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No Safe Place
Shortly before September 11, 2001, Joe Biden warned, "The question is not if we will be attacked by terrorists, but rather when and where." In the pages of No Safe Place, terrorism has come to America once again. Sleeper agents for a radical Islamic terrorist group that calls itself Ansar Inshallah have managed to blend into American society and go undetected - until now. As Ansar Inshallah's sleeper cells awaken, Americans discover that appearances can be deceiving and the people around them may not be who they seem. Homeland Security Counter-Terrorism Division agent John Anderson and his field partner, Agent Erin Walker of the FBI, are racing against the clock to uncover and bring down Ansar Inshallah. But how do you fight a war when your enemy is hidden among you?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2011
19 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Wilmering
1 book3 followersTaylor Wilmering holds a Bachelor's degree in International & Cultural Studies, with a focus on the Middle East, and a minor in Sociology/Criminology.
When she isn't seated in front of the computer working out the details of another creative-writing plot, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, camping, hiking, pistol target shooting, traveling (nationally and internationally), and spending time with her friends, family, and pets (two cats and a dog).
She has been an avid writer since childhood. Now she writes political thrillers, medical drama, and Christian fiction.
You can stay up to date on her works-in-progress by visiting her website at www.taylorwilmering.wix.com/tnwbooks.
When she isn't seated in front of the computer working out the details of another creative-writing plot, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, camping, hiking, pistol target shooting, traveling (nationally and internationally), and spending time with her friends, family, and pets (two cats and a dog).
She has been an avid writer since childhood. Now she writes political thrillers, medical drama, and Christian fiction.
You can stay up to date on her works-in-progress by visiting her website at www.taylorwilmering.wix.com/tnwbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 19, 2012
This story was disturbing and really bothered me. That said, I couldn't put the book down. The author did a great job of grabbing and holding my attention from the first page to the last page.
December 18, 2020
No Safe Place by Taylor Wilmering is mesmerizing as this fictional story feels a step away from reality. A radical Islamic terrorist group has slipped through the borders and years later the sleeper agents begin to wake up. There really is no safe place as the fundamental foundations of our society are targeted. Our children is caught in their cross-hairs, their innocence has been shaken. Even more devastating is the idea that the leader of Ansar Inshallah could be in our country now and recruiting more.
Reading about terrorists in our lands is both terrifying and intriguing when the author shows how easily they can sneak in. Taylor Wilmering keeps your interest with No Safe Place as special agents John Anderson and Eric Walker gradually shift through carnage to find the seed of corruption. This book is compelling as enemies are popping up where you least expect them. How often can the agents face off with them before they too become a victim?
Reading about terrorists in our lands is both terrifying and intriguing when the author shows how easily they can sneak in. Taylor Wilmering keeps your interest with No Safe Place as special agents John Anderson and Eric Walker gradually shift through carnage to find the seed of corruption. This book is compelling as enemies are popping up where you least expect them. How often can the agents face off with them before they too become a victim?
November 16, 2019
The basic premise of this book is that in the US a large number of fanatics of mainly Iraqi origin have taken refuge in the US, but have taken up the role of sleeper agents to immerse themselves in American life, later to emerge as terrorists and get revenge for various acts the US has imposed on Iraq. That scenario is sufficiently realistic for fiction. The story revolves around the first such piece of terrorism and the response by US agents, and in particular two main ones and about three slightly lesser ones (in terms of "story-following", not in terms of skill or position). The situations are quite plausible. One reviewer questioned that in a school attack the terrorists did not guard the entrances. Fire regulations mean that large schools have many entrances so the terrorists luring the pupils into the assembly hall is quite a sensible approach. The author has taken the trouble to get a number of details into the book: some Arabic greetings and how Iraqi refugees might behave; the terrorist armaments and a realistic source for how they got them is given. The terrorism scenes are described realistically and with one exception, the action scenes are quite plausible. The characters are reasonably well-described, and given that the author is quite young, this is an excellent start.
The negatives. The writing style at times reflects the author's youth and includes things that the author thinks you need to know (probably based on writing advice that is not appropriate at the time). A mercenary on a suicide mission? Really? Descriptions in action scenes need to be strictly limited to the need of the reader to follow the action; anything else slows the pace. After action scenes, yes, bringing the tension down is great, but it is important not to simply add irrelevancies and in some ways these "down" scenes are the hardest to write, so while the author has the right idea, with more experience these would be written differently. Wilmering lets herself down in the final scene. If you have a prepared ambush, professionals will have a plan on how to execute it. I don't want to spoil, but this scene really is indifferent. It has been done like this, no doubt, to create a "high point", but it would have been much better to do something else. As an aside, in a gunfight you don't stop to tend to the wounded; you do that after the enemy is neutralised or you are all dead because the enemy do not conveniently stop. These negatives, however, are minor irritants. The story reads quite well and kept me interested even if the end was a little disappointing.
The negatives. The writing style at times reflects the author's youth and includes things that the author thinks you need to know (probably based on writing advice that is not appropriate at the time). A mercenary on a suicide mission? Really? Descriptions in action scenes need to be strictly limited to the need of the reader to follow the action; anything else slows the pace. After action scenes, yes, bringing the tension down is great, but it is important not to simply add irrelevancies and in some ways these "down" scenes are the hardest to write, so while the author has the right idea, with more experience these would be written differently. Wilmering lets herself down in the final scene. If you have a prepared ambush, professionals will have a plan on how to execute it. I don't want to spoil, but this scene really is indifferent. It has been done like this, no doubt, to create a "high point", but it would have been much better to do something else. As an aside, in a gunfight you don't stop to tend to the wounded; you do that after the enemy is neutralised or you are all dead because the enemy do not conveniently stop. These negatives, however, are minor irritants. The story reads quite well and kept me interested even if the end was a little disappointing.
November 15, 2019
I hate the phrase “Ripped From today’s headlines.” Yet, I can’t think of a better description for this book. As I was reading, another unfortunate school shooting actually took place. I found myself conflating the fictional narrative with the actual events covered in the news. I had to work hard to distinguish between the novel and the reality of the news event.
There are a couple of (in retrospect minor) faux pas concerning firearms in the first few chapters that put me off. But as I continued to read, I found the author was fairly well familiar with firearms and law enforcement procedures.
The author writes about middle eastern beliefs, views, and philosophy with what seem to me an unusual authority and accuracy. She was also remarkably detailed and accurate in her depiction of LEO procedurals. Early on, an FBI agent leaves a wounded high school student to continue searching for the shooter. I was prepared to heavily ding her for such an improbable scenario. Then I checked with some LEO acquaintances who told me that this it is indeed considered current best practice.
This is a timely tale, that ends with a hopeful, though not complete, ending. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I think the author might better use her talents to write non-fiction explanations of what America if facing.
I originally had this as a 4 star review. As I read my own review, I changed it to 5 stars. This book is worth taking the time to read, and think about.
There are a couple of (in retrospect minor) faux pas concerning firearms in the first few chapters that put me off. But as I continued to read, I found the author was fairly well familiar with firearms and law enforcement procedures.
The author writes about middle eastern beliefs, views, and philosophy with what seem to me an unusual authority and accuracy. She was also remarkably detailed and accurate in her depiction of LEO procedurals. Early on, an FBI agent leaves a wounded high school student to continue searching for the shooter. I was prepared to heavily ding her for such an improbable scenario. Then I checked with some LEO acquaintances who told me that this it is indeed considered current best practice.
This is a timely tale, that ends with a hopeful, though not complete, ending. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I think the author might better use her talents to write non-fiction explanations of what America if facing.
I originally had this as a 4 star review. As I read my own review, I changed it to 5 stars. This book is worth taking the time to read, and think about.
July 7, 2013
This political action thriller is so close to the truth it’s scary.
John Anderson is part of a task force investigating a seemingly isolated incident of a school bombing, but instead of the disgruntled student, or a mentally ill discontent being the perpetrator, it’s one of their teachers, a Muslim extremist. He is part of a group intent on completely destroying this country.
As the drama unfolds, a bus is targeted, then the crowd forming around the bus incident. The same group claims responsibility in all three cases, and more assaults are planned.
Thus begins the race against time to discover the leader of this group and bring him to justice. This action-packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is hard to put down.
Although the group, Ansar Inshallah, is fictional, the groups intent on bringing America to its knees are not. We know who most of them are. We can name them. We know they cross into this country illegally through our southern border. Worse, we are doing little to stop them. We have good laws in most states that would seriously limit illegal aliens pouring over our borders, but we do not enforce them. We have retired military who would gladly help secure our borders, but we do not employ them.
In Chapter 22, Agent Jake Zieglar says, “The question isn’t if we will be attacked; it’s when and where it will happen.”
Read this book at the peril of your sense of safety. The title is true: There is no safe place.
John Anderson is part of a task force investigating a seemingly isolated incident of a school bombing, but instead of the disgruntled student, or a mentally ill discontent being the perpetrator, it’s one of their teachers, a Muslim extremist. He is part of a group intent on completely destroying this country.
As the drama unfolds, a bus is targeted, then the crowd forming around the bus incident. The same group claims responsibility in all three cases, and more assaults are planned.
Thus begins the race against time to discover the leader of this group and bring him to justice. This action-packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is hard to put down.
Although the group, Ansar Inshallah, is fictional, the groups intent on bringing America to its knees are not. We know who most of them are. We can name them. We know they cross into this country illegally through our southern border. Worse, we are doing little to stop them. We have good laws in most states that would seriously limit illegal aliens pouring over our borders, but we do not enforce them. We have retired military who would gladly help secure our borders, but we do not employ them.
In Chapter 22, Agent Jake Zieglar says, “The question isn’t if we will be attacked; it’s when and where it will happen.”
Read this book at the peril of your sense of safety. The title is true: There is no safe place.
January 2, 2021
A novel that highlights the nightmare of international terrorism with convincing, heart-stopping realism.
No Safe Place is a novel which chillingly describes international terror attacks which have occurred in Europe, moving to the U.S. on a grand scale where public places and schools are hit with devastating affect. Masterminded by a covert unlikely political refugee, the gruesome attacks are planned and executed with horrifying precision and deadly intent. Despite the sinister nature of the terrorists responsible, the author also manages to show that these people are still the minority of the Muslims and that most of them are innocent peaceful citizens, like most Americans. Because of her personal experience and training, the scenes are written with a highly convincing realism which is hypnotically absorbing. Despite the predictable nature of the plot, the sheer terror of the incidents and the very human nature of the special agents, combine in a spine-chilling manner to keep you turning the pages compulsively. Despite being highly entertaining, this novel also provides valuable background insights into one of the most serious menaces facing modern society in this era.
No Safe Place is a novel which chillingly describes international terror attacks which have occurred in Europe, moving to the U.S. on a grand scale where public places and schools are hit with devastating affect. Masterminded by a covert unlikely political refugee, the gruesome attacks are planned and executed with horrifying precision and deadly intent. Despite the sinister nature of the terrorists responsible, the author also manages to show that these people are still the minority of the Muslims and that most of them are innocent peaceful citizens, like most Americans. Because of her personal experience and training, the scenes are written with a highly convincing realism which is hypnotically absorbing. Despite the predictable nature of the plot, the sheer terror of the incidents and the very human nature of the special agents, combine in a spine-chilling manner to keep you turning the pages compulsively. Despite being highly entertaining, this novel also provides valuable background insights into one of the most serious menaces facing modern society in this era.
December 11, 2020
Author Taylor Wilmering published the novel “No Safe Place” in 2013. This is her first publication.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in the contemporary US. The main characters are Homeland Security Counter-Terrorism agent John Anderson and his field partner, Agent Erin Walker of the FBI.
Sleeper agents associated with the radical Islamic terrorist group Ansar Inshallah strike out. The locations are varied and the results dire. Anderson and Walker rush to find the leader of Ansar Inshallah and stop the killing. These terrorists are integrated into American society and few think of them as a threat.
I enjoyed the 3.5+ hours I spent reading this 178-page thriller. The novel is on the short side and reasonably good for a first publication. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in the contemporary US. The main characters are Homeland Security Counter-Terrorism agent John Anderson and his field partner, Agent Erin Walker of the FBI.
Sleeper agents associated with the radical Islamic terrorist group Ansar Inshallah strike out. The locations are varied and the results dire. Anderson and Walker rush to find the leader of Ansar Inshallah and stop the killing. These terrorists are integrated into American society and few think of them as a threat.
I enjoyed the 3.5+ hours I spent reading this 178-page thriller. The novel is on the short side and reasonably good for a first publication. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
January 18, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This story grabs your interest right from the beginning and doesn't end. It depicts what might happen through the use of sleeper cells that have been placed in the country earlier.
The 1st two attacks in school really raise your attention. The third attack of bombing using backpacks brings it home that your safety is something that you should not take for granted. The way that the task force was able to apprehend and stop the main character was well done. This piece of evidence was just a small smudged fingerprint on a marble.
You need to read this to get a real picture of what is occurring of another areas of thw world and wh actions are being taken by our Government to prevent it. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
This story grabs your interest right from the beginning and doesn't end. It depicts what might happen through the use of sleeper cells that have been placed in the country earlier.
The 1st two attacks in school really raise your attention. The third attack of bombing using backpacks brings it home that your safety is something that you should not take for granted. The way that the task force was able to apprehend and stop the main character was well done. This piece of evidence was just a small smudged fingerprint on a marble.
You need to read this to get a real picture of what is occurring of another areas of thw world and wh actions are being taken by our Government to prevent it. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
December 23, 2020
No Safe Place by Taylor Wilmering is an engaging novel that leads us to reflection. The author of this book shows us how vulnerable we are to terrorist attacks with a story told in a simple way .
It is a simple story and very well told. The narrative is organized and very neat, which makes it possible to follow the story without problems. It is noted that the author has done a prior research when writing the book since she has a lot of real data. This gives professionalism and accuracy to what Taylor has written. Although it is a fictional story, at times it really becomes terrifyingly real.
It is a compelling novel. I really liked it and I hope to continue reading this author's stories. She is an elite writer. I highly recommend this book.
It is a simple story and very well told. The narrative is organized and very neat, which makes it possible to follow the story without problems. It is noted that the author has done a prior research when writing the book since she has a lot of real data. This gives professionalism and accuracy to what Taylor has written. Although it is a fictional story, at times it really becomes terrifyingly real.
It is a compelling novel. I really liked it and I hope to continue reading this author's stories. She is an elite writer. I highly recommend this book.
December 23, 2020
No one to trust
“No Safe Place” written by Taylor Wilmering relates the story of two federal agents of the USA government who work in the Counterterrorism Unit. They fight day and night to discover and neutralize Ansar Inshallah, a group of islamic terrorists set in their own country and who have lived unnoticed so far. How can the protagonists find the terrorists if they are hidden among Americans?
This thrilling novel allowed me to understand some issues about terrorism and how it is deep-rooted in our society. This is a topic that intrigues me and makes me think how appearances can be deceiving.
This is the first book published by this author and she has proven to be respectful and knowledgeable in treating this complex topic. I really liked it.
“No Safe Place” written by Taylor Wilmering relates the story of two federal agents of the USA government who work in the Counterterrorism Unit. They fight day and night to discover and neutralize Ansar Inshallah, a group of islamic terrorists set in their own country and who have lived unnoticed so far. How can the protagonists find the terrorists if they are hidden among Americans?
This thrilling novel allowed me to understand some issues about terrorism and how it is deep-rooted in our society. This is a topic that intrigues me and makes me think how appearances can be deceiving.
This is the first book published by this author and she has proven to be respectful and knowledgeable in treating this complex topic. I really liked it.
December 24, 2020
No Safe Place tells the story of two federal agents against a terrorist group. I think the book talks about a problem that is very current and that we could actually be facing right now, the existence of terrorist sleeper cells among us. This really got me thinking that we can’t really trust anyone and that is a scary though. The book was well written and well thought out.
There is no doubt that Taylor Wilmeriing is an expert in Middle Eastern Studies as it is very apparent in the content of this book. I also loved that the writing of the author was engaging and full of details. It is rewarding to discover a new author of such inherent talent and I am looking forward to reading more books from her!
There is no doubt that Taylor Wilmeriing is an expert in Middle Eastern Studies as it is very apparent in the content of this book. I also loved that the writing of the author was engaging and full of details. It is rewarding to discover a new author of such inherent talent and I am looking forward to reading more books from her!
December 25, 2020
Great criminal and suspense story!
“No Safe Place” is a political terrorism thriller that tells a plausible story about a terrorist attack to a high school.
I found the story absorbing from the very first chapter. The author, called Taylor Wilmering, successfully creates suspense after she describes the setting and is able to maintain this feeling until the end of the book.
I particularly loved the way Wilmering describes the sounds heard by the school classmates. I believe that it was these unnerving descriptions that made me feel anxious and tense throughout the pages.
I sometimes felt that some events in the main story were not so well connected. However, I give this story four starts because I believe that it is a nice story to pass the time.
“No Safe Place” is a political terrorism thriller that tells a plausible story about a terrorist attack to a high school.
I found the story absorbing from the very first chapter. The author, called Taylor Wilmering, successfully creates suspense after she describes the setting and is able to maintain this feeling until the end of the book.
I particularly loved the way Wilmering describes the sounds heard by the school classmates. I believe that it was these unnerving descriptions that made me feel anxious and tense throughout the pages.
I sometimes felt that some events in the main story were not so well connected. However, I give this story four starts because I believe that it is a nice story to pass the time.
December 26, 2020
No
Safe Place is a captivating thriller about two American FBI officers, Erin and John, who have the daunting and risky task of bringing down an Islamic terrorist group. Taylor Wilmering, the writer, successfully described strong characters and action packed story lines that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it.
From my point of view, she dealt with the topic of terrorism in a cautious and respectuful way. A school shooting is a devastating event for all members of a community and she did a very good job to represent what this event means for the Americans. She adopted a serious tone, which I found really appealing. The style, the pace and setting are realistic. All in all, this is a worth reading thriller.
Safe Place is a captivating thriller about two American FBI officers, Erin and John, who have the daunting and risky task of bringing down an Islamic terrorist group. Taylor Wilmering, the writer, successfully described strong characters and action packed story lines that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it.
From my point of view, she dealt with the topic of terrorism in a cautious and respectuful way. A school shooting is a devastating event for all members of a community and she did a very good job to represent what this event means for the Americans. She adopted a serious tone, which I found really appealing. The style, the pace and setting are realistic. All in all, this is a worth reading thriller.
May 7, 2022
I enjoyed NO SAFE PLACE by Taylor Wilmering and was engaged from the very beginning. Terrorism may be part of everyday life in the Middle East, but here in America, when acts such as this occur, citizens panic and feel like there is no safe place.
FBI agents, John and Erin, try to uncover a terrorist group using "sleeper cells" that threaten to kill all Americans on their own soil. The FBI may not react the way they did in the story in real life, but using author liberties, I found this fictional account exciting and compelling. It is also scary and thought-provoking, as something like this is highly plausible and could be our headlines at any time.
I'd recommend this story to anyone seeking an exciting read.
FBI agents, John and Erin, try to uncover a terrorist group using "sleeper cells" that threaten to kill all Americans on their own soil. The FBI may not react the way they did in the story in real life, but using author liberties, I found this fictional account exciting and compelling. It is also scary and thought-provoking, as something like this is highly plausible and could be our headlines at any time.
I'd recommend this story to anyone seeking an exciting read.
December 22, 2020
The plot of “No Safe Place” is so well developed and the scenarios are so well described, that I was thrilled to think it may really happen. In this case, the fiction is so really close to reality that it really made my hair stand on end. I truly empathized with the characters in the story, and the idea that anyone can be a terrorist was really scary!
Author Taylor Wilmering created an exciting, gripping and action-packed book that kept me intrigued at every turn of page. And although it is a long length one and I could not read it at one time, it was difficult for me to put it down. Once I started reading, I wanted to know what will happen next.
Author Taylor Wilmering created an exciting, gripping and action-packed book that kept me intrigued at every turn of page. And although it is a long length one and I could not read it at one time, it was difficult for me to put it down. Once I started reading, I wanted to know what will happen next.
December 24, 2020
I really appreciate a good action book involving governments and homeland security, “No Safe Place” didn’t disappoint me. It was a very good read. It has the right paced, a very balance plot with very accurate development of the characters and also the situations that are generated by terrorism. You can tell the author is well informed about these topics. The storyline seems very real so it was very interesting to see the author’s choices in the narrative and how things were evolving.
All in all, I would recommend this book to those who like to read about terrorism, FBI agents and all that good stuff. I’ll be on the look for more work from Wilmering.
All in all, I would recommend this book to those who like to read about terrorism, FBI agents and all that good stuff. I’ll be on the look for more work from Wilmering.
December 5, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. 'No Safe Place' is a short novel that revolves around a terrorist group that is attacking America with no holds barred. It speaks to the question of why terrorists are not already attacking with greater ferocity than they are. Character development is sorely lacking. Very little attempt is made to describe the greater situation with the government and other agencies that would be part of the investigative process. The action is fast paced but I kept waiting for more detail.
December 15, 2019
A short, very quick read. The premise being what would happen if America was attacked from within by well-placed "sleeper agent" terrorists. Great idea for a book. Should be an excellent subject. Unfortunately, this effort is rather sloppily done. No character development to speak of. No real substance to any of the investigations. Too many coincidences occurring, what with the same couple of law enforcement agents taking the lead on every occurrence. Seemed more like a script for an hour long episode on the television. A missed opportunity.
December 8, 2019
This story takes place with terrorists attacking a school and then soon after another school. There are more attacks before they find the people behind it. This was about sleeper cells and how it could be most anyone. The story moves along well and how the different agencies working together were able to make a connection. Not a long read and the author has done some research to make the story as authentic as possible.
November 18, 2020
Terror is a serious and dangerous thing. The story is something that could happen, and as a scenario for a book is good but is written in a very naive way.
There is no way the terrorists would be so naive as to not guard the entrances in the school they seize. Mercenaries as suicidal bombs? That's a laugh!
And certainly I don't know any mother which will give her small child with a shore throat a popsicle!
I've read it's writer's first book, well she needs yet a lot of work.
There is no way the terrorists would be so naive as to not guard the entrances in the school they seize. Mercenaries as suicidal bombs? That's a laugh!
And certainly I don't know any mother which will give her small child with a shore throat a popsicle!
I've read it's writer's first book, well she needs yet a lot of work.
March 9, 2020
Though No Safe Place has a strong premise, I wasnt captivated by the characters. I wanted them to be more complex and layered. That strength and dimensionality of characters would have made the story more compelling. It was an entertaining though not riveting read.
I received my copy throughnetGalley under no obligation.
I received my copy throughnetGalley under no obligation.
August 15, 2012
Review:
I support all authors no matter what they write, because it takes a certain type of person to jot down ideas and make them into coherent and enjoyable stories. So when I received a request for first time author Taylor Wilmering's No Safe Place, I jumped at the chance to sample some new talent! I am a fan of law enforcement procedurals and political thrillers, (especially TV shows like 24 and Covert Affairs), and the book blurb was reminiscent of something you would expect Jack Bauer to tackle. When I began reading, I could immediately tell that Taylor had done her homework; the research she put into every chapter was well integrated into the suspenseful and action filled plot. I is not often that I come across such a detailed - yet short, (166 page) - book that manages to keep the reader "dodging bullets", while simultaneously offering likable and developed characters. I found myself imagining that I was working with John and Erin trying to track down sleeper cells of the Ansar Inshallah terrorist group, while also predicting their next move - always a favorite pastime. Although, I anticipated how some of the sequences were going to play out, I was quite surprised by some of the outcomes. The fact that the book is so realistic and timely adds a new dimension of fear and distrust into the chaos; particularly since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have raised awareness of the possibility of future breaches in national security. There was not much that I did not like about this book, but I noticed a few "mechanical" sets of dialogue, and some of the character detail was too nitty-gritty; these things could easily be fixed with a little more editing. I would love to see these characters in future novels, and hope to have the chance to review those as well! Kudos to Taylor Wilmering for such an in-depth and thrilling first novel! She definitely has a lot of promise, and her books can only get better with experience! Recommended to readers teen and up who enjoy their books fast-paced and edgy.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I support all authors no matter what they write, because it takes a certain type of person to jot down ideas and make them into coherent and enjoyable stories. So when I received a request for first time author Taylor Wilmering's No Safe Place, I jumped at the chance to sample some new talent! I am a fan of law enforcement procedurals and political thrillers, (especially TV shows like 24 and Covert Affairs), and the book blurb was reminiscent of something you would expect Jack Bauer to tackle. When I began reading, I could immediately tell that Taylor had done her homework; the research she put into every chapter was well integrated into the suspenseful and action filled plot. I is not often that I come across such a detailed - yet short, (166 page) - book that manages to keep the reader "dodging bullets", while simultaneously offering likable and developed characters. I found myself imagining that I was working with John and Erin trying to track down sleeper cells of the Ansar Inshallah terrorist group, while also predicting their next move - always a favorite pastime. Although, I anticipated how some of the sequences were going to play out, I was quite surprised by some of the outcomes. The fact that the book is so realistic and timely adds a new dimension of fear and distrust into the chaos; particularly since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have raised awareness of the possibility of future breaches in national security. There was not much that I did not like about this book, but I noticed a few "mechanical" sets of dialogue, and some of the character detail was too nitty-gritty; these things could easily be fixed with a little more editing. I would love to see these characters in future novels, and hope to have the chance to review those as well! Kudos to Taylor Wilmering for such an in-depth and thrilling first novel! She definitely has a lot of promise, and her books can only get better with experience! Recommended to readers teen and up who enjoy their books fast-paced and edgy.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 15, 2012
Taylor Wilmering’s debut novel tells us the tale of two federal officers, John (Homeland Security) and Erin (FBI), who are involved with each other and an investigation in to domestic terror attacks.
The story is one that should terrify everyone, because it truly is a method of attack that would instill panic far beyond that of 9/11. It is about people you see everyday, your neighbours, even your friends, who are not who you think they are.
The book is more police procedural than thriller and is told in linear format: attack, clean up, attack, clean up, problem solved. The Kindle Edition format is left-justified (which is better than a right-justified copy of another book I just tried to read), the dialog is a little forced, and the gun fight at the end was not particularly believable. There were also a couple of instances of continuity errors, where one or more characters seemed to know more than had been revealed to them.
The storyline is not ‘broken’ but I was a little unsatisfied when I got to the end.
I read the Kindle Edition (December 2011, 168p), which I downloaded for free during a promotion.
The story is one that should terrify everyone, because it truly is a method of attack that would instill panic far beyond that of 9/11. It is about people you see everyday, your neighbours, even your friends, who are not who you think they are.
The book is more police procedural than thriller and is told in linear format: attack, clean up, attack, clean up, problem solved. The Kindle Edition format is left-justified (which is better than a right-justified copy of another book I just tried to read), the dialog is a little forced, and the gun fight at the end was not particularly believable. There were also a couple of instances of continuity errors, where one or more characters seemed to know more than had been revealed to them.
The storyline is not ‘broken’ but I was a little unsatisfied when I got to the end.
I read the Kindle Edition (December 2011, 168p), which I downloaded for free during a promotion.
July 9, 2012
In her first published novel, author Taylor Wilmering is much better at telling a straightforward story than she is at editing out a tendancy towards overly descriptive language.That said, I was pleased with her ability to move the tale forward using what she really knows about and I felt that she created a very believable but frightening plot weaving together a number of incidents in which terrorism was directed towards Los Angeles.
A much better book near the end when there were fewer descriptors of actions such as meaningful glances and knowing nods, it gives me reason to look forward to future work by the author.
A much better book near the end when there were fewer descriptors of actions such as meaningful glances and knowing nods, it gives me reason to look forward to future work by the author.
July 2, 2016
After 9/11 the world unfortunately changed forever, and after 15 years we have come to accept that terrorism is part of the world's reality. This is a terrifying novel that shows how radical groups work using sleeper agents. In this book, the group called Ansar Inshallah has blended into society, and anybody could be one of its agents - your neighbor, the pharmacist, a teacher - and go undetected. John Anderson who works for Homeland Security and his partner, Agent Erin Walker of the FBI, have the daunting task of stopping the perpetrators of a series of deadly terrorist attacks. Nerve-racking and shocking.
March 14, 2012
Wow, wow, just wow. There should be more books like this, books that make you lose sleep because they are just. that. good.
I've graduated with a criminal justice degree, so I saw my response-to-crime class easily in this book. But class and learning and subject matter aside, the gritty realism of Taylor Wilmering's writing takes the mystery/thriller to a whole different level.
David Baldacci fans, I think you'll like this.
I've graduated with a criminal justice degree, so I saw my response-to-crime class easily in this book. But class and learning and subject matter aside, the gritty realism of Taylor Wilmering's writing takes the mystery/thriller to a whole different level.
David Baldacci fans, I think you'll like this.
May 22, 2013
I was really into the story up until the last scenes where the author invoked the smell of cordite. No. No. No.
Cordite hasn't been used in any modern firearm in 60 years. While you could still find cordite-based ammunition, you'd only use it in old British rifles, not modern military arms.
Cordite hasn't been used in any modern firearm in 60 years. While you could still find cordite-based ammunition, you'd only use it in old British rifles, not modern military arms.
June 2, 2013
I appreciate the action portions of this book, but the whole story seemed somewhat simplistic and not very realistic. I'm afraid that in real life, happy endings in these kinds of situations would be very unusual. I still rooted for the conclusion, though. I gave this one 3.8 stars.
January 10, 2012
This one is a page-turner. I read it in one day. Terrorists attack public places in America--schols, city buses, etc. I downloaded this one free on my new Kindle.
September 23, 2012
Enjoyed
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