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Kyle Swanson Sniper #2
Dead Shot
In this follow-up to the highly successful Kill Zone, former Marine sniper Kyle Swanson faces his most deadly enemy yet, a legendary enemy sniper working with a fringe Islamic organization that has created a terrifying new weapon of mass destruction In Baghdad’s Green Zone, an Iraqi scientist is murdered just before he is to reveal the monstrous secret that Saddam Hussein took to his the Palace of Death, home to a chemical weapon that Islamic militants quietly have been developing and whose formula is nearly complete. The assassination is the work of a mysterious sniper called Juba, who was originally trained by the British but now works with a twisted mastermind determined to wrest leadership of the terrorist world from Al Qaeda.
Kyle Swanson, once the top sniper in the Marine Corps, has become the key member in a secret special operations team known as Task Force Trident. When Juba tests the new weapon by killing hundreds of people at a British royal wedding in London, Swanson is assigned to hunt down his old special ops rival.
The birth of a new reign of global terror can be stopped only by a confrontation between the two best snipers in the world, a duel in which the first shot wins. Usually.
Kyle Swanson, once the top sniper in the Marine Corps, has become the key member in a secret special operations team known as Task Force Trident. When Juba tests the new weapon by killing hundreds of people at a British royal wedding in London, Swanson is assigned to hunt down his old special ops rival.
The birth of a new reign of global terror can be stopped only by a confrontation between the two best snipers in the world, a duel in which the first shot wins. Usually.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2009
About the author
Jack Coughlin
20 books282 followersGunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin’s autobiography, Shooter, describes his experiences as the top-ranked marine sniper in the Iraq War.
Coughlin is also the author, with Donald A. Davis, of the Kyle Swanson Sniper Novels: Kill Zone, Dead Shot, Clean Kill, and An Act of Treason.
Coughlin grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and joined the Marines when he was 19. He served with the Marines during the drive to Baghdad and has operated on a wide range of assignments in hot spots around the world.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jackco...
Coughlin is also the author, with Donald A. Davis, of the Kyle Swanson Sniper Novels: Kill Zone, Dead Shot, Clean Kill, and An Act of Treason.
Coughlin grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and joined the Marines when he was 19. He served with the Marines during the drive to Baghdad and has operated on a wide range of assignments in hot spots around the world.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jackco...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 25, 2018
THis was another amazing book by Coughlin. I thought it was entertaining, mysterious, action packed and kept me wanting more. If you liked Sniper #1, then you'll enjoy this sequal. I am reeled in since I am going for Book #3 ...after a break from the action.
April 1, 2009
Excellent sequel to Kill Zone, Dead Shot is about the Trident Team, a special black ops group who give support to Kyle Swanson, a masked sniper declared dead. The Trident Team is led by General Middleton, and has a cyber guy nicknamed Lizard and Sybel, a female officer, but its chief weapon is Swanson. The team is investigating a supposed WMD made by Iraq but stored in Iran. The novel is also about the hunt for JUBA, a formidable British born sniper who is working with the terrorists. The action is nonstop, and the authors really seem to know there stuff. Swanson is a good character with a real military presence as opposed to some super human hand to hand combat skills.
I liked this book more than the first one.
I liked this book more than the first one.
June 1, 2017
“Dead Shot” the second novel in the intriguing and deadly “Kyle Swanson Sniper” series opens with the murder of an Iraqi physicist who planned to hand over intel on a weapon of mass destruction hidden at the Palace of Death in exchange for asylum. Assassinated by the British trained sniper named Juba who has joined forces with Saladin, code - name for his deranged mentor, the pair plan to test the weapon before selling it to the highest bidder.
Kyle Swanson a top military sniper working for the covert special operations Task Force Trident and his team are assigned to hunt down the formula for the chemical- biological agent that was used in conjunction with an explosive device to kill hundreds of bystanders at the British royal wedding in London.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot heats up not only with planned raids against another hidden lab in Iran, and Saladin’s house, but an explosive confrontation with insurgents in Hargatt, Iraq. Tension and suspense continually build as Kyle Swanson hunts down Juba who’s not only a legendary enemy sniper but a former special operations rival he once bested. Well-structured and realistic with Jack Coughlin’s expertise as a top-ranked marine sniper in the Iraq War the story keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Among the engaging characters that bring an edginess and intensity to the action are Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Swanson who’s haunted by the tragic death of his fiancée only to drown his pain and grief in fits of intoxication. A loner by nature, he’s resourceful, tough, hard and loyal to his team although condescending at times. In contrast Jeremy Mark Osmand (aka Juba) a loving son to his parents masks a cold, ruthless, vindictive personality, killing innocents without a thought or remorse.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Dead Shot” and plan to read other high- action thrillers by this talented duo.
Kyle Swanson a top military sniper working for the covert special operations Task Force Trident and his team are assigned to hunt down the formula for the chemical- biological agent that was used in conjunction with an explosive device to kill hundreds of bystanders at the British royal wedding in London.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot heats up not only with planned raids against another hidden lab in Iran, and Saladin’s house, but an explosive confrontation with insurgents in Hargatt, Iraq. Tension and suspense continually build as Kyle Swanson hunts down Juba who’s not only a legendary enemy sniper but a former special operations rival he once bested. Well-structured and realistic with Jack Coughlin’s expertise as a top-ranked marine sniper in the Iraq War the story keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Among the engaging characters that bring an edginess and intensity to the action are Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Swanson who’s haunted by the tragic death of his fiancée only to drown his pain and grief in fits of intoxication. A loner by nature, he’s resourceful, tough, hard and loyal to his team although condescending at times. In contrast Jeremy Mark Osmand (aka Juba) a loving son to his parents masks a cold, ruthless, vindictive personality, killing innocents without a thought or remorse.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Dead Shot” and plan to read other high- action thrillers by this talented duo.
March 25, 2025
Het is een mooi geschreven boek. Ik vond het alleen moeilijk te volgen en kwam er moeilijk doorheen. Ik kwam er ook pas later achter dat dit het tweede deel is van de sniper serie en het boek is naar het Nederlands vertaald. Misschien dat ik het daardoor moeilijker vond om steeds verder te lezen. Nogmaals wel een mooi geschreven verhaal.
May 29, 2017
In this second book of the series, Kyle Swanson is still grieving his losses from the first book, when a British trained sniper terrorist named Juba starts a plot to murder thousands of people. In this case, it's a bio-terror weapon.
The two snipers go toe to toe, shooting it out, with Swanson foiling Juba's plans most of the time.
A good example of the genre.
The two snipers go toe to toe, shooting it out, with Swanson foiling Juba's plans most of the time.
A good example of the genre.
October 26, 2017
Finally uitgelezen! Zal wellicht ook aan mij liggen maar ik heb 6 weken over dit boek (297blz) gedaan. Eigenlijk vond ik em niet boeiend genoeg en voorspelbaar. Kyle Swanson gaat een tijdje de ijskast in.
April 24, 2017
A great read, certainly a man's book, full of action and excitement. Timely too.
February 29, 2020
Dead Shot was a good but not great sniper action novel. The end was disappointing and I am on the fence about whether to read any more in the series.
April 24, 2022
Awesome
I Read this Book on my Kindle. It's a Great Series if You're in Navy Seals or Special Ops Books. I Can't Wait Until the Next Series. I Recommend it.
I Read this Book on my Kindle. It's a Great Series if You're in Navy Seals or Special Ops Books. I Can't Wait Until the Next Series. I Recommend it.
September 4, 2014
Book Review - “Dead Shot” is the follow-up novel to the highly successful “Kill Zone,” featuring former US Marine sniper Kyle Swanson. It is an interesting story that weaves action, strategy and intrigue through each chapter. There were really no slow chapters and the characters were depicted in clear roles as well as the twists and turns of the epilogue. Dead Shot was smartly written with good details of action, strong characters, battlefield chaos and lots of weapons. The character development is one of the best in the military action thriller genre...I really like the character, Double O, Swanson’s partner! You really learn to cheer and root for these two during the story. I also love that Kyle Swanson, the main character is always cool under pressure. He is very smart and is always thinking many moves ahead. I also commend the authors on the background and contextual information regarding why certain decisions were made or why things happened. Also impressed with the inclusion of a competent female officer (Sybel Summers) and the mature handling of the topic of females working side by side competently with other military personnel. The story is well told, moves along without dragging, and has lots of “violence of action” (which is why I enjoy this genre). The Kyle Swanson Sniper series is one of my favorites. Well worth the read!
November 12, 2011
An excellent read. With the technical expertise of retired Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin, this is a well-researched, well-written story. The action is fast paced, well orchestrated and not at all predictable.
I recommend reading the series in order, this is #2, after Kill Zone. I also highly recommend reading Jack Coughlin's autobiography Shooter.
Kyle Swanson, once a Marine Corp sniper, is presumed dead, a cover story perpetuated by the political and military masterminds that believe sometimes it's better to send a ghost to do the dirty work. With a team of highly trained military and covert operatives at his beckon call, Swanson takes down the worst enemies of the world in ways that offer no recourse, no recriminations.
When Swanson pits his skills against a British trained and terrorist funded top sniper, it will take all of his talents and patience to bring the man down. He cannot fail, because his foe is carrying out biological attacks on the U.S. and her allies, and Swanson knows the worst is yet to come.
I recommend reading the series in order, this is #2, after Kill Zone. I also highly recommend reading Jack Coughlin's autobiography Shooter.
Kyle Swanson, once a Marine Corp sniper, is presumed dead, a cover story perpetuated by the political and military masterminds that believe sometimes it's better to send a ghost to do the dirty work. With a team of highly trained military and covert operatives at his beckon call, Swanson takes down the worst enemies of the world in ways that offer no recourse, no recriminations.
When Swanson pits his skills against a British trained and terrorist funded top sniper, it will take all of his talents and patience to bring the man down. He cannot fail, because his foe is carrying out biological attacks on the U.S. and her allies, and Swanson knows the worst is yet to come.
March 23, 2013
I did enjoy this 2nd thriller featuring Kyle Swanson. The authors ramped up the action level in this thriller. If you enjoy Brad Thor or Stephen Hunter thrillers (Bob Lee Swagger) then you feel right at home reading these thrillers.
I gave the book 4 stars because I felt the ending was a little weak compared to the rest of the novel. While I loved the book, the big showdown between two master snipers was better detailed in
by David Robbins.
I gave the book 4 stars because I felt the ending was a little weak compared to the rest of the novel. While I loved the book, the big showdown between two master snipers was better detailed in
by David Robbins.
April 20, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “MODERN DAY TERRORISM… AS REAL AS IT GETS!”
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If the co-author Jack Coughlin sounds familiar to you he should. He is a retired USMC sniper whose autobiography “SHOOTER” was a New York Times bestseller. He followed that up with the novel “KILL ZONE” which was the first of what I hoped would be many installments of the “A SNIPER NOVEL” series. The latest episode of this action packed military thriller series… “DEAD SHOT” takes off right where “KILL ZONE” left off.
*NOTE:* This review may contain a minor “spoiler” for anyone who hasn’t read “KILL ZONE”… any of the author’s existing loyal readers will have no such problem. The author’s alter ego… “deceased” infamous former USMC sniper Kyle Swanson… “has had a million aliases but no real name at all because he was officially dead.” Kyle is part of a “TOP-TOP-SECRET” organization… that is so “TOP-TOP-SECRET”… that it doesn’t exist. Kyle reports directly to General Bradley Middleton… whose life he saved in “KILL ZONE”… and Middleton reports directly to the President. As Kyle’s deep “black-op’s” group battles global terrorism… nothing is out of bounds… including Presidential directed assassination. The non-stop covert action scenarios could easily have been ripped directly from today’s actual headlines. In fact any terrorist plots depicted by the author… that weren’t ripped from the headlines… were probably deemed not appropriate for public consumption by the governmental powers that be.
This pulse-pounding novel is riveting in its international intrigue that knows no boundaries. The reader is transported from illicit entry into Iran in search of Saddam Hussein’s WMD’s which were allegedly hidden in a “Palace Of Death” in Iran… to a poisonous gas… which had its lethal effectiveness proven to the world… in a deadly demonstration in London… to the Iraqi army United States Battalion Unit 999… “Saddam’s elite terrorism force… the unit was charged with developing what the Iraqi leader called “special ammunition for special circumstances”, meaning terrible weapons of mass destruction.” And through it all… a worldwide deadly “chess-game” between two meticulous master snipers. In addition to battling the terrorists… Kyle and his “dark-dark-black-op’s” group… has to battle the FBI… CIA… NSA… and Homeland Security. When America’s top spy organizations hinder Middleton’s squad… the General has to go to a secure safe… and get a “non-existing” signed Presidential letter of authorization. The reader will reflexively worry about our real-life security… as long existing imbedded terrorists in America and abroad… come into play… as well as terrorists traveling across the Mexican border into America.
Along with the familiar characters that make the transition from “KILL ZONE” to “DEAD SHOT”… the author introduces new characters such as David Hunt of the FBI and Carolyn Walker with the Department of Homeland Security… who among other attributes… demonstrate some of America’s torture techniques’… including… but not limited to “water-boarding”. Readers will be on the edge of their seats… as the good guys try to stop the terrorists next attack. I’m also happy to say that the author has left the gate wide open… for entry into another “A SNIPER NOVEL” installment… and I can’t wait!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the co-author Jack Coughlin sounds familiar to you he should. He is a retired USMC sniper whose autobiography “SHOOTER” was a New York Times bestseller. He followed that up with the novel “KILL ZONE” which was the first of what I hoped would be many installments of the “A SNIPER NOVEL” series. The latest episode of this action packed military thriller series… “DEAD SHOT” takes off right where “KILL ZONE” left off.
*NOTE:* This review may contain a minor “spoiler” for anyone who hasn’t read “KILL ZONE”… any of the author’s existing loyal readers will have no such problem. The author’s alter ego… “deceased” infamous former USMC sniper Kyle Swanson… “has had a million aliases but no real name at all because he was officially dead.” Kyle is part of a “TOP-TOP-SECRET” organization… that is so “TOP-TOP-SECRET”… that it doesn’t exist. Kyle reports directly to General Bradley Middleton… whose life he saved in “KILL ZONE”… and Middleton reports directly to the President. As Kyle’s deep “black-op’s” group battles global terrorism… nothing is out of bounds… including Presidential directed assassination. The non-stop covert action scenarios could easily have been ripped directly from today’s actual headlines. In fact any terrorist plots depicted by the author… that weren’t ripped from the headlines… were probably deemed not appropriate for public consumption by the governmental powers that be.
This pulse-pounding novel is riveting in its international intrigue that knows no boundaries. The reader is transported from illicit entry into Iran in search of Saddam Hussein’s WMD’s which were allegedly hidden in a “Palace Of Death” in Iran… to a poisonous gas… which had its lethal effectiveness proven to the world… in a deadly demonstration in London… to the Iraqi army United States Battalion Unit 999… “Saddam’s elite terrorism force… the unit was charged with developing what the Iraqi leader called “special ammunition for special circumstances”, meaning terrible weapons of mass destruction.” And through it all… a worldwide deadly “chess-game” between two meticulous master snipers. In addition to battling the terrorists… Kyle and his “dark-dark-black-op’s” group… has to battle the FBI… CIA… NSA… and Homeland Security. When America’s top spy organizations hinder Middleton’s squad… the General has to go to a secure safe… and get a “non-existing” signed Presidential letter of authorization. The reader will reflexively worry about our real-life security… as long existing imbedded terrorists in America and abroad… come into play… as well as terrorists traveling across the Mexican border into America.
Along with the familiar characters that make the transition from “KILL ZONE” to “DEAD SHOT”… the author introduces new characters such as David Hunt of the FBI and Carolyn Walker with the Department of Homeland Security… who among other attributes… demonstrate some of America’s torture techniques’… including… but not limited to “water-boarding”. Readers will be on the edge of their seats… as the good guys try to stop the terrorists next attack. I’m also happy to say that the author has left the gate wide open… for entry into another “A SNIPER NOVEL” installment… and I can’t wait!
September 6, 2017
The first book in this series was a five star book but now I'm wondering if I was just in the right mood then or not in the right mood while reading this. I'm sure Hurricane Harvey and worry about my daughter and her family distracted me a lot so hats off to author Jack Coughlin for turning out another great adventure with plenty of thrills. Kyle Swanson series I thought would beat even the Earl and Bob Lee Swagger books but not sure right now. This one is certainly not dull and I give it an ok recommendation especially if you are into guns and/or snipers
December 29, 2016
This book was amazing and had some great new characters that mixed well with the ones from the previous book, the action well paced and fast then slow when needed. The tension between Swanson and the man know only as Juba is excellent and found me wanting to read more about the conflict that was brewing between them. An overall an excellent read and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
Een snelle actie thriller, met een tweestrijd tussen twee scherpschutters als rode draad. Twee tegenpolen, twee militairen die de beste willen zijn in hun vak. Onzichtbaar en niet beperkt door bureaucratie.
Voor mij een goed boek voor tussendoor, maar waar ik deel 1 echt goed vond, voelde dit boek als een herhaling van zetten en de epiloog zorgde ervoor dat mijn beoordeling van 4 naar 3 sterren ging.
Voor mij een goed boek voor tussendoor, maar waar ik deel 1 echt goed vond, voelde dit boek als een herhaling van zetten en de epiloog zorgde ervoor dat mijn beoordeling van 4 naar 3 sterren ging.
January 1, 2025
Much better, all I can remember from this book is Juba being a decent villain and using scary chemicals as the main weapon. There's a hunt for Juba who's good at hiding in plain sight as he looks more English than he does middle eastern. I don't want to spoil the plot too much but this one is a lot more interesting compared to the first one. Ends with a cliff-hanger which actually got me excited for the next book.
March 19, 2017
Sniper extraordinaire Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Swanson is officially dead, and working deep cover missions for the United States. A series of terrorist attacks put Swanson on the trail of another master sniper, a mysterious Islamic warrior called Juba, and the two men begin a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
The second Swanson novel is just as good as the first. Really enjoyed it!
The second Swanson novel is just as good as the first. Really enjoyed it!
May 13, 2017
This was a fascinating book about a sniper who has no identity and the machinations of the War on Terror by the U.S. Government. Swanson has to confront his humanity but tuck it away while on the hunt for a terrorist named Juba who he has tangled with previously. There is a lot of cat and mouse and twists and turns. You will enjoy the book.
January 29, 2018
It's been a good run with the offerings from Coughlan Flynn at al. But the proselitysi which is the corollary of this genre lends a feeling akin watching a Marvel super hero movie. Pure fantasy and navel gazing in the same degree that the Rambo franchise was a retro fantasy attempting to reconcile with the failings of US intervention in Vietnam...I'm over and out.
April 4, 2021
Only slightly better than the first book of the series, which I didn't quite like. Still overly detailed, this one had a nice pace in the first half yet it drops in the second and the conclusion and the build-up to it are totally underwhelming. Coughlin may have been an excellent sniper but he's definitely not the most gifted writer.
July 20, 2018
The second book in the series and it was even more I tense than the prior book. Juba is causing chaos over the word and GySgt Swanson and his team are in his trial. An ending that is intense as ever will keep you on the edge to the very end
May 5, 2019
Wow, boy was this one full of all kinds of damage. In the end the one causing it was killed but the again he escaped barely. So, the question will be where will he turn up again? I enjoyed the book.
August 30, 2020
It was a good read. Clear lines between the good guys and bad guys. I’m sure the skills of the snipers are pretty accurate since the author was one. Otherwise you would hardly believe what they can do from so far away! Some of our most elite warriors.
December 3, 2025
This book is a page turner and remains interesting because it puts a face on the legendary, possibly mythical, Juba the Sniper. Where is Juba hiding out these days? Wait, see - and read the next installment.
May 30, 2017
Kyle was weer goed bezig. Mooi mano a mano plot. Ik ga ook de volgende in deze serie lezen.
August 9, 2017
Good stuff !
If you like Vince Flynn or any other of that genre , then you'll love these too . Coughlin is the real deal , and his writing shows it .
If you like Vince Flynn or any other of that genre , then you'll love these too . Coughlin is the real deal , and his writing shows it .
January 27, 2018
Spannende thriller in de snipper serie, op naar de volgende
April 17, 2019
Not my usual choice for a book, but the story is good. The characters are likable. The action is fierce. It’s not for everyone, but if you like military thrillers, it’s a good choice.
June 22, 2019
Dead Shot was a real good read and looking forward to the next in this series great story line and love this guy Kyle!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews