#john gilstrap

[book-photography-coffee]

First book for 2019 🎉 woOooOhHHh 🙌🏼 i know its already March but who cares? ☺

Its been a while readers! How you doin', eh?

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Scorched Earth by John Gilstrap

Jonathan Grave #17

~ Tough, terrible, terrifying tale of terrorists with a plan to murder countless youth ~ Can Johnathan and his team thwart them…or not ~

What I liked:

* Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed, black ops skills, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs, someone I wouldn’t want as an enemy * Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend, quirky sense of humor, can fly anything, enjoys a good fight, drones pro – unhappy Roxie was shot down * Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, part of the team * Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, brilliant, intriguing, great asset to the team that can provide anything required anywhere

* Jason Sulkey and Kerry Smallwood: two younger men that didn’t know one another but played big parts in the story

* Doug Kramer: police chief, Jonathan’s friend for years, supportive but poses difficult questions at the end of the book

* The intricacy of the plot and excellent writing

* That it was easy to hate the terrorist group and hope they would be stopped

* Thinking about what the team will be involved with next

What I didn’t like: * The terrorist team members met: Omar Farouk – leader and money man, Willy K – evil killer but intelligent, corrupt sheriff and senator, mercenaries willing to kill for money

* The idea of killing children to make a statement

* The pre-terrorist event killings that included innocents

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

Vengeance, murder, and violent political games are on a collision course in a propulsive Jonathan Grave thriller by New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap. Disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one. Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values. High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap

Irene Rivers #1

~ Excellent introduction to new series ~ Up till 2:30 this morning ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked: * Irene Rivers: Ex-FBI Director, brought down corrupt US President and cronies, mother of two daughters and guardian of her nephew, private investigator & Lawyer, intelligent, quick, problem solver, loves her children, networks, intriguing

* Ashley Rivers: Irene’s daughter, 21, paralegal, independent, will she show up later?

* Kelly Rivers: Irene’s youngest daughter, 17, unhappy with the move, big part of the story

* Wyatt Gordon: Irene’s nephew, 12, orphan, a bit of a loner, wise, big part of the story

* Ruger: Wyatt’s black labrador, birthday gift from Irene, protective, active, wonderful

* The stories of Colin Franc & Mark Hamilton and how their stories were related to the crimes in the story.

*Venice: comuter wizard, works with Jonathan Graves, talented person to be able to call on

* Maryanne-pathologist and Marci-works in lab: friends, working together to save evidence, honest

* Billy-college graduate who works with Maryann on autopsies and wants to get into a job using his computer skills – hope to see him again

* Hank: wealthy, pilot, interesting, possible love-interest for Irene

* Amos Greencastle: Polie Chief, an upright man, helpful

* Judge Tuttle: makes a surprise visit at the end of the book that sets up what may take place next

* The intricate plot, impeccable pacing, setting in West Virginia, and excellent story telling

* That I was drawn in, cared about the characters, and felt part of the story

* That I could hate the bad guys and wish Karma’s wrath on all of them

* That I know there is another book on the way

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* The degree of darkness, corruption, and evil in more than one character in the book and knowing that there are people as evil as those I this story

Did I Like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

An electrifying new series featuring Irene Rivers (code Wolverine), the unforgettable FBI Director from New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap’s blockbuster, award-winning Jonathan Grave thrillers. Fans of action-packed page-turners by Catherine Coulter, Patricia Cornwell, and Tess Gerritsen are in for a treat, as Irene escapes the treacherous power games of Washington—only to face a new and equally deadly enemy in a rural West Virginia town . . . She thought she and her loved ones would be safe here. The lovely farm nestled in the heart of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle looks like the perfect refuge from the backstabbing maelstrom of DC politics. But this seemingly peaceful new home is anything but safe for former FBI director Rivers and her children.    Troubles begin when Irene’s 12-year-old nephew finds a dead body in a cave on the property. Grim evidence points to a long-ago murder and cover-up.  Powerful forces will do anything—including kill again—to protect their interests. Soon Irene’s family is the target of the kinds of threats and intimidation she’s seen before from major crime syndicates . . . but this time, the enemy determined to tear them down is homegrown.   Then comes the attack she most fears. With everything she cares about at risk and an impossible deadline looming, Irene knows she won’t get any help from the local police force. And she’s burned too many bridges in Washington to get help from the FBI. This time, Irene Rivers is on her own.   Packed with nail-biting suspense, gripping drama, and searing intrigue, Burned Bridges takes readers into a compelling world of unseen dangers and unexpected heroes.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Zero Sum by John Gilstrap

A Jonathan Graves Thriller #16

Intense, intricately plotted, intriguing story that I hope brings us closer to the demise of corrupt power brokers at the highest levels of the government ~ Fingers crossed and eagerly waiting to find out what happens next.

What I liked: * Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed to causes that require a special type of black ops operative to provide justice, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs, sees the bigger picture * Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend and lethal colleague of Jonathan’s, works with him to right wrongs, quirky sense of humor, can fly anything, enjoys a good fight * Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, bright, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, and part of the team doing secretive things with Boxer and Digger, recovering from an injury, seems to be having questions * Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, brilliant,  intriguing, great asset to the team that can provide anything required anywhere

* Irene “Wolfie” Rivers: FBI Director, mother, guardian of orphaned nephew, works with people she doesn’t trust, knows of the corruption in government, trusts Jonathan and his team, intriguing and has a spin-off series coming that I look forward to

* Sissy & Grayson Buchannan: twins, took a dangerous risk, kidnapped on vacation, resilient, survivors

* Big Roxie and her smaller assistants: drones with special abilities that I would never want to be a target of

* Being able to hate the bad guys and root for their demise

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about how evil so many were in this story and what they were willing to do for personal gain

* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Pinnacle Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

When a boy under Jonathan Grave’s protection dies of a drug overdose, the black-ops veteran decides it’s time for a war on drugs that actually looks like a war. Jonathan Grave long ago lost faith with the so-called war on drugs, a futile campaign that enables cartels to make billions under the protection of corrupt officials on both sides of the border. But when a twelve-year-old dies after consuming fentanyl disguised as candy inside the dormitory at Resurrection House, the school he created for the children of incarcerated parents, Jonathan knows it’s time to use his special talents to change the game. Gathering his Security Solutions team, Jonathan activates Operation Heat Seeker. Nobody and nothing will stop them from ending the flow of poison—not even a vow of revenge from the President of the United States himself . . .

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Harm’s Way by John Gilstrap

Jonathan Grave #15

Missionary stories were big when I was little and at one point I thought it might be interesting to be one. I have since reconsidered and if I had not done so, this book would definitely make me never want to take my chances in a mission field!

What I liked:

* Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed to causes that require a special type of black ops operative, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs, sees the bigger picture * Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend and lethal colleague of Digger who works with him to right the wrongs, quirky sense of humor, can fly anything * Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, bright, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, and part of the team doing secretive things with Boxer and Digger * Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, gets lost when working, intriguing, great asset to the team that can provide anything required anywhere

* Jesse “Torpedo” Montgomery and his father Davey “Chief” Montgomery: strong ties though love-hate relationship that rears its head from time to time, both capable and necessary on this op

* Irene “Wolverine” Rivers: Director of the FBI, hires Jonathan and his team for the ops they undertake, a bit of a dark horse but seems to be on the side of what is right

* Max Greenwich: on the mission trip to appease his brother Mikey, intelligent, able to see the trouble they were in when kidnapped, strong, resilient, smarter than many of the missionaries he was with

* That the plot seemed relevant to current affairs

* That it made me think, care about the outcome, and wish that things were different in our current chaotic political climate

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about the bad guys and wondering why they made the choices they did…

* Knowing I have to wait for the next book in the series – the teaser has me eager to read the book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes, though it had a bit of a sad ending

Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Pinnacle for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

Unstoppable Jonathan Graves uncovers a major threat to American security in the latest action-packed adventure in the long-running, bestselling black-ops series. Twelve missionaries have been snatched in a remote area of Venezuela and are being held for ransom. The high-priority rescue mission comes as a personal plea from FBI director Irene Rivers. It also carries a Presidential demand: no international incident. Just get in and get out—with hostages who are far from cooperative, but nonetheless precious cargo. America’s enemies hope to leverage the kidnapping into a major crisis. Fighting his way to the hostages is Jonathan’s first battle. The second is to deliver them, alive and well, to the extraction site – and let no one stand in his way.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

White Smoke by John Gilstrap

Victoria Emerson #3

 Good fiction is believable, draws the reader in, and makes them feel a part of the story – this series does just that. I am not sure if this is the final book in a trilogy or if there will be more books to look forward to.

 What I liked:

* Victoria: politician, widow, mother, prepper, convinced that good will overcome evil, willing to do what is difficult, not always easy to understand her thinking but admired her and wondered if I could/would do what she did

* Adam, Caleb, and Luke Emerson: sons of Victoria, well trained by their parents, grew up quickly, capable, strong, intelligent and lethal

* Major McRea: a good man, strong sense of duty, widow, stalwart, protective, strategic thinker, grounds Victoria and provides balance

* The plot, pacing, writing, and conclusion…if it is the conclusion

* That it made me think, care, feel, and wonder what skills I would have to offer if in a similar situation after a nuclear war and how I would act and react

* Getting to see how the Ortho community was doing and how those at the annex fared – definitely would have preferred to be in Ortho!

* Wondering what will happen next in the lives of the Emersons, the lives they come in contact with, and the rest of the world

* All of it really…except…

 What I didn’t like:

* Parsons and his posse and how wickedly evil they were

* Thinking about how easily society can devolve

* Contemplating government and how it does-doesn’t benefit society

 Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author/in this series? Definitely

 Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

     BLURB

 Perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Ken Follett, the pulse-pounding new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author follows a community of survivors working to rebuild in the wake of a global conflict that has ravaged America, as they look to one woman—single mother and former West Virginia congressional representative Victoria Emerson—to balance survival with justice… One-time congressional representative Victoria Emerson has received a request from the deposed president of the United States—come to the bunker at Hilltop Manor, where the remnants of the U.S. government have been imprisoned. A ruthless band has seized power, leaving civilians to die of starvation and untreated injuries. The self-appointed leader, Roger Parsons, plans to punish the former rulers for thrusting the country into Hell Day, the devastating war that changed the world in just a few hours. Victoria is reluctant to leave Ortho, the West Virginia town she has developed and defended. But as a born leader, she feels the call of duty. Forging her way through a landscape terrorized by local warlords and desperate scavengers, she arrives at Hilltop Manor to find a powder keg of battling factions. The lofty ideals on which the Republic was founded and the values that once held society together have devolved into anarchy. Calling on her deepest personal resources and her unwavering convictions, Victoria must somehow return the rule of law to a society where many of the old rules and laws don’t matter anymore.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Lethal Game by John Gilstrap

Jonathan Grave #14

 Another stellar story starring Digger & Boxer as they once again fight the good but rather bloody fight to right wrongs they are faced with. Intense, well written, drew me in and kept me reading throughout.

 What I liked:

* Jonathan “Digger” Grave: intelligent, lethal, committed to causes that require a special type of black ops type operative, caring, wealthy, gives back, rights wrongs

* Brian “Boxer” Van de Muelebroecke: big, quiet, lethal, good friend and lethal colleague of Digger who works with him to right the wrongs

* Gail “Gunslinger” Bonneville: brilliant, ex-FBI HRT member, ex-sheriff, bright, capable, vigilant, talented, lethal, and part of the team doing secretive things with Boxer and Digger

* Venice “Mother Hen” Alexander: mother, daughter, hacker extraordinaire, gets lost when working, intriguing, great asset to the team

* Roman Alexander: son of Venice, fourteen, had a rough time in a previous book, integral to this story and growing up through all he experiences

* The plot, pace, writing, and intensity

* The dual locations of where action was taking place

* The communication between team members

* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guys

* Rooting for the demise of the bad guys

* That good eventually does overcome evil

* Hoping there will be another book to look forward to

 What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Knowing that there are evil people who do evil things and too often get away with it

* The loss of so many innocent lives

* Having to wait for the next book to be available

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

 Thank you to NetGalley and Kesington Pinnacle for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

    BLURB

 The exhilarating new thriller from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author takes readers on an action-packed thrill ride from the wilds of Montana to the streets of Mexico, as a sniper attack turns wilderness hunters into the hunted and Grave’s enemies stalk him with a vengeance… Hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave and his fellow special-ops veteran, Boxers, are hunting in Montana when shots ring out, and they realize they’ve become the prey for assassins. In the crosshairs of unseen shooters, cut off from all communication, with the wind at a blood-freezing chill, the nightmare is just beginning. Because Jonathan and Boxers aren’t the only ones under fire. Back in Fisherman’s Cove, Virginia, Jonathan’s Security Solutions team is fighting for their lives too. A vicious onslaught is clearing the way for a much bigger game by eliminating anyone in the way. If Jonathan and Boxers can make it out of the wilderness alive, the real war will begin.

[sassybrit]

Blue Fire: A Victoria Emerson #Thriller #Booktour & #giveaway with #author John Gilstrap! @JohnGilstrap201

Welcome to Alternative-Read.com It’s my great pleasure to introduce (and welcome) New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of over 20 thrillers, John Gilstrap! My own review of this book will be coming soon, as soon as I can get hold of a copy! Until then, enjoy this book tour and giveaway…      Blue Fire A Victoria Emerson Thriller Book 2 by John Gilstrap Genre: Thriller,…

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