Pike and his team are in India to provide security for a meeting. Of course, what is supposed to be a simple job soon takes a twist when they foil a terrorist attack. And the more they look into matters, the more complex the situation becomes. The team has to balance following up on leads (without help from RAW) and keeping their boss informed.

I loved how the story progressed, the myriad of characters, and the descriptions of the cities and buildings. (You will want to read the Acknowledgements for more information.) This is definitely a story that could be taking place in current time.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers Inc and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Into the Gray Zone
Grade: B-

Brad Taylor’s Into the Gray Zone is a novel that knows exactly what it is and delivers accordingly. This is the 19th installment in the Pike Logan series, and by this point, you’re either on board with Taylor’s formula—fast-paced action, geopolitical intrigue, and a protagonist who operates outside the rules—or you’re not.

The novel throws Logan and his Taskforce team into a volatile situation in India, where terrorist attacks are not what they seem and economic warfare lurks beneath the surface. The setup is compelling enough, with Taylor’s experience as a former Special Forces officer lending credibility to the action sequences. His attention to detail, particularly in his depiction of India’s bustling markets and high-stakes intelligence maneuvers, is a strength.

But if Into the Gray Zone is effective, it is also familiar. Many readers note that the series has begun to repeat itself—same stakes, different setting. Pike Logan’s inner struggle with his more violent instincts is teased but never deeply explored. The tension between characters, particularly Pike and Jennifer, has moments of intrigue but doesn’t evolve significantly. The plot unfolds predictably, though Taylor keeps the pages turning with his well-honed pacing.

For longtime fans, this will be another enjoyable ride. For newcomers, it’s a competent but unremarkable entry into the genre. It’s gripping, but not surprising; thrilling, but not fresh. Taylor is a pro, but Into the Gray Zone feels like a franchise in cruise control.

Been a while since I've read a book by Brad Taylor...always enjoyed the Pike Logan series, but like another reviewer stated "I am beginning to feel like this series has hit is peak and is on its way back down...same story different location".
It was a good read....great cast of good and bad characters, ever twisting plot line, and there was plenty of action to keep you engaged.
Into the Gray Zone is a worthwhile read and can be read as a stand alone thriller.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC and I do recommend reading the book come April 22.

It’s hard to believe that INTO THE GRAY ZONE is the 19th story in this wildly popular military-political thriller series. Action and authenticity are the hallmarks of each of these novels. The latter is due to author retired Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Brad Taylor’s long military career and his involvement with the elite Delta Force. He knows of what he writes.
As does his creation, special forces and task force operative Pike Logan, a multifaceted, highly-skilled, and engaging character. This story takes the reader to India where Pike thwarts an attack on a seemingly routine meeting between the CIA and India's intelligence service. As Pike digs deeper into this event, he uncovers a broad and deep conspiracy designed to employ various terrorist groups to destabilize the economy of India, and possibly the world. A truly faced-paced and engaging novel and an excellent addition to the series.

DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series

Classic Brad Taylor - action-packed, percussive, twisty! Into The Gray Zone is a great addition to the Taskforce’s international adventure series. Can be read as a standalone or in sequence with the vibrant stories.

Loved the descriptions of Mumbai, The Gateway of India, and especially the trip to the Elephanta Caves. Felt like I was on the ferry for the ride again.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Pike and his team are t it again. Nothing is as it seems and there are all sorts of undercurrents. Plenty of suspense and intrigue. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

What fun to be back with Pike, Jennifer, and the rest of the Task Force.
as they are sent to India on a very quiet investigation trip ~ simple…
It’s almost as if Pike has a super power that allows him to know of
trouble even before the people in trouble know they are in a mess.
I loved the trip to Goa, India, and the Indian wedding, that was not
actually going to be trouble free…
The continuing relationships of the gang took a small hit with
Pike getting bothered by an exchange made by Knuckles
and Jennifer… I hope that there will not be trouble ahead…
The ‘Gray Zone’ is destined to be a continuing question~
we can only hope it will remain in place…
This is book 19 in this series, but it is good as a standalone
as the Author dropped enough to provide even a brand
new reader enough background to be enthralled. I
recommend this book to everyone! My thanks to
William Morrow Publishing via NetGalley for a
download of this book for review purposes.

It's a typical Pike Logan novel. Nothing is as simple as it should be, they always need to expand what they are doing, and it is filled with action and adventure. I love how the team has coalesced and I enjoy reading their exploits. It is fun, engaging and the characters are likeable. The attention to the little details like how a Pike and Jennifer would stick out like sore thumbs in India is helpful.

The Pike Logan series is one of my favorites and this book did nothing to dispel that status. The Taskforce finds itself in India on a seemingly “easy” assignment that quickly turns out to be an explosive situation.. The geopolitical implications of rare earth minerals play a big part in the plot with India, China and the United States involved. A very enjoyable read, you don’t want to miss this addition to the series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I gotta give a lot of credit to Brad Taylor for creating the story in Into The Gray Zone. It has depth and credibility along with a cast of interesting characters and scenes. I am imagining that he spent considerable time finding and then applying the details of the Indian scenes he writes of. It sure seems thorough. I read the novel straight through, happy to be again connected with Pike Logan, Jennifer, and the Task Force gang. Once again Pike runs ramshod over the rules to accomplish good, and I supported him all the way.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Gripping, tense and adrenaline-charged, Into the Gray Zone brings that classic Pike Logan magic to the other side of the world in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Brad Taylor delivers another compelling and explosive mission in the latest installment of this outstanding series.

Pike Logan and his Taskforce team are providing security for a clandestine meeting between the head of the CIA, members of India’s intelligence agency and an Indian Billionaire, when terrorists attack their location. After the attack is thwarted, it is shrugged off as a minor incident by the meeting principals, but Pike believes there’s more at play. Getting authority to check it out, Pike and team become entangled in an international power struggle for political and economic control that crescendos with a race-against-the-clock hostage rescue mission and shootout between multiple factions. With innocent lives hanging in the balance, Pike will stop at nothing – including releasing the beast within – to ensure mission success and the safety of those he’s committed to rescue.

This is another stellar Pike Logan novel with everything you would expect – kinetic action, dangerous situations, Pike pushing the limits of his Taskforce authority, Knuckles charming the pants off a beautiful woman, and Jennifer being the voice of reason. It also contains Taskforce team members shedding blood and signs of Pike losing the battle against his inner beast and going apeshit in ways that scare the others. Combine all of that with an intriguing plot about rare earth metals and geopolitical maneuverings with India and China in the mix, and you get a fast-paced, action-packed, realistic plot that will have you holding your breath and sweating the outcome.

A page-turning action thriller! Special forces, commandoes, secret military actions, and non-stop action. I loved it.

This was yet another good adventure with Pike Logan and the Taskforce. I'm really a fan of how the author shows the tail end of a scene from one perspective, then follows up but showing the same scene from the perspective of other characters. This really gives us as readers a 360 degree view of what's going on. I also liked how the battle Pike faces with his inner demons was focused on more in this book. It's something I imagine he will always deal with and he's lucky to have found Jennifer to help him deal with it. Overall, a great read and I would HIGHLY recommend.

Thanks to William Morrow and Net Galley for the ARC #IntotheGrayZone #NetGalley

What begins as a simple assignment for Pike Logan and his team as security for a meeting between the CIA and India's intelligence service becomes sinister and deadly after an attempted attack deemed to have been conducted by terrorists followed by a second attack at the Taj Mahal.
Logan, a former Delta Force officer, his wife Jennifer Cahill. "Nuckles." a former Navy Seal, Brett, second in command and a former Force Recon Marine now in the paramilitary branch of the CIA, and Veep. aka Nicholas Seacrest. Air force Combat Controller and son of the current US president. are all operators of Grolier Recovery Services (GRS), a archeological company working in dangerous places globally. GRS is a cover for a covert government program called the Taskforce and is lead by George Wolfe, Commander, a paramilitary officer in the CIA.
Into the Gray Zone is the 19th book in the Pike Logan series.
The setting of the story takes the reader to several areas of India from the wealthiest to the poorest, from a glamorous pre-wedding at a luxurious hotel to the street markets and slums. The gray zone is defined and explained in the Cambridge English dictionary as "activities by a state are sometimes considered to be acts of war but are not legally acts of war." It is "the area between war and peace." Just so you know.
Kidnapping, hostage taking, political violence, corrupt politicians, terror organizations, and the interests of the US, India and China all play a part in the plot. The CIA, India's research and analysis wing called RAW, which answers to India's Prime Minister, and the Chinese Ministry of State Security are all involved and organizations such as the ISI, Pakistan's Interservice Intelligence Agency are also part of the plot and dialogue. It all makes for a dynamic political thriller set against the competition between countries for rare earth materials as well as conflicts within India among the Muslim sometimes considered to be acts of war but are not legally acts of war." It is "the area between war and peace." Just so you know.
Kidnapping, hostage taking. political violence, corrupt politicians, terror organizations, and the interests of the US, India and China all play a part in the plot. The CIA, India's research and analysis wing called RAW, which answers to India's Prime Minister, and the Chinese Ministry of State Security are all involved and organizations such as the ISI, Pakistan's Interservice Intelligence Agency are also part of the plot and dialogue. It all makes for a dynamic political thriller set against the competition between countries for rare earth materials as well as conflicts within India among the Muslim and Sikh populations. If all that sounds like too much policy-making intrigue for you, be assured that there is plenty of fast moving action and
Brad Taylor's acknowledgements at the conclusion of the book include so much more than just his thanks to those assisting him. It is a great backdrop to the events and places in the story and I urge the reader to take the time to read the section.
The narrative was engaging, the basis for the action believable and the characters, including Logan, who is rough around the edges, capable and steadfast. There is a likeable ending and it is appealingly conclusive. My usual genre is mystery but I will go on to other Pike Logan novels to get my quota of high adventure, political corruption, espionage, and characters who are clearly on the side of right or wrong I would like to thank. William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy of Into the Gray Zone and the opportunity to write an honest review of Brad Taylor’s novel.

I am beginning to feel like this series has hit is peak and is on its way back down. same story different location this time India with some Chinese linkages. Pike is getting out of control but then it is glossed over and moved on from. So why even bring it up?

For fans of the series this may be great but I found it a bit tired overall.

Despite the fact that this novel had several exciting elements, I felt that this book was not particularly interesting. The book takes place in India and has groups of Americans, Chinese and Indians pitted against each other. There is a plethora of action and a good portion is not believable. It would be hard for me to recommend this book to others and I thank NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Amazing book. I love this series, but this book was unique with a different plot than most spy action type books. I loved it.

The task force thinks they are going for a vacation and instead are shipped to India. When they get to India they are making due with what they could bring into the country. Things go sideways quickly and the mission changes mid-book. Another great read in this series!

I have read every Pike Logan book and the latest installment from Brad Taylor is another fantastic addition to the collection. Everything you would want in a Pike Logan story but now Pike is pushing closer to his demons. Loved that dimension to the story. Loved the spy craft and action sequences. Overall fantastic read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to receive an advance copy from NetGalley! I could not wait to get back into the world of the Taskforce with Pike and Jennifer. This time they headed to India and once again, I felt like the author gave me a personal tour of the country. Taylor gives you enough detail you can picture the scene he is creating. We follow Pike and crew through India, pulling threads on an alleged terrorist plot that turns into a hostage situation. I would love to see this series turned into a show for Netflix or Prime!