Jacob Stearne's Top Secret mission to secure the nation’s future is thrown into chaos by his arrest for murder.
A group of young physicists sequester in Latvia to finalize a green technology worth trillions of dollars. Billionaires want to steal their work. While oil-rich nations want to destroy it. The president has tasked decorated veteran Jacob Stearne with bringing their research back to the US—which he intends to do as soon as he can break out of jail and beat a murder rap.
With an over-zealous police captain running the manhunt in dead-or-alive mode, Jacob is forced to find the real killer while fleeing the law. With ambiguous help from a dubious crew comprised of a young stripper, a claimant to the Russian throne, and the naïve physicists, he quickly discovers: everyone lies.
As the Latvian dragnet closes in, and betrayals come from friends and foe alike, Jacob must rely on Stearne’s Law for survival: Paranoia is the result of acute situational awareness. To save the scientists and repatriate the research, Jacob must outwit a Russian oligarch. But this time, as he holds a bomb with a ticking timer, he may have run out of luck.
On a rainy day when I was ten, I was transported to eighteenth century England where I met Captain Billy Bones, heard the tapping of Blind Pew’s cane, and witnessed the treachery of Long John Silver. When I closed the cover of Treasure Island, I thought to myself: When I make stuff up, I get in trouble. I need to become a writer.
Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …
At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.
Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.
My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.
To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com
Although I purchased this book directly from the author, I have become hooked on each and every new release. Jacob and Mercury together again. As with all of Seeley's books, it is a ride from start to finish as Jacob and Mercury continue forward with determining who is good and who is bad. Although this can be read as a stand alone book, as always, highly recommend all of the Sable books and Jacob Stearne thrillers -- even if you just read to see what Mercury has to say as well as the statements on the T-shirts that Jacob wears!
This book opens in Latvia with a college-aged young man lying in a pool of blood.
Jacob is kneeling over him with hands steeped in the blood of the victim. The Latvian police burst into the scene and assuming the worst, haul Jacob off to jail. Jacob knows no Latvian and the police know no English which makes a bad situation an untenable one.
Betty Bardon has two careers, that of a physicist specializing in quantum electrodynamics and as an actress of some fame. It is the former of her two careers that has brought Jacob Stearne to Latvia, although it must be said that he is not immune to Betty's extraordinarily good looks. Betty needs funding to complete a project that she believes will be the ultimate solution to creating green energy for the world. The problems she faces are money and keeping the system out of unscrupulous hands.
If any more action could be packed into this story, I cannot imagine where or how. One of Seeley's great talents is his ability to keep readers at the scene of every action, either as observers or participants.
If you like action, mystery, situational conumdrums, this book is for you.
I have read all of Seeley James books to date, and this was the best yet. The plotting, pacing and characters were all enthralling and kept me reading far longer than I should have into the night. I hope to see Jacob and Pia working together again soon in a book, but I would definitely recommend all of the books in this series.
Description: ‘Gallant-yet-troubled veteran Jacob Stearne‘, is in Latvia for this, his 13th adventure. He’s in trouble from the off, as the book opens with him being transported to jail for a murder he didn’t commit. His situation appears hopeless. But then he escapes from custody because – you know – he hasn’t time to explain because he’s on An Important Mission, Time Is Of The Essence, and the story really starts. Once it starts it does not let up. The number of lies told (the novel is well named) is only outstripped by the number of violent set pieces utilising a gamut of spy stocks-in-trade ranging from car chases (in which Ubers figure prominently) to secret doors. The plot is topical: a Hedy Lamarr-type movie star-cum-scientist is trying to bring together the three strands of a McGuffin (two of which are currently in other hands) which will give the world cheap, clean, energy forever. She wants to give it to the world. But there are those who want to sell it to the world for the squillions it is worth. The scientist has acquired a small team of clever postgrads and a potential investor, none of whom is who they seem.
Author: Seeley James grew up at Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture in Arizona and Wisconsin, lucky man. What a kick start for creativity that must have been. But like the rest of us, James had to make ends meet, so he had a career in marketing before becoming a writer. One can see the influence: he likes to pack his novels full to bursting with content (if this one is a typical example).
Appraisal: If you haven’t (as I hadn’t) come across Jacob Stearne before, he is an odd mixture of sexy yet paternal US navy SEAL and introspective basket-case. He’s the man Jack Reacher would go to if he needed help. He just never stops. He prefers to disable rather than kill – which is just as well, because otherwise the body count in this novel would be through the roof and sympathy for Our Hero could be no more than scant. But then every so often he sits down (usually while stitching a wound, usually his own) and cogitates on the meaning of life the universe and everything, why his love life is in the toilet, and why nobody understands him. It is the only time the reader gets to draw breath. Be advised, the inside of Stearne’s head is a pretty convoluted plot all of its own. Oh, and he has an imaginary friend – a jive-talking god (Mercury).
If you like your thrillers to be like the Duracell bunny, I recommend you take a crack at this series. As I say above, this is #13 in the series – but I had very little difficulty leaping right into it, and the action. And yet, to his credit, James does not employ big ol’ information dumps to get the reader up to speed. Just remember to fasten your seat belt …
FYI: plenty of F-bombs
This review was originally prepared for Big Al & Pals. I received a complimentary file in exchange for an honest review.
Lies is another Jacob Sterne novel from Seeley James. While this book might be #13 in the Sabel Security series, it can be read as a stand-alone. That said, if you don’t have at least a basic knowledge of the main players, you will miss some of the humor and idiosyncrasies running throughout the story.
I haven’t read all of them, and I followed along quite well as I jump between books. I read The Rembrandt Decision (#12) as an introduction to the series, but I fully intend to read the entire series from start to finish as soon as possible.
Jacob Sterne is ex-military with an overwhelming “hero” complex. He can’t stop himself from getting involved with danger, and always finds someone to rescue.
In this story, he finds himself in Latvia, trying to save a group of young college students working on a green energy project which has attracted the unwanted attention of the world’s wealthiest players. Between the mad Russian Oligarch, the French and United States governments, and even Pia Sabel, the young research team is way out of their league.
Jacob fully intends to save the kids, gain control of the device, and head out of town…just as soon as he gets out of jail for a trumped-up murder charge. For that, he is going to need the ever-efficient Emma from Sabel Security and a little help from his PTSD pal, the ancient God and hood-speaking, Mercury.
I enjoy Mr. James writing style. He is a master at setting scenes, pacing the action, and adding that important touch of irreverent humor.
I have to laugh when I come across that “Seeley James” character. He always makes a quick, fun appearance in this series, and manages to find himself the most ridiculous situations.
If you enjoy fast-paced action, in-depth characters, over-the-top danger and thrills, this is the perfect book for you.
This is my honest, unbiased opinion of a book from my personal library. My full review with links can be found on my website, GinaRaeMitchell.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Below is my ratings breakdown of Lies for a total of 4.9!
Plot- Engaging, entertaining, full of unexpected twists and turns — 5 Characters - Fully developed with included backstories — 5 Settings - Well-researched — 5 Typos and editing - Nothing noticeable — 5 Atmosphere - Gripping and compelling — 4.5 Humor - A surprising amount of fun in such an intense thriller — 5 Enjoyment — 5
Lies is the continuing saga of Jacob Stearne and Mercury, the pre-Christian God that he converses with. This time around we Jacob in Latvia accused of murdering a member of the Electric Liberation Army. The organizer of the ELA, Betty Bardeon, is someone that Jacob has a past relationship with. Betty had assembled the ELA in order to finalize the creating of the, a metacapacitor that will be a thousand times more efficient than any battery. Creation of the capacitor requires three main parts which no one person or group has possession of.
Not only is Jacob trying to avoid the police, but the are several other groups after the parts required, including the Russians, the Chinese and even Jacob's boss Pia Sabel, since anyone who controls the creation of the Chaac Project, will be in control of the world's power grid and will become the wealthiest group/person on Earth. Along the way Jacob rescues a young American girl, Symone, who was promised a dancing job, not realizing it was actually a sex ring that held her captive. Jacob keeps trying to get Symone to leave, only to have her actually help Jacob at times he needs some help.
Jacob needs to figure out who the real murderer is so that he no longer needs to worry about the local police, all of the players from all the other people after the parts of the Chaac Project. Lies is an enjoyable read that at times is hard to put down, just like every other Seeley James book that I have read.
On a side note if you sign-up for Seeley James emails you might win a contest that he runs every now and then to be able to name a character in one of his upcoming books. Since I won one such contest I was able to see my son's name as one of the ELA's group. It was very interesting to see his name as a character in such a book. I plan on entering those contest again and again, beside that I enjoy his books even without see my son as a character.
My only potential complaint about this book, that sometimes it felt like there were too many people and things going on to keep track of, was also part of its charm. Keeping track of who were the good guys and who wasn’t was tough, since the status seemed to keep changing, both in my eyes and those of the protagonist Jacob Stearne. As perceptions and stories changed Stearne had to adjust his approach, both to complete his primary task and to get out of Latvia, hopefully unscathed. Throw in Symone, a 15 year-old stripper who helps Stearne, but also isn’t quite up for the action that gets thrown at them, and it gets more tense.
In all of the above I didn’t mention the “God” that keeps appearing and having discussions with Stearne. This is specifically the ancient Roman god Mercury. No one else seems to see him and the “conversations” they have must be telepathic because no one else nearby hears anything. Does Mercury help? I’ll let you decide when you read the book.
Overall, I found this book was a fun and intense read. It at times got me thinking about real world issues (what would I want to happen if the premise of this story was real, for example). Definitely one that thriller readers should enjoy.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
“Lies” is #13 in the Sabel Security Series but can be read as a standalone book. This review will be done as a standalone, though I have also read and reviewed The Rembrandt Decision #12 in the series.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. This tale pics up right after the last Pia Sabel book, making reference to it and previous adventures, though it can be read independently. The story is told through different POVs, but mostly Stearne, who I found to play a little too well into many of the alpha male stereotypes. While often seemingly arrogant, he keeps to his values and has an inherent desire to help those in need (as long as it follows with his ultimate goals). I found the interaction between him and Mercury inconsistent. Sometimes it felt oddly timed, super random and odd. At other times, it provided a little comic relief and filled in some character development for Stearne. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
A ripping story from the opening to the ending with a little (but not too much) for everyone: ACTION, mystery, romance, conflict, puzzles, and more. Not only that, but the hero, Jacob Stearne, gets into hilarious situations in every book. There are laugh-out-loud moments in this one too (the rooster scene, you'll know it when you get there).
What I like best are the characters around the hero. Mr. James does not pull characters out of central casting, these are fascinating and realistic people. You feel like you know them or someone just like them in real life. When we learn about Symone, somewhere near the middle of the book, your whole perspective on a range of topics changes. Plenty of food for thought in this fantastic escapist adventure.
You've heard people say they couldn't put it down? I had holiday shopping, family events, company events, and still took it with me everywhere in case there was a moment I could read about what happened next! Excellent read!
Jacob Stearne now solving mysteries? Yeah! While taking names and kicking butts.
Hard to say much without spoiling anything. It kept me hooked from beginning to end. Actually, it was one of those books that you worry you are getting to the end too quickly (or is it just me?).
The best bit that I can tell you is from the Acknowledgments (Mr James runs competitions among readers for rights to name a character) : “Elizabeth Helm [a fan] named the dead guy after her ex”. How cool is that!
More seriously, I appreciate the links to previous stories, including the Rembrandt Decision (ankle, anyone). Little nuggets for long time fans. Thank you.
I always find the books Seeley James writes as a peek into the future, as he writes these espionage thrillers, both industrial and political, and the topics could have been ripped from the headlines. He is obviously an experienced writer and he does his research so it is tightly written . Plus who doesn’t want to have the God of War hanging over their shoulder, letting us know when to run or shoot.
Absolutely great read. Lots of action and thrills.
Jacob Stearne is tasked with finding the components of a world-changing green technology for Sabel Security. The thing is, the Russians are also after the same technological components. So a story full of action, tight squeezes, and a tiny bit of romance.
Excellent! Jacob continues his quest to procure the Chaac project with all the action, misadventures, twists, and surprises you expect from a Seeley James tale. We meet Symone, a wonderful new character who certainly has Jacob’s number and a very old young soul. Can’t wait for the next book!
Author James continues his Sabel Security Series with this stunning Jacob Sterne Thriller. Read the series and you can thank me later. Jacob and Mercury are the two most original and entertaining characters in recent function. Have fun!
Another fantastic story that will keep you intrigued. There’s suspense, intrigue and more to keep you reading. A Jacob Stearne novel is something not to be missed. Each page keeps you guessing as to what could be happening. Can’t wait for more.