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The Deadfall Project
A cold war secret is about to become a modern-day nightmare. Iranian terrorists plant a bomb in Paris, attempting to kill millions, and one man must track them down before they strike again. CIA agent Grey Stark is back from three decades of retirement, searching for an elusive bomb that could level a city in seconds. As the American president amasses troops at Iran's border, Stark races across France with his ex-wife, digging through his own dark past in a desperate attempt to defuse the war. Hunted by a world-class gunman, a playboy terrorist, and half the world's intelligence agencies, he realizes that even his own boss will stop at nothing to protect the secrets of The Deadfall Project...
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2009
25 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Brett James
21 books63 followersBrett James makes irrationally large art installations that he has installed in New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, England, and Croatia. He has written and directed six films and been honored at a dozen festivals. He was raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
James hand-makes (most of) the paperback versions of his own books.
James hand-makes (most of) the paperback versions of his own books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 30, 2013
My biggest issue with most spy thrillers is that they can be unrealistic to the point of campiness -- with heroes that don't miss or bleed, women falling over each other to have sex with the hero, villains that are more caricatures than substance, and impossible technology that borders on magic. Clive Cussler, Ted Bell, and even his holiness, Ian Fleming, all come to mind when considering these tropes.
Then there are grittier, more realistic spy thrillers. Of course, the world still hangs in the balance of a solitary secret agent, that is a given -- but there are no invisible flying cars or Ivanna Sexytime's present. Vince Flynn, to give an example. This is more my style.
The Deadfall Project fit into this latter mold. It was fast-paced, intricately plotted, had interesting characters, and a well thought out back story. The book built to a riveting climax, and had a satisfying conclusion -- no cliffhanger and no lead-in for a sequel, which I appreciated.
My only complaint is that the author had a predilection for similes which sometimes made the narrative clunky to read -- in an early car chase scene, there were something like seven intricate comparisons made in the course of two pages, and it made what was actually happening hard to follow.
Full disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Then there are grittier, more realistic spy thrillers. Of course, the world still hangs in the balance of a solitary secret agent, that is a given -- but there are no invisible flying cars or Ivanna Sexytime's present. Vince Flynn, to give an example. This is more my style.
The Deadfall Project fit into this latter mold. It was fast-paced, intricately plotted, had interesting characters, and a well thought out back story. The book built to a riveting climax, and had a satisfying conclusion -- no cliffhanger and no lead-in for a sequel, which I appreciated.
My only complaint is that the author had a predilection for similes which sometimes made the narrative clunky to read -- in an early car chase scene, there were something like seven intricate comparisons made in the course of two pages, and it made what was actually happening hard to follow.
Full disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
May 17, 2010
What else is there to say? Best book I've written all year.
July 8, 2010
Brett James' debut novel, The Deadfall Project, takes you on a journey through countries, car chases and spy-thrilling situations that will keep you tied to your beach chair or comfy recliner until you've turned the final page.
The Deadfall Project is modern in scope, but contains the spy and suspense techniques of the great mystery-thrillers of the 40s. As James himself, described his book - it's "the evolution of the spy in fiction." Brett's main character in The Deadfall Project - Grey Stark - has lived through the turmoil of the iron curtain and must now deal with car bombs and other modern weapons of destruction.
Stark is a CIA agent who is back in the fray after a couple of decades of retirement, tracking a mysterious bomb that has the power to flatten an entire city in mere seconds. You'll experience tension as NATO troops gather at Iran's border and ride with Stark and his ex-wife as they zip across France in an attempt to find answers that might prevent a devastating war.
The chase becomes mind-boggling when Stark discovers that he's also being hunted - by a top-level gunman, intelligence agencies, a playboy terrorist - and his own boss who would do anything to keep the Deadfall Project secrets from the public. There's something familiar about the power struggle between agencies in the book and the real-life struggles in our own country.
Whether reading James' vivid descriptions about a car chase through a Parisian neighborhood or mentally feel the punches when he describes a wild fist fight in Marseilles, you'll experience a whole new sense of action and excitement in The Deadfall Project.
James' novel is entertaining and highly observant of the times in which we live. The Deadfall Project provides insight into the international intelligence community and those wars behind the scenes that make all the difference in world situations. James skillfully combines excellent research on the locations in his book with the actuality of current events so that you think you were actually there.
Twists and turns in The Deadfall Project will keep your eyes glued to the page. They're the stuff of which great spy novels are made. If you happen to be reading James' new book on a long airplane jaunt or a subway ride, you'll wish the trip wouldn't end until you read the final page. You won't want to be disturbed from your "trips" through Paris and all of France as the hero battles time, terrorists and the United States government in an attempt to find the bomb.
James' descriptions are rich and colorful, but won't bog you down - and the plot is daring and exciting to read about. It's an action-packed and intriguing thriller that will give you chill bumps while you read it and satisfaction when you put it down. All in all, The Deadfall Project is about a new way of thinking about old problems and super powers that we've been facing for years - with weapons that just don't work anymore.
Review by Lauren Smith
The Deadfall Project, by Brett James
Article Source: The Deadfall Project - A White-Knuckled Ride of a Novel
The Deadfall Project is modern in scope, but contains the spy and suspense techniques of the great mystery-thrillers of the 40s. As James himself, described his book - it's "the evolution of the spy in fiction." Brett's main character in The Deadfall Project - Grey Stark - has lived through the turmoil of the iron curtain and must now deal with car bombs and other modern weapons of destruction.
Stark is a CIA agent who is back in the fray after a couple of decades of retirement, tracking a mysterious bomb that has the power to flatten an entire city in mere seconds. You'll experience tension as NATO troops gather at Iran's border and ride with Stark and his ex-wife as they zip across France in an attempt to find answers that might prevent a devastating war.
The chase becomes mind-boggling when Stark discovers that he's also being hunted - by a top-level gunman, intelligence agencies, a playboy terrorist - and his own boss who would do anything to keep the Deadfall Project secrets from the public. There's something familiar about the power struggle between agencies in the book and the real-life struggles in our own country.
Whether reading James' vivid descriptions about a car chase through a Parisian neighborhood or mentally feel the punches when he describes a wild fist fight in Marseilles, you'll experience a whole new sense of action and excitement in The Deadfall Project.
James' novel is entertaining and highly observant of the times in which we live. The Deadfall Project provides insight into the international intelligence community and those wars behind the scenes that make all the difference in world situations. James skillfully combines excellent research on the locations in his book with the actuality of current events so that you think you were actually there.
Twists and turns in The Deadfall Project will keep your eyes glued to the page. They're the stuff of which great spy novels are made. If you happen to be reading James' new book on a long airplane jaunt or a subway ride, you'll wish the trip wouldn't end until you read the final page. You won't want to be disturbed from your "trips" through Paris and all of France as the hero battles time, terrorists and the United States government in an attempt to find the bomb.
James' descriptions are rich and colorful, but won't bog you down - and the plot is daring and exciting to read about. It's an action-packed and intriguing thriller that will give you chill bumps while you read it and satisfaction when you put it down. All in all, The Deadfall Project is about a new way of thinking about old problems and super powers that we've been facing for years - with weapons that just don't work anymore.
Review by Lauren Smith
The Deadfall Project, by Brett James
Article Source: The Deadfall Project - A White-Knuckled Ride of a Novel
February 3, 2012
I was not familiar with this book or author at all when I received it as a gift. I heard that it was a modest success, and that people who like Raymond Chandler and Ian Fleming books would like it. I liked the idea of diving into a total unknown, so I started reading.
SUMMARY
CIA Agent Grey Stark is an aging operative who has spent the last several years stationed in France. He has been “swept under the rug” after causing a fiasco in Berlin during the Cold War, and to add to his misery, his French policewoman wife is divorcing him. He finds himself back in the middle of the action when Islamic terrorists attempt to detonate a new type of nuclear bomb in Paris. The authorities- the CIA as well as an international spy agency with a bad reputation but a lot power- begin to suspect him when they learn Grey had something to do with the plans for the experimental weapon years ago when he was stationed in Berlin.
OVERALL: 3.6 out of 5
“The Deadfall Project” is a nearly perfect spy thriller, involving an experienced but out-of-shape (skills wise, at least) agent trying to stop a war and, possibly, a nuclear terrorist attack. Background data is woven into the narrative seamlessly, there are several good action scenes, and the general paranoia, betrayal, and government insanity has a “subtle front seat”. It’s a gray novel, where only the protagonist is dependably “good”. Everyone else is serving their own purposes, or those of mysterious bosses.
Is it political? To a degree, but it doesn’t have to be read that way. In terms of American politics, both Republicans and Democrats are painted in a pretty bad light (Republicans want war, a Democrat senator urges a CIA official to kill one of his own), and the general message seems to be: “governments are large, dangerous, and despotic. They will do what they want because they want to, and find whatever reason is needed to justify themselves”. It’s not altogether untrue, though I like to think the world does have some better people in it than that (though it is always best to remember that anyone seeking political office (i.e., control over other people) probably has a dangerously large ego, no matter what their political beliefs).
I would definitely recommend this book though. It’s great espionage stuff.
RATINGS BY CATEGORY:
CHARACTERS: 3 out of 5
Most of the characters in this book are interesting, but are somewhere between the second and third dimensions. You rarely really find out who these people are, what they like and don’t, and what motivates them. The arch-villain wants war with Iran, but it seems like he is just following orders and hoping for a pay raise. His two henchmen (a pair of Iraqi brothers) are the most interesting people in the book, as one struggles to hide his infatuation with Western culture from his younger, religious extremist brother. A former KGB major now in retirement in Geneva is also a highlight of the book.
I do like the characters in this, but I will say that Grey Stark is both a great hero and a bad one. His past is top notch reading, but he seems mostly reactionary. He is also a somewhat poor (or hopelessly out-of-date) secret agent, who is consistently followed and outfoxed. He also can’t shoot a gun to save his life. Though he rises to the challenge near the end, he can be a hard hero to really root for.
My Cast
Grey Stark – George Clooney
Leigh Stark – Kristin Scott Thomas
Denis – Jason Isaacs
Faison – Michael Jeter
Dr. Peerson – Bob Hoskins
PACE: 4 out of 5
This book moves quickly, and I was never bored. There aren’t endless action scenes, and nothing is sprung on the reader for no reason.
STORY: 4 out of 5 (nearly a 5)
I love the ideas in this book. Grey Stark’s history in Berlin, his place as an outdated, aging secret agent caught up in a modern plot that involves his past is wonderful stuff. I also really liked some of the peripheral characters who are involved, mostly people from Stark’s past.
Unfortunately, some of the action and violence (particularly toward the end) is just completely over the top. Characters endure horrible car accidents with no real ill effects later (Grey’s wife is sent to the ICU after one wreck, and shooting guns and jumping off cliffs a few days later).
DIALOGUE: 3 out of 5
The conversations are interesting and realistic. Although some of the larger meetings aren’t as gripping, relevant information is always conveyed and some characters (Dr. Peerson and the Major in particular) are well written- you wonder what they’ll say next. I also liked most of the dialogue given to Stark’s wife, Leigh.
STYLE/TECHNICAL EXECUTION: 4 out of 5
This is a well written book, with clear descriptions and a “movie” feel to the sets and background. Most of the action is well done, and recollections felt “live” without stopping the main story for too long. The author doesn’t try to pull any special tricks, and the reader knows only a little more than the protagonist does at any given moment.
Special attention should be provided to the analogies in this. The similes and metaphors are original and well thought out. I honestly don't know if I want to call it the equal of Raymond Chandler, but it's LIGHT YEARS ahead of most of the muck out there.
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 out of 5: Excellent (Legendary)
4 out of 5: Very Good
3 out of 5: Good
2 out of 5: Satisfactory (certainly not bad)
1 out of 5: Unsatisfactory (I rarely give it out- I can see the merit even in some bad writing)
SUMMARY
CIA Agent Grey Stark is an aging operative who has spent the last several years stationed in France. He has been “swept under the rug” after causing a fiasco in Berlin during the Cold War, and to add to his misery, his French policewoman wife is divorcing him. He finds himself back in the middle of the action when Islamic terrorists attempt to detonate a new type of nuclear bomb in Paris. The authorities- the CIA as well as an international spy agency with a bad reputation but a lot power- begin to suspect him when they learn Grey had something to do with the plans for the experimental weapon years ago when he was stationed in Berlin.
OVERALL: 3.6 out of 5
“The Deadfall Project” is a nearly perfect spy thriller, involving an experienced but out-of-shape (skills wise, at least) agent trying to stop a war and, possibly, a nuclear terrorist attack. Background data is woven into the narrative seamlessly, there are several good action scenes, and the general paranoia, betrayal, and government insanity has a “subtle front seat”. It’s a gray novel, where only the protagonist is dependably “good”. Everyone else is serving their own purposes, or those of mysterious bosses.
Is it political? To a degree, but it doesn’t have to be read that way. In terms of American politics, both Republicans and Democrats are painted in a pretty bad light (Republicans want war, a Democrat senator urges a CIA official to kill one of his own), and the general message seems to be: “governments are large, dangerous, and despotic. They will do what they want because they want to, and find whatever reason is needed to justify themselves”. It’s not altogether untrue, though I like to think the world does have some better people in it than that (though it is always best to remember that anyone seeking political office (i.e., control over other people) probably has a dangerously large ego, no matter what their political beliefs).
I would definitely recommend this book though. It’s great espionage stuff.
RATINGS BY CATEGORY:
CHARACTERS: 3 out of 5
Most of the characters in this book are interesting, but are somewhere between the second and third dimensions. You rarely really find out who these people are, what they like and don’t, and what motivates them. The arch-villain wants war with Iran, but it seems like he is just following orders and hoping for a pay raise. His two henchmen (a pair of Iraqi brothers) are the most interesting people in the book, as one struggles to hide his infatuation with Western culture from his younger, religious extremist brother. A former KGB major now in retirement in Geneva is also a highlight of the book.
I do like the characters in this, but I will say that Grey Stark is both a great hero and a bad one. His past is top notch reading, but he seems mostly reactionary. He is also a somewhat poor (or hopelessly out-of-date) secret agent, who is consistently followed and outfoxed. He also can’t shoot a gun to save his life. Though he rises to the challenge near the end, he can be a hard hero to really root for.
My Cast
Grey Stark – George Clooney
Leigh Stark – Kristin Scott Thomas
Denis – Jason Isaacs
Faison – Michael Jeter
Dr. Peerson – Bob Hoskins
PACE: 4 out of 5
This book moves quickly, and I was never bored. There aren’t endless action scenes, and nothing is sprung on the reader for no reason.
STORY: 4 out of 5 (nearly a 5)
I love the ideas in this book. Grey Stark’s history in Berlin, his place as an outdated, aging secret agent caught up in a modern plot that involves his past is wonderful stuff. I also really liked some of the peripheral characters who are involved, mostly people from Stark’s past.
Unfortunately, some of the action and violence (particularly toward the end) is just completely over the top. Characters endure horrible car accidents with no real ill effects later (Grey’s wife is sent to the ICU after one wreck, and shooting guns and jumping off cliffs a few days later).
DIALOGUE: 3 out of 5
The conversations are interesting and realistic. Although some of the larger meetings aren’t as gripping, relevant information is always conveyed and some characters (Dr. Peerson and the Major in particular) are well written- you wonder what they’ll say next. I also liked most of the dialogue given to Stark’s wife, Leigh.
STYLE/TECHNICAL EXECUTION: 4 out of 5
This is a well written book, with clear descriptions and a “movie” feel to the sets and background. Most of the action is well done, and recollections felt “live” without stopping the main story for too long. The author doesn’t try to pull any special tricks, and the reader knows only a little more than the protagonist does at any given moment.
Special attention should be provided to the analogies in this. The similes and metaphors are original and well thought out. I honestly don't know if I want to call it the equal of Raymond Chandler, but it's LIGHT YEARS ahead of most of the muck out there.
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 out of 5: Excellent (Legendary)
4 out of 5: Very Good
3 out of 5: Good
2 out of 5: Satisfactory (certainly not bad)
1 out of 5: Unsatisfactory (I rarely give it out- I can see the merit even in some bad writing)
February 5, 2012
Brett James's "The Deadfall Project" is a smartly-written and suspenseful espionage thriller in the Robert Ludlum/John Le Carre mold. What is most impressive is that it is his debut novel, one that does not devolve into either timidity or pretentiousness the way some debut novels do. James has an exciting story to tell, and he tells it well. Grey Stark is a retired CIA agent living in France. He is asked to come out of retirement when a failed nuclear bomb is discovered in Paris, linked to Iranian terrorists. Almost immediately, Stark is thrust into a chaotic political mess, and he soon discovers that the recent events are directly linked to events that happened nearly 20 years ago in Berlin, where he was involved in a major CIA operation that went sour, to say the least. Forced to look back on his life and decisions that have haunted him for decades, Stark goes in search of the truth. He is helped along by his wife (estranged and seeking a divorce), Leigh, a reluctant partner who happens to be a French police officer. As his independent investigation progresses, and he discovers plots within plots, he and his wife rekindle the sparks of marriage. Meanwhile, they are pursued by Iranian terrorists, the French authorities, and the CIA, and Stark has no idea who to trust. An exciting blend of action, mystery, spy procedural, with some romance thrown in for good measure, "The Deadfall Project" is a good old-fashioned thriller, and James is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
February 5, 2013
*Disclaimer: I received a copy from the Goodreads First Reads Program.*
This was a page turned from the time I opened the cover. I've never read an espionage thriller and thoroughly enjoyed every page. James kept me guessing until the very last page.
I was pleased to read something with a strong and feisty female lead. The dynamics between the characters gave this book plenty of depth to really connect with the characters. Although the main background story is centered around terrorism, James didn't fall back on tried and true cliches. I don't want to ruin the book with any spoilers. All I will say is that you must read for yourself to discover the creative twists and turns hidden inside the pages!
Highly recommended.
This was a page turned from the time I opened the cover. I've never read an espionage thriller and thoroughly enjoyed every page. James kept me guessing until the very last page.
I was pleased to read something with a strong and feisty female lead. The dynamics between the characters gave this book plenty of depth to really connect with the characters. Although the main background story is centered around terrorism, James didn't fall back on tried and true cliches. I don't want to ruin the book with any spoilers. All I will say is that you must read for yourself to discover the creative twists and turns hidden inside the pages!
Highly recommended.
February 29, 2012
The best thing you can say about an espionage thriller is to wonder aloud who would play the main character in the movie version of the novel. If you want to see the movie version of a thriller, then you know the book got all the important stuff right. The Deadfall Project is terrific thriller in all of the right places.
Complicated leading man who is in it for love of country, fighting to save the world? Check, yeah we got that. Drop dead good-looking female partner? Yeah, we can check that one off too. Interesting international locales? Sure, that too. A plot that is as exciting as piloting a fast car with faulty brakes down a steep mountain pass? Let's check that one off too.
So let’s get back to who would play the leading character Grey Stark, a CIA agent put out to pasture in France for a mistake that he made during the Cold War? My money is on Liam Neeson. A few years ago, Harrison Ford might have been an ideal choice, the only choice really, but he never projected the vulnerability necessary to pull off the Grey Stark character. Throughout The Deadfall Project, we find out that Stark’s better days are behind him. Most espionage writers would not have had the guts to create a main character who is, frankly, too old for the job.
One of the problems in reading Robert Ludlum or Clive Cussler novels is that the alpha male is just too damn perfect, the kind of guy who could kill a Siberian tiger before breakfast after a long night of drinking and debauchery. John leCarré had it right, depicting ordinary men playing mind games for world domination.
leCarré’s trump card in the espionage thriller writer vein has always been his ability to write about the tradecraft, the way spies to the things that they do, the everyday things. Brett James gets all those things right in The Deadfall Project, which makes his characters so much more believable in the multi-continent action more realistic than the cartoonish master spy characters who populate modern movie fare.
To be sure, James slips with a few lines and clichés in The Deadfall Project that make you realize that he has a little way to go before matching leCarré at his best, think of the Smiley trilogy. But really, LeCarre was the master that stuff and to even be mentioned in the same sentence as the genre’s acknowledged master is an accomplishment.
Since the fall of the Berlin wall, leCarré has stumbled trying to make his writing relevant. What do spy writers do in the absence of a good Cold War? Well for one thing, they could follow James’s lead and try to stop war from breaking out in the Middle East.
The beauty of James’s perfectly paced plot is that it's all realistic. No leap of faith is necessary. James has you hooked from the opening chapter and holds your attention until the credits roll at the end. Characters go whizzing by, each well-crafted with back story and motives that make them look people you would encounter in the modern espionage world not super villains.
And critically in this genre, James gets the language right. He has a well-stocked cabinet filled with metaphors and similes destined to please. Plus he can turn a phrase, like when he says of one man that working late to him meant answer questions on his way out the door.
The only real issue that I have a James's writing is that I want to see the sequel.
Complicated leading man who is in it for love of country, fighting to save the world? Check, yeah we got that. Drop dead good-looking female partner? Yeah, we can check that one off too. Interesting international locales? Sure, that too. A plot that is as exciting as piloting a fast car with faulty brakes down a steep mountain pass? Let's check that one off too.
So let’s get back to who would play the leading character Grey Stark, a CIA agent put out to pasture in France for a mistake that he made during the Cold War? My money is on Liam Neeson. A few years ago, Harrison Ford might have been an ideal choice, the only choice really, but he never projected the vulnerability necessary to pull off the Grey Stark character. Throughout The Deadfall Project, we find out that Stark’s better days are behind him. Most espionage writers would not have had the guts to create a main character who is, frankly, too old for the job.
One of the problems in reading Robert Ludlum or Clive Cussler novels is that the alpha male is just too damn perfect, the kind of guy who could kill a Siberian tiger before breakfast after a long night of drinking and debauchery. John leCarré had it right, depicting ordinary men playing mind games for world domination.
leCarré’s trump card in the espionage thriller writer vein has always been his ability to write about the tradecraft, the way spies to the things that they do, the everyday things. Brett James gets all those things right in The Deadfall Project, which makes his characters so much more believable in the multi-continent action more realistic than the cartoonish master spy characters who populate modern movie fare.
To be sure, James slips with a few lines and clichés in The Deadfall Project that make you realize that he has a little way to go before matching leCarré at his best, think of the Smiley trilogy. But really, LeCarre was the master that stuff and to even be mentioned in the same sentence as the genre’s acknowledged master is an accomplishment.
Since the fall of the Berlin wall, leCarré has stumbled trying to make his writing relevant. What do spy writers do in the absence of a good Cold War? Well for one thing, they could follow James’s lead and try to stop war from breaking out in the Middle East.
The beauty of James’s perfectly paced plot is that it's all realistic. No leap of faith is necessary. James has you hooked from the opening chapter and holds your attention until the credits roll at the end. Characters go whizzing by, each well-crafted with back story and motives that make them look people you would encounter in the modern espionage world not super villains.
And critically in this genre, James gets the language right. He has a well-stocked cabinet filled with metaphors and similes destined to please. Plus he can turn a phrase, like when he says of one man that working late to him meant answer questions on his way out the door.
The only real issue that I have a James's writing is that I want to see the sequel.
February 19, 2012
(Note: This review is based on a free copy of the e-book)
There were a few things wrong with this book, but I think there were more right with it.
First of all, it dropped from 4 to 3 stars for these reasons: (In reverse order of importance)
1. Flashbulbs "popping" at a news conference. News photographers (even in France) haven't used flashbulbs that "pop" in over 50 years. Flashing strobes yes, but popping flashbulbs--definitely no! A very disconcerting mistake that definitely "popped" this reader out of the book for a bit.
2. A major plot point turns on an accident that violently slams a passenger into a car's windshield--when the car she is riding in is hit from behind!!! Now this is just downright sloppy...or stupid. Difficult to tell which. Something as important as this should have had a bit more attention paid to it--if not from the writer then definitely from the editor. I still get pissed off about this! If it had happened in the first third of the book, I seriously doubt I would have read any farther.
3. The physical stunts at the end were completely over the top--and not in a good way. More in an I-can-write-whatever-I-want-and-you-have-to-read-it sort of way. Come on! Characters who were in intensive care barely 24 hours earlier are cliff diving, etc? It finally got so ridiculous I found myself just skimming through trying to get to the end of these annoyingly unbelievable super-hero antics.
Now as to what was right with it! Quite a bit actually. The plot was one of the best I've read in a while. It's full of twists and double-backs that take you by surprise more than once--more than twice even.
When it was good, the writing was very, very good. (For when it was bad, read #3 above.) Rather than try to describe the humor and sarcasm, here's my favorite example from when the main character is approached by a man with a gun:
The man's hand went back into his coat. This time it came out with a gun, a small nine-millimeter of a make Grey didn't recognize. He held it close to his stomach, hiding it from anyone in the courtyard. There wasn't anyone in the courtyard. Definitely a North Korean agent, Grey decided....
Now that's funny!
As I said, if it weren't for the problems, I would probably be very close to giving this 4 stars.
Will I read more from this author? You betcha!
There were a few things wrong with this book, but I think there were more right with it.
First of all, it dropped from 4 to 3 stars for these reasons: (In reverse order of importance)
1. Flashbulbs "popping" at a news conference. News photographers (even in France) haven't used flashbulbs that "pop" in over 50 years. Flashing strobes yes, but popping flashbulbs--definitely no! A very disconcerting mistake that definitely "popped" this reader out of the book for a bit.
2. A major plot point turns on an accident that violently slams a passenger into a car's windshield--when the car she is riding in is hit from behind!!! Now this is just downright sloppy...or stupid. Difficult to tell which. Something as important as this should have had a bit more attention paid to it--if not from the writer then definitely from the editor. I still get pissed off about this! If it had happened in the first third of the book, I seriously doubt I would have read any farther.
3. The physical stunts at the end were completely over the top--and not in a good way. More in an I-can-write-whatever-I-want-and-you-have-to-read-it sort of way. Come on! Characters who were in intensive care barely 24 hours earlier are cliff diving, etc? It finally got so ridiculous I found myself just skimming through trying to get to the end of these annoyingly unbelievable super-hero antics.
Now as to what was right with it! Quite a bit actually. The plot was one of the best I've read in a while. It's full of twists and double-backs that take you by surprise more than once--more than twice even.
When it was good, the writing was very, very good. (For when it was bad, read #3 above.) Rather than try to describe the humor and sarcasm, here's my favorite example from when the main character is approached by a man with a gun:
The man's hand went back into his coat. This time it came out with a gun, a small nine-millimeter of a make Grey didn't recognize. He held it close to his stomach, hiding it from anyone in the courtyard. There wasn't anyone in the courtyard. Definitely a North Korean agent, Grey decided....
Now that's funny!
As I said, if it weren't for the problems, I would probably be very close to giving this 4 stars.
Will I read more from this author? You betcha!
February 21, 2012
The Deadfall Project is a traditional spy thriller in the same vein as the books of Robert Ludum and Jack Higgins. Deadfall Project starts off with Grey Stark, a CIA agent who has a messy past so the government sends him somewhere so he can be quietly forgotten, until a nuclear Bomb almost goes off in Paris. Grey Stark wants to get back in with the CIA and sees the bomb as his chance to prove he still has what it takes to be a great spy. When his soon to be ex-wife Leigh busts in on a important meeting to get some papers signed because she has had enough of the "It's classified" rhetoric, little did she know she was about to be dragged into the life her husband had tried to keep secret.
The author created his character, Grey Shark, with imperfections. He couldn't shoot straight and his past was dark and seedy, a past he couldn't hide or run away from. Leigh, Grey's soon to be ex-wife, was a former police officer and a great shot which helped balance out her husband lack of shooting ability making them a great team. Leigh is a strong willed woman who wanted to love her husband but he makes it hard to get close. The author creates a character Leigh that most women can identify with or want to be like. She was strong and unwilling to fall helpless to a man. In fact sometimes she was the one who saved her husband. I enjoyed the love story because it was about being open and honest, and when that happened their marriage found a reason to exist.
The author creates a wonderful world of old vs new with the planned demise of the older spy agencies and the birth of a new breed of espionage. He creates a story that men and women can enjoy and the fast pace of the book makes it almost impossible to put down. I will say the book does feel at times like it was written to be a screenplay but that being said it also made it a very easy and fun read.
This spy thriller has everything you love about that genre with beautiful locations, car chases and shoot outs. The author is very descriptive with locations without boring the reader and gives just enough background to the characters without a lot of unnecessary details that do not apply to the story. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors, but I was able to look past them because this book was so much fun to read.
For a first time author I am very impressed and extremely excited to see what comes next.
Thank you Heidi for this review
The author created his character, Grey Shark, with imperfections. He couldn't shoot straight and his past was dark and seedy, a past he couldn't hide or run away from. Leigh, Grey's soon to be ex-wife, was a former police officer and a great shot which helped balance out her husband lack of shooting ability making them a great team. Leigh is a strong willed woman who wanted to love her husband but he makes it hard to get close. The author creates a character Leigh that most women can identify with or want to be like. She was strong and unwilling to fall helpless to a man. In fact sometimes she was the one who saved her husband. I enjoyed the love story because it was about being open and honest, and when that happened their marriage found a reason to exist.
The author creates a wonderful world of old vs new with the planned demise of the older spy agencies and the birth of a new breed of espionage. He creates a story that men and women can enjoy and the fast pace of the book makes it almost impossible to put down. I will say the book does feel at times like it was written to be a screenplay but that being said it also made it a very easy and fun read.
This spy thriller has everything you love about that genre with beautiful locations, car chases and shoot outs. The author is very descriptive with locations without boring the reader and gives just enough background to the characters without a lot of unnecessary details that do not apply to the story. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors, but I was able to look past them because this book was so much fun to read.
For a first time author I am very impressed and extremely excited to see what comes next.
Thank you Heidi for this review
March 18, 2012
I was fairly disappointed with this book. Let me first say what I like before I get into what really ruined the book for me.
I liked the writing style. Brett James painted vivid pictured with his words and eloquently described the various backdrops in which the book took place. The description of the gore at the end may be a little much for some people though. I also liked his characters. He developed the characters well and the main protagonist had such a rich background that I enjoyed when he doled out bits and pieces of it at a time. I really felt connected to Grey Stark, and I there were parts of the book that I just couldn't put down.
Here's what I didn't like. The ending of the book was telegraphed before the end of the fifth chapter. James set up the characters such that you grow to dislike and distrust Peerson and who he works for. Had he made Peerson more likeable, the "twist" at the end may have been more unpredictable. I kept reading hoping there would be some other twist, but to no avail. I also hoped Denis would make a triumphant return at the end to save the day, but he literally disappeared from the book after he was relieved of his job. I think that would have made a nice twist.
Overall, this was an OK book. I wouldn't recommend it to my friends though.
I liked the writing style. Brett James painted vivid pictured with his words and eloquently described the various backdrops in which the book took place. The description of the gore at the end may be a little much for some people though. I also liked his characters. He developed the characters well and the main protagonist had such a rich background that I enjoyed when he doled out bits and pieces of it at a time. I really felt connected to Grey Stark, and I there were parts of the book that I just couldn't put down.
Here's what I didn't like. The ending of the book was telegraphed before the end of the fifth chapter. James set up the characters such that you grow to dislike and distrust Peerson and who he works for. Had he made Peerson more likeable, the "twist" at the end may have been more unpredictable. I kept reading hoping there would be some other twist, but to no avail. I also hoped Denis would make a triumphant return at the end to save the day, but he literally disappeared from the book after he was relieved of his job. I think that would have made a nice twist.
Overall, this was an OK book. I wouldn't recommend it to my friends though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2009
I don't normally read what you'd call 'airport books' but this one was written by a friend of mine. And it's fantastic. You can only get this one through Amazon at the moment, but I would *highly* recommend it. It's a spy story, basically, although it certainly stretches the boundaries of what that means.
It's going to appeal to casual readers who get into the davinci code kind of thing, but it's far better written than that book. It put me in mind of Ludlum's Bourne novels, or perhaps Forsythe's Day of the Jackal. European intrigue, race against the clock, exotic cars, things like that.
A dedicated reader will get through it in a few hours--it's 400 or so pages but they fly by. It's a nicely closed-ended story, but I wouldn't mind reading further adventures in this world.
It's going to appeal to casual readers who get into the davinci code kind of thing, but it's far better written than that book. It put me in mind of Ludlum's Bourne novels, or perhaps Forsythe's Day of the Jackal. European intrigue, race against the clock, exotic cars, things like that.
A dedicated reader will get through it in a few hours--it's 400 or so pages but they fly by. It's a nicely closed-ended story, but I wouldn't mind reading further adventures in this world.
July 20, 2013
If you are looking for a good spy story where the main character is not your typical run of the mill good guy then this is the book you are looking for.
The book is written in such a way that it doesn't feel stretched out or overly detailed, but detailed enough to really draw you into the story.
The book ends with a bang but I feel like there are several open loose ends that would indicate a sequel to the adventures of Grey Stark.
I'm personally not the biggest fan of spy stories, but I had a good time reading this being a typical sci-fi/fantasy reader.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The book is written in such a way that it doesn't feel stretched out or overly detailed, but detailed enough to really draw you into the story.
The book ends with a bang but I feel like there are several open loose ends that would indicate a sequel to the adventures of Grey Stark.
I'm personally not the biggest fan of spy stories, but I had a good time reading this being a typical sci-fi/fantasy reader.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 4, 2012
I wanted to like this book more, but sadly, a lot of it was telegraphed from the beginning. There are a couple of interesting developments, plot-wise, but between the easy-to-figure-out villains (who I think the author thought would be harder to figure out) and the typographical errors (loose =/= lose) I just couldn't bring myself to give it 4 stars.
November 15, 2009
Bought it on a whim, best book I've read all year.
And it's November.
And it's November.
October 19, 2010
Judgung by all the main character endures, this should have ben called "Superman 5". Nevertheless, it's a really good thriller that I give 4 and a half stars.
May 22, 2011
Good read. Now looking forward to Brett James' second book.
January 19, 2013
A amazing,well written book! I'd suggest this book to any bookworm out there!
December 26, 2012
OMG this was a great book. The characters were entertaining,the plot strong, and it was loaded with action. I don't want to say too much and ruin it for the reader.
July 7, 2020
I was given a copy of the book by the author at Boskone this past February in Boston. Review disclaimer: I'm not well-versed in the international espionage/thriller genre. That said, I really do think that fans of the genre will enjoy this book. Was it perfect? No. Was it good? Yes.
What I enjoy most about Brett James's writing is his masterful skill with setting descriptions. It was clear to me as I read this book that the author must have done a tremendous amount of research not only with regard to policy and protocol, but also with regard to regional geography, weather, architecture, and history. He vividly immersed me in each place his characters traveled. I really felt like I was right there with them, seeing and hearing and feeling what they were.
Example: "He climbed quickly, drawn by cooler, cleaner air. As he gained altitude, the apartment buildings gave way to houses and those to mansions. Exotic plants lined the path and the flower-covered vines drooled from window boxes, filling the air with exotic scents. The hill seemed to continue without end; at the top of each set of stairs, the path turned to reveal another. Grey's heart was pounding so hard, he felt it in his teeth, and his legs felt as heavy as cast rubber. He was glad Leigh wasn't here to see hm."
His descriptions of his characters are equally vivid and detailed, though I personally prefer it when authors leave character appearances up to my imagination. Other readers, I know, will love Jame's vivid descriptions of the people in this story.
I struggled a little with the scientific plausibility of some of the actions scenes, as I think some of the other reviewers did as well, and I wished James had pared those detailed descriptions back a bit during the action scenes (that's the pacing issue I mentioned in the review title). Still, I have to hand it to James, the writing drew me in and pulled me along.
Did I love the characters? Not really. Grey was kind of flat for me. His wife I found highly irritating. Way too competent with a gun and behind the wheel of a car for an ex-cop at any level, and she seemed to instantly default into boobing her way breastily in and out of any situation involving a guy (my hyperbolic description there). She wasn't a "Bond Bimbo" to use another reviewers term, but she had her moments and while I understood she was acting that way intentionally to accomplish something, it still struck me as sexist, and I wish James had made some different choices with her character. Ah well. We can't get everything we want in life, can we. Clearly, her actions didn't bother other reviewers, so keep that in mind.
I also didn't love the ending, and I won't drop any spoilers, but it was just a little too sleepy and quiet for my tastes. I wanted more folks get hauled onto the carpet, exposed, reamed out, punished, etc. James probably didn't do that, because it happens so rarely in real life, but if I wanted a "true to life" read, I wouldn't have picked up an espionage thriller to begin with.
So, outstanding writing, a fun plot, loved the romp through europe, less in love with the characters, and I wanted a more "Hollywood" ending. There you have it. If you're looking for a good, quick read, this one won't disappoint. Cheers!
What I enjoy most about Brett James's writing is his masterful skill with setting descriptions. It was clear to me as I read this book that the author must have done a tremendous amount of research not only with regard to policy and protocol, but also with regard to regional geography, weather, architecture, and history. He vividly immersed me in each place his characters traveled. I really felt like I was right there with them, seeing and hearing and feeling what they were.
Example: "He climbed quickly, drawn by cooler, cleaner air. As he gained altitude, the apartment buildings gave way to houses and those to mansions. Exotic plants lined the path and the flower-covered vines drooled from window boxes, filling the air with exotic scents. The hill seemed to continue without end; at the top of each set of stairs, the path turned to reveal another. Grey's heart was pounding so hard, he felt it in his teeth, and his legs felt as heavy as cast rubber. He was glad Leigh wasn't here to see hm."
His descriptions of his characters are equally vivid and detailed, though I personally prefer it when authors leave character appearances up to my imagination. Other readers, I know, will love Jame's vivid descriptions of the people in this story.
I struggled a little with the scientific plausibility of some of the actions scenes, as I think some of the other reviewers did as well, and I wished James had pared those detailed descriptions back a bit during the action scenes (that's the pacing issue I mentioned in the review title). Still, I have to hand it to James, the writing drew me in and pulled me along.
Did I love the characters? Not really. Grey was kind of flat for me. His wife I found highly irritating. Way too competent with a gun and behind the wheel of a car for an ex-cop at any level, and she seemed to instantly default into boobing her way breastily in and out of any situation involving a guy (my hyperbolic description there). She wasn't a "Bond Bimbo" to use another reviewers term, but she had her moments and while I understood she was acting that way intentionally to accomplish something, it still struck me as sexist, and I wish James had made some different choices with her character. Ah well. We can't get everything we want in life, can we. Clearly, her actions didn't bother other reviewers, so keep that in mind.
I also didn't love the ending, and I won't drop any spoilers, but it was just a little too sleepy and quiet for my tastes. I wanted more folks get hauled onto the carpet, exposed, reamed out, punished, etc. James probably didn't do that, because it happens so rarely in real life, but if I wanted a "true to life" read, I wouldn't have picked up an espionage thriller to begin with.
So, outstanding writing, a fun plot, loved the romp through europe, less in love with the characters, and I wanted a more "Hollywood" ending. There you have it. If you're looking for a good, quick read, this one won't disappoint. Cheers!
June 27, 2025
Have you ever read a novel that seemed tailor made for the media cyclone of current events? Ever read a work of fiction that deftly tapped into the fears and machinations of an entire country? Ever read one that did all of that three years ahead of time? Well the 2009 thriller The Deadfall Project is just that book. In a time when tensions with Iran and North Korea seem to be coming to a head, The Deadfall Project explores what could happen if it were proven that such a rogue state had obtained a nuclear bomb and intended to use it. The author of this timely novel is Brett James, a filmmaker and author from San Francisco, California. James was kind enough to sit down to discuss a mashup of literature, politics, and publishing, which you can find here. As for the book, it goes a little something like this:
Grey Stark, an aging CIA company man, is a relic from the cold war (and the proud owner of a name worth of a James Bond villain). He was once the station chief in Berlin, the single-most active region for espionage after WW II. He was also the mastermind behind the bloodiest operation against the Soviets of the cold war. In spite of this legacy—or perhaps because of it—he’s been sidelined in France for the last dozen years. Nothing ever happens in France. All of the real work is in the Middle East. That’s where the action is. The only thing for an aging CIA man to do in France is count the years until forced retirement. That is, until a nuclear device is discovered planted beneath a Paris bank. All signs point to an Iranian terrorist group as the culprits, which immediately ratchets up tensions between the U.S., it’s allies, and Iran.
It quickly becomes evident to Grey that things aren’t as they seem. The Iranian connection seems tenuous, and he finds out that the bomb was none other than the infamous Deadfall Project. Back when he was station chief in Berlin, scores of agents on both sides of the wall died trying to keep the plans for the Deadfall device out of Soviet hands. Grey used a car to run down a Russian agent in the middle of no man’s land to retrieve the last copy of the plans and burned them himself. A newly minted NATO intelligence agency has also taken over the investigation and seems hell bent on following the Iranian link. With his soon-to-be-ex-wife by his side (James really stacks the deck against this guy, doesn’t he?) Grey turns to some of his old nemeses from the Cold War to try to find out where the bomb could have come from.
But it’s never as simple as all that. If it was, we wouldn’t have nearly as good of a storey. Complications arise when Grey’s attempts to reach out to the Russian agents get him noticed by his own intelligence people. His previous involvement with The Deadfall Project implicates him further, and soon enough he finds himself caught up in a frame designed to paint him as a traitor. Add to that a mysterious hitman trying to kill him at every turn, a world marching inexorably to war, and a wife he can’t decide to whether to kiss or to throttle, and Grey finds himself in one hell of a mess.
The book couldn’t be more perfect for today’s political climate. It seems as though hardly an hour goes by on the 24 hour news channels that there isn’t some mention of Iran or its nuclear ambitions. Israel wants to bomb he crap out of them, the U.S. and NATO want to sanction them into obedience, and the rest of the world wants to bury its head in the sand. And there’s no shortage of U.S. politicians spoiling for a fight with them either. These bozos would have us kick off World War III (and rest assured, that’s what it would be given how the Russians and Chinese feel about it), and then celebrate with strippers and champagne. That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy Rick Santorum dropped out of the Republican primary. All that hawkish rhetoric made me want to leap through the TV and strangle him every time I saw his ugly mug. And yeah, I know I’m getting off topic, but it goes a long way to describe why the author’s foresight is so amazing. It was published three years ago (written some time before that, I’m sure), and still it manages to encompass some of the most pressing fears of the current geopolitical climate. That, or maybe the political dialogue just hasn’t changed that much in the last three years.
As far as the writing itself, the things that stood out to me the most were the metaphors and the imagery. James is extremely gifted in this regard. He paints his characters and scenes vividly, so much so that I could easily picture them in my mind’s eye. And the French settings and landmarks are cast such amazing detail that I could easily imagine myself there. Reading The Deadfall Project was very much like watching a movie—which makes sense, given the author’s history as a film maker. But more than that, he uses a plethora of artful metaphors to punctuate his descriptions, lending them power and poignancy they would not have had otherwise. I can tell James spent a lot of time and effort in crafting his metaphors, and it was time well spent.
The characters, on the other hand, are par for the course when it comes to your typical thriller. That’s not to say they’re bad. They’re quite good, they just fit the mold we readers have come to expect from our Ludlum-esque thrillers. Honestly, The Deadfall Project is just as good as any of your typical mass market thrillers on the best seller’s list. The plot moves quickly with plenty of action to keep the reader engaged, and the tone and style of the book are at once easily understood and complex enough to add a measure of depth to the narrative. The main character does seem ridiculously indestructible, though. He survives two car crashes (during one of which he bails out of the car going 100 miles per hour), a fractured arm (which later becomes a full-fledged break), broken ribs, a knife wound in the thigh, a triple-tap to the chest from a .45 (wearing a bullet-proof vest, granted, but the kinetic energy alone of a .45 slug has enough power to crush bone), a gunshot to the shoulder, another knife in the leg, and still manages to dispatch the baddie in one last ditch effort. And did I mention the irate almost-ex-wife? Yeah, there is no kryptonite for this guy. But then again, with all those people trying their damnedest to kill him, I guess it’d require an even bigger suspension of disbelief if he didn’t get a royal beating or two along the way.
Whatever minor flaws the novel might have, they don’t at all detract from its core message, the idea that one man can make a difference in the political dog and pony show that sends nations to war. Through his novel James subtly indicts previous regimes for their trumped up justifications for armed conflict and simultaneously offers a cautionary message against the repetition of those same mistakes in the rising conflict with Iran and other “rogue nations.” Overall I give The Deadfall Project four out of five stars.
Grey Stark, an aging CIA company man, is a relic from the cold war (and the proud owner of a name worth of a James Bond villain). He was once the station chief in Berlin, the single-most active region for espionage after WW II. He was also the mastermind behind the bloodiest operation against the Soviets of the cold war. In spite of this legacy—or perhaps because of it—he’s been sidelined in France for the last dozen years. Nothing ever happens in France. All of the real work is in the Middle East. That’s where the action is. The only thing for an aging CIA man to do in France is count the years until forced retirement. That is, until a nuclear device is discovered planted beneath a Paris bank. All signs point to an Iranian terrorist group as the culprits, which immediately ratchets up tensions between the U.S., it’s allies, and Iran.
It quickly becomes evident to Grey that things aren’t as they seem. The Iranian connection seems tenuous, and he finds out that the bomb was none other than the infamous Deadfall Project. Back when he was station chief in Berlin, scores of agents on both sides of the wall died trying to keep the plans for the Deadfall device out of Soviet hands. Grey used a car to run down a Russian agent in the middle of no man’s land to retrieve the last copy of the plans and burned them himself. A newly minted NATO intelligence agency has also taken over the investigation and seems hell bent on following the Iranian link. With his soon-to-be-ex-wife by his side (James really stacks the deck against this guy, doesn’t he?) Grey turns to some of his old nemeses from the Cold War to try to find out where the bomb could have come from.
But it’s never as simple as all that. If it was, we wouldn’t have nearly as good of a storey. Complications arise when Grey’s attempts to reach out to the Russian agents get him noticed by his own intelligence people. His previous involvement with The Deadfall Project implicates him further, and soon enough he finds himself caught up in a frame designed to paint him as a traitor. Add to that a mysterious hitman trying to kill him at every turn, a world marching inexorably to war, and a wife he can’t decide to whether to kiss or to throttle, and Grey finds himself in one hell of a mess.
The book couldn’t be more perfect for today’s political climate. It seems as though hardly an hour goes by on the 24 hour news channels that there isn’t some mention of Iran or its nuclear ambitions. Israel wants to bomb he crap out of them, the U.S. and NATO want to sanction them into obedience, and the rest of the world wants to bury its head in the sand. And there’s no shortage of U.S. politicians spoiling for a fight with them either. These bozos would have us kick off World War III (and rest assured, that’s what it would be given how the Russians and Chinese feel about it), and then celebrate with strippers and champagne. That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy Rick Santorum dropped out of the Republican primary. All that hawkish rhetoric made me want to leap through the TV and strangle him every time I saw his ugly mug. And yeah, I know I’m getting off topic, but it goes a long way to describe why the author’s foresight is so amazing. It was published three years ago (written some time before that, I’m sure), and still it manages to encompass some of the most pressing fears of the current geopolitical climate. That, or maybe the political dialogue just hasn’t changed that much in the last three years.
As far as the writing itself, the things that stood out to me the most were the metaphors and the imagery. James is extremely gifted in this regard. He paints his characters and scenes vividly, so much so that I could easily picture them in my mind’s eye. And the French settings and landmarks are cast such amazing detail that I could easily imagine myself there. Reading The Deadfall Project was very much like watching a movie—which makes sense, given the author’s history as a film maker. But more than that, he uses a plethora of artful metaphors to punctuate his descriptions, lending them power and poignancy they would not have had otherwise. I can tell James spent a lot of time and effort in crafting his metaphors, and it was time well spent.
The characters, on the other hand, are par for the course when it comes to your typical thriller. That’s not to say they’re bad. They’re quite good, they just fit the mold we readers have come to expect from our Ludlum-esque thrillers. Honestly, The Deadfall Project is just as good as any of your typical mass market thrillers on the best seller’s list. The plot moves quickly with plenty of action to keep the reader engaged, and the tone and style of the book are at once easily understood and complex enough to add a measure of depth to the narrative. The main character does seem ridiculously indestructible, though. He survives two car crashes (during one of which he bails out of the car going 100 miles per hour), a fractured arm (which later becomes a full-fledged break), broken ribs, a knife wound in the thigh, a triple-tap to the chest from a .45 (wearing a bullet-proof vest, granted, but the kinetic energy alone of a .45 slug has enough power to crush bone), a gunshot to the shoulder, another knife in the leg, and still manages to dispatch the baddie in one last ditch effort. And did I mention the irate almost-ex-wife? Yeah, there is no kryptonite for this guy. But then again, with all those people trying their damnedest to kill him, I guess it’d require an even bigger suspension of disbelief if he didn’t get a royal beating or two along the way.
Whatever minor flaws the novel might have, they don’t at all detract from its core message, the idea that one man can make a difference in the political dog and pony show that sends nations to war. Through his novel James subtly indicts previous regimes for their trumped up justifications for armed conflict and simultaneously offers a cautionary message against the repetition of those same mistakes in the rising conflict with Iran and other “rogue nations.” Overall I give The Deadfall Project four out of five stars.
August 16, 2017
The Deadfall Project is a fast-paced spy thriller that, for an indie release, is decently self-edited, (only a very few issues with sentence syntax and word choices).
Grey Stark is an aging semi-retired CIA operative banished by the agency to France after a major operation he was running in Berlin went sideways. He's been cooling his heels in Paris since just before the fall of the Berlin wall. Now, as his wife is divorcing him, he gets an assignment that may just be an indication of his exile coming to an end. Before you can say, "Jason Bourne", Stark is up to his neck in trouble and on the run with everyone after him.
Plot-wise, there aren't too many surprises here but the fun is in the journey and I did find this to be an entertaining read. The whole thing is a bit cartoonish but moves along at a breakneck pace that doesn't give you much time to stop and nitpick the plot holes.
A quick and enjoyable 400 pages.
Grey Stark is an aging semi-retired CIA operative banished by the agency to France after a major operation he was running in Berlin went sideways. He's been cooling his heels in Paris since just before the fall of the Berlin wall. Now, as his wife is divorcing him, he gets an assignment that may just be an indication of his exile coming to an end. Before you can say, "Jason Bourne", Stark is up to his neck in trouble and on the run with everyone after him.
Plot-wise, there aren't too many surprises here but the fun is in the journey and I did find this to be an entertaining read. The whole thing is a bit cartoonish but moves along at a breakneck pace that doesn't give you much time to stop and nitpick the plot holes.
A quick and enjoyable 400 pages.
September 18, 2017
Not amazing. Not fast moving. I did start to enjoy it more after a while, but there are much better thrillers out there.
February 20, 2012
The Deadfall Project fall is a traditional spy thriller in the same vein as the books of Robert Ludum and Jack Higgins. Deadfall Project starts off with Gray Stark, a CIA agent who has a messy past so the government sends him somewhere so he can be quietly forgotten until a nuclear Bomb almost goes off in Paris. Grey Stark wants to get back in with the CIA and sees the bomb as his chance to prove he is still has what it takes to be a great spy. When his soon to be ex-wife Leigh busts in on a important meeting to get some papers signed because she has had enough of the "It's classified" rhetoric. All Leigh wants is an appearance at the court house on time with papers signed but little did she know she was about to be dragged into the life her husband had tried to keep secret. The author created his character, Gray Shark, with imperfections. He couldn't shoot straight and his past was dark and seedy, a past he couldn't hide or run away from. Leigh, Grey's soon to be ex-wife, was a former police officer and a great shot which helped balance out her husband lack of shooting ability which made for a great team. Leigh is a strong willed woman who wanted to love her husband but he makes it hard to get close. The author creates a character Leigh that most women can identity with or want to be like. She was strong and unwilling to fall helpless to a man. In fact sometimes she was the one who saved her husband. I enjoyed the love story because it was about being open and honest and when that happened their marriage found a reason to exist.
The author creates a wonderful world of old vs new with the planned demise of the older spy agencies and the birth of a new breed of espionage. He creates a story that men and women can enjoy and the fast pace of the book makes it almost impossible to put down. I will say the book does feel at times like it was written to be a screenplay but that being said it also made it a very easy and fun read.
This spy thriller has everything you love about that genre with beautiful locations, car chases and shoot outs. The author is very descriptive with locations without boring the reader and gives just enough background to the characters without a lot of unnecessary details that do not apply to the story. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors, but I was able to look past them because this book was so much fun to read.
For a first time author I am very impressed and extremely excited to see what comes next.
The author creates a wonderful world of old vs new with the planned demise of the older spy agencies and the birth of a new breed of espionage. He creates a story that men and women can enjoy and the fast pace of the book makes it almost impossible to put down. I will say the book does feel at times like it was written to be a screenplay but that being said it also made it a very easy and fun read.
This spy thriller has everything you love about that genre with beautiful locations, car chases and shoot outs. The author is very descriptive with locations without boring the reader and gives just enough background to the characters without a lot of unnecessary details that do not apply to the story. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors, but I was able to look past them because this book was so much fun to read.
For a first time author I am very impressed and extremely excited to see what comes next.
March 19, 2012
Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy of this book from the publishing company to read and review. I had just finished reading the new James Bond book (Carte Blanche) and the publisher had seen my review here on GoodReads. So, with that disclaimer, my brief review:
I won't bother with a brief synopsis, as one is already provided here on GoodReads.
Let me begin with the strengths: James does a great job of writing twists and turns into the story. The narrative is broken up into four parts and I enjoyed seeing how James would get the characters out of situations. I also enjoyed the change in the main character from beginning to end and the questions of mystery that surround several of the characters. In these ways, James has a lot of the hallmarks and makings of a great fiction writer.
However, this is not on my list as a favorite book or a piece of great fiction. I believe James is a new author, publishing his second novel in the coming months. In this, his freshman novel, I found that he too often told me about the characters, rather then showed me. So, a large section of part 1 is telling the reader about the characters and I found I got bored and bugged by it. I wish he would have used situations, conversations, etc. to show me what he was telling.
The book definitely picked up for me in the 2nd half to where I really enjoyed it. I found the first-half hard to stick with and get through, but did enjoy the book by the end. I don't think I would buy the second book, unless it was free or on-sale. If James has continued to grow and improve as an author in the second book, then I might become a follower - but I'm not there quite there yet.
I won't bother with a brief synopsis, as one is already provided here on GoodReads.
Let me begin with the strengths: James does a great job of writing twists and turns into the story. The narrative is broken up into four parts and I enjoyed seeing how James would get the characters out of situations. I also enjoyed the change in the main character from beginning to end and the questions of mystery that surround several of the characters. In these ways, James has a lot of the hallmarks and makings of a great fiction writer.
However, this is not on my list as a favorite book or a piece of great fiction. I believe James is a new author, publishing his second novel in the coming months. In this, his freshman novel, I found that he too often told me about the characters, rather then showed me. So, a large section of part 1 is telling the reader about the characters and I found I got bored and bugged by it. I wish he would have used situations, conversations, etc. to show me what he was telling.
The book definitely picked up for me in the 2nd half to where I really enjoyed it. I found the first-half hard to stick with and get through, but did enjoy the book by the end. I don't think I would buy the second book, unless it was free or on-sale. If James has continued to grow and improve as an author in the second book, then I might become a follower - but I'm not there quite there yet.
May 21, 2012
I received this book free through the Goodreads giveaway program. Also Brett James was born here in Chapel Hill, NC before making his way to the Big Apple. But I won't let either of those facts bias my review.
One of the other reviewers took issue with the author's excessive use of metaphors and similes. I noticed that also but it's only in the first few chapters. I think a better criticism would be the one that was made by Pamela on February 19th regarding incongruous or exaggerated situations. Particularly in the last action sequence in the book, James really pulls out all the stops---and maybe he shouldn't have. But that's just the way the spy genre is written. If the heroes weren't unkillable then there'd be no sequels.
Despite my gripes, this is a very engaging and entertaining book. The plot concept is great--a nuclear bomb is planted in Paris by Iranian terrorists, it fizzles, and all hell breaks out as spies and gun toting subversives mix it up with old Cold War events hovering in the background.
The hero of the story is Grey Stark. Now I think that name is more suited for a line of expensive vodka but that's just quibbling. Stark is a great spy with a nasty history which weighs quite heavily on him. The Iranian bomb is just what he needs to resurrect his career and self-respect. If he survives!
The obstacles to Stark's survival include the Iranian terrorists themselves as well as a rich cast of former KGB assassins, CIA operatives, Iranian moles, a very pissed off almost ex-wife, and his best friend. Stark's life isn't easy and that makes for a very entertaining book.
One of the other reviewers took issue with the author's excessive use of metaphors and similes. I noticed that also but it's only in the first few chapters. I think a better criticism would be the one that was made by Pamela on February 19th regarding incongruous or exaggerated situations. Particularly in the last action sequence in the book, James really pulls out all the stops---and maybe he shouldn't have. But that's just the way the spy genre is written. If the heroes weren't unkillable then there'd be no sequels.
Despite my gripes, this is a very engaging and entertaining book. The plot concept is great--a nuclear bomb is planted in Paris by Iranian terrorists, it fizzles, and all hell breaks out as spies and gun toting subversives mix it up with old Cold War events hovering in the background.
The hero of the story is Grey Stark. Now I think that name is more suited for a line of expensive vodka but that's just quibbling. Stark is a great spy with a nasty history which weighs quite heavily on him. The Iranian bomb is just what he needs to resurrect his career and self-respect. If he survives!
The obstacles to Stark's survival include the Iranian terrorists themselves as well as a rich cast of former KGB assassins, CIA operatives, Iranian moles, a very pissed off almost ex-wife, and his best friend. Stark's life isn't easy and that makes for a very entertaining book.
March 2, 2012
It was just luck that the bomb malfunctioned. A nuclear device in the basement of a bank in Paris. It did get a security guard that stumbled onto it killed with a well placed bullet as the Arab bailed out of the window.
CIA agent Grey Stark is sent to investigate. He' been in exile in Paris for twenty years, effectively retired after a hunting expedition in East Germany for the members of a team hat had killed his whole network on a mission gone bad. It was said he'd personally killed seventy-five East Germans.
Now he saw this as his chance to get back into the game.
But forces behind the scene had other ideas. A pair of Arab brothers, one a fanatical terrorist and the other a man who'd grown used to life as a westerner. But he knew how to manipulate his brother.
Other agencies, from all sides, were soon after him.
The U.S. government claimed knowledge that Iran was responsible and an invasion was planned. Half the intelligence agencies in the world were hunting Grey and his ex-wife, a former Parisian police officer, as they race across the country trying to figure who's behind all of it.
Secrets from Grey's own dark past seem to be a part of it as well. The two brothers are after them also, the fanatic an excellent marksman and his playboy brother doesn't even look Arab.
As things start to unravel, Grey realizes something more is going on here. Something that people want him to not learn.
This was a race horse novel, the kind I like, set during Bush 43's second termand plays off against some of the headlines of the time.
Enjoyed it.
CIA agent Grey Stark is sent to investigate. He' been in exile in Paris for twenty years, effectively retired after a hunting expedition in East Germany for the members of a team hat had killed his whole network on a mission gone bad. It was said he'd personally killed seventy-five East Germans.
Now he saw this as his chance to get back into the game.
But forces behind the scene had other ideas. A pair of Arab brothers, one a fanatical terrorist and the other a man who'd grown used to life as a westerner. But he knew how to manipulate his brother.
Other agencies, from all sides, were soon after him.
The U.S. government claimed knowledge that Iran was responsible and an invasion was planned. Half the intelligence agencies in the world were hunting Grey and his ex-wife, a former Parisian police officer, as they race across the country trying to figure who's behind all of it.
Secrets from Grey's own dark past seem to be a part of it as well. The two brothers are after them also, the fanatic an excellent marksman and his playboy brother doesn't even look Arab.
As things start to unravel, Grey realizes something more is going on here. Something that people want him to not learn.
This was a race horse novel, the kind I like, set during Bush 43's second termand plays off against some of the headlines of the time.
Enjoyed it.
October 30, 2009
Wow. What's not good to say about this author's first endeavor? I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it was much to my girlfriend's disapproval as I chose to not put it down on one too many occasions. Thankfully for my relationship, even though 400 pages, it's a quick read. As for the characters and the story, this is not your usual, infallible, everything goes as planned, hero wins every fight scene, Bourne Identity kind of book (though fans and followers of Mr. Ludlum and the Bourne movie series will not be disappointed). There are plenty of plot twists, the action is stellar and the locations are wonderfully brought to life (the author must have lived in France). So without much further adieu, go out and by this book. You will neither regret the money nor the time spent. Hopefully there will be more to come, perhaps even a celluloid translation? (And by the by, books I've read reccently and enjoyed: The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Goneaway World, Dead Before Dying, The Book Thief, The Raw Shark Texts, Six Bad Things and so on and so forth. The Deadfall Project will now slip happily amongst its other bookish neighbours).
May 30, 2012
The book has many Ludlumesque moments. And perhaps should be complimented that it managed to do so while not being a such a long story. It is a fairly short book that never outlives his stay. That said its ending comes rather quickly as did the resolution of the story. Which must be said is a satisfying one but not the most unexpected or original one.
If you like Ludlum you will enjoy this story, it makes for some great beachreading and can easily be laid down and is easy to pick up again. The writer does show his knowledge of Europe in the story and that does gives it a European flavor. They chose for a similar approuch in the first two Bourne movies (Ludlum created this hero)and that gave it a very nice depth.
The action is aptly written, the hero is manly and the choice for his ex-wife as companion an unusual choice but effective.
The book leaves an opening for a 2nd book. I am curious if this will happen.
A book that is not essential reading but a fun read nonetheless. I did get a copy for free but will check out nr 2 when it arrives.
If you like Ludlum you will enjoy this story, it makes for some great beachreading and can easily be laid down and is easy to pick up again. The writer does show his knowledge of Europe in the story and that does gives it a European flavor. They chose for a similar approuch in the first two Bourne movies (Ludlum created this hero)and that gave it a very nice depth.
The action is aptly written, the hero is manly and the choice for his ex-wife as companion an unusual choice but effective.
The book leaves an opening for a 2nd book. I am curious if this will happen.
A book that is not essential reading but a fun read nonetheless. I did get a copy for free but will check out nr 2 when it arrives.
February 28, 2012
Suffice it to say I won't accept an offer of a free book to read again. Unless its from a proven author.
I also admit I couldn't finish this book. I literally couldn't read another paragraph so loaded with metaphors and similes. I pulled out a paragraph at random that wasn't actually describing anyone or anything and it had 2 metaphors and 3 similes in it.
I'm not a writer, but I would much rather see someone who's starting out as a novelist to try and be honest to their own language and their story, rather than fill out 400 pages with poor and unneccesary descriptive writing. Also start with what you know, don't try and depict scenes of people from other cultures if you're going to assume they have your outlook on the world.
I'm afraid this isn't at all like LeCarre. For a start, LeCarre is a brilliant writer of prose, and for another he would never devise a plot where the heroes are the imperialists defending the world.
Enough said. I hate to write a bad review of a free copy, but I think I've learned my lesson.
I also admit I couldn't finish this book. I literally couldn't read another paragraph so loaded with metaphors and similes. I pulled out a paragraph at random that wasn't actually describing anyone or anything and it had 2 metaphors and 3 similes in it.
I'm not a writer, but I would much rather see someone who's starting out as a novelist to try and be honest to their own language and their story, rather than fill out 400 pages with poor and unneccesary descriptive writing. Also start with what you know, don't try and depict scenes of people from other cultures if you're going to assume they have your outlook on the world.
I'm afraid this isn't at all like LeCarre. For a start, LeCarre is a brilliant writer of prose, and for another he would never devise a plot where the heroes are the imperialists defending the world.
Enough said. I hate to write a bad review of a free copy, but I think I've learned my lesson.
January 5, 2016
A traditional but gritty and well-paced thriller, with a fresh, reluctant protagonist and subtle plot twists, great character development, and good pacing.
A CIA officer, Grey Stark, is sent off to a quiet posting to be forgotten until a nuclear device almost detonates in Paris. Stark sees it as his chance to get back into the action and prove himself. Along the way, his wife, already seeking a separation is dragged into it as well. Stark is handled pretty well and has many flaws: he’s not good with a handgun and his past is seedy to say the least. The tension between Grey and Leigh is well-done.
An engaging, humorous and vivid thriller, although there’s no real sense of urgency and the ending leaves some loose ends. The few typos will inevitably annoy some, and the detail seems overly descriptive at times.
A CIA officer, Grey Stark, is sent off to a quiet posting to be forgotten until a nuclear device almost detonates in Paris. Stark sees it as his chance to get back into the action and prove himself. Along the way, his wife, already seeking a separation is dragged into it as well. Stark is handled pretty well and has many flaws: he’s not good with a handgun and his past is seedy to say the least. The tension between Grey and Leigh is well-done.
An engaging, humorous and vivid thriller, although there’s no real sense of urgency and the ending leaves some loose ends. The few typos will inevitably annoy some, and the detail seems overly descriptive at times.
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