A well-executed plot ripped from today's headlines, making the NoKo situation 100% believable and all the more realistic. I'll admit I gave up dinner tonight because I just couldn't stop reading. I'm writing this review at 1:05am, after having read for several hours to finish a tale that's chillingly possible. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley I loved this book. Very fast paced. Enjoyed that a lot of the story took place in North Korea.

Riveting Throughout and Pulse-Pounding In The Second Half!

I won’t spend time summarizing Bloody Sunday’s plot other than to say it involves North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un dying of cancer and wanting to go out in a blaze of nuclear glory and take two American cities with him.

Instead my review will focus on why I consider Bloody Sunday to be a highly exciting thriller, and why I would recommend it to you.

Like in all seven of Ben Coes' previous books featuring Dewey Andreas -- but to an even greater extent in this book, Bloody Sunday very effectively delivers a torn-from-the-headlines plot with a very heroic, complex main character and well enough developed secondary characters. Further, Coes continues to pump new blood and non-stop, flat-out action into this well-worn sub-genre within the thriller category, and does so in a way that will keep you turning the pages at a very fast pace, particularly in the second half of the book.

Having said the above, I’ve deducted one star (out of five stars) from my overall rating due to Coes, at times, having Andreas engaging in action that, to me, is too over the top, even for a superhero of his caliber.

Despite this limitation in Bloody Sunday, as well as to the potential danger to those associated with Dewey, I am all ready to volunteer to go out with him on his next mission. To those of you who enjoy heavily plot driven, thrillers in the tradition of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, I'd recommend you give serious consideration to Bloody Sunday (as well as to all seven of the other books in the Dewey series). I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

#Bloody Sunday #NetGalley

Bloody Sunday by Ben Coes is a fun and entertaining read. It has moments in the middle of the read that seem as if the book is lagging, but I believe this is being done to advance the series in the coming books. This could be intentional to give the reader a break from all of the action. As the book concludes it gets really intense and has an ending that Hollywood would love. Overall, a fun read that fans of Coes and the genre should enjoy.

If there is an improbable scenario likely to occur this might be it. A whoop ass and take names action book with a superhero who manages to rebound (several times) as he is taking his last breath. A creative plot and one most who are aware of world happenings can visualize spinning from fiction to fact in a fraction of an eye blink. Although calling a decommissioned ship to standby for action at a moments notice is a stretch of the mind the book still stands as one of the best action thrillers in recent memory certainly the best of the fifty or so books I have read this year. Perhaps a bit lame in the ending as in what about Jenna? Just leave me hanging? No mention of a follow up?

Have read several of his books, and always have enjoyed them. This one was no exception. Fast paced, easy read.

A faced paced thriller with Dewey Andreas. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The North Korean leader is in the final stages of cancer and decides to go out by nuking America. Dewey reluctantly gets involved in attempting to thwart the madman. It moves along at a nice clip and keeps the reader hooked. A tad bit implausible at the end but if you put these thoughts aside, it is a book similar in suspense and pace as the author's previous books.
Thank you St Martin's press and Netgalley for the ARC for my honest review.

This is my first Dewey Andreas saga. Honestly, at first, I was a bit put off by the "only super Dewey can do it" hero worship. Then, there was the odd repetition of phrases within a few lines in several places making me briefly wonder if the book could possibly have been written by one of the new fangled AIs that stumble into awkwardness every now and again. But, I am guessing this is a writer's artifact and will be taken care of during final editing. Anyway, as I got into it, I became engaged by the characters and the plot tore me along. I will have to read the next book just to find out what happens with Jenna who intrigues me. The interaction between the intelligence principals and their operators was also engaging - enough so that, while waiting for the next book, I am going to go back and read the first seven books to get a better handle on the series.

Ben Coes has nailed another book, which shouldn't be a surprise at this point. Over the last seven Dewey Andreas novels Coes has positioned himself as one of the upper echelon authors in the genre. His writing is fantastic, he creates characters that draw in readers, his background provides insider knowledge which help to elevate the story arcs, and his action scenes are riveting. Bloody Sunday only helps solidify his status as an elite author. Which writers have the audacity and cajones to kill their main character? No spoilers here, you'll have to read the book to see if Coes does.

With all of the posturing of the Kim Jong Un and North Koreas nuclear weapons, there is an obvious draw to staging a book in North Korea. Coes is out in front of this curve since books are a year or more in the process of writing, editing, and printing. The book seems ripped out of the headlines of the day, with the possible exception of the fictional POTUS being less flamboyant than the actual POTUS.

I don't care to rehash the story. You can check out the blurbs elsewhere. Instead I'd like to introduce new readers to some of my favorite characters, many of whom have been developed in one or more of the previous books.

Dewey Andreas
Like many of his peers across the thriller genre, Dewey is a patriotic force to be reckoned with. He is larger than life. He has a keen ability to adapt on the fly when things start to go sideways, as they often do. Given all of this bravado, Coes has also given Dewey a tragic past, having lost a wife, child, and fiancé, which both helps the reader connect emotionally with Dewey, as well as fuels the fire/passion with which he operates. Dewey is flawed. He makes occasional mistakes. In short, while seemingly a larger-than-life superhuman, Dewey is an average guy, with extraordinary training and skills, and a passion to do the right thing.

Jenna Hartford
Jenna is introduced as a world class architect (operational planner) in British Intelligence. She also has recently suffered the loss of her husband which has left her in a stagnant state. Hoping to revive her with a change of scenery and pace, she is loaned out to the CIA and sent to DC. She is instantly likeable. She has a presence in every scene she is involved in and forms an interesting bond with Dewey. She is a character that I anxiously look forward to seeing in future novels. It may be sacrilege to say, but she might be my favorite character across all 8 books.

President Dellenbaugh
President Dellenbaugh is back having filled several of his key advisor positions after the last book. He is very level-headed with a grasp on the bigger picture that helps him excel in his role as leader of the free world. He listens to advisors and "experts", but is not afraid to step up and make the decisions and be responsible for them. He is likeable. As a former hockey player he has been found mixing it up on the ice in pick up games in previous books, and isn't afraid to get rough. In one particularly emotional scene he confronts Dewey ready to stand his ground mano-a-mano if necessary. Given their past history, he has implicit trust in and deeply rooted love for Dewey. In short, he is the type of person that I'd hope all Americans would want in the Oval Office.

Hector Calibrisi
Calibrisi is the Director of the CIA, and the closest thing to a living father figure that Dewey has, a relationship that both draw on. He has also suffered family loss across previous books. His sense of duty and position as Director allow him to wield his most potent weapon, Dewey. He is also politically astute, and not afraid to voice his thoughts and opinions and stand his ground over what he feels to be the correct course of action. He belongs in the political circles, and excels in this role.

I have been a fan of Ben Coes for many years now, and it is a treat to watch and participate as a reader as he continues to hone his craft and develop new stories. There isn't a better author in the espionage/political/military thriller genre today. He is leading the charge of new blood and vitality in this arena, and will be a major player for years to come.

I did receive an advance e-book copy of Bloody Sunday in exchange for sharing my thoughts and reviews. I have a count-down clock running for the release date so I can add a physical copy to my collection.

Ben Coe, author of “Bloody Sunday, knows his stuff and how to get it onto paper. This espionage thriller hits all the right buttons and takes a contemporary subject to its utmost conclusion. I’ll try not to spoil the ending for you, but from the beginning there’s a hope it will end the way it seems to be heading.

North Korea, the world’s bad boy, is led by the ultimate dictator, a leader who can spit out threats to others while wringing tears of admiration from his own people. To everyone except his subjects he is considered a madman who will eventually start a nuclear war.

Coe has imagineered a situation where North Korea has struck a deal with Iran; operational missiles from Iran for nuclear triggers and fissionable material from North Korea. Since neither country has been successful in creating the end products that will make them nuclear powers, this swap will give each what they need to become threats.

CIA agent Dewey Andreas is adamant about retiring. But a CIA plan to stop an imminent North Korean nuclear attack on the United States with potential loss of life of millions of citizens needs him and his infiltration skills. The plan involves deadly poison, crafty stealth, and absolute dedication to the task. Andreas is the only man for the job and he reluctantly agrees to handle it. Unfortunately an accident gets him injected with the poison and the antidote lies deep within heavily secure city of Pyongyang, the lair of the insane dictator. Without it he will die. There is much planning, many covert operations, and deadly action that the author presents with great talent.

It’s obvious that Coe has his finger on the pulse of today’s headlines and the world situation. His plot is carefully thought out, his characters are heavily instilled with the characteristics of warriors and those who direct them. It’s fascinating in its detail. There is a tendency for Coe to take great liberty with the exploits; some appear to be hugely implausible. I had to laugh out loud at some of the action. But, being hugely supportive of an author’s right to freedom of expression, I accepted the story as he presented it, letting the preposterous acts proceed because they are needed to keep his story on track. Good authors know how to weave fabrication into their stories for impact.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it for a good and easy read.

Oh, dear.

When I find a book unreadable, there's a discipline I impose on myself. I read on, a few chapters beyond the want-to-give-up point. Then before I let myself quit, I go on to each further chapter heading and read at least a few pages from each. 99 times out of 100, something clicks and I get engaged and then go back and read everything that led up to my breakthrough.

In that rare instance when there is no breakthrough, I tell myself and others it just wasn't my cup of tea. But dammit, this book should have BEEN my cup of tea. I love international intrigue, I collect taciturn, superhuman protagonists. I really wanted to like Bloody Sunday. But I made it all the way to Chapter 91, having read 50 of the chapters in their entirety and perhaps 2/3 of the rest of the text. And I still didn't like or believe the hero Dewey Andreas and didn't care about what should have been a heart-stopping drama unfolding.

It seemed . . . adolescent? shallow? Other reviewers have raved about Coes's character development, but I didn't get it. Maybe this was the wrong book on which to try to enter a new series (I've never read an Andreas story, or anything by Ben Coes.)

Perhaps I was put off by my need for accuracy. Very early in the book, the author references one of Kim Jong-Un's top advisers, Pak Yong-Sik. While Kim Jong-Un is correctly referred to by his surname Kim for the rest of the book, Pak is instead called Yong-Sik, even General Yong-Sik. And each time I read it, I had to stop and correct it to General Pak.

Too bad. I was hoping for something to fill the gaps between appearances by John Wells and Jack Reacher. This is not in their league.

I'd have to say that this is the BEST Dewey Andreas novel yet. Great plot, exciting writing, and fantastic action sequences. Without giving away the plot, I think you HAVE to read the last 1/4 of the book in one sitting - it was THAT good! Get this one as soon as you can!

Bloody Sunday is a thrilling and suspenseful story with a superhero operative, Dewey Andreas, and a spectrum of good and bad characters to keep the reader interested and guessing. The action and violence is over the top as the US deals with an insane dictator bent on launching a nuclear war. The story and action is up to date and could very well be taking place as you read this. The story begins with Dewey resigning from the CIA, only to be cajoled back by no less then the President. I can't wait to see the movie.

An action packed and quick moving story that pulls you in. I found this author to be worthy of not only this read but I look forward to future books that will be published.

Coes just keeps getting better and better. After last year's stellar Trap the Devil, I didn't think that Coe's could top it. But, he did in spades.

In Bloody Sunday the very real scenario of a nuclear North Korea is on full display. After receiving the news that he has terminal cancer and a very short to live, Kind Jong Un decides to go out with a bang, a big nuclear bang on US soil. Acquiring what he needs, he plots his course and bides his remaining short time.

Through an operation the US discovers the plan and with the help of a mission planning operations guru,currently on loan from MI6, Jenna Chambers who may or not be what she says she is, and a reluctant Dewey Andreas, the race against the clock begins in earnest.

This book is extremely hard to put down. So don't and enjoy the ride

Although Coes takes Dewey Andreas in to the middle of today's current events very effectively it's bit out there when Dewey runs dozens of miles while infected with a toxin. But then again - it's Dewey Andreas!

Well thought out reasoning for why a mad man dictator does what he does.

Another very entertaining adventure from Coes.

I've read all the other books by Ben Coes, and was very excited to be granted a chance to read this newest addition to the series early. The book packs the same punch as the previous ones and is entertaining, shocking and fast paced. Yes, it was a little formulaic, but I didn't really mind. Overall, a solid new book in this series!

Well, this is the one we’ve been waiting for. As a thriller, it’s wonderful. Ben Coes is definitely the successor to Vince Flynn. This is my highest praise, and anything further would just be superfluous.

Dewey Andreas is back in the saddle with a multitude of missions on his plate! This installment in the series takes him from China to North Korea. Since you can read the summary of the book in the jacket cover, I won’t rehash the plot. However, I will give my thoughts.

Ben a Coes has Merrill’s created a dynamic, multi dimensional character in Dewey Andreas. He is a tragic hero, which endears him to us. He is conflicted, which provokes sympathy in us. The level of characterization is excellent as we, the reader have a vested interest in him because we care about him! Mr, Coes has developed the character even more in BLOODY SUNDAY, as the reader is privy to not only his love for America but his growing need for a normal life. His passions are shifting, creating a growing interest in the reader to discover his next step in life.
As per the genre, BLOODY SUNDAY is a suspenseful thriller; the pacing is spot on and plot complex and captivating.
A new character, Jenna, is introduced who will be playing an important role in the next installment. There is a twist and mystery about her that we learn toward the end of the book, leaving us with yet another cliffhanger. I don’t like cliffhangers, yet their purpose is to whet the appetite for the NEXT installment. Therefore, that mission is accomplished.!
If you like the adrenaline rush of espionage and political thrillers, add this series to your list!

You know I hate the modern day avalanche of "serial series" but this is one great thriller.

Hartford steals the show even if the MI6 female fatal would NEVER plan an op like this for America, still I know its entertainment. This was good for me; enjoy!