Ghosts and Empires: A Mike Haynes Thriller

by M.A. Tarone

Challengers arise when the old guard of drug, human, and weapon trafficking become weak. Guided by a sinister hand, a global war for control of the network comes to our shores, bringing chaos and death.

Police Officer Mike Haynes is losing his battle with the darkness. War veteran and widower, his light is fading until the hope for a new life is threatened. Can he summon his strength to save his new love…and perhaps save himself?

Rookie Officer Julie Walsh hits the streets driven by a desire to avenge a murdered friend. Confident and skilled, she quickly establishes herself in a tough and dangerous business. Sparks turn to fire as Mike Haynes’ warrior nature is revealed. She dreams of the future while putting herself in the path of danger greater than she could have ever imagined.

Vitaly Georgiy, Spetsnaz commander turned mercenary, is mission-focused as he prosecutes a war against his employer’s rival, the Latino mafia. Driven by a family bond, he leads a kill team into the heart of their territory, the US homeland. Can he accomplish his mission and maintain his honor?

Juan Quiñones, trafficker, nephew of the new Latino leader, and combat veteran embraces the fight once again. Questioning his sacrifices, will he defeat the nightmares of his past and the men sent to destroy his family?

This is a story of darkness, death, power, and love. The depravity of evil men set into motion events that lead to a collision course between friend and foe, life and death, and Ghosts and Empires.

Ghost and Empires is the first book in the Dark Blue crime thriller series. If you like military themed action with good guys, bad guys, really bad guys, and really-really bad guys, then you might like this book.

Genres: Suspense

654 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2018

Reviews

[David Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this thriller. I can now see it is a set up book for further adventures with Mike Haynes, and with his former army battle buddy, Juan (Q-Tip). I did feel that too much of the book was spent on the Russian hit-team and with Juan and his organization. Time not spend developing Mike, Julie, and Jimmy.

Very exciting battle to close out the story, but that came at the very end. Overall not a bad first effort. I do plan to sign up for the author's newsletter and pick up some books he is offering.

And when Ghosts & Empires #2 comes around I will give it a shot.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you grab this book make sure you have time to yourself. This is an intense, action packed, in-depth well thought out novel with several POV. Brings you into the head of the Russians, the drug gangs, our veterans with PTSD, our men and women in blue. As mentioned in the blurb this is about drugs, trafficking and possibilities with terrorism on our shores. I reiterate this, so people don't walk in blindly thinking this is a fluff novel. It could all be real in to many aspects. Don't let that deter you, this is novel that will keep you glued to your seat, devouring page after page and asking how soon you can receive book 2

I received an arc from Hidden Gem and voluntarily leave this review.

[Ralph Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the story

This was a good start to a great story line
Brought up some believe able plot twists
The love interest a bit to obvious
Looking forward to seeing more