Leo J. Maloney http://leojmaloney.com is the author of more than a dozen novels. The Morgan Files was published in 2020 and is the 12th novel in the Dan Morgan series. This was the 95th book I completed in 2022.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this book as R. The primary characters are agent Dan Morgan and his daughter Alex Morgan. So this book is unusual in that it contains two separate and stand-alone novellas. I’ll review each of these separately.

Twelve Hours

I enjoyed the 3 hours I spent reading this thrilling novella. Terrorist activities are running rampant across New York City. Under this distraction, the President of Iran is kidnapped. While Dan is desperately working to thwart the terrorists, his actions are complicated by his daughter Alex being among the hostages. I give this novella a rating of 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

For Duty and Honor

I enjoyed the 3+ hours I spent reading this thrilling novella. Dan is wasting away in a Russian Gulag. His agency seems to have given up on him. His daughter, Alex, will not give up. She leaves the training program to travel to Russia. The agency does not seem to be doing anything, so she will.

The outlook for those in the Gulag is bleak. Dan makes friends with two others, and together they plot to escape. Meanwhile, Alex is in Moscow trying to infiltrate the household of the General who imprisoned her father. Both father and daughter are putting their lives on the line once again. I give this novella a rating of 4 out of 5.

I enjoyed the time I spent reading this 239-page thriller. I have read five books by Leo J. Maloney. I think that this is among the best. The others were Rogue Commander, Dark Territory, War of Shadows, and Deep Cover. They have consistently been very enjoyable. I like the chosen cover art.

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A fabulous book which I could not put down. Really easy to read, gripping and wonderfully told story that I would recommend to others!!

I like this format of fast action and easy to follow timeline, and the books start out very good. Unfortunately, there are a few stupid and dangerous tactical errors, and with them the quality of the plot goes down. The writing and the characters are good, and this is good entertainment.

I have read #TheMorganFiles by Leo J. Maloney thanks to #NetGalley The first short story was an older adventure with Dan Morgan and the second one was previously published by itself. Still a couple of great thrillers. I really like this series. I also have to thank #KensingtonBooks

Free ARC from NET GALLEY

I have come to detest series but I may check the Dan Morgan string out

This pr-quel, novella option is designed for that I guess and it meets the mark in New York's scene in "12 Hours" and the better behind the walls writing in "For Duty and Honor"

Keep it real and write on Mr. "M".

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Leo J. Maloney, and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A great fan of Leo J. Maloney, I was pleased to have received this collection of two previously published short pieces in the Dan Morgan series. Please find my previous reviews of these books, which remain strong writing and help to advance all things Morgan:

Twelve Hours (Dan Morgan #3.5)

Maloney brings Dan Morgan out for a wonderful short story to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the President of Iran in New York City to make peace, security is heightened, but no one expects an inside job when Islamic terrorists begin a destructive set of events that has Morgan and his daughter, Alex, in the eye of the storm. While acts take place at various sites, Morgan and the FBI must fight to quell the action and keep the hostages safe. Working to free the hostages is one thing, but with a head of state held captive, there are no second chances, which Morgan knows all too well. Maloney takes the readers through the story in a mere twelve hours to save the city and pave the way towards peace on numerous fronts. A great novella with just enough action and new character introduction.

Maloney teases his fans effectively with this submission, though it could easily have been drawn out into a longer story. While the snippet-length chapters allow readers to forge ahead in an effective manner, the jilted style can be somewhat hard for the reader to gather the needed momentum in one scene. Still, it is a bridge to the next full-length book and likely there have been some characters and scenarios peppered within the pages to make a decent transition.

For Duty and Honor (Dan Morgan #4.5)

While readers await the next full-length Dan Morgan novel, Maloney keeps his fans sated with this entertaining short story. After being captured while on a mission in Russia, Dan Morgan is sent to a Siberian prison camp. Refusing to acknowledge his existence, let alone his his mission, Zeta Division will be of no assistance whatsoever. While Morgan toils within the horrible conditions of this prison that houses those who are meant to be forgotten, Alex Morgan refuses to wait idly by for her father's rescue. A recent Zeta recruit, Alex demands answers of her own and heads to Russia with one name, someone who owes her father a favour. While trying to learn of his whereabouts, the younger Morgan must use her skills to bring her father home safely. However, some things do not work out as smoothly as can be hoped. Back in his prison camp, Morgan befriends another prisoner, a young Arab named Basri. After devising a plan to break-out, Morgan and Basri find themselves on the lam as they flee their captors. It is only then that Morgan realises that Basri has bigger plans, ones that could jeopardise America and his own sense of justice. Maloney crafts this high-impact thriller that keeps readers wondering until the final pages.

The Dan Morgan series is one that can be easily enjoyed by those who like something with a little edge, but who are also fond of the espionage thrillers on the market today. Maloney's writing and chracterisations pulls on his past experiences, but also remains fresh and allows the reader to connect well with all involved. The narrative is crisp and in this short story the chapters are quick, allowing the reader to forge onwards with 'just a little more'. Utilising the Dan AND Alex Morgan approach allows readers to connect with both independently, as well as see their joint struggles, which can only be useful for upcoming novels. Maloney should also be complimented for using not one, but two (three if we count Alex's) scenarios to keep the story moving forward, paralleling two of America' greatest enemies in the 21st century, the Russians and religious terrorists. While not unique, Maloney offers a spin that sets his work apart from others in the genre. This was a great teaser for readers before the next novel comes out, something that is surely highly anticipated by those who follow Dan Morgan and his adventures.

Kudos, Mr. Maloney for two great short stories, developed with all the necessary ingredients. Well written and fast-paced, which will definitely earn the praise of series fans and new readers alike.