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Paul Madriani #12
Trader Of Secrets
“Steve Martini ranks among the top authors of legal thrillers.”
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “You like Law & Order ? Or even a John Grisham novel? Well, Steve Martini is one of the best of the best when it comes to crime thrillers.”
— Asbury Park Press The reasons why Steve Martini is one of the most popular thriller writers around are abundantly clear in Trader of Secrets : an ingenious plot, great characters, gripping storytelling that combines the legal expertise of John Lescroart, Brad Meltzer, and Scott Turow with the heart-pounding political intrigue of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. Superstar crime novelist Linda Fairstein says, “Take it from a prosecutor—Steve Martini has created one of the most charismatic defense attorneys in thriller fiction,” referring to Martini’s fearless yet very human series protagonist, defense attorney Paul Madriani. In Trader of Secrets the crusading lawyer is on the trail of dangerous criminals who are trying to steal state-of-the-art weapons technology…with nothing less than the future of America at stake.
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “You like Law & Order ? Or even a John Grisham novel? Well, Steve Martini is one of the best of the best when it comes to crime thrillers.”
— Asbury Park Press The reasons why Steve Martini is one of the most popular thriller writers around are abundantly clear in Trader of Secrets : an ingenious plot, great characters, gripping storytelling that combines the legal expertise of John Lescroart, Brad Meltzer, and Scott Turow with the heart-pounding political intrigue of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. Superstar crime novelist Linda Fairstein says, “Take it from a prosecutor—Steve Martini has created one of the most charismatic defense attorneys in thriller fiction,” referring to Martini’s fearless yet very human series protagonist, defense attorney Paul Madriani. In Trader of Secrets the crusading lawyer is on the trail of dangerous criminals who are trying to steal state-of-the-art weapons technology…with nothing less than the future of America at stake.
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
410 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Steve Martini
94 books688 followersSteven Paul "Steve" Martini is an American writer of legal novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
September 14, 2011
If you were being stalked by an assassin would you go out for a run by yourself? If you were a secret agent would you bring your new girlfriend and her dog on a mission? If you were an FBI agent "going rogue" would you tell your secretary all about it? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you will have a problem with this book.
"Trader of Secrets" is not only a bad book. It is the third book of a trilogy where Steve Martini took his Paul Madriani lawyer character and turned him into a globe-trotting secret agent. What was he thinking? This is easily the worst book he has ever written, and add me to the list of people wondering if this was ghostwritten -- perhaps by a college freshman creative writing major.
The characters are a huge problem. Madriani is non-existent. He just goes places. Joselyn, his love interest is, I guess, supposed to be "saucy", but comes across as just nasty. Sarah, the daughter, who is supposed to be smart does stupid things throughout the book. Only the villian Liquida is given any depth.
The plot would actually be a good one to use for the next Austin Powers movie. At one point, I was waiting for Dr. Evil appear. It is an absurd premise supported by equally absurd "clues" and actions by the characters.
It is really a shame, because I have read all of Martini's work, most of which I highly recommend. But, like so many others, I say: Get back to the courtroom, Mr. Martini. Either that or start a "high school" series with "Young Paul" and his group of intrepid explorer friends. This author is capable of so much better things.
"Trader of Secrets" is not only a bad book. It is the third book of a trilogy where Steve Martini took his Paul Madriani lawyer character and turned him into a globe-trotting secret agent. What was he thinking? This is easily the worst book he has ever written, and add me to the list of people wondering if this was ghostwritten -- perhaps by a college freshman creative writing major.
The characters are a huge problem. Madriani is non-existent. He just goes places. Joselyn, his love interest is, I guess, supposed to be "saucy", but comes across as just nasty. Sarah, the daughter, who is supposed to be smart does stupid things throughout the book. Only the villian Liquida is given any depth.
The plot would actually be a good one to use for the next Austin Powers movie. At one point, I was waiting for Dr. Evil appear. It is an absurd premise supported by equally absurd "clues" and actions by the characters.
It is really a shame, because I have read all of Martini's work, most of which I highly recommend. But, like so many others, I say: Get back to the courtroom, Mr. Martini. Either that or start a "high school" series with "Young Paul" and his group of intrepid explorer friends. This author is capable of so much better things.
June 13, 2011
The last two books by Martini have taken Paul Madriani out of the courtroom and put him in the assassin/thriller category. While the books are okay reading they really stretch the implausible. The mantra by his colleagues Harry and Jocelyn to "Call the cops, call the FBI, let them handle it," goes unheeded so we find the trio globe hopping as they follow the trail of the assassin.
There is lots of action and political intrigue, rogue scientists, Israeli special forces, and Madriani's daughter in the thick of things--but it's completely unrealistic for a man who uses his brain and knowledge of the law to earn a living to all of a sudden become an Indiana Jones type.
Please put Paul Madiani back into the courtroom. Thank you.
There is lots of action and political intrigue, rogue scientists, Israeli special forces, and Madriani's daughter in the thick of things--but it's completely unrealistic for a man who uses his brain and knowledge of the law to earn a living to all of a sudden become an Indiana Jones type.
Please put Paul Madiani back into the courtroom. Thank you.
November 16, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads drawing in exchange for an honest review.
Either I have changed or Martini has changed. I suspect it is me. Martini is still a great writer and so easy to zoom through. This is the first Martini mystery I have read in several years. It was just too much. Too many people, too much description, too many places, too many clues, too many red herrings. It is a rip-roaring mystery but we get too many clues (like the beginning when Sarah is targeted). Some parts are just not that mysterious (like when the kid grabs the bag and races off on his motorcycle). I knew that the crook would find him. I think I like less action these days and more true complexity - not so much waking up in a different country every day. And the finale was a let-down for me. This is a good mystery and yet leaves some things unsettled so that there will be a follow-up mystery. Be careful when you start a mystery series that is this good, you will have no time left for anything else.
Either I have changed or Martini has changed. I suspect it is me. Martini is still a great writer and so easy to zoom through. This is the first Martini mystery I have read in several years. It was just too much. Too many people, too much description, too many places, too many clues, too many red herrings. It is a rip-roaring mystery but we get too many clues (like the beginning when Sarah is targeted). Some parts are just not that mysterious (like when the kid grabs the bag and races off on his motorcycle). I knew that the crook would find him. I think I like less action these days and more true complexity - not so much waking up in a different country every day. And the finale was a let-down for me. This is a good mystery and yet leaves some things unsettled so that there will be a follow-up mystery. Be careful when you start a mystery series that is this good, you will have no time left for anything else.
February 14, 2012
There are already over 300 reviews of this book, so I'm not taking the time to add much to the story. It's a continuation of the story in the previous two books starring Paul Madriani and Harry Hinds the dynamic legal duo, as they alternately run from and chase down Liquida, the Mexican executioner.
This is a page-turning, engaging thriller. For that it gets 3 stars. I like this author's style, but this one did strain credibility to the boundaries and beyond. I'm sure Madriani and Hinds have learned a lot about the seamier side of crime in their years as lawyers representing criminals, but unless they've absorbed all their knowledge of the underworld through osmosis there is no way they should have survived all of these extreme adventures.
Additionally, much of the plot seems designed to showcase different countries and the author's knowledge of them, and a few of the characters seemed to have been made a part of the globe trotting team just to add them to the scenes. Still, it kept my attention and, unlike those bestseller list authors who now phone it in and who I won't read again, I will continue to pick up Steve Martini's books and look forward to a romp through a fast-paced thriller.
This is a page-turning, engaging thriller. For that it gets 3 stars. I like this author's style, but this one did strain credibility to the boundaries and beyond. I'm sure Madriani and Hinds have learned a lot about the seamier side of crime in their years as lawyers representing criminals, but unless they've absorbed all their knowledge of the underworld through osmosis there is no way they should have survived all of these extreme adventures.
Additionally, much of the plot seems designed to showcase different countries and the author's knowledge of them, and a few of the characters seemed to have been made a part of the globe trotting team just to add them to the scenes. Still, it kept my attention and, unlike those bestseller list authors who now phone it in and who I won't read again, I will continue to pick up Steve Martini's books and look forward to a romp through a fast-paced thriller.
August 15, 2014
Upon reading this book a second time, I have a completely different take. Steve Martini is a good writer, but the subject matter in this one defies all logic and reason. Now Paul Madriani and Harry Hinds, who are LAWYERS, decide to take it upon themselves to chase after their old nemesis Liquida and hunt down a secret terrorist plot to steal a NASA project that aims to control asteroids. Oh my god. It's silly beyond belief. For one thing, there is absolutely no credible reason why two lawyers would abandon their practice and turn amateur private eye, doing things that even the government agencies can't do. And then for this Thor Project to be about harnessing asteroids in outer space? And of course, once again the terrorists' hideaway is in the jungles of Mexico. I also didn't like the way Martini makes the women of the book - Paul's daughter Sarah and his girlfriend Joselyn - act in silly, stereotypical "female" ways. And of course, he still makes his feelings about liberals known, although he's more subtle than some authors. This is the last Martini book I own, and I won't be buying any more.
August 24, 2023
I am actually very intrigued as to why this author all of a sudden changed writing styles. This author is known for legal thrillers, which have all been really good. But the last 3 books have been more of an actual thriller type than legal. I have to say, unlike a lot of Martini fans, I really enjoyed this book!
I loved the action. I have always liked the characters.
I am happy the Liquida character is dead. Although, I would have liked either Sarah or Paul to have been the cause of the end of this madman instead of a reptile.
I think the best way to stay relevant as a writer is keep readers interested. And sometimes an author has to bring attention to themselves some how,some way. Some of them kill off a main character, like Elizabeth George, or some of them take a chance and change their style, like Martini. It’s a gutsy risk but if it works, it will make a huge difference in the reputation of the writer, gain more fans and hopefully more cash.
Kudos to you Steve Martini, well done!
I loved the action. I have always liked the characters.
I am happy the Liquida character is dead. Although, I would have liked either Sarah or Paul to have been the cause of the end of this madman instead of a reptile.
I think the best way to stay relevant as a writer is keep readers interested. And sometimes an author has to bring attention to themselves some how,some way. Some of them kill off a main character, like Elizabeth George, or some of them take a chance and change their style, like Martini. It’s a gutsy risk but if it works, it will make a huge difference in the reputation of the writer, gain more fans and hopefully more cash.
Kudos to you Steve Martini, well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2011
Martini’s latest is an absolute continuation of “Rule Of Nine”, itself a continuation of sorts of “Guardian Of Lies”. Despite being billed as the 12th in the Defense Attorney Paul Madriani series, probably Martini’s most popular stories, like “Rule”, “Trader” isn’t a legal thriller at all. Rather, the same characters as in “Rule” are still chasing the Mexican villain Liquida all over the world, from Thailand to Paris to Mexico, following miniscule clues, in an effort to keep daughter Sarah, cooped up in a safe house, from harm. The protagonists have absolutely no more skills to do so than us readers, which seems a silly premise for what is now a three-book tale.
Martini has long been in our second tier of authors. While we read each new entry, hoping for a recurrence of some of his early terrific novels, these international terror thrillers of late, or whatever they are, are generally totally unrealistic and somewhat boring. Unless the author gets back to what he’s good at, we’re done.
Martini has long been in our second tier of authors. While we read each new entry, hoping for a recurrence of some of his early terrific novels, these international terror thrillers of late, or whatever they are, are generally totally unrealistic and somewhat boring. Unless the author gets back to what he’s good at, we’re done.
September 1, 2021
Far fetched story - very unbelievable. I have enjoyed other Steve Martini books but not this one.
May 22, 2011
I won an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Goodreads' free giveaway program: thank you very much!
Steve Martini confirms himself as master storyteller in this book. Paul Madriani is one of the best characters of fiction out there. In his new adventure, readers are not going to see him in the courtroom... In fact, after his close encounter with the elusive Mexican contract-killer Liquida at the end of the last book, Madriani is now being protected by the FBI. Liquida wants to kill him and there is no safe place for Paul to hide. However, it seems like the FBI is taking its sweet time finding Liquida, and Madriani is getting more and more antsy to go back to his old life and his practice back in sunny California. So, he decides to take matters into his own hands, starts his own investigation and pretty soon, following many clues and his superior intellect, he is able to find out where Liquida could be headed next. And so begins a game of cat and mouse where - for once! - Liquida is the one who's been closely stalked throughout many countries and continents. After many twists and turns, not only Paul manages to get face to face with Liquida, but he and his friends end up uncovering a potentially explosive secret that could very well be the most dangerous thing ever happening to human kind.
Narrated with a spot-on style that kept me turning pages, this new novel featuring Madriani is a real powerhouse. I couldn't put it down. This is Martini at the top of his game.
To Goodreads, as always and more than ever, thank you: I am truly grateful. =)
Steve Martini confirms himself as master storyteller in this book. Paul Madriani is one of the best characters of fiction out there. In his new adventure, readers are not going to see him in the courtroom... In fact, after his close encounter with the elusive Mexican contract-killer Liquida at the end of the last book, Madriani is now being protected by the FBI. Liquida wants to kill him and there is no safe place for Paul to hide. However, it seems like the FBI is taking its sweet time finding Liquida, and Madriani is getting more and more antsy to go back to his old life and his practice back in sunny California. So, he decides to take matters into his own hands, starts his own investigation and pretty soon, following many clues and his superior intellect, he is able to find out where Liquida could be headed next. And so begins a game of cat and mouse where - for once! - Liquida is the one who's been closely stalked throughout many countries and continents. After many twists and turns, not only Paul manages to get face to face with Liquida, but he and his friends end up uncovering a potentially explosive secret that could very well be the most dangerous thing ever happening to human kind.
Narrated with a spot-on style that kept me turning pages, this new novel featuring Madriani is a real powerhouse. I couldn't put it down. This is Martini at the top of his game.
To Goodreads, as always and more than ever, thank you: I am truly grateful. =)
September 15, 2011
From ReadingWithMo: http://www.readingwithmo.com/2011/07/...
The story picks up only a few hours after the events in the last Madriani novel, The Rule of Nine, left off. Paul is being questioned by the authorities and investigator Herman Diggs is fighting for his life. Liquida learns the location of Paul's daughter and everyone rushes to save her. But is that all that Liquida is up to?
I have read many fast action thrillers, but I have to say, this may be one of the fastest I have come across. Being new to the series, I was a little lost for a few chapters, but that was ok. I was able to pick up enough to figure out who the good guys were and who the bad guy was. I found myself drawn into the characters without even realizing quite how they related to each other.
The narrative switches between third person past tense and first person present tense, the latter being used solely for the main character, Paul Madriani. I believe Martini is using the present tense to make the action pop a bit more, however, I found it distracting. I was able to move on and read and enjoy the book. But each transition to the present tense gave me enough pause to be distracting.
I enjoyed the plot and the considerable globe-hopping that took place throughout the book. I had no idea where I would end up next. The ending of the novel was my favorite part. I am not going to give you any spoilers, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised at how things worked out for Liquida. Martini gives us a strong resolution with just a bit of comedy. Perfect.
The story picks up only a few hours after the events in the last Madriani novel, The Rule of Nine, left off. Paul is being questioned by the authorities and investigator Herman Diggs is fighting for his life. Liquida learns the location of Paul's daughter and everyone rushes to save her. But is that all that Liquida is up to?
I have read many fast action thrillers, but I have to say, this may be one of the fastest I have come across. Being new to the series, I was a little lost for a few chapters, but that was ok. I was able to pick up enough to figure out who the good guys were and who the bad guy was. I found myself drawn into the characters without even realizing quite how they related to each other.
The narrative switches between third person past tense and first person present tense, the latter being used solely for the main character, Paul Madriani. I believe Martini is using the present tense to make the action pop a bit more, however, I found it distracting. I was able to move on and read and enjoy the book. But each transition to the present tense gave me enough pause to be distracting.
I enjoyed the plot and the considerable globe-hopping that took place throughout the book. I had no idea where I would end up next. The ending of the novel was my favorite part. I am not going to give you any spoilers, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised at how things worked out for Liquida. Martini gives us a strong resolution with just a bit of comedy. Perfect.
June 13, 2011
I hadn't read any of Steve Martini's earlier novels, but it wasn't necessary to be familiar with his lead characters or to their previous escapades to fully immerse myself in his latest work, Trader of Secrets.
Trader of Secrets opens deep into the action. Madriani's private investigator and "muscle" has been attacked and is in critical care. His daughter is in hiding on a doberman training farm and Hinds is assigned to watch over her for her protection. When Sarah is attacked, the lawyers become even more invested in finding the deadly killer Liquida. Though amateurs - Madriani, Jocelyn Cole, and Henry Hinds - through skill, perseverance, and luck followed the notorious killer Liquida. Madriani dive into dangerous situations knowing that they lose whether they chase after Liquida or not. Their law practice has stopped and their clients are likely to report them for having abandoned their cases. Madriani and his partners are waiting for Liquida to be captured or to find them, and each day causes further damage to their old lives, their professional lives.
Deeply motivated and unusually skilled - Madriani and his friends take on one of the most dangerous and skilled killers. If you are partial to the old fashioned spy novels with trade craft, you're likely to particularly enjoy Trader of Secrets.
ISBN-10: 0061930237 - Hardcover
Publisher: William Morrow (May 31, 2011), 400 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Trader of Secrets opens deep into the action. Madriani's private investigator and "muscle" has been attacked and is in critical care. His daughter is in hiding on a doberman training farm and Hinds is assigned to watch over her for her protection. When Sarah is attacked, the lawyers become even more invested in finding the deadly killer Liquida. Though amateurs - Madriani, Jocelyn Cole, and Henry Hinds - through skill, perseverance, and luck followed the notorious killer Liquida. Madriani dive into dangerous situations knowing that they lose whether they chase after Liquida or not. Their law practice has stopped and their clients are likely to report them for having abandoned their cases. Madriani and his partners are waiting for Liquida to be captured or to find them, and each day causes further damage to their old lives, their professional lives.
Deeply motivated and unusually skilled - Madriani and his friends take on one of the most dangerous and skilled killers. If you are partial to the old fashioned spy novels with trade craft, you're likely to particularly enjoy Trader of Secrets.
ISBN-10: 0061930237 - Hardcover
Publisher: William Morrow (May 31, 2011), 400 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
January 29, 2012
Madriani and his complaining girlfriend throw themselves into unnecessary danger in different locals across the globe. But what else can lawyers without a practice do or lawyers that can no longer practice for fear Liquida, the assassin, will come for them in the night. I think the premise of steering your favorite asteroid to use it as an incoming missile against your enemies is a bit far fetched although no doubt there would be idiots that would spend a billion or more of the tax payers money to try. Of course, there is a sell out scientist (as the smart people are never the ones that actually get paid-that's just for the meatheads), an Israeli hit team and the FBI that are so lost on their own that they need to follow the lawyers' lead. And don't forget the girl with the attack dog without which no story would be complete. Despite the story being a bit cliche it was an easy read and entertaining enough to keep the reader's attention for the most part.
I think Martini should try to depart from the safe formula and try a more unpredictable and original path. Take some chances Steve. Try something risky. Something that will make your publisher uncomfortable. You know Brad Meltzer had a different idea for ten years that his publisher wouldn't allow him to run with and Book of Lies ended up being his best novel to date. Don't be afraid to do something different or take your characters into uncharted waters.
I think Martini should try to depart from the safe formula and try a more unpredictable and original path. Take some chances Steve. Try something risky. Something that will make your publisher uncomfortable. You know Brad Meltzer had a different idea for ten years that his publisher wouldn't allow him to run with and Book of Lies ended up being his best novel to date. Don't be afraid to do something different or take your characters into uncharted waters.
August 24, 2011
This was a great end to a fantastic, exciting, and very suspenseful trilogy. You won’t be sorry by the time you’re finished, even if you haven’t read the other two books this great author gets you up to speed with the story quickly and completely as he does in all of his series works. You can count on Martini to not bore you with all the details and events that have lead up to the book you are reading as some do but get you up to speed and feeling like you’ve read all the books prior that is one of the things I like about him and one of the many things that make him one of the best authors of our time. This book won’t let you down if you are a fan of previous books from Martini and if this is the first you pick up I promise you that you will be headed to the book store when you’re done to pick up all of his other works. So with that I do recommend this book and I don’t do that lightly because I wouldn’t want someone to half heartedly recommend a book to me only to find I’ve then wasted my time nor do I hand out a four star rating to quick which is what I gave this book. I also feel that a five star is reserved for a book that is extraordinary and have only passed out a couple of those so I consider this book a four star which is usually my highest rating and I recommend you read it.
September 21, 2011
Defense attorney Paul Madriani is embroiled in a case that involves an angry Mexican killer, Liquida, who will stop at nothing short of vengeance, and two missing NASA scientists who are holding secrets that a hostile government desperately wants to purchase—in blood if they must.
Madriani's daughter, Sarah, has evaded the man known as Liquida, who has stalked her all the way across the country. For her own safety, she is being kept under armed guard on a farm in Ohio.
Meanwhile in California, two men in a parked car argue over millions in cash that could be slipping through their fingers and a scheme involving government technology for sale that could rock the world. Paul Madriani, his companion Joselyn Cole, his PI friend Herman Diggs and his longtime law partner, Harry Hinds, track Liquida, not knowing that their quest will carry them deep into the vortex of international terror. It is a journey that will lead them toward a bizarre and cruel twist of nature—and the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. From the nation's capital to California, from Bangkok to Paris and the jungles of Mexico, Madriani and his party race against time to find Liquida and the scientist who is the "trader of secrets" before he can unleash the weapon that could set the world ablaze.
I liked it. It's fast paced and exciting.
Madriani's daughter, Sarah, has evaded the man known as Liquida, who has stalked her all the way across the country. For her own safety, she is being kept under armed guard on a farm in Ohio.
Meanwhile in California, two men in a parked car argue over millions in cash that could be slipping through their fingers and a scheme involving government technology for sale that could rock the world. Paul Madriani, his companion Joselyn Cole, his PI friend Herman Diggs and his longtime law partner, Harry Hinds, track Liquida, not knowing that their quest will carry them deep into the vortex of international terror. It is a journey that will lead them toward a bizarre and cruel twist of nature—and the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. From the nation's capital to California, from Bangkok to Paris and the jungles of Mexico, Madriani and his party race against time to find Liquida and the scientist who is the "trader of secrets" before he can unleash the weapon that could set the world ablaze.
I liked it. It's fast paced and exciting.
May 25, 2011
Really good read! Couldn't put it down. I won this copy as a First Reads giveaway, so thank you! This is my first Madrini book (and now not my last), but enough background information is given that I didn't feel like I walked into the movie halfway through. The background was woven in fairly seemlessly - enough so that its presence wouldn't annoy someone who read the others.
I like how Martini alternates point of view, so that the reader sees the various factions crossing paths unwittingly - adds a nice dose of dramatic irony. At the same time, he withholds enough information until the last minute to keep the suspense building as well. Madrini's voice in the first person sections reads like gravel - this is a compliment. I felt like I could hear the character speaking.
I admit that I had to go back and reread a few of the technical sections to make sure I had all the pieces in place. That being said, I did enjoy the technical aspects of the plot immensely - extremely creative and original, yet plausible at the same time. These are the kind of plot ideas and twists that every writer envies!
I like how Martini alternates point of view, so that the reader sees the various factions crossing paths unwittingly - adds a nice dose of dramatic irony. At the same time, he withholds enough information until the last minute to keep the suspense building as well. Madrini's voice in the first person sections reads like gravel - this is a compliment. I felt like I could hear the character speaking.
I admit that I had to go back and reread a few of the technical sections to make sure I had all the pieces in place. That being said, I did enjoy the technical aspects of the plot immensely - extremely creative and original, yet plausible at the same time. These are the kind of plot ideas and twists that every writer envies!
January 11, 2020
Audiobook read by Dan Woren. 3 stars. The third in the trilogy, of sorts, that starts with Guardian of Lies and The Rule of Nine. This book is better than Rule of Nine, but not as enjoyable as the first one. I couldn’t get interested in the technical side of the story; there was nothing drawing me in. And by the end of the book, I didn’t really care that much what happened to everybody.
There was one part that was not believable (no spoilers), when a civilian (a regular person like most of us) engages in extremely violent activities without flinching. It’s out of character and ridiculous, which made me just want to stop reading.
Don Woren’s narration is livelier in this book than the previous novel. He does a good job telling the story.
There was one part that was not believable (no spoilers), when a civilian (a regular person like most of us) engages in extremely violent activities without flinching. It’s out of character and ridiculous, which made me just want to stop reading.
Don Woren’s narration is livelier in this book than the previous novel. He does a good job telling the story.
May 22, 2011
Book received thru Goodreads giveaway program. This is my first book by Steve Martini so I hadn't read any of the other books in the series. When I first started reading I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow the story because this book picks up on events that ended in the prior book. I think reading the prior books in the series would have given me a better understanding of the characters background but that didn't keep me from enjoying the story. This book begins as a page turner and never slows down. It is an edge of your seat thriller with NASA scientists stealing national secrets and offering to sell them to a hostile government. Give this book a try you won't be sorry.
February 21, 2012
Incredible! Unbelievable! Trouble is, I use these words in the literal sense, meaning "not credible" and "not believable". In this book, the third in a three-book run, Martini continues to shift his focus from the courtroom to the world of international espionage. The story line is right out of a B-movie script: A pair of small-time lawyers manage to outwit a network of foreign evil-doers, while making fools out of the intelligence pros at the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc., etc. I do, however, look forward to the next installment: It will be interesting to see if Martini can regain his chops as a true craftsman of the legal thriller.
July 8, 2011
This is the sequel to 'The Rule of Nine'. I liked this story, it was fast paced and interesting having Herman Diggs, Sarah, Harry, Joselyn, & Paul Madriani all involved and it was hard to put down. Now, hopefully Madriani can get back in the court room where he belongs. Madriani is a lawyer not a spy or terrorist tracker. Steve Martini writes great court room drama and I like that better than the far out tales of improbable events.
January 28, 2015
I am a fan of Martini however this book was not a legal thriller but more like FBI and lawyers taking upon themselves to chase villain Liquida all over the world and hunt down a secret terrorist plot to steal a NASA project that aims to control asteroids. This was a very far fetched story. I was very disappointed with this read and would have given one star but as I have enjoyed his other novels I settled with two stars.
June 2, 2013
Thank you Goodreads First Reads for this free book I won through your giveaway. It was an entertaining read. Some parts were very fast paced and others were not; though it had plenty of action scenes. Would make an awesome movie. My rating 3-1/2 stars.
May 8, 2013
Good thriller, a continuation of "The Rule of Nine", concerning the demise of Liquida. Lots of fast-paced action with little thought given to logic or reality, but a fun read. Recommended to lovers of action packed thrillers.
November 29, 2014
Unrealistic and a very boring plot. Some of the things people did were just plain stupid considering they were supposed to be being hunted by a hit man. Not going to bother with another one of these Steve M books
June 2, 2014
This was mostly a lackluster effort with predictable outcomes in much of this story. Weak chases against a so-called superior adversary who somehow manages to get chomped. 4 of 10 stars
November 25, 2019
Thank you Goodreads. Thank you for reminding me that I never actually finished listening to the last few paragraphs of Mexecutioner #3. I'm so glad that you have given me the opportunity to finish off this mess.
Coming back to the book after a month or two of forgetting that it existed at all has erased any redeeming qualities it might have contained from my memory. It could be argued that reviewing a book after forgetting most of it isn't a fair way to go about things, but I don't care, Mexecutioner #3 doesn't deserve due diligence.
As far as I can remember, Trader of Secrets was like this:
The premise was silly, 1960's Bond film silly, but with a dash of Dan Brown. All the characters faded into the wallpaper like ghosts except for the political agenda. The political agenda was the most important character, and the most memorable character.
I remember this one scene where the political agenda put on its tightest pair of American-blood-red hotpants, broke into the nightclub at 8am on a Tuesday, went out onto the empty dance floor, and then bootydanced enthusiastically all by itself for ten hours of audiobook. Literary gold, let me tell ya...
Coming back to the book after a month or two of forgetting that it existed at all has erased any redeeming qualities it might have contained from my memory. It could be argued that reviewing a book after forgetting most of it isn't a fair way to go about things, but I don't care, Mexecutioner #3 doesn't deserve due diligence.
As far as I can remember, Trader of Secrets was like this:
The premise was silly, 1960's Bond film silly, but with a dash of Dan Brown. All the characters faded into the wallpaper like ghosts except for the political agenda. The political agenda was the most important character, and the most memorable character.
I remember this one scene where the political agenda put on its tightest pair of American-blood-red hotpants, broke into the nightclub at 8am on a Tuesday, went out onto the empty dance floor, and then bootydanced enthusiastically all by itself for ten hours of audiobook. Literary gold, let me tell ya...
December 21, 2020
Lawrence Leffort, scientist with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, and Raji Fareed, computer programmer, NASA, have been working for quite a few years together on the NASA Thor Projec. They become dissatisfied with NASA and decide to sell the project programming to the highest bidder. They just managed to escape the attention of their superiors before being subjected to interrogation.
Paul Madriani, Harry Hinds, and Joselyn are law partners and after a man going by the name Liquida, who is Mexican assassin for hire attempts to murder Sarah Madriani, Paul's daughter, the three of them decide to hunt down the killer before he can succeed in his next attempt. The FBI became involved after the NSA and White House put out an alert to find the two missing NASA men, so they decide to protect Sarah and use the law partners as bait to track down Liquida, whom they believe is involved in the plot to sell the Thor information. While the three track Liquida to Thailand, Paris, and then Mexico, they will soon find out how desperate the situation is.
Paul Madriani, Harry Hinds, and Joselyn are law partners and after a man going by the name Liquida, who is Mexican assassin for hire attempts to murder Sarah Madriani, Paul's daughter, the three of them decide to hunt down the killer before he can succeed in his next attempt. The FBI became involved after the NSA and White House put out an alert to find the two missing NASA men, so they decide to protect Sarah and use the law partners as bait to track down Liquida, whom they believe is involved in the plot to sell the Thor information. While the three track Liquida to Thailand, Paris, and then Mexico, they will soon find out how desperate the situation is.
August 29, 2018
Very good book with spies, stolen weapons of mass destruction, an assassin, and enough political corruption to fill the Grand Canyon. Paul, Harry, and Paul’s lady friend, Joselyn, are on the hunt for Liquida, after he badly injured Herman Diggs in the last book. But Liquida is intent on killing Paul’s daughter, Sarah, then going after Paul, but his attention is temporarily diverted by another mission.
Meanwhile, the White House, the NSA, and the CIA are trying to find the spies and stop the them from turning the weapon against the U.S., while covering their asses at the same time and blaming the FBI for the problems while keeping the Bureau in the dark about what has been stolen.
Will Paul and Sarah survive Liquida’s attempts to find and kill them? Will the FBI find the spies and recover the programs that control the weapons before they can be used against the U.S.?
Meanwhile, the White House, the NSA, and the CIA are trying to find the spies and stop the them from turning the weapon against the U.S., while covering their asses at the same time and blaming the FBI for the problems while keeping the Bureau in the dark about what has been stolen.
Will Paul and Sarah survive Liquida’s attempts to find and kill them? Will the FBI find the spies and recover the programs that control the weapons before they can be used against the U.S.?
December 30, 2024
I loved this book, although the main character Paul wasn't in the courtroom at all due to being chased and pursuing a man that tried to kill his PI and now has sights on his daughter. Why Paul, his partner Harry and his very annoying girlfriend decided to chase this killer is plausible but thin. However, Paul's story takes a backseat pretty much to the killer and his daughter Sarah's point of view. Honestly towards the end it was clear Martini had trouble fitting Paul back into the story, even still a fast-paced book that is not boring in any way! Although for a longish book the ending was a tad abrupt with the reader wanting a bit more closure.
It should be noted I am not reading these books in order; however, I am really enjoying Martini's writing style and very happy I have found his books.
It should be noted I am not reading these books in order; however, I am really enjoying Martini's writing style and very happy I have found his books.
September 2, 2019
Like the last previous books, he is going way too far. I think it’s officially Scooby Doo and mystery Incorporated. Now his daughters involved so we have Velma and Daphne, they got Bugsy which is Scooby Doo. Now just got to see between hairy and Paul which one is shaggy and which one is Fred Jones. Fred Jones would be giving them too much credit. One of my main characters I enjoy is Herman. They just go running around the world and falling on solving the problem. As I said before on previous books, I would not be so harsh if it wasn’t for the author trying to justify the seriousness of certain parts of the book. If you do that, then do not make it so unbelievable on the majority of the book.
May 20, 2025
This was a barn burner and almost too much in the way of governmental overreach in the race for space domination, not to mention a few murders. Paul Madriani, a lawyer, and his daughter, and assorted friends and/or so,get wound up trying to find someone hired to kill them, and into a mess of international travel, safe houses, and CIA and FBI agents, not to mention CIA and FBI and White House folks trying to protect a secret weapon system in outerspace and an all-out warlike gun fight! I almost quit but saw it through to a satisfying ending. I hadn't read Martini for a long time (20 years+ probably) and thought I'd try again. Probably won't go looking for ay more very soon. But the author crafted a good story and the scientific parts were easy enough to understand.
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