I could see this working in some scenarios, but the first third of Teller sets up a very different premise for these relationships than what we actually see.
The ending threw me for a loop as well, but I have no way of knowing whether this will be explored in the next book, Counterintelligence. This one seems to be a bit of an afterthought, and I don't know if I'd be willing to pay for it, although the pandemic premise certainly makes it a little more relevant to today. Still, I do not expect to buy it any time soon.
"Matti Baker is in a deadly game of cat and mouse with internal government agencies and copious countries attempting to modify natural selection to create a New World Order. Traveling between Italy, Russia, China, Afghanistan, and the United States, Baker must do whatever it takes to stop the conspiracy, not knowing that she is the genesis of it all." Teller by Michele Packard is the third and final installment of the Aesop series. Once again Mattie Baker is off and running. This time there is no stopping her till the job is done or Mattie and everyone she loves is dead. In Teller, the author gives us the best that Mattie has to offer in this action packed, non-stop whirlwind of intrigue and suspense. The drama, use of sharp witted humor and loads have suspense are all design to keep the reader invested in the story and keep turning pages and Ms Packard does it beautifully. One of the things I love most about Ian Fleming's James Bond movie is the scenery and like a Bond movie Mattie takes us around the world to exotic places we will never see. Ms Packard's skill at describing these places and making them real for her readers is second to none in her profession (nothing personal Mr Fleming). Mattie's penchant for using pop culture references not only makes her much more relatable, but it also adds a strong sense of familiarity to her story as well as having the added effect of making the reader a part of the story. Throw in the author's knowledge of current events and her skill of weaving those events into her stories makes for reading that feels like the just recently here and now. One of the best character development series I have seen are the "Lethal Weapon" movies and Ms Packard does not fall short of that mark. Her characters are alive with feelings, attitude and wit making the reading all the more enjoyable. Mattie's depth of character reaches out and draws us in, it makes us want to be a part of Mattie's adventure and her friend. Which is by now the third story where I am, liking Mattie and wanting to get to know her even more. I can in all honesty say that this is the best series of books I have read since I read "Curse of the Clansmen and King" by Linnea Tanner. Everything about this series starting with Aesop and ending with Teller sets (for me at least) a whole new level in reading that is fast paced, thrilling and enjoyable. I can go on and on about this series and this story, but the best thing I can do is recommend that you read it for yourself, it will not disappoint. The ending brings Mattie's world full circle and is wonderful on so many levels. As to whether this is Mattie's last story or not I feel is not my place to say, but Ms Packard did autograph my book with the words "Is it the end or the Beginning". Apart from the story itself be sure to read her "Note from the Author" where Michele shows her that her sense of humor is not just confined to her story. She also includes (at the end of the book) a section where she outlines all the movies and songs that inspires the peripheral settings in the story. This series belongs on the shelf of anyone who is a fan of good, fun action reading. This is one that I personally will be going back to over and over again. Finally i would like to answer a question Ms Packard puts forth in her "Note from the Author" section ... Yes Michele I can say "new Franchise".
This is the 3rd book in the series and brings you up to date what the results that happened in the earlier books. As the story starts, Matti is recovering from the battles that she had been injured in. She is looking forward to getting back with her family and beginning new. When the entire family meets at a restaurant, an unexpected event happened. As a result, she was injured once again and taken to the hospital. She did not know what happened with the rest of her family. She knew that she couldn't stay in the hospital, so she left and waited to recuperate before she planned on getting revenge. She had in her sites 3 people plus she was looking for the missing scientist. Working with allies she had in Europe, she laid out a plan that would bring those individuals to justice
After finishing these tasks, she was met by the 2 former Seals that were part of her team and discovered the status of her family. Her final task of locating the scientist then began. Once that was completed, she returned home. She and her team then made a plan that would get the remaining leader to come to her location. She was acting as bait. This individual was intent on capturing Matti alive. Using Freddie to get information, a trap was set to capture Matti.
To discover why the capture of Matti was so important, what Matti originally thought about her family and who the individuals plus the methods Matti's team used in competing the task, then you need to read this book. It as well as the others in the series are well worth your time.
The Matti Baker books are full of plot twists,intrigue and humor. I don’t read many series but I knew this one would be as much fun as Aesop and Fable.
This book series needs to be a Netflix or Apple TV series now! You’ve got the best badass protagonist, counter-terrorism operative Matti Baker, in a pulse-pounding plot that had me on an emotional roller-coaster, mixed with real-world relevance of artificial intelligence, bundled together through exceptional writing and world history details.
The Matti Baker series continues with this explosive new instalment!
From the opening chapters, this book sets off on a whirlwind of adventure. Suffering a horrendous loss, Matti sets out to take down the shadowy figures hunting her and exact her revenge once and for all…
Just like the rest of the series, this is a fast paced adventure crammed with action and Matti’s quirky sense of humour. There’s a definite darker edge to this book, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that play emotional rollercoaster on the unsuspecting reader.
Ms. Packard has done a phenomenal job of crafting a fun and entertaining series with a character who seems as real as if she’s talking to you in person. The ability to create an emotional connection with a character is a sign of a strong author voice and ability.
If you enjoy action, adventure and some quirky humour, you will enjoy this series!
Matti Baker is back with a vengeance. (This is so tough to review without any spoilers!) Matti wants answers. She needs answers and is willing to go juggernaut on anyone or any country that stands in her way. Several high up key players in a variety of countries are out to get whatever is in that case that Matti has been hiding and she is not going to give up everything as easily as they want her to – especially not knowing the reason why and who is going to benefit from this case and its contents. The ‘tangled web has many players’ and Matti has no intention of getting caught in that web with them. When I was kid, my grandma used to say ‘oh what a tangled web we weave when once we practice to deceive. That is so true in this case. Matti has no idea who to trust and how deep this all goes. Oh, she gets answers, but she may not always want to know those answers – or at least she knows she won’t like them. I have so many questions, I cannot wait to get into Counterintelligence.
The adventures of secret agent Matti Baker as she seeks to keep the world safe from a multi country conspiracy, whilst protecting her husband and triplets from reprisals. She's aided by her equally lethal best friend, two Navy Seals, the mysterious Freddy and two homicidal pooches.
Teller concludes the story with Matti's rip roaring, no holds barred campaign of vengeance.
Now the series as a whole is a fun read, despite having large sections of narrative breaking the 'show don't tell' rule with the addition of a great deal of information surrounding politics, weaponry and government agencies. Personally, this is my favourite of the series, with its higher proportion of action, but ultimately the series rests on the extraordinarily compelling character of Matti Baker.
As as fan of the Matti Baker series who has grown to love its characters, Teller starts out with a hard punch to the gut. We’re talking deep tissue damage. But nothing slows Matti Baker down for long and Packard puts pedal to the metal for nonstop action in this conclusion to her series - or is it? Whether we as readers will hear more about her exploits or not, it is clear Matti Baker’s work is far from over. Buckle up and enjoy a fast paced, smart, and exciting read.
No time for complacency here! Once more Mattie Baker is off, two steps ahead of everyone else in the room. Even while battling the villains, Maddie's internal thoughts (references to movies and music) not only make it more poignant but will keep you laughing. If you loved AESOP and FABLE then get ready, because Ms. Packard won't let you sleep until you've digested that very last word.
The scariest part is that she's also left me reading the newspaper with a completely different perspective.
To say I loved this book would be the understatement of the century! This whole series, in fact, is a wonderful dive into a super cool Jason Bourne/James Bond world of espionage- but with Matti Baker! Teller wraps up the series wonderfully and has many twists and turns along the way! It sure starts off with a bang- and that momentum is carried out through to the end! I was really drawn into the world throughout the series, and I especially liked all of the modern pop-culture references to make it seem like this story could take place in the here-and-now! Now, I may be a bit biased, but I'd highly suggest picking up a copy for yourself! There ain't nothing like picking up the book and turning the pages, and trust me- this one's a page-turner! Overall, wonderful story and I can't wait to see what Packard comes out with next!
Matti Baker has blown up, and this book quite literally starts with a bang and doesn’t tie up until the thirst for revenge is quenched! Taking it personally is only one step forward in the race to save America from an international conspiracy, and this secret agent woman has been doing her cardio. The grapes of wrath are pressed, fermented, and drank for breakfast, the Lion’s saved by the mouse who took down the bear and the dragon, and this time, the hare beats the tortoise.
What's not to love about a heroine who admires the decor of a room during a gun fight? Couldn't put the book down and enjoyed every page. All ranges of emotion were touched upon in this novel and I loved all the books in the series. All are a must read!