I am generally a BIG fan of mystery / thriller stories, but this one fell a little short for me. The story itself and characters were well written. The only downside FOR ME was that there were too many POVs, and the story jumped around a bit that got too distracting for me. I'd like to re-read it at a later time when personal life doesn't seem to be adding to the distractions 😊.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3 - 3.5 stars

Book Review: Blue Madagascar by Andrew Kaplan
Published by Smugglers Lane Press, June 30, 2021

★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)

"Blue Madagascar", my first book by the author, reads like a pulsating Robert Ludlum spy thriller in a throwback to a John le Carré cold war era political face-off replete with eastern bloc goons and Soviet assassins.

The pursuit of "Blue Madagascar" takes a Homeland Security special agent on a dizzying road trip from D.C. to the French Riviera, to a small town in Mexico, back to Marseilles, to Genoa, Italy, to Dallas, to Panama City.

And that's just half of the way.

Special Agent Casey Ramirez, in a role reminiscent of Carrie Mathison featured in Author Andrew Kaplan's highly-acclaimed television and book series "Homeland", battles foreign agents across Europe and North America for possession of secrets embedded in the mysterious "Blue Madagascar", along with a promise of untold wealth.

Having evidently traveled across Europe, the author displays an intimate knowledge of European culture and locale, and a near-native flair for languages, by the tenth chapter, the use of slang in the French Midi makes me crave for a cloudy glass of Pastis and a bowl of bouillabaisse.

Fast-paced, breathlessly intriguing, an explosive ending.

Review based on an e-ARC from the Book Whisperer, Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley.

A very cinematic book with intricate threads of plot and a good mystery.. There are many plot twists - for me, too many, at times making it tedious. It is also very detailed about things like street names and local terminology which may add to realism, but doesn't seem necessary. The main character's backstory is presented in such a heavy-handed way that, rather than sympathy or understanding I just wanted to shout "Get on with your life!" Those complaints are me. The book is decently written and the mystery is well done. If you are a fan of thrillers you will probably like it.

Blue Madagascar by Andrew Kaplan is a thriller, generally a spy novel, but mostly a character study. People are so complicated and Kaplan did a fantastic job of putting those complications on paper. Is it that people in these professions have more problems or does the profession engender problems? The story hops from locale to locale, the major players meeting now and again, sometimes not at all. They are all looking for different things out of these crimes, but generally are able to assist one another. It is a big game, a spy game, full of secrets and back-story. Kaplan keeps the readers' attention by keeping the tension high. Each of the key players is constantly looking over his or her back, constantly running as much as chasing. What is the big secret? Can it really explain, or even justify all these deaths? Is it worth money? Does it justify the chase? Does our government really work this way? Interesting read if it's your thing. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Blue Madagascar by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bluemadagascar

Fast paced international intrigue leading back decades old coup involving politicians and spies.

Te story opens with a dual plot - suicide and human trafficking. What could possibly be the connection that quickly spirals across continents.

Casey is a Homeand Security agent- still a bit idealistic and driven to make things right for people she believes less fortunate than she.

While working on a human trafficking case, she finds ties to international crimes that puts her in danger.

Filled with unexpected twists and an ending to bring you up short.

This kept me up very late, but I'm not complaining. It was an excellent fast paced thriller. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend the novel. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy of this book.

I received a free electronic copy of the ARC of this excellent mystery from Netgalley, the author Andrew Kaplan, and the publisher, Smuggler's Lane Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Blue Madagascar of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Andrew Kaplan is the author of the Scorpion books, so I was excited to see a new caper at work. I am pleased to recommend him to friends and family. He writes a tight, compelling story that is hard to put down.

Casey Ramirez is a feisty woman with lots of confidence and the smarts to back it up. This story takes us all over, from Mexico to all over in Italy and France to Panama, Serbia, Athens, Cyprus, and here in the states, Dallas, L.A., D.C., and Miami. We spend quite a lot of time in Portland, Maine. There is enough detail of time and place to make you long to travel, and the tension racks up with each passing chapter.

It is often hard to tell the good guys from the bad, and we have politics intermixed with crimes galore. At times it is almost too close to what our nation has lived through over the last several years. But Kaplan wraps it up nicely in the end. Would that we could write a clever ending to our own political woes!

I hope we will see more of Casey. I really enjoyed her.

publishing date June 30, 2021
Smuggler's Land Press
Reviewed on June 29, 2021, at Goodreads and Netgalley.

Review of eBook

The shocking suicide of a presidential candidate on the verge of winning the election leaves everyone stunned. Why? Why would someone on the verge of being elected to the highest office in the land kill himself?

On the French Riviera, a botched jewelry store heist leaves a bystander dead. American, unidentified; his death triggers a worldwide for something left behind by the dead man.

United States Homeland Security Special Agent Casey Ramirez uncovers a clue about the American killed in the jewelry store and finds herself thrown into a deadly cat-and-mouse game that keeps her barely one step ahead of a deadly assassin.

Racing against time, other agents, and assassins, every major intelligence agency is in the hunt for the explosive secret left behind by the dead man. Who will emerge victorious? And what is Casey’s role in this deadly hunt?

This amazing, thrill-a-page, heart-stopping, can’t-put-it-down tale of secrets and cover-ups is guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns, leaving readers to wonder just who can be trusted . . . and exactly what is the explosive secret?

The narrative, bolstered by a strong sense of place, a cast of believable, interesting characters, and an all-too-believable plot, keeps the suspense building. Tension underlies every page as the unfolding story reveals unexpected secrets. There’s a pervasive sense of peril in this tale that is both intriguing and captivating. Fans of the genre will find much to appreciate in this well-crafted tale of international political intrigue.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley
#BlueMadagascarThrillerSuspense #NetGalley

If someone asked for me to give a word, just a word for heart-racing, or nail-biting, it has to be Blue Madagascar .
Hands down.
Damn. This book was totally something else. Had my brain running, and screwing around with facts, putting the pieces together, letting me move with a insane pace, keeping up with everyone's skeletons, and wounds of the heart, adding to the ghosts of their pasts, Andrew's book was the change I was counting on after my semester examinations took hold to exercise my brain full and well.
Everything about this book in jaw-gripping, heart-thumping, never once giving away the suspense just for the sake of it. In addition, there is something as well.
Andrew is a man of words. The eximious way he joins them to test your brains, or impart things that need recognition, and implementation, he has done it all. The book gives you a lot to talk about, think on, reflect along, and hold onto for a really long time.
Jeffrey Bryan Smullen, the USA guv running for President is found dead, reports surfacing about his probable suicide. What strikes the buzzer for every heart across the land is his fall coming four days before the American Elections set to go on floor. George Rees, Mace Cottrell, everyone is puzzled, for many use this setting down of his mortal soul into the coffin for their own profits.
All eyes are on the invisible woman, but no one seems to know her, or even if she was involved with his plunge to self-harm.
Paris sees a robbery playing out like none matters. Except the heist turns a Mallacht with an American shut down. What starts out as a normal robbery case that prosecutor Jean Pierre Brochard hopes to seal with prudence and rush home spreads its arms out to reveal something more sinister.
On the other side, Casey Ramirez, USA's Homeland Security Special Agent gets entwined with a notorious el Pintor. What starts for her as a case of finishing the trafficking off merges into the dead American from Paris's heist, and turns the tables for the worse. The rat race turns into a brawl between the crackerjacks. Worse, the lips needed to be opened are all zipped.
What could an usual American tourist strolling with his arm candy really set the biggies have their pants shitting? Worse, is it the American's sending them on, or is it something he knows? What exactly was this bomb that got sinisterly whelved sending all to raise its hands?
Above all, what is Blue Madagascar?
The game's a dead end. Always has. Always will.
Problem is, all think it's about the loose ends they forgot tying up. Except nothing works when you can trust no one in your list.
That's the thing with this book. The thriller had it all!
This book's a five from me, in all aspects, not stepping down once for the genre it holds and stays true to. This book taught me a lot, and above all, added Andrew Kaplan to my favorite author's list. The novel had me totally! Immersive, addictive, dreamy, rapid, testing, and guessing.
Thanks NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for reviewing this book of his.
Thriller lovers, go for a shot!
Blue Madagascar is totally worth everything!
The book is totally worth everything.

Thanks to Smugglers Lane Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for my honest review.
Andrew Kaplan has done it again!!! Nonstop action, suspense and adventure from page 1! It is two days before the Presidential elections and leading candidate dies from a bullet wound in an apparent suicide. Why would this happen? Was it suicide? The world is stunned and thus begins Kaplan's newest book. He introduces us to what may be his next multi- book heroine, Agent Casey Ramirez, a hard-edged Latina from the mean streets of Los Angeles. The book is divided into different time segments after the opening salvo. What happened 6-weeks ago, 4-weeks ago, 2-weeks ago, 2-days ago and the night of the death. Moving quickly from Miami, to Mexico, to Panama and then off to Washington DC, France, and other areas in Europe, Ramirez is a fish out of water, selected to help solve a French murder much to her puzzlement. A jewelry store heist in Marseilles has gone wrong and an American is murdered. Nobody knows his identity and so Casey is sent to assist the French police. There are multiple gangs, mafias and even Russians involved, and with each she is able to use her wits as they all seek the Blue Madagascar? What is it? A person, a group, a syndicate? And why has there been a demand for $100 Million Dollars that must be paid or else details will be spilled to the world press.
Kaplan keeps the suspense and action moving at a rapid pace and one is hard-pressed to put this book down until the exciting conclusion. It is a well woven plot, with interesting characters and a pacing that is synonymous with Kaplan's work. It is a worthy addition to his prior works and it is a book that also makes you wonder about who runs the world, and who really are the good guys out there! a 4.5**** rating for this book!

A big thank you to Netgalley for offering a digital copy of this amazing book.

The story begins with a suicide of a candidate of U.S presidential election who was about to win and was ahead in the polls. A flashback of series and events happening before his death. Which led to a U.S Homeland Security Agent Casey Ramirez a young women uncover a clue involving a dead American in France, that leds to a secret that threatens the foundations of the American government.

Casey Ramirez is a young woman who had a troubled past and became a U.S. Homeland Security Agent for a single mission to find her sister Jessica. She is smart, broken but intelligent. Most of her actions comes from her missing sister Jessica’s teaching and handling of a situation. Although Jessica’s character was not their her character portrayal was fabulous, I loved both Casey and Jessica.

Casey’s character has a unique characteristic, despite the complications and tragedies surrounding her you don’t feel pity for her character. She is good at her job, the way her character evolves is praise worthy. An intriguing story that kept me on the edge throughout.

A brilliant style of writing, although I must admit I was lost in first few chapters. I was not able to connect with the story. But as story progressed I was into it. Lots of twist and turns, this book kept me hooked till the last page. It is a must read. May be in next book we can see more of Casey and Jessica. I would be waiting for next installment!!

From the author of “Homeland” is part of the description given for this book. I can certainly see this as the plot is like the series.: chases, intrigue, crossing the world back and forth. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

An absolutely bang-up, old-school thriller that reminds me of a time when newly released titles billed as thrillers were actually... well, thrilling. Wonderfully plotted with always solid writing, the only criticism you could possibly conjure up would be a claim that the characters perhaps lack a bit of depth. You'd be right, of course, but frankly who cares? If what you want is a character study, you shouldn't be reading international thrillers. Go somewhere else. But if what you want is narrative to spare and a well-written tale that will keep you turning pages faster and faster, you're exactly where you ought to be. Highly recommended.

A fast-paced thriller filled with discrete set pieces that each fit into a larger puzzle that is revealed at the end. BLUE MADAGASCAR has some great tight scenes that are well done and great to read. The only difficulty with this book is there are too many of them, with diverse characters that are difficult to remember and take too long to build. Author Andrew Kaplan writes political thrillers well; he just needs to tighten the plot and remove some of the extra bits. This is definitely a fun book to read for lovers of spy thrillers. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

What a great thriller - this book certainly kept me guessing.

The book is well written and is definitely a page turner - perfect for a book club and I will be recommending this to friends.
Thank you

While the beginning was a bit jumbled for me and the shifting timeline caused me some confusion, the end of the story definitely paid off and there were surprises I didn't see coming.

Wow! This is what a good thriller should be. Blue Madagascar fired opening shots on page one and I could not put it down! The story was well plotted out, the characters were believable, and the bad guys were oh so bad. There is a lot going on, multiple story lines as the key players converge, but that’s how it should be in stories like this. It’s not only a race against time, it’s a race against the other guy. This book is action packed until the very end.

This was the first book I’ve read by the author, and I didn’t realize he was the genius behind the TV series “Homeland” until I was finished with the book. If you liked the series, or enjoy books like that, trust me, you’re going to want to read this. I can’t believe I haven’t read more by Mr. Kaplan!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and Mr. Kaplan for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

There was a period in my life in the early to mid 80s when I read everything the thriller writer Robert Ludlum published. At the time I was working in a hotel in north Dublin, and I spent a lot of shifts manning the phones at reception. By this point I hadn’t yet read any of the Jason Bourne trilogy, but my manager put me wide straight away. They still hold a place of fondness in my list of favourite books, and after Ludlum passed away, I couldn’t read any of the other books published by permission of his estate. I hear Eric van Lustbader did a great job, but I was finished with literary Jason Bourne once The Bourne Ultimatum was published. I remain a big fan of the Matt Damon/Paul Greengrass movies, though.

That said, I remained on the lookout for books of a similar type, and through NetGalley I found Blue Madagascar by New York Times bestselling author Andrew Kaplan. Kaplan is the author of Homeland: Carrie’s Game, the official prequel to the award-winning television show, and followed this up with a novel that focused on another of Homeland’s main characters, Saul Berenon. This book, Saul’s Game, went on to win the Scribe Best Novel of the Year. Kaplan is also the author of the Scorpion series of thriller novels as well as a bunch of stand-alone books. But what caught my eye about Blue Madagascar was how its plot brought me back to those halcyon days of Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth, and John le Carre. The story takes its characters and readers on a whistlestop tour through some of the most picaresque and dangerous locations in the world.

The plot’s cold open is tight, effective, and shocking. It’s mere days away from the presidential election and the apparent front-runner, by a county mile, is dead, allegedly by his own hand. The political process is thrown into disarray, and there are reports of an unknown woman who may or may not be responsible for the man’s death. We won’t know this for a while because the story then moves back in time to a heist gone wrong in Nice on the south coast of France. A previously well-planned robbery of a jewellery store ends up with an innocent American tourist dead, and his companion, inexplicably, escaping with the robbers. French investigators realise that the dead man has lived under a false identity and their attempts to gain assistance from U.S. authorities have mixed results at best. But the Department of Homeland Security sends one of their agents, Casey Ramirez, to help and hinder the investigation.

Casey is a fascinating character. Shunted into the foster care system due to her mother being a constant jailbird and liaising with men who abused both Casey and her sister, Casey’s talents and fearlessness gets the attention of the DHS, and she becomes one of their best investigators. Haunted by the memory of her sister, missing for many years, Casey hopes that one day her career will give her the answers she so desperately needs. In the meantime, she has a mission to find out who this dead American is, and pretty soon she’s following a trail of bodies that takes her to places and people that are more dangerous than she could have imagined. Behind it all is the secret of Blue Madagascar. What is it, and why did it make a seemingly innocent witness to murder join up with a gang of thieves?

And the most important question, perhaps, what does it have to do with the apparent suicide of a presidential election candidate?

There was a lot for me to sink my reader’s teeth into with Blue Madagascar. I enjoyed the thrill of the ride, the constant intrigue, the twists, and the number of times Casey needs to escape from almost certain death. The villains of the piece — for there are many — have their own agendas, often clashing with each other for personal reasons. This book has the lot: car chases, family secrets, bosses who Casey doesn’t trust a lot of the time, and a pervading sense of menace and deadly threats. Supporting characters remain important to the book, and it’s not just a cat-and-mouse story. At the heart of Blue Madagascar is a woman who only wants to know if her sister is alive. By the end of the book, we might get an answer to this question. And a possible sequel.

A Suicide, An Accidental Killing, A Mystery

The questions that haunt you throughout this well-crafted mystery: Why would the man who would soon be President of the United States commit suicide? How does the accidental death of an old man in Nice, France have any bearing on that incident? The story has the tough-as-nails investigator Casey Ramirez traveling around the world in search of the answers.

I love the way the author set up each event with an implausible scenario then took me around the world to drop the clues. The main characters are made real through prior and current events in their lives as you get inside their heads. The challenge you face is trying to separate the bad guys from the good.

Thank you NetGalley and Smugglers Lane Press for an advance review copy of Blue Madagascar.

Add Blue Madagascar to this list of 2021’s suspense-driven and best-selling novels: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz, While Justice Sleeps by Stacy Abrams, and the forthcoming The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine.

Andrew Kaplan’s spellbinding thriller begins with news reports that the predicted winner of the upcoming presidential election commits suicide. Unfortunately, readers will not be able to turn pages fast enough to keep pace with the investigation that circles the globe as intelligence and law enforcement agencies from various countries attempt to uncover the truth.

Early reviews compare Kaplan to Robert Ludlum, and reading Blue Madagascar is reminiscent of Ludlum’s finest. A flawlessly complex plot drives this breathtaking read from the first line to the last word. Blue Madagascar takes readers on an electrifying journey, so sign up now for a seat.