This is the first novel in Reich's Simon Riske thriller series.
THE TAKE is an exciting, well-plotted and -written heist and espionage thriller. It has a bit of everything for fans of spy fiction and also crime fiction, and walks the line nicely between the two.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Recommended.

This is the first of a new series by the talented Christopher Reich, and it promises to be a fabulous venture.

The publisher describes Simon Riske as one part James Bond and one part Jack Reacher, and they’re right. This is a stylish, adrenaline-fueled thriller that will win Reich new fans around the world. Highly recommended.

Reich once again does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing. Characters are rich in description with the world filled with con men, ex cons. I could not put the book down during the last 100 pages. Complicated plot that is torn from today's headlines. The detailed setting is a bonus.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

The Take by Christopher Reich is a laudable first volume in a potential new series for Christopher Reich or a great stand-alone novel. His new hero, an ex-con/reformed /spy travels the globe to retrieve stolen letters that Russia wants. The pacing of the story is quite good.The characters are multi-layered and fascinating. This bodes well if there’s a new series in the making and I think the author has a winner on his hands.

This is non stop action and a thrilling read ! The author takes the reader through Europe on a fast pace that every reader will enjoy.
The characters are complex,and unpredictable. The author does a good job of weaving in the story of each main character. Simon thinks he is called upon to complete a simple yet challenge job but it turns into a deadly test of skills. Skills he learned in prison which serve him well . I love his character and look forward to the next book by the author. This is the perfect weekend reading experience for all who enjoy thrillers, non stop action and great locations.
Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my personal review.

I REALLY wanted to like this book. I had read and enjoyed his prior books Numbered Account and Rules of Deception, and when I read the blurb that referred to this as a “stylish breathtaking ride” in “the grand tradition of The Day of the Jackal and The Bourne Identity,” I was ready! And I am very grateful to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for my honest review. Having set aside a DAY to dive in and savor this book, I am sad to say I couldn’t finish it.

The plot sounded awesome: the protagonist, Simon Riske, is a “freelance industrial spy” (hmmm, I thought, whatever that is) who restores luxury cars and lives quietly in London. After getting out of prison, he has worked for banks, insurance companies, and even the British Secret Service – but now has been hired by the CIA on a case that involves and old acquaintance, Tino Coluzzi. Tino was Riske’s accomplice years ago on a job for which Riske took the fall. It seems that Tino has stolen the briefcase of a wealthy Saudi prince. And while the CIA doesn’t really care about the money, they do care about a letter hidden in the case. Once Riske hears it is Coluzzi who is the target, he is all in.

Along the way, Riske works with Nicolette Perez, a French police office who is less than thrilled to be assigned to work with him. There is another female, a Russian assassin who has been assigned to kill Riske at all costs.

Early on, when Riske stole a fabulously expensive wristwatch right off the arm of a man, I thought maybe this one would require a certain level of willing suspension of disbelief. And I was okay with that…until the part where he was in prison and successfully defended himself using a RAZOR BLADE HIDDEN IN HIS MOUTH. Seriously.

Anyway, Simon Riske is part James Bond, and many fans of this genre will love this, but it was a bit cartoonish for me. It will likely make a fun movie and I still think Christopher Reich writes well, but I can’t go past three stars on this one.

P.S. I just noticed that every review on Amazon is 5 stars at this point, so I may be totally off base – but there it is.

The Take
Christopher Reich

I have several of Reich's books. They are all exciting and filled with twists and turns. This one is no different. Well developed characters are involved in complicated plots and sub plots. Nothing is as easy as it seems. Deception and Bertayal is the name of the game. Outstanding read.
A story that will keep you turning pages till the end.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So glad I did.

AN action packed thriller with some inclusion of modern day figures to make it even better. The constant profanity really got old, look educated people just don't cruse that much. Other than that I love the story line

Filled with action, stealing, killing, maiming, a couple of lovely ladies, handsome men. Traveling through Europe to retrieve a stolen letter, that could upset the balance of power in multiple countries. Simon Riske is hired to find it. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this exciting new thriller.

Another thriller by Christopher Reich is the perfect excuse to set aside several hours over a weekend and immerse yourself in a propulsive page turner. He does not disappoint with this tale of an almost reformed criminal turned industrial spy.

Another great Reich thriller. Great plot and an enthralling read

I am now a true Christopher Reich fan. I love the Simon Riske character. He is everything at once..thief, bad guy, good guy,spy...a fun ride.

Fast, fun read. A mixture of spies, gangsters, police,keep this novel going. Not terrifically twisty but had enough suspense to keep me reading.