The Messenger – Daniel Silva

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messengerThe Messenger (Gabriel Allon, #6) 
by Daniel Silva

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Feb 16, 2018  

 

I’d read The Black Widow before this book, but it actually follows the Messenger. That wasn’t a problem because the story stands well on its own and some of the names are familiar adding more to the story.
Gabriel Allon is supposed to be the Israeli intelligence officer who assassinated the terrorists known as Black September for their killing of Jewish Olympians during the Munich Olympics. The character is also a world renown art restorer.
The story is a good old fashioned spy thriller where the good guys chase the bad guys through various exotic locations around the world.
I’m now a Daniel Silva convert.

The Eighth Day – John Case

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8th day

The Eighth Day 
by John Case

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Feb 10, 2018  
This was the first John Case book for me. It was a good read so I can’t say I was disappointed with the story, but maybe the protagonist – he’s no super hero with special powers, but an almost normal person – an artist who does P.I. work on the side? He makes some pretty dumb moves as far as I’m concerned, but stumbles his way from country to country trying to take in the sites while killers are in pursuit.
The story is predictable, but fun, you almost can’t wait to see what predicament he’s going to fall into next. When he finally discovers the root of the plot the story gets a bit too technical for me. The reviews are all over the map on this novel, but I’d definitely give one of the author’s other books a go.

Suspect – Robert Crais

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Suspect (Scott James & Maggie, #1) 
by Robert Crais

suspect

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 31, 2018  

 

4.5 Stars
Who wants to read an engaging thriller where the protagonist isn’t a super hero with special powers? I do – it’s the kind of novel I write. On second thought, his K-9 partner does have certain powers that help the story along. This book, and its author, Robert Crais, were a pleasant surprise.The “hook” grabs you right by the heart-strings and has you rooting for the good guys immediately. The story is about an ex-military dog and a LAPD cop who were both injured on the job, suffer from PTSD, and are partnered together. This is a real life drama at its best.

If you’re an animal lover you’re going to love this book. Without spoiling the plot there are times when you’ll be cringing before turning the page or finding yourself getting watery eyes…or maybe it was just because I was tired after reading this book non-stop.

The Black Widow – Daniel Silva

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WidowThe Black Widow (Gabriel Allon, #16) 
by Daniel Silva

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 26, 2018  

 

Rarely do I rate a book with five stars, but there was nothing wrong with this novel and I enjoyed its 515 pages so much that I read it in about three days. I was a bit intimidated because it was the size of a telephone book, but the story moved quickly and kept my interest throughout.

The story is about terrorism throughout the world, and how different countries use different approaches to combat the problem with Islamic Jihadists. The story revolves around Israeli Intelligence operatives and one of their agents who infiltrates a terrorist cell.

If you like spy novels where the story jumps from one country to another, this book is for you. I highly recommend it.

The Burning Wire – Jeffrey Deaver

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burning wireThe Burning Wire (Lincoln Rhyme, #9) 
by Jeffery Deaver (Goodreads Author)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 20, 2018  

 

This book was a disappointment in comparison to the couple other Jeffrey Deaver/Lincoln Rhyme stories I’ve read. I found the pace a bit slow most of the time and some of the repetition had me flipping pages just to get on with it.
The author puts an interesting new spin on terrorism, but draws out the double ending way too long.
Personally, I expected more from a “bestseller.”

Churchill’s Secret Agent – Max Ciampoli

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churchillChurchill’s Secret Agent: A Novel Based on a True Story 
by Max Ciampoli, Linda Ciampoli

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 12, 2018

 

Oh, sorry, I was sleeping. This is easily the most boring spy book I’ve ever tried to read. I say ‘tried’ because I gave up after 150 pages. I assumed the missions would get more exciting as the agent gained more experience, but it is not the case.
This book should be called, Churchill’s French Chef. The protagonist shares more about his daily meals than he does the dangers or intricacies of his missions. I guess that should be expected since he went on to become a chef after the war.
Not to take away from the important work that Max Ciampoli may have done during the war, I was totally disappointed in his book.

The Whistler – John Grisham

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whistlerThe Whistler 
by John Grisham (Goodreads Author)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 09, 2018  

 

This book was a great read and a nice surprise, from John Grisham. No usual courtroom drama, just a steady pace of crime investigation by an unknown agency who investigates corrupt or crooked judges. The story is full of suspense, with some good action and strong characters who are portrayed as real people. The plot revolves around a criminal enterprise and skimming operation at an Indian casino. I recommend this book to any crime fiction or thriller fan.

Stick – Elmore Leonard

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Stick

Stick 
by Elmore Leonard

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 05, 2018  · 

 

I’ve seen more movies made from Elmore Leonard’s books than I’ve read his novels. I think Stick is the second or third novel. It’s a bit of a slow starter, but builds a good momentum, gathering your interest along the way. The story is kind of a rags to riches tale of a simple, but smart guy who tries to get back on his feet after a stint in federal penitentiary.
Stick also became a movie, starring Burt Reynolds. If I recall correctly it was a bit slow too, but a likable flick.

Swan Peak – James Lee Burke

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Swan peakSwan Peak (Dave Robicheaux, #17) 
by James Lee Burke

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Dec 24, 2017  
Dave Robicheaux is one of my favorite characters, perhaps because I can relate to him so easily. James Lee Burke is master of metaphors and he can offer descriptions of the sky like no other. His story-telling is enjoyable and almost philosophical at times.
In this book Burke’s first hand knowledge of the pristine scenery in Northern Montana shines above his usual inside look at Louisiana bayou country. Robicheaux’s sidekick Clete Purcel is also a colorful and easily likable character.
The only reason I didn’t give this book a fifth star is that it wasn’t as exciting as other Burke novels I’ve read.

Peppered Justice

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pepperPeppered Justice (Cambodia Trilogy Book 2) 
by Mark Bibby Jackson, Joe Slater (Illustrator), Kate Burbidge (Editor), Jonny Edbroke (Photographer)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Nov 24, 2017  

 

I took too long to read this book, and forgot a few details along the way so maybe I would have enjoyed it more in other circumstances. It is a good book and the setting is familiar to me, having visited that part of Cambodia.
What I did take from the plot is that politics and policing travel hand in hand, no matter what country you’re in. I liked that the protagonist was no hero, but and honest cop who believed in getting the job done.
The story itself is a descent who-done-it, with enough clues and misdirection to keep you guessing until the end.