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The Deadliest Game...
When an old acquaintance calls in a favor, Leopold Blake finds himself unable to refuse - despite his best efforts. A major political conference is hitting Seattle, and presidential hopeful Jack Melendez is fresh out of bodyguards - a problem that Leopold is in a unique position to remedy.
For June Kato, acclaimed neurosurgeon and martial arts expert, a weekend in Seattle was supposed to be the perfect getaway - an opportunity to connect with her new lover on a deeper level and finally enjoy some alone time. But fate, it seems, has other plans.
With all eyes on the Emerald City, Blake and his team soon discover that all is not as it seems. What should have been a simple protection job quickly turns into the weekend from hell, as powerful enemies converge on their position, bent on revenge. But who is the target?
As loyalties are tested and shocking secrets are revealed, Leopold and June find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into an elaborate and deadly trap that will change the course of their lives forever.
Ratio is another exhilarating instalment in the Leopold Blake series of thrillers, which can be read and enjoyed in any order. This book also contains a bonus short story, Divide and Conquer, featuring June Kato.
The Deadliest Game...
When an old acquaintance calls in a favor, Leopold Blake finds himself unable to refuse - despite his best efforts. A major political conference is hitting Seattle, and presidential hopeful Jack Melendez is fresh out of bodyguards - a problem that Leopold is in a unique position to remedy.
For June Kato, acclaimed neurosurgeon and martial arts expert, a weekend in Seattle was supposed to be the perfect getaway - an opportunity to connect with her new lover on a deeper level and finally enjoy some alone time. But fate, it seems, has other plans.
With all eyes on the Emerald City, Blake and his team soon discover that all is not as it seems. What should have been a simple protection job quickly turns into the weekend from hell, as powerful enemies converge on their position, bent on revenge. But who is the target?
As loyalties are tested and shocking secrets are revealed, Leopold and June find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into an elaborate and deadly trap that will change the course of their lives forever.
Ratio is another exhilarating instalment in the Leopold Blake series of thrillers, which can be read and enjoyed in any order. This book also contains a bonus short story, Divide and Conquer, featuring June Kato.
392 pages, ebook
First published May 7, 2014
122 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Nick Stephenson
19 books203 followersNick Stephenson was born and raised in Cambridgeshire, England and will now refer to himself in the first person. My approach to writing is to hit hard, hit fast, and leave as few spelling errors as possible. I write thrillers, suspense novels, and the occasional witty postcard, all of which are designed to get your pulse pounding. Don’t let my headshot fool you – I’m actually full colour, on most days.
My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.
My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 14, 2022
A couple of red herring plot threads intertwined with the actual 'who-and-why-dunnit' assassination attempt. So yeah, a bit of suspense but a lot of eye rolling and SMH dumb decisions by major players in order to maintain the action and thrills. Adequate ending so 2.5 stars.
February 12, 2015
Really liked this one, as with all the others. One more to go, and hoping I get some answers. Leopold didn't care for what he had to do, but he did it anyway. And naturally Jerome made sure he did. And again, some whacky characters in this one, too. There always has to be those, doesn't it? I'm also wondering, if in the future, will there be more about that June woman. Lots of mystery there. Not much of Mary in this one, but then Leopold kept her busy in NYC. Will have to see if we find out why in the next book.
May 2, 2015
Another thrilling winner
Very complex plot with many villains and more than one hero. Several intertwined assassination plots with a variety of motives and implementation schemes prove to be a real challenge for Leopold and Jerome.
Very complex plot with many villains and more than one hero. Several intertwined assassination plots with a variety of motives and implementation schemes prove to be a real challenge for Leopold and Jerome.
May 12, 2019
A watered down thriller
It was interesting and suspenseful as all Blake thrillers are. The love and romance chapters felt too drawn out. I see that this was a duo book but keep it more to the action-suspense please.
It was interesting and suspenseful as all Blake thrillers are. The love and romance chapters felt too drawn out. I see that this was a duo book but keep it more to the action-suspense please.
October 8, 2019
As Good As The Others
Thoroughly Enjoyable reading, good lot and characters. The short story at the end was a bonus also enjoyed. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thoroughly Enjoyable reading, good lot and characters. The short story at the end was a bonus also enjoyed. Looking forward to the next in the series.
November 12, 2014
"Ratio" is something a little different from author Nick Stephenson's Leopold Blake series. This adventure has a more serious tone than any of the others I've read. Leopold and his trusty bodyguard Jerome must travel to Seattle. NYPD detective Mary Jordan is not included in this trip, only having a very small role in plot. Former UN Ambassador, Presidential hopeful, and very close friend to Leopold, Jack Melendez wants help. Melendez will be in Seattle for a very important conference that will also include the POTUS. Jack does not does not trust Secret Service, or local Seattle officials to keep him safe. Leopold and Jerome arrive on scene to provide special protection for Melendez, and his new girlfriend Dr. June Kato .Melendez wants time alone with Kato to relax with. Dr. Kato is a world acclaimed neurosurgeon. Kato also will be giving a presentation at this conference. What follows from there is a non stop series of events that test Leopold and Jerome to the max of their abilities. Complete with pillow bombs, sarin gas canisters, Yakuza gangsters added to the mix, it also includes serious betrayal. Who's working for the powerful Oguchi crime family ? Why is Dr. Kato in the cross hairs of the gangsters ? Will Melendez even make it out of Seattle alive ? This book has a story line that is super charged to fly at max speed. Never a dull moment with this adventure. Spicy dialog in addition to a very serious Leopold, are changes to make for a different Leopold in this book. I've had a blast reading Author Stephenson's Leopold Blake book series. "Ratio" would rank as my second favorite to read so far of the 5 I've read. "Departed" still my favorite. Give this high octane thriller 5 stars out of a possible 5. If you're not already reading the Leopold Blake series from Nick Stephenson, you really should jump on in. highly recommended without question. "Ratio" a mystery/ thriller that delivers an action packed punch.
January 3, 2017
Ratio is the fourth book in "A Private Investigator Series of Crime and Suspense" books by Nick Stephenson. In this story, Leopold Blake spends a weekend as the bodyguard to his friend Jack Melendez, a presidential candidate. Jack and the President are to appear at the convention hall in Seattle, OR. Coincidentally, Jack's neurosurgeon girlfriend, June Kato, is also speaking at the conference center and the two would like to spend some romantic time free of bodyguards.
There are several apparently independent plots underfoot, which include bombings, sarin gas, and sharpshooters. But who is the real target? And who is behind the plots?
Having read other books by this author, I was disappointed by this one. It lacked urgency and seemed a little too convenient at times. To me, the story lacked focus; it was more about the Melendez-Kato relationship (which I enjoyed) than about Leopold Blake.
I found it interesting that Mr. Stephenson introduces June Kato, the protagonist from the "June Kato Intrigues" series by Kay Hadashi. In Ratio, she is badass and, in my opinion, the protagonist. Though I always enjoy a strong female character, I was expecting Leopold Blake to be the lead in this book.
As a bonus, the book includes Ms. Hadashi's 45-page short story, "Divide and Conquer."
There are several apparently independent plots underfoot, which include bombings, sarin gas, and sharpshooters. But who is the real target? And who is behind the plots?
Having read other books by this author, I was disappointed by this one. It lacked urgency and seemed a little too convenient at times. To me, the story lacked focus; it was more about the Melendez-Kato relationship (which I enjoyed) than about Leopold Blake.
I found it interesting that Mr. Stephenson introduces June Kato, the protagonist from the "June Kato Intrigues" series by Kay Hadashi. In Ratio, she is badass and, in my opinion, the protagonist. Though I always enjoy a strong female character, I was expecting Leopold Blake to be the lead in this book.
As a bonus, the book includes Ms. Hadashi's 45-page short story, "Divide and Conquer."
January 9, 2015
I loved the new couple that was the center of this novel in the Leopold Blake Thriller series. Jack Melendez, a potential presidential candidate, and his girlfriend, Dr. June Kato, a neurosurgeon who had previously saved Jack's life when a bomb had been implanted in his brain, are planning a special weekend in Seattle where both are speaking at a conference.
Jack has talked Leopold and Jerome into being his special bodyguards for the conference in addition to the normal Secret Service protection. Leopold and Jerome aren't too excited about their role as bodyguards, but Leopold owes a big favor to Jack and couldn't refuse his request.
We learn that there are multiple groups that might want to kill Jack, but there doesn't seem to be a reason for anyone to target June. In fact, Leopold tells June that she's on her own if they need to rush Jack to safety. To add to the difficult security aspects of the conference, the President is also supposed to speak at the conferences. Now there are all kinds of confusion among the different agencies involved plus Leopold and Jerome as private security.
If you enjoy action thrillers, you'll love Ratio!
Jack has talked Leopold and Jerome into being his special bodyguards for the conference in addition to the normal Secret Service protection. Leopold and Jerome aren't too excited about their role as bodyguards, but Leopold owes a big favor to Jack and couldn't refuse his request.
We learn that there are multiple groups that might want to kill Jack, but there doesn't seem to be a reason for anyone to target June. In fact, Leopold tells June that she's on her own if they need to rush Jack to safety. To add to the difficult security aspects of the conference, the President is also supposed to speak at the conferences. Now there are all kinds of confusion among the different agencies involved plus Leopold and Jerome as private security.
If you enjoy action thrillers, you'll love Ratio!
August 2, 2014
Reading this book has generated several plus and minus factors for me. On the plus side, it was a compelling thriller with several twists and turns and an action-packed conclusion. Also, it was an easy, quick read which kept me interested. However, on the minus side, I had two major issues with this book. The first issue is that the main characters, Blake and Cato, are one-dimensional, almost-superhero-like, figures who each live a surreal existence, with money, skills, contacts, and experience unheard of since James Bond! I found this entertaining, but unrealistic. My second issue is that there are three separate, but parallel, assassination plots in this book, and I remain unclear about why they are being undertaken. (Perhaps the first three books in the series might have explained who and why?) If this book was a movie, it would be a loud summer blockbuster action movie which would be quickly forgotten.
January 7, 2015
I discovered the Leopold Blake series awhile ago and have been enjoying them very much, but I got a special value out of two of them recently.
Heading home after the biopsy, wondering and worrying if the tests would reveal the big "C". I knew I'd go crazy if I didn't have a very good distraction and luckily I had two Leopold stories in my reading queue. I was able to immerse myself in Leopold's world and distract my mind from crippling worry while waiting to hear the results. (The answer was yes, but very early stage and very treatable.)
I enjoyed Ms Kato and will be looking for more of her adventures.
AND I look forward to reading many more years of good reads from Nick Stephenson. Thank you again, Nick.
Heading home after the biopsy, wondering and worrying if the tests would reveal the big "C". I knew I'd go crazy if I didn't have a very good distraction and luckily I had two Leopold stories in my reading queue. I was able to immerse myself in Leopold's world and distract my mind from crippling worry while waiting to hear the results. (The answer was yes, but very early stage and very treatable.)
I enjoyed Ms Kato and will be looking for more of her adventures.
AND I look forward to reading many more years of good reads from Nick Stephenson. Thank you again, Nick.
October 25, 2014
I fell in love with the entire series and can't wait for more. Leopold Blake is a force that carries the story. I love his interaction and connection with his body guard, Jerome. I wish he had more interaction with Mary, but I can only hope that comes up with follow up series. I couldn't put the book down, and it did not disappoint, even being a in a series of great stories. Blake is an amazing character with so many flaws, it's amazing that he's still alive, considering the stuff his body has gone through ... Stephenson brings these characters to life and makes me wonder how Blake will survive until the next book.
July 30, 2014
Leopold is the arrogant and rich version of Sherlock Holmes? Good plot in some ways, although the multiple killers motives were not really clear. The ending is a bit too convenient. The June Kato character - she's made out to be a superwoman (neurosurgeon, speaker, dates a Presidential candidate, martial arts expert, fav aunt to twin nieces) and the list goes on, as one would imagine a superwoman to be. In other words, this character is nothing great. I actually found her a bit annoying, because she is girlish, demanding, yet wanting to be independent etc. Irritating contrast. The boyfriend is a useless git - a good example of politicians! Haha...
October 5, 2014
'Ratio' is another example of an awesome story with Leopold Blake. I love the storyline. The way it played out was thrilling, exciting, suspenseful, full of action and humorous at times. I loved the characters. Leopold always seems to get himself into some hairy situations, which always makes for an adventure. Jerome, as usual, is the perfect bodyguard. I love the banter between the two. The Leopold Blake series is definitely one to add to your tbr list. I never know what to expect from Nick Stephenson, which is why I truly enjoy his writing. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2015
The last two-thirds of this book was OK, but the first one-third was boring with too much time and too many words invested in just introducing the characters. I think I could have rated the book 4 stars if the first third had been condensed into 3 chapters, but otherwise it takes more perseverance than most people have to make it to the good part of the story. If I had not read other books in the Leopold Blake series, I would have given up before the story got interesting.
May 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this one as I have the previous ones. This story seemed a more serious role for the "consultant" and had some good additional characters which I think may have a future in some new stories possibly, I feel they have room to develop further. A slightly slow start but soon picked up pace and it only took me 6 days to read it because the children are off school! I'd've probably read it in a day or two otherwise. A good page turner and quite an enjoyable read.
November 9, 2014
What a ride. If you are looking for mundane, predictable mystery stories, don't read Nick's books. Kept me on the edge of my seat. If you ever need to keep safe, you definitely need Jerome on your team. I am half in love with Leopold. Maybe when I keep reading this series (and yes, I will), it will be a full blown affair!
Keep em coming Nick. Can't wait to read more.
Keep em coming Nick. Can't wait to read more.
November 6, 2014
Once I started I couldn't stop reading till the end.Had enough suspense to keep me glued.June Kato seems like she had one of those really interesting pasts that I wish I knew more about.And she is bad ass too.Jack well...came off as soft but am sure the whole series is about Blake.Am glad the disaster about to happen was averted.
July 20, 2014
Really kept my attention. The only problem I had with the book was trying to keep all the characters straight. Also because I haven't read any of the previous books I am not clear why people wanted the main characters dead. Really disappointing after you have read the book.
August 6, 2014
I enjoyed this book. The characters were good, there were sufficient twists to keep me guessing and the story was interesting.
THis is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I will probably read more.
THis is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I will probably read more.
November 20, 2014
As always there is never a dull moment. When I think of Leopold Blake words come to me such as riveting, edge of seat, exhausting (yes, exhausting) you feel you are right there and a part of everything that is happening! EXCELLENT!
February 8, 2016
Out of the series this is the book I have enjoyed most especially as it didn't follow the pattern the other books seem to have developing. I Loved the fast pace action mixed with plenty of twists and turns
November 28, 2015
I started this awhile ago and then put it down. Once I picked it up again, I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the suspense of seeing how it would unfold, and also getting glimpses of each of the characters. I look forward to more by this author.
I enjoyed the suspense of seeing how it would unfold, and also getting glimpses of each of the characters. I look forward to more by this author.
March 10, 2015
GREAT Series
I have read all 4 in the series and they are very good. Love Leopold Blake character he gets in trouble but knows what he is doing and always solves the case. Hope the series continues sold recommend the series
I have read all 4 in the series and they are very good. Love Leopold Blake character he gets in trouble but knows what he is doing and always solves the case. Hope the series continues sold recommend the series
June 12, 2015
Good suspense and plenty of action!
Another fast-paced thriller from Stephenson! I enjoyed the interaction between Blake and Jerome and their banter. This book was the Kindle version. I look forward to more of this series.
Another fast-paced thriller from Stephenson! I enjoyed the interaction between Blake and Jerome and their banter. This book was the Kindle version. I look forward to more of this series.
December 1, 2015
I really enjoyed all of the other Leopold Blake Thrillers. This one was co-written with Kay Hadashi and includes the main character from a series of her books, June Kato. I found that character particularly annoying and did not like her at all.
January 15, 2015
Excellent! Every book in the Leopold Blake series I've read has been written so well that it's almost impossible for me to walk away before I get to the end.
July 17, 2014
Good plot and kept me reading , somewhat of a cliff hanger, waiting for the next
August 2, 2014
very good
October 17, 2014
Loved it !
May 31, 2015
Serious continuity problems, bad characterization, and unresolved motives and plots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews