Brian Freeman (https://bfreemanbooks.com/) is the author of more than 30 novels. Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Shadow was published last July and is the 19th novel in the Jason Bourne series. It is the 66th book I completed reading in 2024.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, mature language, and mature situations, I categorize this novel as R.

The first mission Jason Bourne (aka David Webb) undertook for Treadstone was the infiltration of Le Renouveau. Much of the details from that part of his life after a bullet destroyed his memory. A strange woman approaches him at a sidewalk cafe in Zurich, asking for help. The woman is Johanna Roth. Her sister, Monika, is being hunted by terrorists. Monika had been Webb’s girlfriend when he infiltrated Le Renouveau. As a test of his loyalty, Le Renouveau orders him to kill Monika. Instead, he helps her escape and go into hiding. Moments after Johana joins Bourne, the cafe where they are sitting at is attacked.

Nearly ten years have passed since Monika disappeared. Bourne and Johanna must find Monika and protect her from the terrorists. Now that the terrorists have found Bourne, they are after him as well. As they search for Monika, some of Bourne’s missing memories emerge. He and Johanna become romantically entangled. But Johanna is not all that she claims to be.

Can Bourne survive the onslaught of Le Renouveau? Can he save Monika once again? Is there anyone that he can trust?

I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 392-page thriller. The plot is ripe with action, intrigue, and a twist. The cover art is OK. I give this novel a rating of 4.6 (rounded to 5) out of 5.

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This book doesn’t really have the intensity of other suspense books I’ve. Read or what I expected considering the subject matter. It does read a lot like the movies, following the history. #RobertLudlum’sTheBourneShadow

When Robert Ludlum published the first Jason Bourne book I was hooked on the series. Brian Freeman gives you all of the action and suspense that I expected from Ludlum and I continue to be a fan. Ten years ago David Webb became an agent of Treadstone and was given his first assignment, infiltrating a far right extremist group. It was a trap, with his fiancée Monica Roth taken as a hostage. Leaving a number of bodies in his wake, he managed to free Monica, but the group’s leader escaped. Monica was given a new identity and settled in a new location. Now living as Jason Bourne he and Monica are being hunted by the group. He is contacted by Monica’s sister Johanna to help her find her missing sister. Bourne, however, is missing a big chunk of his past, including all memory of Monica. With Johanna’s help and brief flashes of memory they track her across Europe while dodging assassins who seem to be one step ahead of them. Someone does not want Monica found, but Jason is persistent. When they finally meet, it is on Monica’s terms and Jason discovers that his whole relationship with her was a lie. That first assignment was a test of Bourne’s capabilities. He proved himself in the past. Now the future of Treadstone may be at risk if he fails to save himself and Monica. Non-stop action and constant twists will keep you glued to the pages to the very end. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for providing this book.

Wow what an ending. The whole book is an incredible spy buildup that you would expect from a Bourne book but the ending had me floored and it might be the best thriller I’ve read this year!

What an excellent action filled thriller. This one was a real page turner from start to finish with non stop action. Jason Bourne keeps amazing with his talents and his amazing stories continues. A must read for every fan.

Thanks to Brian Freeman, Penguin Group, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is another face paced entry in the Bourne series. In this case, secrets from Bourne’s past resurface that he must understand and confront. Betrayal and twists abound as Bourne uncovers and remembers his past.

An interesting and enjoyable read and a worthy addition to the series. Recommended.

#RobertLudlumsTheBourneShadow #NetGalley

Lots of action! Quick read! It helps to know some of the back story to understand some of what is happening.

Wow! I've always enjoyed books in this series, but this one is a real barn-burner! Besides that, the story clears up a good bit of previously murky background on main character Jason Bourne, who has been treading water, so to speak, after running from the spy-laden Treadstone organization and trying to revive deeply buried memories of who, and what, he once was.

For none of which, alas, I can reveal specifics; you'll just have to read the book for yourself. I can, however, provide something of an outline of events that officially begin as Jason is in Paris for the summer amid riots surrounding a major government election and a dangerous neo-Nazi organizers. Months earlier, he'd reluctantly left his latest love, Abbey Laurent, in Quebec City under a cloud; in Paris, he's hoping she'll contact him so they can reconnect once again. Instead, he gets a message from a Treadstone colleague that someone is hunting the man known as Cain - the person the original David Webb, a.k.a. Cain, a.k.a. Jason Bourne.

Eventually, he's found by a woman who claims to be related to Monika Roth, the woman at one time he was going to marry (insert backstory here). Monika, it seems, had disappeared supposedly for good with Jason's help; now, her sister insists that finding her is urgent. Jason, who desperately wants to remember details from his complicated past, agrees to help.

From there, it's the thrill of the chase; as clues turn up as to Monika's whereabouts, Jason and Joanna find themselves chased by baddies intent on taking them out - or find said baddies are ready and waiting for them at their next destination. Along the way, Jason has to rely on people who may or may not be on his side - and hope some of his long-lost memories will return to help him figure out if there's anyone he can trust. It all leads to a bang-up (and surprising) ending and hints of a new direction with a too-familiar ring.

All told, this is one I had trouble putting down and one of the best I've read of the post-Ludlum installments. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Brian Freeman delivers another outstanding Jason Bourne thriller, delving into his past in The Bourne Shadow. Bourne is piecing his past together and relying on his boss, Nash Rollins. When a woman from his past recognizes him, Bourne struggles to understand the implications. As they put the puzzle together, feelings will get hurt while the danger increases exponentially.

Robert Ludlum created Jason Bourne; Freeman has made him his own. Freeman’s Bourne is my favorite. He has given Bourne more humanity and vulnerability while maintaining his ability to ruin your day.

Freeman shines in the characters. Lenin was the perfect nemesis for Bourne, and I was concerned there would be a drop-off in future henchmen quality. Not to give anything away, my concern was dumb and unnecessary. Freeman excels in The Bourne Shadow, setting up the series for the foreseeable future. The Bourne Shadow is one not to be missed!

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Bourne Shadow.

I really enjoy the Jason Bourne series by all the authors. This one does a more in-depth deep dive into his past with more memories returning to Jason. He recalls many past associations throughout this story line and you really hope that this will give him the answers he is looking for. There are many plot twists, true to form.

Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Shadow continues the drama of Jason Bourne and his turmoil with his previous women in his life. In Europe, he has a clandestine encounter at tavern with the sister of his first love. It's a setup!!! He returns to a hotel he's used before, from where he can observe a favorite spot which he has used for passing secret messages. Who can he trust? Why are his feelings for the sister getting into his thoughts? He is a target! What part of his past is haunting him? Damn Treadstone! Why won't they leave him be? She's alive! Is their love still alive after he had disappeared upon their engagement? Questions, questions, more questions and doubts. Ah, Jason!!
I highly recommend this outstanding thriller because, well, it is about Jason Bourne and his actions for his answers! Do they all get answered? Stay tuned after you pour over this exciting Brian Freeman's treatment!!!

Brian Freeman's The Bourne Shadow is an excellent continuation of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series! This book has everything one could hope for from an action book, including high stakes, high speeds, non-stop action, high intensity, drama, deception, subterfuge, and more. This is the first book I've read in the series since Mr. Ludlum passed, and I have to say, Mr. Freeman did one heck of a job living up Mr. Ludlam's standard of writing. If one is not familiar with Ludlam's Bourne series, they would not know it was someone other Mr. Ludlam that wrote Bourne Shadow I sincerely hope we see another book in the Bourne series by Mr. Freeman soon!

ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE SHADOW is the newest book in the Jason Bourne series. I am glad that Brian Freeman is continuing the Bourne adventure. Cain, AKA Jason Bourne, is in danger in Switzerland and Paris. He’s being hunted. What will happen? Will he get together with woman he loves? I read on to find the answers to my questions.

I enjoy the exciting ride the plot offers. At times, when my interest is most piqued, I must slow my reading to a crawl to make sure I don’t miss anything important. The conclusion leaves me wanting more. After experiencing this novel, I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, for giving me the chance to read an advance reader copy of ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE SHADOW.

Many decades ago I read several actual hardcover books in Robert Ludlam’s renowned series. Life kept me busy and I had no idea it continued under other authors. I have devoured many of Mr. Freeman’s books, I wasn’t aware he’d authored more in this series. This was a treat to read, nonstop action and harrowing situations. I know I’ve missed lots in between but did not feel lost. I’ll just need to go back and catch up on all the in between. Since Bourne has pieces of his past missing from a brain injury I didn’t feel so bad not knowing either. This plot involves Treadstone, a secret organization with highly trained operatives. It’s equally about Bourne’s early days and his first love. He and Monika were engaged when an undercover infiltration job went sideways. For her safety she had to disappear from everyone. Years later Monika’s estranged sister wants to find her and seeks Bourne’s help. The search for Monika reignites old feelings and glimpses from the past. He seems to easily fall in love and is quickly entangled with the sister. The spies with their ever changing identities or legends kept me frantically trying to separate the good guys from the evil dissidents. There is political unrest in France with rioters, protests, vandalism and fear. Bourne soon learns the past is truly better left buried. The lies and secrets he’s been told all these years open old wounds and leave new scars. I highly recommend this to both new and old readers of this series.
An Advance Reader Copy of “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Shadow” Jason Bourne Series #19, by Brian Freeman, Penguin Publishing Group, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Publication expected 07/16/2024, was provided by NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are all my own honest, personal thoughts given voluntarily without compensation.

Robert Ludlam’s The Bourne Shadow by Brian Freeman is a super addition to the Bourne series. This exciting thriller works wonderfully as a standalone or ties closely with previous Bourne stories. An exhilarating read - easy to do in one big gulp - did not want to put it down!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was the best bourne book yet !! It had everything and more!! I am already so excited to for the next book!!!!!!! THIS WAS MY FAVORITE!
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the earc in exchange for a review!!

Another fabulously engrossing and entertaining Jason Bourne tale.
When Jason runs into someone from his past, he once again enters the
game of chase , catch and kill or be caught and be killed.
His memory of his past remains hidden with bits and pieces coming forth at odd moments in his life.
He once again tries to regain some memories of his past as his pseudo identities of Cain, David Weber and Jason Bourne,
But the memories begin to fracture and resurface, bit by bit, as he works to remember what really happened in a brutal
attack 10 years previously that killed several members of a ruthless, but hidden in society., rebel organization that sent him
running and the woman he loved, in hiding.
Believing she is now targeted as well as himself, he sets out to track her down.
The story is brilliant in its complexity but clearly defined characters and plot with twists that you just do not see coming.
For all the back and forth between now and then of both characters and story, it is amazingly easy to follow and pulls you
in 100% on page 1.
Kudos to another simply great story.
Ready for the next one.

I WANTED TO LOVE THIS BOOK. Brian Freeman is no Robert Ludlum. This wasn't Jason Bourne. Not far into The Bourne Shadow, I wondered if Freeman had even READ the Bourne trilogy. In the books (spoiler) Marie never died; that was a construct of the movie, and (another spoiler) Bourne and Marie have a kid in the third and last of Ludlum's Bourne books. And (spoiler) David Webb/Jason Bourne was a POW and Vietnam Veteran, which would make him at least 75 by now. Ludlum's Bourne was always CAPABLE, even when he didn't know why he was. Freeman's Bourne needs rescuing by and from every woman in this story, and never outsmarts any of antagonists. Freeman's Bourne seem INcapable, but makes a decent punching bag.

All that said, if this wasn't David Webb's story, but another agent who adopted the Bourne identity, I wouldn't have been so disappointed. He wouldn't have lessened the character. There were two glaring plot holes—which don't become apparent until the end—and one violation of the reader's trust (as in we are told a character's thoughts and feelings, only to have it revealed untrue in the climax). I'm sure Mr. Freeman has cultivated a readership that will thoroughly enjoy this novel, but I'm sad to say I did not.

The Bourne Shadow is great story by Brian Freeman, delving into Jason Bourne's life, since losing his memory years ago. A deeper dive into his past, as new and old characters help him restore some of his lost memories. The plot is very good and there are some crazy developments throughout, but who can Jason trust? Governments, politicians, and spies lie...just so you know.
I am a huge fan of Robert Ludlum's work and Brian Freeman has done justice to his take on the Bourne series. You get quite a few answers
about Treadstone and Jason's lost memories, and I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this novel and I highly recommend this novel.

Another entry into the Jason Bourne series started by Robert Ludlum. This is Brian Freeman’s fifth booking series, and he continues to knock it out of the park. Bourne is in Paris having some dinner and looking to see if he has a dead drop from Abbie Laurent when he gets a completely different kind of note. Vandal, a Treadstone agent who has history with, sends an emissary to warn Bourne that someone is after him. it is someone from his past and throughout the book there are flashbacks to’s first mission. This leads Bourne down a path to find his memories and remember his first mission and the people involved. It leads to some big secrets that could possibly be revealed and a whole lot of action.

This book is intense both from an emotional side for Jason Bourne, and from a physical site I really enjoyed the look back into Bourne early missions, and it was very easy to distinguish what happened in the past and what was happening in the present. The plot was excellent with a number of Freeman‘s patented twist and turns, some of which you don’t see coming. I feel like Mr. Freeman is adding depth to the Jason Bourne character. There are some new and interesting characters that look like they will have a strong presence in future Jason Bourne books.

Overall, this book is a must read for any thriller. If you got away from the Jason Bourne series at the end of the Eric. Van Lustbader series, it is time to come back. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, and Penguin Group Putnam for a free advanced readers, copy for an honest review.