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Rick Banik #1
Recruiter (Rick Banik Thriller 1)
Rick Banik, ein Analyst innerhalb der großen Netzwerke der US-Geheimdienste, macht eine furchtbare Ein Terroranschlag auf Washington DC soll verübt werden.
Der Da'esh-Recruiter, der einen Selbstmordattentäter vor Ort rekrutieren soll, ist ihm aber immer einen Schritt voraus. Immer im Verborgenen, immer da, aber nie zu ergreifen.
Das ist aber nicht Ricks einziges Problem. Er muss sich durch die Bürokratie der US-Geheimdienste kämpfen. Und dieser Kampf ist nahezu genauso groß. Dafür muss Rick die Nachrichtendienste förmlich aus dem Weg räumen, um sie vor sich selbst zu retten. Er engagiert dafür Akteure aus verschiedenen Behörden, um einen integrierten Geheimdienst- und Operationsplan zu erstellen.
Aber wird er sich rechtzeitig gegen Egos, Vorschriften und interne Hürden durchsetzen, um den Angriff zu verhindern?
Der Da'esh-Recruiter, der einen Selbstmordattentäter vor Ort rekrutieren soll, ist ihm aber immer einen Schritt voraus. Immer im Verborgenen, immer da, aber nie zu ergreifen.
Das ist aber nicht Ricks einziges Problem. Er muss sich durch die Bürokratie der US-Geheimdienste kämpfen. Und dieser Kampf ist nahezu genauso groß. Dafür muss Rick die Nachrichtendienste förmlich aus dem Weg räumen, um sie vor sich selbst zu retten. Er engagiert dafür Akteure aus verschiedenen Behörden, um einen integrierten Geheimdienst- und Operationsplan zu erstellen.
Aber wird er sich rechtzeitig gegen Egos, Vorschriften und interne Hürden durchsetzen, um den Angriff zu verhindern?
- GenresScience FictionThriller
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2023
100 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
329 books7,887 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 17, 2021
Rick Banick is an intelligence analyst with a background in the marine corps. All he wants is for people to be safe, but he is up against Washington bureaucracy. People Raged by Craig Martelle is one heck of a book. The suspense is killing and it's a thriller with action on top of that. I have read his Ian Bragg books about his assassin with a consience previously and loved them so when I saw this series I had to try it. It is a wild ride through different agencies and their rivalry and stupidity like nothing I have read before. I feel with Rick and his frustration throughout this book and can't wait to see what he will be up against in the next one. Martelle is one of my new favorite authors. I had no idea it could be this intense reading about sifting through data.
November 1, 2016
My original People Raged and the Sky Was on Fire audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The faceless one is lurking, stealthy recruiting and planning a horrible future for DC residents. The faceless one is unseen, unknown, and can be anyone – he is invisible! Rick Banik, a data analyst for EPIC is called up to help the government find the faceless one – to do so he must bring together different government agencies and convince them to work together to build an accurate profile of the faceless one and find him.
The faceless one is a Da’esh agent skilled at hiding in plain sight, manipulating people through lies and deception. Unfortunately, he is good! Rick Banik must risk his family and friends to catch this man. His success hinges on everyone’s cooperation and his ability to bring everyone together. He has only a few weeks to do this before the U.S.’s largest shopping and traveling day – Thanksgiving and Black Friday!
Craig Martelle creates an action packed terrorist thriller that is beyond realistic – it is doable! Nothing is more frightening than something unseen – the unknown and that is what the faceless terrorist is – completely horrifying. He has the power to disrupt lives, kill and maim for no reason other than ego.
The character development was perfect! I could not only see the faceless one but I felt fear – knowing that he could be real! I loved the interaction between Travis and Rick. I felt anger and sadness when Clay died. I even experienced a little bit of parking garage rage on behalf of Rick’s wife!
This is THE book for anyone who loves thrillers with terrorists, bombs, and unsuspecting victims. The book was a bit slow when in the office but it needed to be slower so that the listener caught everything!
This book is too realistic; it will give the listener several nights worth of sleeplessness followed by looking at everyone carefully!
Basil Sands, narrator, performed outstandingly! He helped place me into the story. His voice projected the right amount of anger, fear, passion and fervor. The accents were very good as well. He has a deep voice which sounds as if it flows naturally. This is the first time I have heard Sands; he is a very enjoyable narrator!
This book is for the person who loves thrillers and who isn’t afraid of the dark. Different levels of darkness are wrapped within this story – you will not be able to think about anything else for days. The fear is real! The book is gripping in all areas – content and narrator!
I don't normally make promises - but I will promise you this: if you weren't afraid before the book, you will be by the end!
The audio quality of this book was outstanding - clear and concise.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
The faceless one is lurking, stealthy recruiting and planning a horrible future for DC residents. The faceless one is unseen, unknown, and can be anyone – he is invisible! Rick Banik, a data analyst for EPIC is called up to help the government find the faceless one – to do so he must bring together different government agencies and convince them to work together to build an accurate profile of the faceless one and find him.
The faceless one is a Da’esh agent skilled at hiding in plain sight, manipulating people through lies and deception. Unfortunately, he is good! Rick Banik must risk his family and friends to catch this man. His success hinges on everyone’s cooperation and his ability to bring everyone together. He has only a few weeks to do this before the U.S.’s largest shopping and traveling day – Thanksgiving and Black Friday!
Craig Martelle creates an action packed terrorist thriller that is beyond realistic – it is doable! Nothing is more frightening than something unseen – the unknown and that is what the faceless terrorist is – completely horrifying. He has the power to disrupt lives, kill and maim for no reason other than ego.
The character development was perfect! I could not only see the faceless one but I felt fear – knowing that he could be real! I loved the interaction between Travis and Rick. I felt anger and sadness when Clay died. I even experienced a little bit of parking garage rage on behalf of Rick’s wife!
This is THE book for anyone who loves thrillers with terrorists, bombs, and unsuspecting victims. The book was a bit slow when in the office but it needed to be slower so that the listener caught everything!
This book is too realistic; it will give the listener several nights worth of sleeplessness followed by looking at everyone carefully!
Basil Sands, narrator, performed outstandingly! He helped place me into the story. His voice projected the right amount of anger, fear, passion and fervor. The accents were very good as well. He has a deep voice which sounds as if it flows naturally. This is the first time I have heard Sands; he is a very enjoyable narrator!
This book is for the person who loves thrillers and who isn’t afraid of the dark. Different levels of darkness are wrapped within this story – you will not be able to think about anything else for days. The fear is real! The book is gripping in all areas – content and narrator!
I don't normally make promises - but I will promise you this: if you weren't afraid before the book, you will be by the end!
The audio quality of this book was outstanding - clear and concise.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
February 8, 2022
good book as a procedural thriller, but not as an action oriented book.
This book was very interesting as a procedural. It let you know about the ins and outs of how an intelligence analyst does his or her job. Asked for an action book not so great. I still give it four stars for what it tries to do or what I think it tries to do, that is letting you know what goes on inside the intelligence community. You may like this type of procedural book, I did not. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve four stars because I didn’t like it. It is executed well and relatively moderately paced. Give it a shot, you may like it.
This book was very interesting as a procedural. It let you know about the ins and outs of how an intelligence analyst does his or her job. Asked for an action book not so great. I still give it four stars for what it tries to do or what I think it tries to do, that is letting you know what goes on inside the intelligence community. You may like this type of procedural book, I did not. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve four stars because I didn’t like it. It is executed well and relatively moderately paced. Give it a shot, you may like it.
September 27, 2024
Terrorists in DC
This book is the starter in a series about an intelligence analyst in Washington, DC. In this episode, he is hot on the trail of terrorists in DC and has to deal with the politics while he hunts for more intel. It is a fast-paced story that kept me engrossed. Quite the page-turner! It is a clean story with no foul language, no bedroom scenes, no gore, and minimal violence. I can't wait to dive into book 2.
This book is the starter in a series about an intelligence analyst in Washington, DC. In this episode, he is hot on the trail of terrorists in DC and has to deal with the politics while he hunts for more intel. It is a fast-paced story that kept me engrossed. Quite the page-turner! It is a clean story with no foul language, no bedroom scenes, no gore, and minimal violence. I can't wait to dive into book 2.
May 12, 2018
5 stars!
Non stop action, intrigue. Great characters from the top down. I definitely want more. Most likely an accurate accounting of inside politics and all the agencies. Loved it.
Non stop action, intrigue. Great characters from the top down. I definitely want more. Most likely an accurate accounting of inside politics and all the agencies. Loved it.
December 10, 2021
Must, Must Read
This is a true look at “ behind the curtains” of our intelligence agencies. If you’ve read any of the Ian Bragg series, then you will love this as well. Another “can’t put it down” book by Craig Martelle, & doesn’t disappoint!
This is a true look at “ behind the curtains” of our intelligence agencies. If you’ve read any of the Ian Bragg series, then you will love this as well. Another “can’t put it down” book by Craig Martelle, & doesn’t disappoint!
January 4, 2022
A Great political thriller
Very well done. Be sure however to have your thinking cap on tight. There are so many acronyms to remember that I got lost at times and had go back in the story to look them up. Anyone that enjoys political thrillers should not miss this book.
Very well done. Be sure however to have your thinking cap on tight. There are so many acronyms to remember that I got lost at times and had go back in the story to look them up. Anyone that enjoys political thrillers should not miss this book.
January 12, 2022
Not normally a book I would be interested in and I am glad I read it. The two storylines were told seamlessly, there was wit where you would expect it, and the pace never lagged. I am looking forward to the next one.
March 9, 2021
Great
Great book lots of jokes to counter the serious and the suspense. I recommend it and the author. Hope there is a second book going to look now.
Great book lots of jokes to counter the serious and the suspense. I recommend it and the author. Hope there is a second book going to look now.
December 5, 2021
a great read
A great story! Terrific main character with good morals, in the right place at the right time! Can’t put it down!
A great story! Terrific main character with good morals, in the right place at the right time! Can’t put it down!
April 13, 2023
Great Terrorism
Rick Basil doesn't loose his focuses he deals with the higher up bureaucrats as he searches for terrorists he fears will cause massive deaths. Exciting tale the will have youon the edge right to the end.
Rick Basil doesn't loose his focuses he deals with the higher up bureaucrats as he searches for terrorists he fears will cause massive deaths. Exciting tale the will have youon the edge right to the end.
July 5, 2022
Fantastic! I've been reading Craig's books for a while now this has got to be right up there with his best. Thanks Craig please keep them coming.
Read
December 19, 2021A heart pounding read.
Scary and believable. Top notch writing with an insiders knowledge of the workings of the DC area. A heart pounding read!
Scary and believable. Top notch writing with an insiders knowledge of the workings of the DC area. A heart pounding read!
March 10, 2017
Great story, I had a lot of fun with this one. Rick Banik is an awesome protag and Martelle continues to impress, felt like I was right there in the action.
November 10, 2020
People Raged: and the Sky Was on Fire - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight spoilers*
Craig Martelle is, as always, brilliantly creative and clearly has limitless energy for devising new characters, such as the ex-Marine, EPIC data analyst-turned-hero-of-the-hour, Rick Banik, a cross between Ethan Hunt and Jack Ryan, with a plot blend that could rival The Pelican Brief or The Net.
In what is sure to be a best-selling (and is probably on its way to becoming a blockbuster movie or Netflix series, if not already), Rick is thrown head-first into the deep end of political intrigue and corporate business skulduggery, when he has to foil a Da'esh/ISIS bomb plot, set for the busiest trading days of the year, aimed at Washington DC!
Can he assemble a disparate 'Mission Impossible'-like team from usually inimical 'ABC' Government departments - or will his former combat service experiences lead to him having to bring down the terrorists himself, to save the city/country he loves so patriotically and passionately?
Read Craig Martelle's outstanding Rick Banik series opener as soon as possible, then tell all your friends to get a copy too - it's a 5-star bestseller in the John Grisham/Dan Brown mould that you're sure to love!
*slight spoilers*
Craig Martelle is, as always, brilliantly creative and clearly has limitless energy for devising new characters, such as the ex-Marine, EPIC data analyst-turned-hero-of-the-hour, Rick Banik, a cross between Ethan Hunt and Jack Ryan, with a plot blend that could rival The Pelican Brief or The Net.
In what is sure to be a best-selling (and is probably on its way to becoming a blockbuster movie or Netflix series, if not already), Rick is thrown head-first into the deep end of political intrigue and corporate business skulduggery, when he has to foil a Da'esh/ISIS bomb plot, set for the busiest trading days of the year, aimed at Washington DC!
Can he assemble a disparate 'Mission Impossible'-like team from usually inimical 'ABC' Government departments - or will his former combat service experiences lead to him having to bring down the terrorists himself, to save the city/country he loves so patriotically and passionately?
Read Craig Martelle's outstanding Rick Banik series opener as soon as possible, then tell all your friends to get a copy too - it's a 5-star bestseller in the John Grisham/Dan Brown mould that you're sure to love!
Read
April 22, 2016From within the American Intelligence Community, a new patriot for a new age emerges. Rick Banik is a mid-level analyst who struggles with the bureaucracy and egos as he stays singularly focused on finding the 'faceless man,' the one he knows is planning a terrorist attack on Washington D.C.
June 11, 2016
A very good terrorist CIA spellbinder
I really enjoyed this thriller. It was the best book of this type I have read in a long time. I highly recommend this author and I will be following his future writing.
I really enjoyed this thriller. It was the best book of this type I have read in a long time. I highly recommend this author and I will be following his future writing.
October 18, 2016
Good Ending.
Part two of this book was even more exciting than part one. And part one was pretty darn good. I love the character of Rick. He has very deep emotions and really gets into his work.
Part two of this book was even more exciting than part one. And part one was pretty darn good. I love the character of Rick. He has very deep emotions and really gets into his work.
January 3, 2017
Great story
Fast paced with a nice combination of action and a loving family leaving me on the edge of my seat wondering what's at risk on the different levels - personal and nationally.
Fast paced with a nice combination of action and a loving family leaving me on the edge of my seat wondering what's at risk on the different levels - personal and nationally.
March 26, 2017
Great great!!
Looks like the alphabets are not different from corporate America, you do something and someone else takes the credit. That is until the next time and they can't do something and you have to step up and do it. Sooner or later you finally get credit. Rick does this over and over again and I can't wait for the next one!!
Looks like the alphabets are not different from corporate America, you do something and someone else takes the credit. That is until the next time and they can't do something and you have to step up and do it. Sooner or later you finally get credit. Rick does this over and over again and I can't wait for the next one!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews