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Jim McGill #8
The Echo of the Whip
President Patricia Grant has been impeached. Her trial in the Senate and the fate of her presidency lie just around the corner. That leads James J. McGill to suggest publicly that he might break the noses of any number of Washington pols.
White House Chief of Staff Galia Mindel tells McGill he’s not being helpful. She sends him to work a case in Los Angeles. A friend of Galia’s has just had her frozen embryos stolen.
White House Chief of Staff Galia Mindel tells McGill he’s not being helpful. She sends him to work a case in Los Angeles. A friend of Galia’s has just had her frozen embryos stolen.
McGill knows he’ll need a fed to run interference for him with the LAPD. He teams up with BIA Co-director John Tall Wolf. Even out in La-La Land, though, McGill can’t escape Washington politics. The primary suspect in the theft has close connections to House leadership, the very people who initiated the impeachment charge.
Even worse, McGill learns of a threat against his life. Somebody doesn’t like him snooping around in SoCal. That guy wants to do more than bust McGill’s beak, he wants to punch his ticket.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
321 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Flynn
70 books198 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 30, 2024
I’ve been on a Joseph Flynn political thriller binge of late, which has left me eager to see how things will go for Jim McGill. The stories are highly political, but offer great social and personal themes that help bind them all together. Flynn’s stories keep the characters front and centre, while also leaving the reader to ponder some of the topics on offer. I am eager to see how things will keep progressing, as most novels leave me with cliffhangers to consider.
The news seems grim, as President Patricia. Grant has been impeached by the House of Representatives. While news outlets are clamouring for reaction, there is still a Senate trial to confirm the impeachment. This will prove to be telling, what with all the political issues that have been keeping Washington a hotbed for many months. The president’s husband, Jim McGill, is out of his mind and has begun uttering threats on air with veiled comments directed towards Congress.
The president’s Chief of Staff makes it known that this is not helpful and sends McGill, a private investigator with his own DC office, off to Los Angeles on a case. A woman has had her frozen embryos stolen from a locked facility. This might not seem a major issue, but she is being blackmailed with the destruction of her prized embryos and McGill is eager to get to the heart of the matter. If it distracts him from the chaos that is mounting in DC, he’ll take it, though he wants to make sure he can be a support for his wife.
The alleged mastermind behind the embryo heist is none other than the Chief of Staff to the House Majority Whip, aptly called the Echo of the Whip. McGill knows this rough and tumble guy to take no prisoners to ensure he gets what he wants. McGill works with a highly-training and touted investigator, who opens his eyes to new perspectives when it comes to political representation, a great side conversation as the heist is being explored.
With impeachment proceedings set to take place, McGill learns that someone has been hired to take him out, and this does not mean for a night on the town. He will have to dodge bullets and other schemes while keeping his nose to the grindstone and finding those missing embryos. All the while, progress is made on locating the mastermind behind the president’s attempted assassination during her second inaugural. There is much to be done and many characters whose views come to the surface in this explosive thriller. Flynn has a great path set out for him and I can only hope the next few books prove just as exciting.
Joseph Flynn shows that he has a knack for this type of writing and piques my curiosity for political thrillers as I delve deeper. Each novel connects solid political themes with great story developments, sure to keep the reader attuned with the action that occurs. The core narrative develops well, but is also quite is complicated, as Flynn juggles a number of issues simultaneously. While some might bemoan this, it takes the attentive and capable reader to keep things straight. This is an added requirement, though it should not preclude anyone with an interest in the series content from trying to read these books.
Using his chapters as parts and vignettes within them approach, Flynn is able to stuff a great deal into a single book and keep the reader hooked on what is happening and hat might be to come in the coming pages, chapters, or novels, all of which ties together in the end. Flynn is a master and kept me hooked throughout this piece, while also leaving me wanting more to better understand the many story arcs that emerge.
There are many plot points to understand throughout this piece, which makes it an adventure all its own. Jim McGill and Patricia Grant are but two characters whose lives are put under the microscope here, with plot points to help them pivot from one crisis before another takes over. I have loved how Flynn develops all of these effectively, though subtly moves things along with each vignette. I am eager to see what’s to come and how the political world will react to the things Flynn planted into the narrative, sure to change the landscape before too long. Joseph Flynn has my full attention and I am eager to keep reading.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for stirring up so great a political world that prophesied some events that took place during the previous administration.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The news seems grim, as President Patricia. Grant has been impeached by the House of Representatives. While news outlets are clamouring for reaction, there is still a Senate trial to confirm the impeachment. This will prove to be telling, what with all the political issues that have been keeping Washington a hotbed for many months. The president’s husband, Jim McGill, is out of his mind and has begun uttering threats on air with veiled comments directed towards Congress.
The president’s Chief of Staff makes it known that this is not helpful and sends McGill, a private investigator with his own DC office, off to Los Angeles on a case. A woman has had her frozen embryos stolen from a locked facility. This might not seem a major issue, but she is being blackmailed with the destruction of her prized embryos and McGill is eager to get to the heart of the matter. If it distracts him from the chaos that is mounting in DC, he’ll take it, though he wants to make sure he can be a support for his wife.
The alleged mastermind behind the embryo heist is none other than the Chief of Staff to the House Majority Whip, aptly called the Echo of the Whip. McGill knows this rough and tumble guy to take no prisoners to ensure he gets what he wants. McGill works with a highly-training and touted investigator, who opens his eyes to new perspectives when it comes to political representation, a great side conversation as the heist is being explored.
With impeachment proceedings set to take place, McGill learns that someone has been hired to take him out, and this does not mean for a night on the town. He will have to dodge bullets and other schemes while keeping his nose to the grindstone and finding those missing embryos. All the while, progress is made on locating the mastermind behind the president’s attempted assassination during her second inaugural. There is much to be done and many characters whose views come to the surface in this explosive thriller. Flynn has a great path set out for him and I can only hope the next few books prove just as exciting.
Joseph Flynn shows that he has a knack for this type of writing and piques my curiosity for political thrillers as I delve deeper. Each novel connects solid political themes with great story developments, sure to keep the reader attuned with the action that occurs. The core narrative develops well, but is also quite is complicated, as Flynn juggles a number of issues simultaneously. While some might bemoan this, it takes the attentive and capable reader to keep things straight. This is an added requirement, though it should not preclude anyone with an interest in the series content from trying to read these books.
Using his chapters as parts and vignettes within them approach, Flynn is able to stuff a great deal into a single book and keep the reader hooked on what is happening and hat might be to come in the coming pages, chapters, or novels, all of which ties together in the end. Flynn is a master and kept me hooked throughout this piece, while also leaving me wanting more to better understand the many story arcs that emerge.
There are many plot points to understand throughout this piece, which makes it an adventure all its own. Jim McGill and Patricia Grant are but two characters whose lives are put under the microscope here, with plot points to help them pivot from one crisis before another takes over. I have loved how Flynn develops all of these effectively, though subtly moves things along with each vignette. I am eager to see what’s to come and how the political world will react to the things Flynn planted into the narrative, sure to change the landscape before too long. Joseph Flynn has my full attention and I am eager to keep reading.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for stirring up so great a political world that prophesied some events that took place during the previous administration.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 28, 2019
I really wish I could give this book a better review. But… I am reading now for fondness for Joseph Flynn's First Family and their friends; the writing is… acceptable. But Mr. Flynn is desperately in need of an editor: after chopping a book into two parts earlier in the series, this one came with no Chapter 2 and two Chapter 9s. That's such a blatant error that if you haven't made a corrected Kindle version, you don't care enough about your book, in my opinion. There are other clunky lines and lazy errors (a Google Alert on the president's husband would probably get so many hits as to be useless because he would be written about so often, for example or somebody knowing the precise dimensions of a grenade (to the hundredth of an inch) because he had used it before).
On the positive side, these are fun stories with political and investigative aspects. But as long as I'm a Kindle Unlimited subscriber (and as long as the books are available there), I will probably drop in on the First Family, however much I wish they were slightly better
On the positive side, these are fun stories with political and investigative aspects. But as long as I'm a Kindle Unlimited subscriber (and as long as the books are available there), I will probably drop in on the First Family, however much I wish they were slightly better
April 11, 2021
Review of The Echo of the Whip
The latest book in the series deals with President Grant being impeached by the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives. The POTUS was accused of sending a woman ( who tried to kill her) into the same Prison cell with the woman who actually killed her husband. The paints a vivid picture of Partisan Politics used as weapon to destroy a Political Opponent. The author makes you feel like you are actually watching the Impeachment Process in slow motion. The other main plot involves two of the Richest men in America escaping to other countries to avoid being arrested for Treason.
The latest book in the series deals with President Grant being impeached by the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives. The POTUS was accused of sending a woman ( who tried to kill her) into the same Prison cell with the woman who actually killed her husband. The paints a vivid picture of Partisan Politics used as weapon to destroy a Political Opponent. The author makes you feel like you are actually watching the Impeachment Process in slow motion. The other main plot involves two of the Richest men in America escaping to other countries to avoid being arrested for Treason.
August 14, 2025
More Jim McGill being awesome, Patti Grant at least is less of a dictator in this one than in previous books... and here at least she sort of gets some comeuppance in an impeachment hearing.. though of all the things she could have legitimately been impeached for.. this one is pretty silly. There are a lot of political things that dont make much real world sense.. and many of the things are different now than they would have been pre-Trump... still I enjoy the characters and will keep giving this series a chance.
July 17, 2018
A good read but what else is to be expected?
The series continues to develop and improve. A good political thriller with a strong set of characters doing totally believable things. It almost seems like you are reading a newspaper at times. Good combination of action and thought provoking deeds. Recommended.
The series continues to develop and improve. A good political thriller with a strong set of characters doing totally believable things. It almost seems like you are reading a newspaper at times. Good combination of action and thought provoking deeds. Recommended.
November 3, 2018
Worth the price
This installment of the James McGill series is had some twists and turns I wasn't expecting. No spoilers here but it leaves the wondering what the future of the series holds. All in all, I t was good. There are some new characters and lots of hints about what the future might hold.
This installment of the James McGill series is had some twists and turns I wasn't expecting. No spoilers here but it leaves the wondering what the future of the series holds. All in all, I t was good. There are some new characters and lots of hints about what the future might hold.
June 13, 2021
I love this series! I am a few years behind. I let myself get distracted after book 6 and just recently picked up where I left off. It would be nice if the good guys in our government got things done like they do in the books. Also, love all the strong women. If only we actually had a female president and vice president. Although I like the President's Henchman rather than a First Gentleman.
July 23, 2023
Gee Willakers......A whopping Great Tale!
I am u sure where to start, but Jim the Henchman is in great form. He stood down, and met up with ma's finest 100 plus officers...and beat them into shaking hands and allow him and his car to carry on. I certainly look forward to more of this story because there is still more ahead.
I am u sure where to start, but Jim the Henchman is in great form. He stood down, and met up with ma's finest 100 plus officers...and beat them into shaking hands and allow him and his car to carry on. I certainly look forward to more of this story because there is still more ahead.
November 25, 2025
With a Little Help From My Friends
Beginning of the end of Presidential second term machinations from both sides as background to PI investigation, with potential assassination in the mix. Conclusion of more than one recurring sub-plot from the previous seven books, with new ones hinted at. The usual 1960s music references are included.
Beginning of the end of Presidential second term machinations from both sides as background to PI investigation, with potential assassination in the mix. Conclusion of more than one recurring sub-plot from the previous seven books, with new ones hinted at. The usual 1960s music references are included.
August 31, 2017
This series is full of twists and turns
You never can out guess this author, the story line is full of unexpected twists, and new characters with complex agendas it just keeps the story fresh and exciting.
You never can out guess this author, the story line is full of unexpected twists, and new characters with complex agendas it just keeps the story fresh and exciting.
September 16, 2017
What a fun ride...!!!
This story is so great !!! Riding it out across the country & the world was so very exciting!!! I'm ready for the next installment and I look forward to reading more of John Tall Wolf's adventures!
This story is so great !!! Riding it out across the country & the world was so very exciting!!! I'm ready for the next installment and I look forward to reading more of John Tall Wolf's adventures!
March 11, 2018
Still solid.
This book differs a bit from the preceding ones. New characters are introduced earlier and are more involved in the story. Enjoyable to read and I will no doubt finish reading them all.
This book differs a bit from the preceding ones. New characters are introduced earlier and are more involved in the story. Enjoyable to read and I will no doubt finish reading them all.
June 27, 2018
Always Entertaining!
Flynn always leaves you hanging at the end of each novel. You just have to start the next one to see what happens. Jim McGill is such a likable hero who consistently outside the bad guys. Always a fun read.
Flynn always leaves you hanging at the end of each novel. You just have to start the next one to see what happens. Jim McGill is such a likable hero who consistently outside the bad guys. Always a fun read.
August 5, 2019
Political suspense
Impeachment aimed at first lady President. Her husband and crossover character from another series dealing with mystery of stolen embryos and an assassin. Good complex but fast moving yarn. Do read both series.
Impeachment aimed at first lady President. Her husband and crossover character from another series dealing with mystery of stolen embryos and an assassin. Good complex but fast moving yarn. Do read both series.
January 13, 2020
Complicated read but good!
I love all of his books about Jim McGill! For some reason this one was a little harder to keep my mind on. I still liked it but it seemed to go all over the place for me. He is such a good writer!
I love all of his books about Jim McGill! For some reason this one was a little harder to keep my mind on. I still liked it but it seemed to go all over the place for me. He is such a good writer!
April 30, 2025
great book
I keep waiting for these to tail off and become ho-hum and the don’t. They just don’t. Another excellent read and the political intrigue and scheming is worthy of any sitcom or reality show on today
I keep waiting for these to tail off and become ho-hum and the don’t. They just don’t. Another excellent read and the political intrigue and scheming is worthy of any sitcom or reality show on today
December 24, 2025
A left wing fantasy
The crime story was excellent but the politics is left wing fantasy. The right did impeach Pres Clinton, but the current democrats are an impeachment machine. The author is entitled to create any world he wants, though. I keep reading because I like McGill.
The crime story was excellent but the politics is left wing fantasy. The right did impeach Pres Clinton, but the current democrats are an impeachment machine. The author is entitled to create any world he wants, though. I keep reading because I like McGill.
June 14, 2017
The Echo of the Whip review
The Echo of the Whip is the eighth exciting book in the Jim McGill series written by author Joseph Flynn.
The Echo of the Whip is the eighth exciting book in the Jim McGill series written by author Joseph Flynn.
May 17, 2018
Winner
This book is another heart stopping winner. Mr. Flynn has a way with words that keep me coming back for more
This book is another heart stopping winner. Mr. Flynn has a way with words that keep me coming back for more
May 20, 2023
Can't get enough
Ok so I've read 8 books of this series so far. Love the characters. Even some of the bad guys have redeeming characters.
Ok so I've read 8 books of this series so far. Love the characters. Even some of the bad guys have redeeming characters.
January 6, 2022
Echo of the Whip
I enjoyed reading this book my only complaint is that the stories aren't longer I laughed and smiled for some of the book and I just wanted to find out who stole the embryos.
I enjoyed reading this book my only complaint is that the stories aren't longer I laughed and smiled for some of the book and I just wanted to find out who stole the embryos.
August 27, 2017
Better
Gets better the further you get in the story!
Interesting concepts!
A great bevy of colorful characters.
A good read, ready for more!
Gets better the further you get in the story!
Interesting concepts!
A great bevy of colorful characters.
A good read, ready for more!
December 11, 2015
I stumbled on to the Jim McGill series not too long ago and have whipped through each and every installment.
What I liked: It had been a bit before I realized The Echo of the Whip was released and I had forgotten to tell Goodreads to let me know when Mr. Flynn had a new release.
The characters and the seamier side of politics are what tick my boxes in this series. The Echo of the Whip continues with that theme with the impeachment of McGill's wife, The President, hanging over their heads. To get McGill out of Washington D.C. and from doing something stupid, the President's Chief of Staff hands him a case to solve. The case just happens to be on the other side of the country but it intrigues McGill enough to take a crack at it. He needs some back up other than the small contingent of Secret Service agents he allows to protect him. Enter, John Tall Wolf from the series of the same name and also penned by Mr. Flynn. I enjoy the overlap of characters from different series.
There are a plethora of bad guys in this book but it's funny how they all tie together. Not ha-ha funny but well written and thought out by the author. It seems politics are also at the bottom of McGill's case, much to his dismay and there may be a credible threat to McGill's life.
What I didn't like: While the politics and back-stabbing side of politics is interesting, I just can't see so many higher ups being concerned with some of the problems McGill decides to investigate. That being said, Mr. Flynn has a vivid imagination and I enjoy the characters and their circumstances so much, I just push that aside and read for pure enjoyment.
Echo of the Whip makes you wonder about all the machinations that go on behind the scenes in Washington. I mean I know most of what he writes is certainly fiction but just take a moment and wonder along with me.
A good, entertaining, quick read!!
Recommended!!!!
What I liked: It had been a bit before I realized The Echo of the Whip was released and I had forgotten to tell Goodreads to let me know when Mr. Flynn had a new release.
The characters and the seamier side of politics are what tick my boxes in this series. The Echo of the Whip continues with that theme with the impeachment of McGill's wife, The President, hanging over their heads. To get McGill out of Washington D.C. and from doing something stupid, the President's Chief of Staff hands him a case to solve. The case just happens to be on the other side of the country but it intrigues McGill enough to take a crack at it. He needs some back up other than the small contingent of Secret Service agents he allows to protect him. Enter, John Tall Wolf from the series of the same name and also penned by Mr. Flynn. I enjoy the overlap of characters from different series.
There are a plethora of bad guys in this book but it's funny how they all tie together. Not ha-ha funny but well written and thought out by the author. It seems politics are also at the bottom of McGill's case, much to his dismay and there may be a credible threat to McGill's life.
What I didn't like: While the politics and back-stabbing side of politics is interesting, I just can't see so many higher ups being concerned with some of the problems McGill decides to investigate. That being said, Mr. Flynn has a vivid imagination and I enjoy the characters and their circumstances so much, I just push that aside and read for pure enjoyment.
Echo of the Whip makes you wonder about all the machinations that go on behind the scenes in Washington. I mean I know most of what he writes is certainly fiction but just take a moment and wonder along with me.
A good, entertaining, quick read!!
Recommended!!!!
June 27, 2016
Great Read!!!
The Jim McGill series story line involves interesting characters and even more interesting ideas about politics in the U. S. Following the murder of her wealthy husband, Patti Grant, a former actress, model and current Congresswoman, decides to run for President. She marries the police chief who solves her husband's murder, JIm McGill. The series covers the dilemma of a First Gentleman ... Who also is a private investigator!
Great stories, good characters, intriguing investigations!
The Jim McGill series story line involves interesting characters and even more interesting ideas about politics in the U. S. Following the murder of her wealthy husband, Patti Grant, a former actress, model and current Congresswoman, decides to run for President. She marries the police chief who solves her husband's murder, JIm McGill. The series covers the dilemma of a First Gentleman ... Who also is a private investigator!
Great stories, good characters, intriguing investigations!
May 23, 2016
Another great book by Joseph Flynn
I look forward to the next book in the Jim McGill series.
Flynn writes the best political mystery novels. This latest book has a great many twists and turns, different countries involved and yet the core continues to deal with the political process in Washington, DC. I love this series with strong, smart women who can hold their own in many different male dominated situations.
I look forward to the next book in the Jim McGill series.
Flynn writes the best political mystery novels. This latest book has a great many twists and turns, different countries involved and yet the core continues to deal with the political process in Washington, DC. I love this series with strong, smart women who can hold their own in many different male dominated situations.
July 13, 2016
More than just a great storyteller
Joseph Flynn has a unique style when it comes to telling a tale. It has a rhythm, a flow that carries you through his books knowing that you're in the hands of a master. His characters are deeply developed if a bit superhuman at times.
The Jim McGill series has been absolute joy to read. Hopefully James J. McGill's story doesn't end here as his wife's term in office near it's end.
Joseph Flynn has a unique style when it comes to telling a tale. It has a rhythm, a flow that carries you through his books knowing that you're in the hands of a master. His characters are deeply developed if a bit superhuman at times.
The Jim McGill series has been absolute joy to read. Hopefully James J. McGill's story doesn't end here as his wife's term in office near it's end.
September 11, 2015
Classic Flynn. So much fun!
I love how Flynn comes at his tales from all directions, from the evil and manipulative minds of the villains to the brilliant and manipulative minds of McGill and Patti and their supporters. Always entertaining and thought provoking.
I love how Flynn comes at his tales from all directions, from the evil and manipulative minds of the villains to the brilliant and manipulative minds of McGill and Patti and their supporters. Always entertaining and thought provoking.
May 19, 2016
I love these books and can't wait for the next one. Flynn does a superb job of leaving us hanging at the end.
October 23, 2015
Good read
Another good Jim McGill book. I like the use of the other characters and enjoyed the multiple story lines. As always swell written book.
Another good Jim McGill book. I like the use of the other characters and enjoyed the multiple story lines. As always swell written book.
December 1, 2015
WOW
It has been a while since I have read a Jim McGill novel. Thus one took me two days and flew. It was great to see all of Mr. Flynn' characters working together.
It has been a while since I have read a Jim McGill novel. Thus one took me two days and flew. It was great to see all of Mr. Flynn' characters working together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews