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Steve Vail #1
The Bricklayer
Someone gives you a dangerous puzzle to solve, one that may kill you or someone else, and you're about to fail... and there is no other option. No one who can help.
No one but the Bricklayer.
The Bricklayer is the pulse-pounding novel introducing Steve Vail, one of the most charismatic new heroes to come along in thriller fiction in many years. He's an ex–FBI agent who's been fired for insubordination but is lured back to the Bureau to work a case that has become more unsolvable — and more deadly — by the hour.
A woman steps out of the shower in her Los Angeles home and is startled by an intruder sitting calmly in her bedroom holding a gun. But she is frozen with fear by what he has to say about the FBI — and what he says he must do...
A young agent slips into the night water off a rocky beach. He's been instructed to swim to a nearby island to deposit a million dollars demanded by a blackmailer. But his mission is riddled with hazardous tests, as if someone wanted to destroy him rather than collect the money...
Vail has resigned himself to his dismissal and is content with his life as a bricklayer. But the FBI, especially Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon, needs help with a shadowy group that has initiated a brilliant extortion plot. The group will keep killing their targets until the agency pays them off, the amount and number of bodies escalating each time the FBI fails. One thing is clear: someone who knows a little too much about the inner workings of the Bureau is very clever — and very angry — and will kill and kill again if it means he can disgrace the FBI.
Steve Vail's options — and his time to find answers — are swiftly running out.
Noah Boyd's The Bricklayer is written with the bracing authenticity only someone who has been a crack FBI investigator can provide. And in this masterful debut Noah Boyd has created a mind-bending maze of clues and traps inside a nonstop thrill ride that is sure to leave readers exhilarated and enthralled.
No one but the Bricklayer.
The Bricklayer is the pulse-pounding novel introducing Steve Vail, one of the most charismatic new heroes to come along in thriller fiction in many years. He's an ex–FBI agent who's been fired for insubordination but is lured back to the Bureau to work a case that has become more unsolvable — and more deadly — by the hour.
A woman steps out of the shower in her Los Angeles home and is startled by an intruder sitting calmly in her bedroom holding a gun. But she is frozen with fear by what he has to say about the FBI — and what he says he must do...
A young agent slips into the night water off a rocky beach. He's been instructed to swim to a nearby island to deposit a million dollars demanded by a blackmailer. But his mission is riddled with hazardous tests, as if someone wanted to destroy him rather than collect the money...
Vail has resigned himself to his dismissal and is content with his life as a bricklayer. But the FBI, especially Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon, needs help with a shadowy group that has initiated a brilliant extortion plot. The group will keep killing their targets until the agency pays them off, the amount and number of bodies escalating each time the FBI fails. One thing is clear: someone who knows a little too much about the inner workings of the Bureau is very clever — and very angry — and will kill and kill again if it means he can disgrace the FBI.
Steve Vail's options — and his time to find answers — are swiftly running out.
Noah Boyd's The Bricklayer is written with the bracing authenticity only someone who has been a crack FBI investigator can provide. And in this masterful debut Noah Boyd has created a mind-bending maze of clues and traps inside a nonstop thrill ride that is sure to leave readers exhilarated and enthralled.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2010
840 people are currently reading
2901 people want to read
About the author
Noah Boyd
4 books123 followersNoah Boyd was the pseudonym Paul Lindsay, of a former FBI agent who spent more than twenty years working on some of the Bureau's toughest investigations, including the Green River Killer case and the Highland Park Strangler case (which he's credited with solving).
The first book in his Steve Vail series, The Bricklayer, was published in 2010. The second, Agent X, was published in February 2011. Boyd's intimate knowledge of the Bureau's inner workings, including its weaknesses, and his "in the trenches" experience lent unusual authenticity to Vail's character and the novel’s investigative details.
Boyd died in 2011, at the age of 68.
The first book in his Steve Vail series, The Bricklayer, was published in 2010. The second, Agent X, was published in February 2011. Boyd's intimate knowledge of the Bureau's inner workings, including its weaknesses, and his "in the trenches" experience lent unusual authenticity to Vail's character and the novel’s investigative details.
Boyd died in 2011, at the age of 68.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
October 25, 2019
I was so excited when I found this author, this book. I absolutely loved the character and story. Boyd (pen name) had he survive could very well have unseated Flynn, Greaney and Child for the top spot. The writing craft and pacing is excellent. I highly recommend this book.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series.
January 26, 2016
Exactly what you expect, but done well.
Plot was pretty clever, with some good twists, and enough action to keep you interested. The main character, ex-FBI agent Steve Vail, is interesting, compassionate, intelligent, but also a sexist, a pain in the arse, a loner. Some good, some bad, but it means I couldn't get to a point where I could work out if I liked him or not. But then again, he's not the type of person to care whether he's liked or not...
I'm not sure there's anything new here, but as a few hours of reading goes, it's worth your time if you like these kind of books.
Plot was pretty clever, with some good twists, and enough action to keep you interested. The main character, ex-FBI agent Steve Vail, is interesting, compassionate, intelligent, but also a sexist, a pain in the arse, a loner. Some good, some bad, but it means I couldn't get to a point where I could work out if I liked him or not. But then again, he's not the type of person to care whether he's liked or not...
I'm not sure there's anything new here, but as a few hours of reading goes, it's worth your time if you like these kind of books.
August 18, 2019
Okay, not a bad read at all. In the vein of the loner hero a la The Gray man or jack Reacher. This is the premiere appearance of Steve Vail and he's a good protagonists. He's not so "loner" as to be cheesy but just enough to make a good story.
See he was very driven and ended up leaving the FBI under a cloud (so to speak) but now, they need him back. I know we've seen it before but in this case the highly unlikely scenario is a bit more plausible than we often get.
From there the story moves along at a descent clip with no major negatives and aside from the slightly strained romance angle is quite enjoyable. I plan to get the next volume.
Sadly, there are only 2 of these books as Noah Boyd passed away in 2011 I believe from leukemia (or possibly leukemia related pneumonia).
Recommended, enjoy.
See he was very driven and ended up leaving the FBI under a cloud (so to speak) but now, they need him back. I know we've seen it before but in this case the highly unlikely scenario is a bit more plausible than we often get.
From there the story moves along at a descent clip with no major negatives and aside from the slightly strained romance angle is quite enjoyable. I plan to get the next volume.
Sadly, there are only 2 of these books as Noah Boyd passed away in 2011 I believe from leukemia (or possibly leukemia related pneumonia).
Recommended, enjoy.
November 9, 2024
The Bricklayer is basically a much more sexist rendition of the Jack Reacher/one man army/macho man with uncannily good detective abilities story. Within the first 125 pages, protagonist Steve Vail is hit on by three women: a United States Attorney (USA), an FBI Deputy Assistant Director, and a 60-something woman he encounters at a laundromat, who has never seen him before in her life.
The story follows Vail and the aforementioned FBI Deputy Assistant Director, Kate Bannon, as they investigate a mysterious group called the Rubaco Pentad, who are killing people and committing extortion by demanding millions of dollars from the FBI to prevent further murders. This organization seems to have Bureau knowledge, and appears to be trying to disgrace the FBI by doing this. What is their motive? And who is really behind these heinous crimes?
This book was just silly. Like the Jack Reacher books, it starts off strong but eventually devolves into a completely ridiculous story that's not even remotely plausible. The author, who has since passed away, was a former FBI agent, so this book contains some authentic detail in police procedural terms, and I did appreciate that about it. But this book is just way too sexist and way too long. It dragged on and could have been cut down by about a hundred pages.
It was made into a movie of the same name, starring Aaron Eckhart, and the movie is a tighter story that trims a lot of the filler and ridiculousness out of the story, but neither is very good. If you're interested in the movie, I do think it's better than this book, and it's available on Netflix, but as I said it's not very good either. I'd pretty much only recommend this to Jack Reacher fans, or fans of that type of story. Otherwise this isn't really worth the time. It has its moments, but it's way too flawed to be fully enjoyed.
2.5 stars
The story follows Vail and the aforementioned FBI Deputy Assistant Director, Kate Bannon, as they investigate a mysterious group called the Rubaco Pentad, who are killing people and committing extortion by demanding millions of dollars from the FBI to prevent further murders. This organization seems to have Bureau knowledge, and appears to be trying to disgrace the FBI by doing this. What is their motive? And who is really behind these heinous crimes?
This book was just silly. Like the Jack Reacher books, it starts off strong but eventually devolves into a completely ridiculous story that's not even remotely plausible. The author, who has since passed away, was a former FBI agent, so this book contains some authentic detail in police procedural terms, and I did appreciate that about it. But this book is just way too sexist and way too long. It dragged on and could have been cut down by about a hundred pages.
It was made into a movie of the same name, starring Aaron Eckhart, and the movie is a tighter story that trims a lot of the filler and ridiculousness out of the story, but neither is very good. If you're interested in the movie, I do think it's better than this book, and it's available on Netflix, but as I said it's not very good either. I'd pretty much only recommend this to Jack Reacher fans, or fans of that type of story. Otherwise this isn't really worth the time. It has its moments, but it's way too flawed to be fully enjoyed.
2.5 stars
March 7, 2010
Having read several reviews of this book, I thought I knew pretty much what to expect when I turned the first page. One of the things I expected was that the book would be filled with the ubiquitous offensive language I seem to unerringly find. What a pleasant surprise. I don't remember a single profanity in the entire book.
And yet, the book was engaging, the interaction between the two main characters fun to witness and the action strong enough to merit my complete interest throughout.
I have had several authors tell me that to be successful a book has to have the requisite foul language and explicit sex. This book belies that theory. I certainly wish great success to this author.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is true that the hero is a "larger than life", smarter than usual, rather "over the top" character. And yet, I think that is what drew me in: I liked him. I read for enjoyment and found that enjoyment in the reading of this book. And maybe, all the more enjoyable because of the author's background.
I recently had two of my friends highly recommend a book they loved. I got about 1/4 of the way into it and tossed it aside in disgust. This book is basically the opposite.
I look forward to the next offering by Mr. Boyd.
And yet, the book was engaging, the interaction between the two main characters fun to witness and the action strong enough to merit my complete interest throughout.
I have had several authors tell me that to be successful a book has to have the requisite foul language and explicit sex. This book belies that theory. I certainly wish great success to this author.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is true that the hero is a "larger than life", smarter than usual, rather "over the top" character. And yet, I think that is what drew me in: I liked him. I read for enjoyment and found that enjoyment in the reading of this book. And maybe, all the more enjoyable because of the author's background.
I recently had two of my friends highly recommend a book they loved. I got about 1/4 of the way into it and tossed it aside in disgust. This book is basically the opposite.
I look forward to the next offering by Mr. Boyd.
February 28, 2013
Boyd’s debut novel is nothing earth shattering or off the charts, but has a quality to it that keeps the reader interested and involved. Using a recycled idea (former agent or cop contacted to assist anew) with some interesting spins on the development of both story and character, Boyd produces a book well worth the reader’s time. With twists and turns at every corner, the plot develops nicely and does not have too predictable a roadmap for the reader, which keeps things more interesting for all involved. Making embezzlement more exciting that it seems, Boyd lures the reader in and does not let go until the final period is put in place.
Having read some great work and some duds of late, I was not sure what to expect. I thought I’d give it a try and see if it could hold my attention. It did not only that, but had me wanting for more by the time I got to the end. As I mentioned above, we are not dealing with anything that has not already been laid out in many books. I suppose it is the gruff nature of our main character and his interaction with others that caught me. Again, nothing new, but surely something that kept me reading.
Kudos, Mr. Boyd. I hope the second installment is as good as the first!
Having read some great work and some duds of late, I was not sure what to expect. I thought I’d give it a try and see if it could hold my attention. It did not only that, but had me wanting for more by the time I got to the end. As I mentioned above, we are not dealing with anything that has not already been laid out in many books. I suppose it is the gruff nature of our main character and his interaction with others that caught me. Again, nothing new, but surely something that kept me reading.
Kudos, Mr. Boyd. I hope the second installment is as good as the first!
March 13, 2025
A mystery and different than what I normally read. Enjoyable.
September 29, 2012
An interesting first novel in what appears to be destined to be a series. A bit too much 'front story' before the book got to the real meat of the plot. The hero, Steven Vail, never comes on-stage until Chapter 5 except anonymously as an un-named character in the first chapter, That's way too long in my opinion. I think, too, this story could have been told a little tighter to up the tension which runs throughout the novel like a low voltage buzz. I like a little more 'zap' in books.
In skils and demeanor, Vail is very much like Lee Child's Jack Reacher--the standard against which all such characters are measured--and comes pretty close to being a good take on that kind of hero.
One thing I really liked about this book was the hero and the female lead didn't fall into bed almost immediately. I always find that premise a little hard to buy into. It's almost like the characters are saying: "Hi, I'm John." "Hi, I'm Jane." "Lets' have sex." "Okay." Really? How often does that actually happen?
Will I read Boyd's next entry in the series? You bet!
In skils and demeanor, Vail is very much like Lee Child's Jack Reacher--the standard against which all such characters are measured--and comes pretty close to being a good take on that kind of hero.
One thing I really liked about this book was the hero and the female lead didn't fall into bed almost immediately. I always find that premise a little hard to buy into. It's almost like the characters are saying: "Hi, I'm John." "Hi, I'm Jane." "Lets' have sex." "Okay." Really? How often does that actually happen?
Will I read Boyd's next entry in the series? You bet!
June 5, 2020
I’m always looking for a new crime fiction series to follow, and Steve Vail sounded like the perfect choice. As the author has FBI experience, I was ready to be sucked right into an explosive read.
The authenticity of how things work was great with this one, as I had expected, and I really enjoyed the detailed side of things. The story certainly kept me hooked, but I did work things out too easily. I did not work out every detail, but the large majority of them I worked out early. Due to this, I rounded my three-point-five-star rating down as I had hoped for a wee bit more.
I’m certainly curious about book two, though.
The authenticity of how things work was great with this one, as I had expected, and I really enjoyed the detailed side of things. The story certainly kept me hooked, but I did work things out too easily. I did not work out every detail, but the large majority of them I worked out early. Due to this, I rounded my three-point-five-star rating down as I had hoped for a wee bit more.
I’m certainly curious about book two, though.
October 7, 2015
A blackmailer is holding the FBI to ransom. Unless they delivery his ever growing demands for cash people will die. They stall and the body count grows. At every turn they are outwitted by the gang who seems to be able to predict the FBI’s every move and the specific demands for dropping the money seem to be designed to eliminate the agent too.
Kate Bannon, Deputy Assistant Director is stuck. Pressure is building to get this solved, and the government would like its money back as well. The only agent that may be able to help, Steve Vail, is now an ex-agent; fired for disobedience, he is a maverick who knows that getting to the bottom of this will require unconventional means.
Vail’s first task is to drop the next payment to the gang; but what seems straightforward is suddenly revealed as being very deadly. He realises what he is up against, and knows that to win, or at the very least stay alive means that all the rules are off. Leaving the official FBI investigation to carry on, and give the effect that they are kowtowing to every demand, Vail steps away from that and starts to push, hoping to find the cracks in the gang, and hopefully their weakness, before anyone else dies at their hand.
Not a bad thriller overall, it is full of elaborate traps that the main character has to try and get round with out killing himself or anyone else. Reasonable tension in the story makes it a good page turner too; it only took a day to read. There are a number of good twists and turns too. Characterisation is not particularly deep, but it is a thriller, so I kind of expect that. Gave it 3 stars, but 2.5 is fair I think.
Kate Bannon, Deputy Assistant Director is stuck. Pressure is building to get this solved, and the government would like its money back as well. The only agent that may be able to help, Steve Vail, is now an ex-agent; fired for disobedience, he is a maverick who knows that getting to the bottom of this will require unconventional means.
Vail’s first task is to drop the next payment to the gang; but what seems straightforward is suddenly revealed as being very deadly. He realises what he is up against, and knows that to win, or at the very least stay alive means that all the rules are off. Leaving the official FBI investigation to carry on, and give the effect that they are kowtowing to every demand, Vail steps away from that and starts to push, hoping to find the cracks in the gang, and hopefully their weakness, before anyone else dies at their hand.
Not a bad thriller overall, it is full of elaborate traps that the main character has to try and get round with out killing himself or anyone else. Reasonable tension in the story makes it a good page turner too; it only took a day to read. There are a number of good twists and turns too. Characterisation is not particularly deep, but it is a thriller, so I kind of expect that. Gave it 3 stars, but 2.5 is fair I think.
August 8, 2012
This is the first book I've read by this author. I picked it up at the local used book store because it was $1 and the jacket was interesting. Ultimately I should be a little more picky when scouring the clearance shelves but it's hard when the book has "Thriller", "Suspense", and "Terrific" plastered across it.
I enjoyed this book. It suited its purpose as a page-turner and time-filler at work. Other than that, there was nothing ground breaking about this book. Then again, my literary requirements are pretty low: Interesting plot and great characters. Luckily this book did have an interesting plot although predictable at times. I won't gripe about that because most FBI thrillers/suspense turns out being pretty predictable.
I will gripe about the characters. I could care less about all of them. Even the bricklayer, Stephen Vail. There was not enough history about any of the characters in this novel to really have an "awe" moment. You know those moments when everyone looks at you like why's she getting so upset over a stupid book? I like those moments. It's what makes the reading experience real for me. There was virtually no character development.
In conclusion, I did not hate this novel and would probably pick up another one of his if I'm ever shopping in the clearance aisle and I see it for $1. I just hope the next book I read by him is much better.
I enjoyed this book. It suited its purpose as a page-turner and time-filler at work. Other than that, there was nothing ground breaking about this book. Then again, my literary requirements are pretty low: Interesting plot and great characters. Luckily this book did have an interesting plot although predictable at times. I won't gripe about that because most FBI thrillers/suspense turns out being pretty predictable.
I will gripe about the characters. I could care less about all of them. Even the bricklayer, Stephen Vail. There was not enough history about any of the characters in this novel to really have an "awe" moment. You know those moments when everyone looks at you like why's she getting so upset over a stupid book? I like those moments. It's what makes the reading experience real for me. There was virtually no character development.
In conclusion, I did not hate this novel and would probably pick up another one of his if I'm ever shopping in the clearance aisle and I see it for $1. I just hope the next book I read by him is much better.
November 22, 2010
Storyline: Steve Vail is an ex FBI agent, a maverick who didn't like authority. Now he is a bricklayer who goes about business without anyone telling him what to do. The FBI have a problem, their agents are being killed and money is being demanded to make the killings stop. The FBI needs someone who is an expert at tracking people, so Deputy Director Kate Bannon is despatched to bring Vail back into the fold. The terrorists have put those who bring the money to them, a series of harder and harder tests, including Vail himself who manages to escape.
This appears to be the first book in this series, with Agent X, releasing 02/01/2011. I think people who read this book will try to put Jack Reacher and Steve Vail together and compare them. Please don't.
Reachers character is an established character, and has been down many roads that one can't compare them to.
They say, that the author is a former FBI agent himself, so there are some interesting factoids thrown around throughout the book. I would say that those who like Brad Thor and Vince Flynn won't be disappointed in this book.
This appears to be the first book in this series, with Agent X, releasing 02/01/2011. I think people who read this book will try to put Jack Reacher and Steve Vail together and compare them. Please don't.
Reachers character is an established character, and has been down many roads that one can't compare them to.
They say, that the author is a former FBI agent himself, so there are some interesting factoids thrown around throughout the book. I would say that those who like Brad Thor and Vince Flynn won't be disappointed in this book.
July 18, 2010
I am surprised at all the rave reviews. Bricklayer was just ok. The genre is right up my alley, but I was somewhat disappointed. The story was interesting and the technical aspects seemed well thought out and authentic, but the characters were a little flat and cliched. Steve Vail, the main character, is a loner who is unable to deal with authority. A genius former FBI agent who works as a bricklayer to give himself more time to brood. A wise-cracking ninja who is irresistible to women. I would have rather had a little more Fox Mulder.
August 28, 2023
I liked the st half of this book more than the second which brought my review dwn to a 3 from a 4. The story got progressively more unbelievable and that was distracting. It started out like a good Jack Reacher book but Steve Vail, the protagonist grew a little stranger over time. I was hoping for improvement in future books but found there was only one as the writer died after #2 was published.
March 7, 2022
The Bricklayer is an action thriller set in America.
Steve Vail used to work for the FBI until his work methods and disregard for authority caused his downfall. Now he’s a bricklayer.
The story opens with a hold-up at a bank. Steve is one of the hostages and he goes on to disarm the gunmen, only to disappear afterwards. The story moves on to a murder of a FBI whistle-blower reporter, followed my death threats and ransom demands from a group who call themselves Rubaco Pentad. They are out-foxing the FBI and killing agents.
Vail is brought back to help with the case; his unusual thought patterns and ability to stay alive are tested to the extreme in this adventure.
I liked Vail, he opened the readers eyes to different scenarios and options. There’s one more in this series which I would be happy to read, after which the author sadly died.
Steve Vail used to work for the FBI until his work methods and disregard for authority caused his downfall. Now he’s a bricklayer.
The story opens with a hold-up at a bank. Steve is one of the hostages and he goes on to disarm the gunmen, only to disappear afterwards. The story moves on to a murder of a FBI whistle-blower reporter, followed my death threats and ransom demands from a group who call themselves Rubaco Pentad. They are out-foxing the FBI and killing agents.
Vail is brought back to help with the case; his unusual thought patterns and ability to stay alive are tested to the extreme in this adventure.
I liked Vail, he opened the readers eyes to different scenarios and options. There’s one more in this series which I would be happy to read, after which the author sadly died.
February 18, 2011
If Siskel and Ebert had four thumbs, this would get a four thumbs up review.
"The Bricklayer" is a mystery/thriller that starts off fast and doesn't stop until the last page is read. This book will put Noah Boyd up with the likes of Harlan Coben, Lee Child, and Vince Flynn. I always anticipate a new book by these authors, and I can honestly say that I am anxiously waiting for the next book by Noah Boyd.
Steve Vail is an ex-FBI agent who is now making a living as a "Bricklayer". He has left the force because he has found himself at odds with his superiors and the bureaucratic red tape that it takes to get anything done.
He is called into service and given almost carte blance to do anything to solve a mystery that is plaguing the FBI. The FBI is being targeted as not only being inept, but some of its agents are being killed. The Bureau is also looking inward at itself to see if possibly one of their agents may be involved in the extortion.
Agents are being used as couriers for extortion money and are being put through unbelievable trials to deliver the money. The extortionists have them jumping through so many hoops it becomes next to impossible to get to them.
Steve, in several uncanny moves, goes against the grain and follows leads that are divergent from what leads the FBI are following. He is also caught between two women, Kate Bannon, who is an Assistant Director with the FBI, and Tye Delson, a prosecutor working for the FBI. Although Steve finds the going difficult he is determined to solve the mystery, even when there are several times it looks like the case has been solved. He just refuses to believe that there isn't more the the case than meets the eye.
The book comes to a thrilling climax when Steve discovers that a very unlikely person is behind the extortion, and that the extortion was not for money but for revenge.
"The Bricklayer" has it all, mystery, romance, fast action, deception, and one thrilling escapade after another. A "MUST" read for anyone who wants to stay up nights turning page after page to find out what happens next.
"The Bricklayer" is a mystery/thriller that starts off fast and doesn't stop until the last page is read. This book will put Noah Boyd up with the likes of Harlan Coben, Lee Child, and Vince Flynn. I always anticipate a new book by these authors, and I can honestly say that I am anxiously waiting for the next book by Noah Boyd.
Steve Vail is an ex-FBI agent who is now making a living as a "Bricklayer". He has left the force because he has found himself at odds with his superiors and the bureaucratic red tape that it takes to get anything done.
He is called into service and given almost carte blance to do anything to solve a mystery that is plaguing the FBI. The FBI is being targeted as not only being inept, but some of its agents are being killed. The Bureau is also looking inward at itself to see if possibly one of their agents may be involved in the extortion.
Agents are being used as couriers for extortion money and are being put through unbelievable trials to deliver the money. The extortionists have them jumping through so many hoops it becomes next to impossible to get to them.
Steve, in several uncanny moves, goes against the grain and follows leads that are divergent from what leads the FBI are following. He is also caught between two women, Kate Bannon, who is an Assistant Director with the FBI, and Tye Delson, a prosecutor working for the FBI. Although Steve finds the going difficult he is determined to solve the mystery, even when there are several times it looks like the case has been solved. He just refuses to believe that there isn't more the the case than meets the eye.
The book comes to a thrilling climax when Steve discovers that a very unlikely person is behind the extortion, and that the extortion was not for money but for revenge.
"The Bricklayer" has it all, mystery, romance, fast action, deception, and one thrilling escapade after another. A "MUST" read for anyone who wants to stay up nights turning page after page to find out what happens next.
June 19, 2009
This debut novel by Noah Boyd packs a punch—and happily it is the first of a planned series featuring non-conforming, irreverent ex-FBI agent Steve Vail, fired for insubordination but too valuable to forget. That's why Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon is sent to find him and enlist his help in an extortion case going horribly badly for them—bodies are piling up and it could just be that someone in the FBI is actually involved. Vail is just the sort of under-the -radar investigator for the job—he literally always gets his man, even if it means breaking a few rules and ignoring more than a few orders to do so. He's a tough man's man that male readers will want to be, and the women will want, period. The pace is good, the writing well researched, and the plot complicated and interesting. This is going to be a very popular series that should capture fans of John Sanford and Lee Child especially.
March 28, 2016
Very well written story about a former FBI agent asked to come back to assist in an investigation. While the protagonist, Steve Vail aka The Bricklayer, winds up with all of the answers, it is done in a very credible manner. He manages to go through all of the steps in chasing down the leads. Only in the end game do the leaps of faith come into play.
Another example of an author being able to write a very good book without using any offensive language. Given that this story involves investigators, that was an accomplishment. Also, there was not gratuitous sex involved, for those don't need that in a novel, either. As for violence, the reader is just going to have to live with it.
Another example of an author being able to write a very good book without using any offensive language. Given that this story involves investigators, that was an accomplishment. Also, there was not gratuitous sex involved, for those don't need that in a novel, either. As for violence, the reader is just going to have to live with it.
March 19, 2016
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A fun, fast paced story about Steve Vail, an ex FBI agent. His unorthodox style rubs the agency the wrong way, but he gets results.
A fun, fast paced story about Steve Vail, an ex FBI agent. His unorthodox style rubs the agency the wrong way, but he gets results.
May 20, 2024
An exciting mystery with multiple twists and turns. It was written by a man lost to us way too young. An ex-FBI agent is called on to help solve a mystery that involves agents framed and money extorted. The hero,known as "The Bricklayer" is hired to find the answers that lead him into danger and answers that are surprising and upsetting to him. A great read for mystery lovers. If you like Reacher, you'll love the Bricklayer.
June 19, 2012
Steve Vail is a Bricklayer. He is however no ordinary bricklayer. He used to be a former FBI agent who didn't like taking orders from anybody. When somebody begins killing FBI agents, Deputy Director, Kate Bannon decides that she needs his help. Vail will need to go back to the world he abruptly left to see if he can help the FBI track down the murderer.
As this is Noah Boyd's first novel I had no expectations other than the jacket info which always seems to promise the best novel ever. With the front cover holding the words "Move over Jack Reacher, here comes The Bricklayer - James Patterson" it had me hoping that this debut would be a good one.
First off the author is not silly; he has all the components needed that have made previous authors successful. Brooding lead character that doesn't like the rules, yep he has that. Female character that is somehow persuaded to go along with the idea of breaking every rule there is, yep he also has that. Storyline involving crazy psychopath murderer that seems to know all the tricks in the book, yep, got that too. Noah Boyd has all the ingredients that other have previously used with one exception. Noah Boyd has actually worked for the FBI.
The experience tells through the storytelling somehow making this tried and tested formula work even more than usual. The storytelling itself is good, being fast-paced and edgy without being too over the top. The actual writing of the two main characters was great and the rapport between them is built up gradually. I also fell in love with Steve Vail's character; he was witty and charming without being smarmy. On top of that he seems more real the way he is written, as does Kate Bannon.
Some may say that Steve Vail is nowhere near as good as some of the other characters people have come to love such as Jack Reacher and Alex Cross. However remember that this is a debut novel and there is loads of room for this character to develop. That is of course on the proviso that Noah Boyd wants to continue with this character. I think a follow on book to this would be great.
I can honestly say there is nothing I didn't like about this, admittedly Steve Vail hasn't wormed his way to my heart like Peter James has done with his lead character Roy Grace, but a follow up might just do the trick. Its tough competition out there today for crime writers, especially when creating a fresh type story. I think Noah Boyd has done this well because the authenticity show through the story.
As this is Noah Boyd's first novel I had no expectations other than the jacket info which always seems to promise the best novel ever. With the front cover holding the words "Move over Jack Reacher, here comes The Bricklayer - James Patterson" it had me hoping that this debut would be a good one.
First off the author is not silly; he has all the components needed that have made previous authors successful. Brooding lead character that doesn't like the rules, yep he has that. Female character that is somehow persuaded to go along with the idea of breaking every rule there is, yep he also has that. Storyline involving crazy psychopath murderer that seems to know all the tricks in the book, yep, got that too. Noah Boyd has all the ingredients that other have previously used with one exception. Noah Boyd has actually worked for the FBI.
The experience tells through the storytelling somehow making this tried and tested formula work even more than usual. The storytelling itself is good, being fast-paced and edgy without being too over the top. The actual writing of the two main characters was great and the rapport between them is built up gradually. I also fell in love with Steve Vail's character; he was witty and charming without being smarmy. On top of that he seems more real the way he is written, as does Kate Bannon.
Some may say that Steve Vail is nowhere near as good as some of the other characters people have come to love such as Jack Reacher and Alex Cross. However remember that this is a debut novel and there is loads of room for this character to develop. That is of course on the proviso that Noah Boyd wants to continue with this character. I think a follow on book to this would be great.
I can honestly say there is nothing I didn't like about this, admittedly Steve Vail hasn't wormed his way to my heart like Peter James has done with his lead character Roy Grace, but a follow up might just do the trick. Its tough competition out there today for crime writers, especially when creating a fresh type story. I think Noah Boyd has done this well because the authenticity show through the story.
March 17, 2010
If I am not mistaken in my information, this is Noah Boyd's first effort. At least, it is the first in, what I hope to become, a series. The premise is excellent. Former FBI agent, disillusioned with the beaurocracy of the agency, quits to become a bricklayer. He is an excellent bricklayer and also sculpts in his spare time. The former agent, Steve Vail, is at a bank one day when an attempt to rob the bank occurs. Vail saves the day and disappears into obscurity, but not without the notice of the FBI, who is working on a huge case that needs just his sort of bravado. He is recognized by another agent who describes his problem with authority, but his tendency to find things and people that other agents can't.
This begins an excellent story of intrigue and mystery that I had trouble putting down.
The characters are fleshed out very well. The situations are described in detail that is understandable but not so detailed to be tiresome. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the book and was surprised at the ending; just what I like in a book!
I also enjoy books with toughness that dont rely on profanity to prove it. I can't wait for Boyd's next installment, if one is to come. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes intrigue, the workings of the FBI, and a puzzle that gives you all of the pieces.
This begins an excellent story of intrigue and mystery that I had trouble putting down.
The characters are fleshed out very well. The situations are described in detail that is understandable but not so detailed to be tiresome. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the book and was surprised at the ending; just what I like in a book!
I also enjoy books with toughness that dont rely on profanity to prove it. I can't wait for Boyd's next installment, if one is to come. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes intrigue, the workings of the FBI, and a puzzle that gives you all of the pieces.
May 9, 2011
This book would work a lot better if it were labeled as the fantasy it really is. And I don't mean that disparagingly. It's just completely implausible as an FBI thriller. The Bricklayer of the title has superhuman deductive powers and superhuman strength, and he's matched with an equally superhuman villain who devises all sorts of booby traps and dramatically complicated tests, more akin to a comic book villain. You know -- the damsel in distress is suspended in a metal box over a metal plate that, if the good guy moves, will cause the box to fall....that kind of thing. This is the land of Dick Tracy and Batman. Or maybe of The Hunger Games. Not the FBI. As the body count mounted and the traps got more and more involved, I just couldn't suspend disbelief any more.
So, I'd recommend giving the Bricklayer a cape or a magic wand, or starting a new series. Oh, and the Tye character does not work at all. She is completely obvious as a Bad Guy from the beginning, and giving her rape as a motivation is just low.
So, I'd recommend giving the Bricklayer a cape or a magic wand, or starting a new series. Oh, and the Tye character does not work at all. She is completely obvious as a Bad Guy from the beginning, and giving her rape as a motivation is just low.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Couldn't get into it. I gave it 200 pages before skimming. Started out OK—several journalists murdered and the FBI is blackmailed into ransom payments to make the killings stop. A decent amount of action but extremely wordy. It was written by a former FBI agent, which meant the details were plentiful but drawn out too much. Lots of POV hopping. Vail, the hero, was a womanizer and tried to be funny but it didn't land. Moderately curious how it ended, I watched the movie after—and while entirely different, it was just as boring. Swing and a miss.
October 20, 2017
*YAWN*...sorry Vail you're no Reacher.....
Seriously though, this book should've been right up my street but I just found it so hard to visualise what was going on in the "action" parts &, or because of this, it just didn't hold my interest as I had hoped - or indeed as it should have. Probably won't bother reading any further in the series as there's plenty of other mavericks that I much prefer.
Seriously though, this book should've been right up my street but I just found it so hard to visualise what was going on in the "action" parts &, or because of this, it just didn't hold my interest as I had hoped - or indeed as it should have. Probably won't bother reading any further in the series as there's plenty of other mavericks that I much prefer.
February 27, 2013
This wasn't bad, although the writing style made it hard to read at times - odd sentence structures and excessive place descriptions. It feels like this could have developed into a good series but the author died after the 2 nd book so that's it.
Vail was a good hero, I liked the banter with Kate, he's not as serious as some of the other he-men of the genre.
Vail was a good hero, I liked the banter with Kate, he's not as serious as some of the other he-men of the genre.
June 19, 2016
Nothing earth shattering about this novel but interesting enough for a star3. Somewhat different and will compare with Boyd's 2nd book "AgentX" which I recently have on "my 2 do list"
April 19, 2017
Paul Lindsay died before the publication of his third Steve Vail novel, Last Chance To Die. While terribly sad for his family and loved ones on a lesser note it was sad for the readers of crime/adventure fiction as well. Steve Vail was a great character.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bricklayer and it was plain to see Mr. Lindsay's disdain of certain facets of the FBI. But regardless it was interesting and trying to follow the puzzles laid down by the bad guys was quite the brain teaser.
I am currently reading Agent X, the second in the series and after that I have the aforementioned Last Chance To Die.
RIP Paul Lindsay/Noah Boyd/Steve Vail.
I picked up Last Chance To Die to read after finishing Agent X and discovered that it is the UK version of Agent X. Don't be fooled. I don't know if the third book was ever released.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bricklayer and it was plain to see Mr. Lindsay's disdain of certain facets of the FBI. But regardless it was interesting and trying to follow the puzzles laid down by the bad guys was quite the brain teaser.
I am currently reading Agent X, the second in the series and after that I have the aforementioned Last Chance To Die.
RIP Paul Lindsay/Noah Boyd/Steve Vail.
I picked up Last Chance To Die to read after finishing Agent X and discovered that it is the UK version of Agent X. Don't be fooled. I don't know if the third book was ever released.
June 16, 2024
This is a very Rube Goldberg thriller, and while it could be a good thing (I like the Rube Goldberg machines, like them a lot!), here it comes across as heavily overwrought. The plot thickens almost to turgidity, sometimes. There are so many red herrings tossed around, at least one is clean forgotten about. Initially even the writing is stiff, but after the bricklayer enters the fray, at least the banter gets enjoyable. So, two and a bit stars, but not three, not by a long shot.
January 2, 2019
I got more into this character as the book progressed, only to discover there are only two books in the series. Guess I won't be spending the first month of the year reading all of them.
But the plot is fast-paced, clever and an enjoyable read.
But the plot is fast-paced, clever and an enjoyable read.
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