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Chimes At Midnight
Years ago police detective Kevin McClain was captured and tortured when he was an airborne ranger in Somalia. Now, years later, the mutilation murder of a homeless man brings back a flood of unpleasant memories. At the same time, FBI agent Felicia Knight is busy tracking down a terrorist cell purportedly set to strike in our nation s capital on the eve of the presidential election. What neither McClain nor Knight realizes is the two cases are secretly connected by a sinister plot more diabolical and far reaching than either of them can imagine. As their investigations coalesce, they find themselves in a desperate race against the clock to try and prevent our nation s capital from being engulfed in a cloud of death and destruction.
- GenresThriller
319 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2014
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 6, 2022
I rate this two stars overall, following Audible's rating system, so two stars actually means 'Okay'. It means I find it good enough to finish the book, and without any hiatus in listening between chapters (that would have led to a 1 star review).
The story wasn't good enough to warrant three stars ('pretty good') however, mainly because of the two main characters. Good storytelling, to me personally, has to have actual heroes and heroines, who have a backbone, show character growth, and, if they have a job, are good at it and act professionally. I don't like my hero to constantly forget, drop or loose his gun, to get his a** kicked all the time, acts unprofessionally in several situations with several different people, and then out of nowhere makes a connection in his brain as to who the villain is which requires too much suspense of disbelief, given his overall mediocrity (again, my personal opinion, n=1). The female lead is even worse, the only thing she does is b*** & moan & being right in her own head, but letting people walk all over her in practice. She's supposed to be this talented field agent but, like her boss, I wouldn't promote her either.
Her boss was like a cardboard puppet, very shallowly written and therefore not believable. Even antagonists need three dimensions. A missed opportunity.
Frankly it was the narration that made the book bareable and promoted it to a two star rating overall. This narrator has a very nice voice, great timbre, is easy to listen to, and does a great African accent (although I think these villains were actually middle eastern, so I guess he's got to practice that some more. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it if he tries). The narrator captures the right tone, lending the story the kind of thriller atmosphere it needs. This is a huge improvement compared to an earlier novel he narrated that I listened to; if he keeps this up I'll be keeping an eye out for his narrations!
So, although I would not like to read this as a book at all, as an audiobook it's fine, thanks to the narration.
The story wasn't good enough to warrant three stars ('pretty good') however, mainly because of the two main characters. Good storytelling, to me personally, has to have actual heroes and heroines, who have a backbone, show character growth, and, if they have a job, are good at it and act professionally. I don't like my hero to constantly forget, drop or loose his gun, to get his a** kicked all the time, acts unprofessionally in several situations with several different people, and then out of nowhere makes a connection in his brain as to who the villain is which requires too much suspense of disbelief, given his overall mediocrity (again, my personal opinion, n=1). The female lead is even worse, the only thing she does is b*** & moan & being right in her own head, but letting people walk all over her in practice. She's supposed to be this talented field agent but, like her boss, I wouldn't promote her either.
Her boss was like a cardboard puppet, very shallowly written and therefore not believable. Even antagonists need three dimensions. A missed opportunity.
Frankly it was the narration that made the book bareable and promoted it to a two star rating overall. This narrator has a very nice voice, great timbre, is easy to listen to, and does a great African accent (although I think these villains were actually middle eastern, so I guess he's got to practice that some more. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it if he tries). The narrator captures the right tone, lending the story the kind of thriller atmosphere it needs. This is a huge improvement compared to an earlier novel he narrated that I listened to; if he keeps this up I'll be keeping an eye out for his narrations!
So, although I would not like to read this as a book at all, as an audiobook it's fine, thanks to the narration.
July 6, 2015
This was just one of those finds at the library that I hit upon while walking around. Thought it looked interesting so I checked it out. I have to say this book was quite a surprise. Seems as if a black operations commander has an idea that will put him in the White House. The only thing he does not plan on is a tough Washington Metro cop that just might throw a wrench into those plans. The action was really quite good and the storyline itself was very well done. I would have to say that this was a pleasant find. I may have to look for others from this author as well.
May 22, 2021
Wow, what a book!
Main Characters
• Kevin McClain: Washington D.C. detective; also a former U.S. Ranger and POW in Somalia.
• Felicia Knight: FBI Agent
• Col. Clayton Jefferson Viceroy, U.S. Army, who rescued McClain in Somalia.
• Former V.P. William "Big Willie" Bernard: the party's leading candidate for POTUS & Viceroy's brother-in-lAW.
• AG Reginald Thomas, POTUS candidate running against Bernard.
• Allyson Hayes, ZCNN TV anchor
• Ted Lane, ZCNN TV researcher and guide to Hayes' TV career.
• A terrorist cell in Washington D.C.
Background: Operation Prometheus, a project designed to effect the upcoming election for president.
Read and follow Michael Black's exciting story that ties these characters and events together right up to the explosive end!
Main Characters
• Kevin McClain: Washington D.C. detective; also a former U.S. Ranger and POW in Somalia.
• Felicia Knight: FBI Agent
• Col. Clayton Jefferson Viceroy, U.S. Army, who rescued McClain in Somalia.
• Former V.P. William "Big Willie" Bernard: the party's leading candidate for POTUS & Viceroy's brother-in-lAW.
• AG Reginald Thomas, POTUS candidate running against Bernard.
• Allyson Hayes, ZCNN TV anchor
• Ted Lane, ZCNN TV researcher and guide to Hayes' TV career.
• A terrorist cell in Washington D.C.
Background: Operation Prometheus, a project designed to effect the upcoming election for president.
Read and follow Michael Black's exciting story that ties these characters and events together right up to the explosive end!
November 13, 2021
Brilliant Blend of Law Enforcement and Military Action Thriller
The author writes with authority, being well-versed in both military and law enforcement procedure. His characters are rich, deep, and believable—the protagonists lovable and the antagonists most despicable. This is a page turner and midnight-oil burner, a terrifically written, action-packed thriller you don’t want to miss.
The author writes with authority, being well-versed in both military and law enforcement procedure. His characters are rich, deep, and believable—the protagonists lovable and the antagonists most despicable. This is a page turner and midnight-oil burner, a terrifically written, action-packed thriller you don’t want to miss.
November 15, 2021
Ouch. The first protagonist was ok, broken, but understandable. I figured he was being set up for a redemption arc, that could have been fairly satisfying.
Then we meet our second protagonist, an unpleasant person with a massive chip on her shoulder.
After that we get what I assume is to be the villain of the piece. A walking stereotype with a God complex.
Life is too short. I gave it about an hour (~10% of the book), then turned it off. DNF
Then we meet our second protagonist, an unpleasant person with a massive chip on her shoulder.
After that we get what I assume is to be the villain of the piece. A walking stereotype with a God complex.
Life is too short. I gave it about an hour (~10% of the book), then turned it off. DNF
May 22, 2021
God story line
Excellent story good character and realistic plot in Dc with rogue FUN and military operatives this is well worth a read and looking forward to the next volume - Nigel
Excellent story good character and realistic plot in Dc with rogue FUN and military operatives this is well worth a read and looking forward to the next volume - Nigel
October 7, 2021
Fast action packed
Started off a bit slow and nearly didn't continue but perseverance paid off. All the story came together and action prevailed .
I could just imagine this scenario actually happening from last events
Started off a bit slow and nearly didn't continue but perseverance paid off. All the story came together and action prevailed .
I could just imagine this scenario actually happening from last events
January 15, 2022
Captivating enough to keep me listening but the first few chapters were a little rough due to my own personal opinion of one of the characters. I probably would have punched that guy. Overall though a decent book. I liked the narrator too.
July 10, 2022
If you enjoyed "Seven Days in May," this will thrill you as well. A political thriller that isn't political but all thriller.
Action-packed and riveting throughout by the same author of several Executioner novels.
The characters draw you in with a villain spouting Shakespeare eloquently.
Action-packed and riveting throughout by the same author of several Executioner novels.
The characters draw you in with a villain spouting Shakespeare eloquently.
May 26, 2021
Thriller?
First 10% and last 10% maybe. But he middle was too much about that Machiavellian narcissistic Colonel with his fingers in every pie.
First 10% and last 10% maybe. But he middle was too much about that Machiavellian narcissistic Colonel with his fingers in every pie.
September 24, 2021
It was ... okay. Some stuff in here was over the top and the main female character kept making so much stuff about race in her mind that she quickly became rather unlikable. The basic plot itself was decent, but as I mentioned, a bit over the top with the main "baddie." Not sure if this is part of a series, and if it is I don't know if I'll continue. Might see if the author has other books instead.
August 2, 2014
3.6 at least. Really quite good. A bit evocative of Seven Days in May. Perhaps similar to early Brad Thor back when I would even consider reading him--before he turned Scot Horvath into as big an American terrorist as any Muslim could be a terrorist (just to cite today's generic villain du jour).
August 25, 2014
Mostly derivative. I liked the main character, hope his love interest isn't a one-off (if there will be more of him). Writing is good, just nothing much original.
April 3, 2023
Exciting terrorist plot, some romance (sex play), and soldier-turned-cop heroism. Well and clearly performed.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews