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Badge of Honor #12
Deadly Assets
The dramatic new novel in the Philadelphia police saga by #1 New York Times–bestselling author W. E. B. Griffin.
In Philadelphia—suffering among the country’s highest murder rates—the tension between the Philadelphia Police Department and its Citizens Oversight Committee has long been reaching a boiling point. That turmoil turns from bad to worse shortly after the committee begins targeting police shootings—especially those of twenty-seven-year-old Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne, the “Wyatt Earp of the Main Line”—and then the committee’s combative leader is found shot dead point-blank on the front porch of his run-down Philly row house.
As chanting protesters fill the streets, the city threatens to erupt. Payne, among many others accused of being complicit in the leader’s death, becomes quietly furious. He suspects there’s something deeper behind it all, but what? Ordered to stay out of the line of fire, he struggles ahead to do what he does best—his job. He’s been investigating the murder of a young family. A reporter, working on an illicit drug series for Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Mickey O’Hara, has been killed with his wife and child, a note stapled to his chest warning that the drug stories are to stop. Period. While Payne knows that he, like his pal O’Hara, cannot back down, he also knows that they damn sure could be among the next to die. . . .
In Philadelphia—suffering among the country’s highest murder rates—the tension between the Philadelphia Police Department and its Citizens Oversight Committee has long been reaching a boiling point. That turmoil turns from bad to worse shortly after the committee begins targeting police shootings—especially those of twenty-seven-year-old Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne, the “Wyatt Earp of the Main Line”—and then the committee’s combative leader is found shot dead point-blank on the front porch of his run-down Philly row house.
As chanting protesters fill the streets, the city threatens to erupt. Payne, among many others accused of being complicit in the leader’s death, becomes quietly furious. He suspects there’s something deeper behind it all, but what? Ordered to stay out of the line of fire, he struggles ahead to do what he does best—his job. He’s been investigating the murder of a young family. A reporter, working on an illicit drug series for Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Mickey O’Hara, has been killed with his wife and child, a note stapled to his chest warning that the drug stories are to stop. Period. While Payne knows that he, like his pal O’Hara, cannot back down, he also knows that they damn sure could be among the next to die. . . .
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
269 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,302 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 22, 2020
Hard to believe Griffin wrote this race bait drivel. 0 of 10 stars!
August 28, 2015
The authors are back with book 12 in the Badge of Honor Series. Philadelphia is having an outbreak of killings that Sgt. Matt Payne and team are trying to get control. There is interesting descriptions of the City’s neighborhoods and the downtown area. I don’t live in Philadelphia but Griffin has a reputation of being very accurate with his location descriptions. Griffin and Butterworth delve into the sociological problems of the city as they relate to the police.
My major complaint is I had to wade through half the book going over the prior books in the series (which I already read) before the authors got into the current story. The plot is convoluted and jumps all over the place for no apparent reason and many of the regular characters did not appear in this story. I am very disappointed in the decline of one of my favorite authors. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Scott Brick salvaged the book with his great narration.
My major complaint is I had to wade through half the book going over the prior books in the series (which I already read) before the authors got into the current story. The plot is convoluted and jumps all over the place for no apparent reason and many of the regular characters did not appear in this story. I am very disappointed in the decline of one of my favorite authors. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Scott Brick salvaged the book with his great narration.
September 21, 2015
Those of you who know me know that I generally read a novel in one to two days. This thing took forever (2 weeks) because I kept putting it down and walking away. I want my money back. It was so bad that I do not believe I will ever buy another book by these authors. It should be noted that this is one of those novels that utilize the name of a well known author to sell a book by an unknown. It sucked. Sucked. Stunk.
March 12, 2016
Worst book in this series . .. . .poorly written, hard to follow
October 12, 2015
Not one of my favorites Gave it up unfinished
February 21, 2016
Too many names too many murders no character development no follow through. Maybe it's just a long chapter in a story that I jumped in the middle of, idk, but doesn't stand alone.
March 7, 2016
Hot mess of a book. Characters and action with no purpose. I feel cheated.
April 21, 2020
0 of 10 stars!!! Non-author, non-editors, ?publisher, what's the problem here??? I am glad I read the Presidential Agent series, the Men at War series, and the Clandestine Operations series before reading the Badge of Honor series. I think the tenth book (The Vigilantes) started the initial downfall of this series, before that it was good, then okay, now no-way!
March 17, 2020
Disappointing
I can't believe that this drivel was written by the same masterful writer who gave us Killer McCoy,Cletus Frade, Elliott Powell and his other great heros.I've read all of them more than once.I couldn't even finish this one.
I can't believe that this drivel was written by the same masterful writer who gave us Killer McCoy,Cletus Frade, Elliott Powell and his other great heros.I've read all of them more than once.I couldn't even finish this one.
August 7, 2015
As usual, Scott Brick is the narrator of choice. I can see the influence of the son in this story. Unlike most W E B Griffin novels that are deep into the series we didn't try to bring up every character in the series to show what they are doing, we didn't go back thru every novel to give the character's background and we stuck with the current story. As for the current story, it was enjoyable but it didn't really have a climatic conclusion. Every murder solved was either by lucky coincidence or by something not involving the police. It was still a good read. It was also unusual in that we started with the climax and then went back and worked up to it.
February 16, 2016
I enjoyed the first few Badge of Honor books, but lately the series seems to be tedious. There is a little bit of action, but not much in the way of plot or character development. I started loosing interest when the authors brought the series into modern times rather than the late 1960's/early 1970's where the series started. I keep picking up the books hoping that they have a good one, but that is not the case with Deadly Assets.
December 18, 2019
Boring
I enjoyed W.E.B. Griffin's Badge of Honor series, the Brotherhood of War series, the Marines and many of the spy stories until the last ones of each series became repetitive. This book had to repeat the only current action twice then the story died from unatural deaths. No more web Griffin or butterworth books for me...
I enjoyed W.E.B. Griffin's Badge of Honor series, the Brotherhood of War series, the Marines and many of the spy stories until the last ones of each series became repetitive. This book had to repeat the only current action twice then the story died from unatural deaths. No more web Griffin or butterworth books for me...
September 20, 2015
I have read this entire series (Badge of Honor) and I like it. The last couple of books in the series though, including this one seem to drift from one thing to another and I struggle to find the connections sometimes. It's a shame because it's an enjoyable series.
August 16, 2017
I could not finish this. I was a huge fan of this series, but the last few books have just been the same story, warmed over. I think when W.E.B. Griffin made the storyline leap into the 21st Century, he lost a large chunk of what made this series readable to me. Time to move on.
February 25, 2016
Senseless killings
May 21, 2016
W.E.B. Griffin did it again , and well!
Superb plot line. Fantastic detail. Lifelike images. What more can you ask of an author? I'm sold on Mr. Griffin's entire series of books.
Superb plot line. Fantastic detail. Lifelike images. What more can you ask of an author? I'm sold on Mr. Griffin's entire series of books.
July 23, 2016
A great and timely police story from WEB Griffin.
October 16, 2017
Was a big fan of W.E.B. , BUT THE SON should keep his day job. Is there a story in there somewhere? .................besides a civics lesson on the government structure of Philly?
November 18, 2020
This latest book in the Badge of Honor series is unevenly written, and makes me wonder if the collaborating writers decided to split the writing by alternating chapters. Alternately taut and exciting, and dull and boring, I wonder if it is time for the father-son team to reorganise their partnership. Overall, slightly more good moments than bad, but that is not good enough. I've read all the books under the authorship of WEB Griffin, but more of the same from them, like this book, and I'll find other ways to fill my time.
August 30, 2017
Book 12 in the Badge of Honor Series. Philadelphia is having an outbreak of killings that Sgt. Matt Payne and team are trying to get control. There is interesting descriptions of the City’s neighborhoods and the downtown area. As usual, Scott Brick is the narrator of choice. This one drifts from one thing to another and I struggle to find the connections sometimes. It's a shame because it's an enjoyable series with a lot of potential.
October 7, 2017
I had read book 13 before reading this which ruined quite a bit of the plot as many of the storyline started in this book are completed in that one. It was ok and I enjoy Matt Payne but as with some of Griffin’s other books it appears as if more of the writing is being done by his son and it just isn’t the same. At times the plot is hard to follow because the murders, crimes and political figures are coming at you fast and furious.
April 4, 2020
Loved this series when I read it a few years ago, and the older books are still as good as I remember! But these new books in the series, is just not as good! Where is Amy? Where is the interaction with the Payne family? The Soup king?
Noticed that these new books take me longer to read, not because there is more pages, but because they are just not as gripping and interesting to read!
One more to read in the series, and then I'm done. And sadly, I feel thankful for that!
Noticed that these new books take me longer to read, not because there is more pages, but because they are just not as gripping and interesting to read!
One more to read in the series, and then I'm done. And sadly, I feel thankful for that!
January 2, 2024
What happened to the story?
This was originally a very good story that started in the early to mid 1970's. However, somewhere around two or three books ago, it was suddenly set in the era of cell phones, lap tops and sophisticated security cameras. Yet we're led to believe only six months have passed? What happened to the story? Where are the other characters we've been reading about? This one is very disappointing!
This was originally a very good story that started in the early to mid 1970's. However, somewhere around two or three books ago, it was suddenly set in the era of cell phones, lap tops and sophisticated security cameras. Yet we're led to believe only six months have passed? What happened to the story? Where are the other characters we've been reading about? This one is very disappointing!
August 14, 2017
Deadly Assets traces the efforts of Philadelphia's homicide squad and Sergeant Matt Payne as they try to solve a series of murders. It also document political corruption in the city by politicians, a religious leader, and criminal organizations. A good read that is difficult to put down once you start.
June 15, 2020
Normally, I reserve a 3-star rating for a book I struggle to make my way through. However, in this case I was able to read this one quickly, but it's just a miasma of poor writing, awful time-jumping, implied racism, and virtually no back story-a radical departure from even the books in this series written by the son. A major downgrade in the series.
July 14, 2021
I miss Peter Wohl and the other characters that have been missing in these last few excerpts. Matt has evolved in a way i wasn’t expecting and it’s compounded by the leap in time that took place a few years back and yet no one aged, but Matt’s personality has certainly hardened as if he was more seasoned than he is.
September 9, 2018
WEB Griffin is a master story teller!!
For me, Griffin ranks among my "must read" authors, along with Clancy, Child, Hunter and a select few others. I cannot offer any higher recommendation, he is one of the few I would like to rate with SIX Stars.
For me, Griffin ranks among my "must read" authors, along with Clancy, Child, Hunter and a select few others. I cannot offer any higher recommendation, he is one of the few I would like to rate with SIX Stars.
November 14, 2019
Another Matt Payne thriller.
It's been too long since the last book. It was great catching up with the Philly PD. Great.plot and I worried thru the whole book that Matt didn't survive. Great ending but it came to soon. Looking for the next book asap.Thanks
It's been too long since the last book. It was great catching up with the Philly PD. Great.plot and I worried thru the whole book that Matt didn't survive. Great ending but it came to soon. Looking for the next book asap.Thanks
June 1, 2021
This novel had a mix of flashbacks and real time action. And there were large blocks of italic text. I prefer a narrative that carries the action forward throughout the whole book. Italics are OK to highlight a word or two or a sentence here and there.
May 17, 2024
I really hate to give a one star but this series should have ended a few books ago. It never really handled the time jump. To modernize it. At least this is the last book in the series
The narrator did a good job on the audio book. He was wasted on this.
The narrator did a good job on the audio book. He was wasted on this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews