"The Quiet War", by Michael J. Lalonde

Book#1

Drawing from his service in the Canadian Armed Force and years as a military intelligence officer, the author has penned a political thriller in a narrative that is gripping of operations, espionage and geopolitical tension. This debut novel places Canada at the centre of a global conflict along with its allies.

Sergeant Sebastien Ray leads JTF2’s (Joint Task Force) Alpha team on a rescue mission: free the hostages and eliminate their captors. The enemy is no ordinary zealot; he is the architect of upheaval intent to changing the entire world. The story begins with a rescue that spirals out of control…..

First, a note from the author:

“Most Canadians have never heard of them, but when a Canadian veteran and a British intelligence officer vanish in Belize, it’s JTF2 that answers the call.” This first installment recreates a version of the mission.

In “The Quiet War”, Canada may be the first target but is not the last. U.K. USA and beyond will be subjects of their own war…I simply can’t wait to see how far- reaching the tentacle of war can be.

With steady pacing and grounded heroes this thriller feels too real IMO and stands apart other geopolitical stories by showing what Canada can do when it is force to act. The narrative is active and passionate, a cinematic glimpse into the high-stake world of a quiet war: it may be drugs, trafficking, abductions even murders whatever the prime target is, hopefully someone higher up the chain of command will be there to take the right decisions.

This first installment challenges assumption about Canadian identity, strength and sovereignty…..so real in today’s world.

This is an excellent read that will have you flipping pages at the speed of light. Interesting and captivating to no end….I simply loved it.

Well-said and well-done.

My thanks to the Book Whisperer for this ARC which I received from Netgalley

"Illusion of Truth", by James L` Étoile

Detective Emily Hunter Mystery book # 3

This author is giving us a police story that is much more then an exciting police procedural mystery. It is filled with complications, revelations and setbacks. So many twists and turns it is very hard to figure what the next move will be…they keep on coming and soon another one and after that another one. Don’t miss out, see for yourself. This mystery is one of the best one I read this year.

The story and my thoughts in a few words:

A series of explosions rocks Sacramento, Det Emily Hunter is particularly affected when her love interest Sgt. Brian Conner was badly hurt in an explosion while responding to a false call. The bomber has only started and subsequent attacks were done on other colleagues. As the investigation moves on at a fast pace, it implicates a councilman, a vocal opponent of the police. It doesn’t stay there, one move leads to another, the swat team is implicated while further attempts are made on the lives of cops suggesting a strong desire for revenge….but why and who is behind all of thing carnage.

The tension is at a high level all through no time to breath, I was so involved with what was going on I had a hard time putting this very exciting story aside, the author maintains nerve-jangling tension throughout and does an excellent job at capturing the attention and keeping us captive.

This latest is an absolutely relentless thriller, a crisp and fast-paced police procedural played out by characters that have emotional depth and show perseverance.

This another top-notch hit penned by James

This book was made available for a sort time at Oceanview Publishing, I couldn’t resists it, I knew I was in for a treat.

"Near Death", by Glenn Cooper

This story is definitely not be for everyone but I loved it didn’t take long before it grabbed me and I had a hard time putting it down, it may also meet your fancy, who knows. “Near Death” is not my usual read, this one is rather creepy and so is one of the main characters. This genre is totally unusual: it includes crime, drugs, death, near death and science. Some gave this book an “R” rating for its violence and mature language. It didn’t turn me off one bit…. Not that bad IMO.

Set in Boston, the story revolves around FBI Special Agent Cyrus O’Malley and Dr. Alex Weller a neuroscientist at Harvard.

After being involved in an accident, Weller nearly killed has a near death experience and spends the rest of his life investigating the brain during the final moment preceding death and became so obsessed that he needed to obtain the chemical from a dying human…. he concocted a drug called “Bliss….and discretely shared his drug to close friends…it soon became a hot commodity on the streets.

When multiple bodies show up with a small hole drilled in their skull, then the FBI came into the picture and Cyrus O’Malley took the lead….

What a story, a plot with an unusual mix of mystery and an unbelievable concept of afterlife. The pressure from family and the day-to-day responsibilities all this said in a gripping narrative. The fast-paced nature and the very suspenseful plot made it hard not to be invested in a story that is both exciting and thought-provoking. As for the characters both are well-developed and complex and the care given to them added depth to this thriller. BTW, I love the final twist…it made my day.

Well-said and well done.

My thanks to Book Whisperer for this book which I received via Netgalley.