"Shadow Target" by David Ricciardi offers a fast-paced and action-packed read that will satisfy fans of the espionage thriller genre. While the book delivers on its promises of thrilling espionage and danger, it may fall somewhat short in terms of originality and character development.

The plot of "Shadow Target" is undeniably gripping, with its high-stakes missions, daring escapes, and international intrigue. Ricciardi's background in intelligence work shines through, as he crafts a narrative that feels authentic and well-researched. The tactical details and technical aspects of the story add a level of realism that keeps readers engaged.

However, where "Shadow Target" may stumble is in its character development. While the protagonist, Jake Keller, is a capable and resourceful agent, he may not have the depth and complexity that some readers look for in a lead character. Supporting characters, too, could benefit from more fleshing out to make them feel fully realized.

The writing style in "Shadow Target" is straightforward and efficient, allowing for a swift and engaging read. The action sequences are well-executed and keep the adrenaline pumping, making this a book that is hard to put down.

On the other hand, some readers might find that the book treads familiar ground within the genre. The plot and premise have echoes of other espionage thrillers, which could leave some seeking a more unique and innovative storyline.

In conclusion, "Shadow Target" is a solid entry in the espionage thriller genre, providing readers with an action-packed and entertaining experience. While it may not break new ground in terms of originality and character development, it delivers on its promises of suspense and excitement. If you're looking for a quick and thrilling read with a capable protagonist, "Shadow Target" might just hit the mark.

Jake Keller who works for the CIA has woken up from a plane crash and still though does not remember much of what had happened. When being picked up he realizes that the men in the car are taking him somewhere to kill him, he switches up and kills them. Here starts him looking for and why he has been targeted. Still, in Europe, he must get back to the States and finally get all of the answers he is looking for. A very well-thought-out storyline and the pace of the book keep you the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Good characters and a really good read.

I really enjoyed this book. The story and action flowed smoothly throughout the book. The Character Jake Keller is portrayed as a dedicated agent trying to un-ravel that has happened to him. He is not written as a “super-spy” who is invincible with bullets bouncing off him. When he gets hit. He feels the pain. This story had lots of moving parts that cover the world with intricate plots and twists that all are woven together at the end. The supporting characters are will written and their actions are reasonable within the context of the story. This book is not as heavily involved in geopolitical conspiracies as the first books, but the personal aspects of the bac story make it a great read.

Published by Berkley on June 15, 2021

Shadow Target is the fourth book in the Jake Keller series. I was indifferent to the first novel and didn’t read the next two. The fourth installment isn’t a bad action novel.

Jake works for the CIA in its “elite Special Activities Center,” meaning he kills people who, in the divine wisdom of the CIA, ought to be dead. He used to be named Zachary but he changed his face and name in response to adverse publicity. Not that paramilitary CIA officers are ever likely to attract favorable publicity.

The novel begins with a plane crash in the Alps. Jake is the only survivor, a tribute to the good luck enjoyed by thriller heroes. Jake crawls into the woods and conceals himself as a helicopter lands. The killers on the helicopter who want to seal his fate are chased away by a rescue helicopter before they can find Jake. When Jake wakes up, he has a dim memory of seeing something that explains the crash but he can’t remember what he saw. He is pretty sure, however, that someone tried to kill him.

As Jake frets about his lost memory and the foiled attempt on his life, he becomes convinced that too many other paramilitary operatives have been dying. His superiors don’t seem to have noticed, or they’ve chalked it up to a dangerous job. Jake decides that someone is deliberately killing CIA agents and that a betrayer in the CIA must be facilitating that project by providing information about agents’ identities and missions. Jake makes it his mission to save his own life and the lives of other CIA agents by learning the identities of the betrayer and the person who is orchestrating the betrayal.

Shadow Target is a standard action novel. In the words of Shadow, the CIA officer who is helping the bad guy, Jake is “the best paramilitary officer I’ve ever seen.” Of course he is. Unlike truly bad action fiction, Jake isn’t infallible or invulnerable, although he’s certainly hard to kill. Like nearly all action spies, he “threads the needle” between “doing what he thinks is right” and doing what he’s told to do. There’s nothing new or particularly interesting in Jake’s characterization. He does, however, have a thing going with a French spy — or at least he did before he changed his name and face and was presumed dead. She’s a bit cheesed off when he resurfaces after a period of being dead, without having sent so much as a postcard. The relationship and Jake’s total inability to understand women humanizes him.

While he’s going about his business, Jake discovers that a fellow named Nikolai Kozlov has a plan to kill a Very Important Person during a London visit. The plan involves an unlikely weapon and opening a window to use it, something that security police are likely to notice, but what the heck. Kozlov has some operatives of his own who are tasked with killing Jake because he’s the only person in the world who is likely to stop the assassination. Naturally, they aren’t up to Jake’s standards. Again, this is standard fare, but Jake’s ability to survive the various attempts to kill him keep the story moving at a good pace.

The plot delivers few surprises, but it does produce some fun action scenes. David Ricciardi’s explanation for the initial targeting of Jake is a bit convoluted but that’s life in the world of modern thrillers. In fact, the reason for Kozlov’s targeting of paramilitary CIA operatives in general is convoluted, in part because Ricciardi uses misdirection to keep the reader (or Jake) guessing. In the end, I was willing to buy into the story for the sake of enjoying the action, even if the plot skates on a thin sheet of credibility.

RECOMMENDED

great book full action and suspense a new favorite author to read in the futures would recommend to all of my friends

In the book Shadow Target, author David Ricciardi follows CIA field officer Jake Keller as he works to find out who is killing CIA operatives. And time is running out because Jake is next on the list. But who can he trust? It seems like someone is working to kill him from within the CIA. But who can the mole be? And can he trust his old friends?
This was a great heart-pounding, edge of your seat story. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m grateful to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel, but I presume they want me to be honest here, and — honestly — this isn’t a very good book.

There are two things that need to be said. First, it’s based on more or less the same narrative and the same characters that you’ve already read over and over at least a hundred times now. And second, those other ninety-nine books were mostly better written.

Both the narrative and the prose appear to be pitched on an adolescent level and simply aren't engaging enough for a reasonably intelligent reader. By the time I was thirty pages in, I found myself skimming forward wondering when the book was going to get better. It never did. Surely there have to be far better manuscripts out there far more worthy of being published and promoted than this.

This is the 4th in a spy thriller series starring CIA Agent Jake Keller, on leave when the story begins. It starts as it continues, with high octane action and close calls for Jake.

He gradually sees a pattern of carefully disguised assassinations of CIA field officers, attacks based on inside information.

With help from allies outside the Agency, Jake manages to stop an attack that would have de-stabilized world powers.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, David Ricciardi, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After a binge of the previous three novels in this series, I was able to get to this, the gem of the collection to date. David Ricciardi has done a wonderful job building up to this piece, planting story arcs and developing his Jake Keller character, only to put him in the crosshairs of a convoluted plot that spans years and many parts of the globe. Keller awakens in rural France, having been in a plane crash, but is unaware of what just happened. Barely able to escape, he makes his way back stateside and tries to discover what has happened. After a few more attempts on his life, Keller realises that his safety is not guaranteed. Meeting an old friend, Keller discovers that someone is trying to hunt down CIA paramilitary officials for reasons that are not yet clear. He will need to dig deep and rely on many resources to get to the bottom of it all, trying to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer with connections all their own. Perhaps the best Ricciardi novel to date, it is sure to impress series fans.

It was all a blur to Jake Keller as he lay in the snow. There was a plane crash and he was involved, but the specifics have eluded him and the cold is beginning to envelop his body. Able to hide as two men scour the wreckage, Keller is able to evade capture and is rescued by the authorities before he makes his way back to America.

Once there, Keller begins to piece things together, though he is not sure why he has been targeted, having been on leave from the CIA. When someone tries to kill him again, Keller knows that something’s up and his name is on a hit-list of sorts. He connects with an old friend and discovers that there have been a few unexplained deaths of fellow CIA paramilitary officials around the world, as well as some whispers that Jake’s own troubles can be tied to some Russian officials having tipped off the locals. Armed with this intelligence, Keller does the one thing he was sworn not to do, connect with a person in his past who thinks him dead.

Travelling to France, Keller has an awkward reunion with the first woman he ever loved, someone with credentials within the French security agency. Keller receives a cold shoulder to begin, but is soon able to connect and prove that he’s being targeted for reasons as yet unknown. A Russian oligarch appears to be pulling some strings and using his connection to the Russian president to bring Keller down, as well as trying to extinguish the lives of many CIA officials. There must be a mole within the Agency, offering some help, but Keller is not yet entirely sure.

Working angles and trying to stay one step ahead of those seeking to kill him, Keller gathers more intel and works with some British officials as well to craft a plan not only to trap the Russians, but to lure a rogue American official out of hiding, in hopes of revealing the CIA mole once and for all. Additionally, there is a major plot to assassinate a head of state, one that will leave more than blood running in the streets. It’s up to Keller to utilise his skills and mindset to foil the plot, all while trying to stay alive long enough to reveal truths many had hoped to bury.

In the short time I have been aware of David Ricciardi’s work, I have truly come to enjoy it. His fast-pace action and attention to detail keep me feeling as though I am right in the middle of the action. While each book develops themes of their own, there is a loose connection that spans more than the protagonist, all of which comes together in this fourth novel in the series. With wonderful characters and a plot that never stops evolving, it is not hard to believe that David Ricciardi is rising within the ranks of the genre to make a name for himself.

Jake Keller has evolved greatly since he was summoned onto a plane, heading for Singapore in the debut novel. His personality has deepened faster than the needed plastic surgery he received when he was a man wanted in all corners of the world. Keller shows his grit and determination to get to the truth, but also has a personal side that yearns for that romantic connection he’s lost a few times along the way. Relatable and down to earth, Keller shows readers that not all those who star in the genre need to be indestructible, but it helps to have an unbreakable sense of determination.

Ricciardi crafts wonderful supporting characters throughout his novels, some of which serve as recurring characters, while others find their purpose in a single book. There was a great mix here, allowing series fans to revisit some of those they have enjoyed in the past while also finding new and exciting storylines emerging from fresh faces. This is a story of loose thread, allowing the reader to see unfinished plots resumed and pieces of the puzzle fitting together at opportune times. A great cast complements Keller at times, while also contrasting with the grit the protagonist offers throughout the novel.

The test of a true novel is the ability to grip the reader from the opening pages. This is done effectively throughout, beginning with the opening chapter. Ricciardi crafts his story around the mystery of what’s happened to Jake Keller and what’s to come, slowly revealing plot twists as needed. The narrative gains needed momentum throughout and keeps the reader guessing, while also showing both sides of the tale—the hunter and the hunted—for added excitement. Great characters and decent dialogue banter inject some humour where needed to lighten the mood, but nothing takes away from the urgency that emerges throughout the piece. I can only wonder what’s next for the group and how their coming together may have forged a new and exciting alliance that could work effectively in future series novels. The wait is on, though one can hope it will not be too long!

Kudos, Mr. Ricciardi, for another winner. I liked the change of pace, though it does not lessen the impact of the plot or the excitement found herein.

Jake Keller, a CIA officer has lived A LOT for a young man but now someone is trying to kill him. First, he's the only survivor of a plane crash and then, well, no spoilers from me but know that virtually no where is safe for him or some of his colleagues. There's a big conspiracy, of course, and an evil Russian oligarch in Nikolai Kozlov. Can Jake stop an assassination? Gosh, more importantly, can Jake stay alive? And what about his love life? This has some lively dialogue, fun characters, implausible situations, and great pacing. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books because Ricciardi provides good back story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is popcorn reading perfect for travel or the beach-and you'll have fun thinking about who should play who if it's made into a movie.

Shadow Target is a fantastic spy thriller with complex and interesting characters. Add that to the a plotline full of intrigue and misdirection, you've got a rock solid thriller on your hands.

Ricciardi's action sequences are full of description and intensity which is sure to keep fans flipping the pages in rapid succession. Can't wait for the next one.

This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely did not disappoint! His well-developed characters and easy writing style make it an easy and pleasurable read. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Jake Keller is back in book 4 of this series by David Ricciardi. Jake Keller is probably my favorite new protagonist in the military thriller genre. Throughout the book Jake fights his way through obstacle after obstacle and the scenes in the book make you feel like you are there with the bullets whizzing by your head. Like my other reviews this is the third book in this series so my preference is to start at the beginning with Warning Light which was one of my favorite books of 2018. Get this book if you like non stop action!!!

Shadow Target is very interesting. I like the Jake Keller character. My only problem with the novel is that there is too much talking. The suspense level sags at times. It's a minor complaint. I think Jake Keller has a future!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Shadow Target is cleared hot right from the start, jammed packed with violence and explosive action from the first sentence to the last.

In this fourth installment of the series, David Ricciardi delivers another strong, well-written, fast-paced story about intelligence analyst turned CIA operative Jake Keller attempting to figure out who’s trying to kill him. Along the way, Jake gets entangled in a plot to kill a world leader, a mole hunt, and maybe the most dangerous mission of all…reconciling with a scorned ex-lover.

While the action is unrelenting and highly entertaining, maybe the best part of Shadow Target is the character development. Ricciardi does a marvelous job of adding depth and clarity to Jake’s personality and motivations. He nails the Russian oligarch’s disposition and behavior. He also brilliantly crafts the state of mind of a French woman who simultaneously carries a grudge and a torch for Jake. But what I really loved was the inclusion of two distinguished senior Brits, Lady Celia Parker and Sir James Houghton. They add wisdom and intrigue inside the unexpected package of grandparent-like figures. Put it all together and this is a character-driven story that engages the reader throughout.

That’s not to say the book is all about the characters. The plot is well-crafted, taking the reader from a French ski enclave to the streets of Paris and London and the Washington DC Metro area. The spy craft is excellent. The action sequences are fierce. And the operational details are spot on. In other words, this book is a well-executed thriller sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.

Once again, David Ricciardi proves he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the big thriller authors. Fans of Mark Greaney, Brad Thor and Ward Larsen will find this book and the entire series to be an enjoyable and satisfying reading experience.

Book Review – After reading Shadow Target, Book 4 in the Jake Keller series by David Ricciardi, I quickly decided that this new series for me, will replace my Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. I enjoyed this book immensely. It reminded me of some of my favorite espionage authors like Mark Greaney, Brad Thor, Ben Coes and Vince Flynn. This story had lots of different moving parts that covered the world with intricate plots and twists that all came together at the end. Ricciardi put together one ‘hell-of-a-story’ that reminds me of the Disney fireworks show – the narrative starts out with a bang with the plane crash in the Alps, then keeps you engaged throughout the show/story with lots of different ‘amazements’ and then literally ends with a ‘huge’ bang at the end. If the previous three thrillers – Warning Light, Rogue Strike and Black Flag - are anything like Shadow Target, then I am in for a treat in going back to read them. Shadow Target does a good job in referencing and refreshing the previous books to help bring new readers like me to the series, up to speed. This espionage thriller was well-written with great character development and lots of international intrigue. I really like the main character, Jake Keller, the CIA Field Agent and his core group of associates. I can’t wait to go back and read the previous novels. It’s not that often that one reads a new thriller that leads you back to read the previous books in the series, but Shadow Target does just that. Making room on my library bookshelf for the Jake Keller series. Very impressive read! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege in reviewing Shadow Target. I received a digital ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review. #NetGalley #ShadowTarget

I read Ricciardi's first Jake Keller book and loved it. The next two just did not hold my interest BUT this one is a winner! Jake finds himself in the Alps, having survived a helicopter crash. Some short-term amnesia affects his ability to remember something important about the crash and who was responsible. And the action doesn't slow down one iota until the finish. The action scenes provided a good balance to the softer side of Jake and his relationship with a French spy. "Shadow Target" was well-paced and anyone reading it should plan to finish it quickly -- it's a page-turner! Well done Mr. Ricciardi!

Free ARC from NET GALLEY

Hard for me at first, but it was #4 and my #!. Still I sorted it out and enjoyed. I think 1-3 would make it much better on all.

I just reviewed Shadow Target by David Ricciardi. #ShadowTarget #NetGalley. I love the series and was stoked when I was afforded an opportunity to read it before release. David has done it again. Its masterful, suspense and truly a feat to keep the reader guessing, especially in a series as most tend to get boring. This is a must read

Jake Keller, CIA Field Agent, has just escaped death in a plane crash, but continuing attacks on his life cause him to question not only his employer, but everyone he knows. From the glamourous ski slopes of France to Washington D.C., and back and forth to Europe, Jake continues to puzzle out who is behind the multiple attempts on his life. Battling a case of trauma amnesia, he comes to depend upon a core group of friends and comrades determined to gain his freedom from this constant threat. I could not put this book down! #ShadowTarget #NetGalley