Friendly Fire

Book blurb...

It begins with a shocking act of vengeance. Barista Ethan Falk chases a customer into the parking lot and kills him. He tells police that years ago the older man abducted and tortured him. Then Ethan's story takes an even stranger turn: he says he was rescued by a guy named Scorpion. Of course, there is no record of either the kidnapping or the rescue, because Scorpion--Jonathan Grave--operates outside the law and leaves no evidence.

As Grave struggles to find a way to defend his former precious cargo without blowing his cover, he learns the dead man has secrets that trace to an ongoing terrorist plot against the heart of America. It's up to Grave and his team to stop it. But first they must rescue Ethan Falk--a second time.

My thoughts…

I could not put this story down. The pace and the plot had me breathless and thoroughly entertained.

The character called Scorpion is certainly someone I would want on my side if I was backed into a corner. He not only saves Ethan Falk but foils a terrorist plot along the way.

I have not read any John Gilstrap novels before but I certainly will into the future.

If you like action packed stories about how bad guys get their comeuppance you will love Friendly Fire. Well written and action packed all the way to the final page.

Ethan Falk, a young barista stabs and kills a man in front of witnesses. He claims that 11 years ago the man he killed kidnapped and tortured him. Unfortunately for Ethan there is no record of the kidnapping. That's because Ethan was rescued by Scorpion and his crew. Jonathan Graves, aka Scorpion, is former Delta Force but now runs a secret freelance hostage rescue group.

When Scorpion hears about Ethan's arrest he feels he needs to find a way to help Ethan, but can't reveal his identity. The police have run into dead ends on the identity of the man Ethan stabbed. Scorpion digs deeper and finds that the kidnapper has connections to terrorists. The group he is affiliated with is planning something. Scorpion needs to find out their plans and stop them.

This book is well written, has a very good plot, is fast paced and action packed. If you are looking for a good political thriller this book is for you. Thank you to net galley for an advanced copy for a fair review.

An absolutely thrilling ride of a book! Loved it.

Although it was a different start than the usual John Gilstrap book, the plot soon developed into that kill or be killed excitement that has put Gilstrap on my "must read" list. Two against an army keeps those pages flying, and it's pedal to the metal, and I wasn't about to put it down.! Scorpion and Big Guy have to be in the top ten alpha heroes. Of course, their fight against home grown terrorism' just proved why they belong there. Ready to read another--RIGHT NOW!

With a powerful and impressive opening scene, Friendly Fire introduces us to characters that are both intense and memorable. The action of the story moves on multiple fronts, referencing the past even as a team of 'good guys' attempts to solve current problems. As in most similar stories, the good guys of the story have muddled loyalties, their past stems from the military and then 'alphabet' agencies. They fight on behalf of innocents and the USA; the story moves quickly and changing alliances of bad guys moves the plot forward. Whether the bad guys fight to advance an evil cause or just to undermine the government, they threaten the lives of innocents and that's good enough for our heroes. This is a good, fast book for readers who love action, adventure and rescue fantasies writ large.

This book has a thrilling and imaginative plot, interesting characters, and continuous pulse-pounding action. The quality of writing provides an easy-to-read story that is impossible to put down. Most of the characters are mercenaries on the side of good or evil. All of the action takes place on the other side of the law, whether it's the good guys or the others. It is interesting to contemplate what can be done with high technology and no bureaucratic limits. The violence is continuing, but handled with a light touch. This is a book that anyone can read and appreciate.

Yet another author I have not read. I'm not usually into those mercenary type books, but yet everyone I've actually read I liked. Perhaps it's just the fact of a different genre or perhaps it was just the writing style of John Gilstrap. This book had me at the beginning. What an opening! And it held my interest level, could even say peaked, to where I sped through this book.

This Scorpion dude sounds mighty fine and someone I do not want to get on the bad side of at all. Of course, all the talk with the weapons technology had my eyes glazing over, but it seemed pretty cool what it could do.

Huge thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and heartily recommend.