David Ricciardi https://www.facebook.com/RicciardiBooks/ is the author of four novels. Black Flag was published in 2020 and is the third of his Jake Keller thrillers. This was the 91st book I completed in 2022.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character is CIA officer Jake Keller.

Piracy is still plaguing the high seas. Gone are the days of AK-47-wielding thugs in a motor boat. They are more sophisticated now, striking like a well-trained Spec Ops team. No longer looking for mere gold, these pirates are after oil.

These new merciless pirates have taken several tankers. No trace of the crew or the ships has been found. Keller’s investigation leads him to a Greek shipping family. Things become complicated when he begins a romance with the owner’s daughter.

A pattern to the attacks seems to emerge, and one of the Greek tankers appears likely to be the next victim. A plan is set in motion to stop the pirates. The pirates know he is on their trail, and they do not go down easily.

Finding and stopping the pirates is not Keller’s only concern. The Somali warlord behind the pirates has an atrocity planned against his opposition. Keller must try to do his best in spite of his politically conniving boss, Ted Graves.

I enjoyed the 9+ hours I spent reading this 376-page thriller. I have read the first book in the series, Warning Light, and enjoyed it. While the cover art is eye-catching, it does not resonate well with the story. I give this novel a rating of 4.3 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

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I loved the continuation of the series. At first, it started a little slow to my liking but then the roller coaster speed hit and you get drawn in. David uses very detailed descriptions of the trade-craft and it certainly shows as a fiction book, starts to read as non-fiction. I certainly recommend the series and look forward to the next.

It is a a interesting thriller that takes you into the the country of Somalia. I would like to thank netgalley for letting me review this Novel.

Free ARC from NET GALLEY top read/review

Vince Flynn-like is not an unfair comparison even though I know that is trendy to say. I have read all three Jake books although having deployed to Somalia twice Jake must have a REAL GOOD TAN to move around with ease where everyone has an AK. Great evolution of the Somalia pirate tactics and procedures, very intriguing.

Still well written, well put together. ROCK ON Mr. Ricciardi

Black Flag is the 3rd book in the Jake Keller series, and it’s a blast right from the start. I was skeptical of the plot at first (Pirates?), but my fears were totally unfounded, Jake is on a mission to uncover the identity of a Somali warlord whose crew has been attacking ships. As you might expect, things go haywire, and Jake is in the fight of his life. This is a quick and captivating read, lots of action and roadblocks that keep the reader totally engaged. Best of the series so far. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.