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Kyle Swanson Sniper #10
In the Crosshairs
The Central Intelligence Agency is under attack, and so is its top field operative, Kyle Swanson. The highly decorated former Marine Corps gunnery sergeant is attending the funeral of a friend when a terrorist blows up the grave. A week later, he narrowly survives a grenade attack in Berlin. In Washington, Congress is being told that Swanson has been turned, his private employer is corrupt, and the Agency itself cannot be trusted. Swanson is assigned to find the root of the problem and is partnered up with Luke Gibson, a skilled operative rated as being almost as good as Swanson.
They are looking for assassin Nicky Marks, who also was a CIA shooter but now works for a shadowy power broker known as The Prince. But before Kyle and Luke can eliminate the threat, they must identify and find the man who wants them dead. That takes them from the pink poppy fields of Afghanistan to the jungles of Southeast Asia and the streets of America as they learn that the Prince is the ruthless kingpin of a global drug empire that uses CIA planes to transport opium and heroin. Swanson also lines up a secret partner, the beautiful widow of his friend whose grave was desecrated in Mexico, the sharpshooting former commando Beth Ledford, who has her own agenda of pure retribution. Kyle Swanson, at the worst possible moment in a combat showdown, must decide: Do you trust your partner, and if so, which one?
294 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2017
139 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Jack Coughlin
17 books281 followersGunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin’s autobiography, Shooter, describes his experiences as the top-ranked marine sniper in the Iraq War.
Coughlin is also the author, with Donald A. Davis, of the Kyle Swanson Sniper Novels: Kill Zone, Dead Shot, Clean Kill, and An Act of Treason.
Coughlin grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and joined the Marines when he was 19. He served with the Marines during the drive to Baghdad and has operated on a wide range of assignments in hot spots around the world.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jackco...
Coughlin is also the author, with Donald A. Davis, of the Kyle Swanson Sniper Novels: Kill Zone, Dead Shot, Clean Kill, and An Act of Treason.
Coughlin grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and joined the Marines when he was 19. He served with the Marines during the drive to Baghdad and has operated on a wide range of assignments in hot spots around the world.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jackco...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 13, 2017
Egregious error on page 111- chief master sergeant??? Makes you wonder how much the gunny writes or proofs his work. Lots of action that stretches credulity but still a good yarn with a great main protagonist. Ending is quick and leaves the reader to wonder or worry if the series has ended.
March 24, 2018
I did a binge reading of the Sniper series and loved it. This one (#10) is the last in the series (so far) and it was entertaining and insightful. There is even some small nibbles of romance for those who like that. There are always some things that you would like to see expanded upon or other paths that could be portrayed differently but then again, Coughlin needed to keep it a respectable length. I enjoyed it and loved the ending. If you decide to read it...well, I leave that to you
September 26, 2018
Brilliant, I loved it. This is the 10th book in the series and I’ve really enjoyed everyone of them. Kyle Swanson is such a great character. Besides being an incredible marksman, he has such a quiet and easy-going nature. However, he’s a not someone to be messed with, and if you’ve been selected as his target, then you’re as good as dead. This story moves along at a good pace, and it certainly held my interest all the way through.
Even though Kyle Swanson has retired from the Marine Corps and joined the private sector, he still gets to use his skills occasionally when the CIA come calling. However, they didn’t need to ask him this time when his good friend Beth ‘Coastie’ Ledford’s husband is killed. The real smack in the face is when someone targets her husband’s funeral, in such a violent way. Kyle isn’t about to let the perpetrator get away, and it doesn’t take him long to work out that the man responsible is a rogue CIA agent. Agent Nicky Marks has probably picked the wrong man to cross, but he is no slouch in the skills department himself. Not one for taking on a partner, Kyle is asked to allow CIA Agent Luke Gibson to join him in the hunt for Marks. There is no doubt that this is going to be a very dangerous manhunt, for someone that is very good at killing people himself. A fantastic series that is well worth a read.
Even though Kyle Swanson has retired from the Marine Corps and joined the private sector, he still gets to use his skills occasionally when the CIA come calling. However, they didn’t need to ask him this time when his good friend Beth ‘Coastie’ Ledford’s husband is killed. The real smack in the face is when someone targets her husband’s funeral, in such a violent way. Kyle isn’t about to let the perpetrator get away, and it doesn’t take him long to work out that the man responsible is a rogue CIA agent. Agent Nicky Marks has probably picked the wrong man to cross, but he is no slouch in the skills department himself. Not one for taking on a partner, Kyle is asked to allow CIA Agent Luke Gibson to join him in the hunt for Marks. There is no doubt that this is going to be a very dangerous manhunt, for someone that is very good at killing people himself. A fantastic series that is well worth a read.
September 13, 2017
**SPOILER ALERT**
If this is the last in this series, that would be great--in the sense that an author would "retire" his character before he/she becomes too tiresome and the stories become way too silly and desperate.
If the author has indeed retired Swanson, then he did it in a good way.
However, the author was very sloppy in this last book. Here are a few examples:
1)Swanson and Coastie are sitting together, awaiting the arrival of Janna and Lucky. Swanson knows both these characters VERY WELL. However, the author has Coastie say this: "How will I recognize them?" WHAT?? She is sitting at the same table with someone who knows them!!! Why would she even be concerned with recognition?
2)The discussion regards a character who attended VMI. Coastie, who was in the Coast Guard, says: "What's a VMI?" I have never served in the military, and I knew immediately that VMI was Virginia Military Institute. How could someone who served in the military not know this?
3)The discussion is regarding how father and son amassed their fortunes in the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The Cold War preceded the Vietnam War. I know this may seem petty, but the author should have written this chronologically correct.
4)And so many typos! How tiresome.
If the author ever writes another book, I hope he hires a new editor.
If this is the last in this series, that would be great--in the sense that an author would "retire" his character before he/she becomes too tiresome and the stories become way too silly and desperate.
If the author has indeed retired Swanson, then he did it in a good way.
However, the author was very sloppy in this last book. Here are a few examples:
1)Swanson and Coastie are sitting together, awaiting the arrival of Janna and Lucky. Swanson knows both these characters VERY WELL. However, the author has Coastie say this: "How will I recognize them?" WHAT?? She is sitting at the same table with someone who knows them!!! Why would she even be concerned with recognition?
2)The discussion regards a character who attended VMI. Coastie, who was in the Coast Guard, says: "What's a VMI?" I have never served in the military, and I knew immediately that VMI was Virginia Military Institute. How could someone who served in the military not know this?
3)The discussion is regarding how father and son amassed their fortunes in the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The Cold War preceded the Vietnam War. I know this may seem petty, but the author should have written this chronologically correct.
4)And so many typos! How tiresome.
If the author ever writes another book, I hope he hires a new editor.
February 20, 2021
Awesome!
I’m a big fan of the Kyle Swanson series and was left a little “bleh” after #9 Long Shot. I was very pleased with #10’s In The Crosshairs where we see our boy Gunny Swanson thrown back into some good ole action both close quarters and long range.
We find Kyle tasked with uncovering a CIA mole with ties to Mexican drug cartels. A great addition to the story is return of fellow sniper “Coasty” who after suffering a loss, begs to re-enter the TFT team. Along with Kyles old love interest Coasty, the giant O.O. Dawkins returns as well, and we also discover what the O.O stands for haha. There isn’t much that can be said about the plot without giving away the enjoyable redirects, it keeps a great pace and is packed with an array of emotional peaks. Jack Coughlin writes an ending that totally blind sided me and moved my interest in #11 book from Want to NEED. If you’re a fan of Gunny Swanson you’ll be sure to love In The Crosshairs. As a teaser lets just say these few points…
Swanson gets sweet revenge on a total A-Hole --- Excalibur sends one into someone’s center mass --- Coasty makes a Cartel giant beg for mercy --- A member of Congress is yet again reminded not to F#ck with the CIA. And most importantly, I guarantee the ending is the biggest shock of the series thus far.
I’m a big fan of the Kyle Swanson series and was left a little “bleh” after #9 Long Shot. I was very pleased with #10’s In The Crosshairs where we see our boy Gunny Swanson thrown back into some good ole action both close quarters and long range.
We find Kyle tasked with uncovering a CIA mole with ties to Mexican drug cartels. A great addition to the story is return of fellow sniper “Coasty” who after suffering a loss, begs to re-enter the TFT team. Along with Kyles old love interest Coasty, the giant O.O. Dawkins returns as well, and we also discover what the O.O stands for haha. There isn’t much that can be said about the plot without giving away the enjoyable redirects, it keeps a great pace and is packed with an array of emotional peaks. Jack Coughlin writes an ending that totally blind sided me and moved my interest in #11 book from Want to NEED. If you’re a fan of Gunny Swanson you’ll be sure to love In The Crosshairs. As a teaser lets just say these few points…
Swanson gets sweet revenge on a total A-Hole --- Excalibur sends one into someone’s center mass --- Coasty makes a Cartel giant beg for mercy --- A member of Congress is yet again reminded not to F#ck with the CIA. And most importantly, I guarantee the ending is the biggest shock of the series thus far.
August 2, 2017
It has been a few books since I have read anything in this series. Yet, I am a fan of this series. In fact, I liked the books I read that I turned my Dad onto this series and now he is a fan as well. As a military/sniper/thriller series goes, these books are well written, have a good main character, and the storylines are believable and full of action.
Kyle does not really seem to have many flaws. He is the right man for the job. Have a new person in Luke was refreshing and a nice addition. He was right up there with Kyle. Not a lot of people can stand toe to toe with Kyle. Then you throw in assassin Nicky Marks and you have a gun fight.
Right away, Kyle was fighting to survive. There is little downtime with all of the action. Which I am a huge fan of action. There is a bit of romance between Kyle and Beth. Yet, the right amount as it never interfered with the overall story. Don't get me wrong as I like my romance but if I really wanted that I would read a romance suspense. Then there is all of the traveling to the many locations that kept things interesting. The change in locations were nice. You have to check these books out. I want to go back and check out the ones I missed, while I wait for the next book.
Kyle does not really seem to have many flaws. He is the right man for the job. Have a new person in Luke was refreshing and a nice addition. He was right up there with Kyle. Not a lot of people can stand toe to toe with Kyle. Then you throw in assassin Nicky Marks and you have a gun fight.
Right away, Kyle was fighting to survive. There is little downtime with all of the action. Which I am a huge fan of action. There is a bit of romance between Kyle and Beth. Yet, the right amount as it never interfered with the overall story. Don't get me wrong as I like my romance but if I really wanted that I would read a romance suspense. Then there is all of the traveling to the many locations that kept things interesting. The change in locations were nice. You have to check these books out. I want to go back and check out the ones I missed, while I wait for the next book.
February 20, 2025
The last couple of Kyle Swanson books were nowhere near the quality of the first few, so it was with a little trepidation that I dove into this one.
Thankfully, Coughlin and Davis return to form, crafting an interesting, globe-trotting thriller full of military action, with a very worthy villain for Swanson to pursue.
"In the Crosshairs" is a welcome return to form for this writing duo, with all the ingredients for a good military/political thriller, and the epilogue was a fitting way to close out the ten-book series.
Thankfully, Coughlin and Davis return to form, crafting an interesting, globe-trotting thriller full of military action, with a very worthy villain for Swanson to pursue.
"In the Crosshairs" is a welcome return to form for this writing duo, with all the ingredients for a good military/political thriller, and the epilogue was a fitting way to close out the ten-book series.
October 22, 2025
A book with some exciting action, but a ludicrous premise.
At the funeral of a friend, someone blows up a car. There's a leak to the press. Kyle is in the crosshairs of a foreign merc. Of course, he's soon in pursuit, chasing the merc all over the world.
Kyle's more of a jerk than usual in this one, too. He's probably the most obnoxious of all his contemporaries.
At the funeral of a friend, someone blows up a car. There's a leak to the press. Kyle is in the crosshairs of a foreign merc. Of course, he's soon in pursuit, chasing the merc all over the world.
Kyle's more of a jerk than usual in this one, too. He's probably the most obnoxious of all his contemporaries.
November 28, 2017
“In the Crosshairs” the tenth well-developed, intriguing and gripping novel in the “Kyle Swanson” series begins with the funeral of a close friend, his grave blowing up and his wife Beth Ledford (Coastie) a former Task Force Trident sharpshooter seeking revenge on the drug lords in Mexico; a grenade attack in Berlin; a congressional hearing in Washington exploring corruption in the CIA and Swanson’s mission to find and kill a rogue CIA agent Nicky Marks who’s working for a mysterious egomaniac called the Prince.
In a high intensity, roller coaster ride Kyle teams up with CIA agent Luke Gibson, a man he doesn’t trust to search for a deadly assassin; an assignment that takes him from Berlin to Pakistan and finally to the poppy fields of Afghanistan where he faces a deadly plot to kill him and bring down the CIA. Suspense ratchets higher with subplots as an ambitious congresswoman in Washington is coerced into bringing the CIA and the Excalibur Corporation under investigation; FBI agent Lucky Sharif begins investigating Luke Gibson’s background; and troubled ex-commando Beth Ledford joins retired marine Double-O Dawkins to emotionally heal and have her skill as a top marksman tested at a camp for post traumatic former operatives.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot is filled with surprising twists and lethal confrontations that have Kyle testing his wits and skills against deadly opponents in a game of cat and mouse while his reputation comes under fire in the press in Washington. There is even a sudden and unrealistic romance that develops between Kyle and Beth near the end as the story winds down to an unexpected clash of wills. Yet with every book the characters are intoxicating, bringing the story to life with the complexity of their personalities that heightens the excitement and drama.
I enjoyed “ In the Crosshairs” and hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of Kyle Swanson, a skilled operative and exceptional sniper.
In a high intensity, roller coaster ride Kyle teams up with CIA agent Luke Gibson, a man he doesn’t trust to search for a deadly assassin; an assignment that takes him from Berlin to Pakistan and finally to the poppy fields of Afghanistan where he faces a deadly plot to kill him and bring down the CIA. Suspense ratchets higher with subplots as an ambitious congresswoman in Washington is coerced into bringing the CIA and the Excalibur Corporation under investigation; FBI agent Lucky Sharif begins investigating Luke Gibson’s background; and troubled ex-commando Beth Ledford joins retired marine Double-O Dawkins to emotionally heal and have her skill as a top marksman tested at a camp for post traumatic former operatives.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot is filled with surprising twists and lethal confrontations that have Kyle testing his wits and skills against deadly opponents in a game of cat and mouse while his reputation comes under fire in the press in Washington. There is even a sudden and unrealistic romance that develops between Kyle and Beth near the end as the story winds down to an unexpected clash of wills. Yet with every book the characters are intoxicating, bringing the story to life with the complexity of their personalities that heightens the excitement and drama.
I enjoyed “ In the Crosshairs” and hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of Kyle Swanson, a skilled operative and exceptional sniper.
January 22, 2018
"In the Crosshairs" eBook was published in 2017 and was written by Sgt. Jack Coughlin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Co...). Mr. Coughlin has published 10 novels, with this being the 10th in his "Kyle Swanson Sniper" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary times. The primary character is former Marine sniper Kyle Swanson, who is now out of the service, but who occasionally does work for the CIA.
A Mexican police officer who was a good friend of Swanson's is killed in the line of duty. The drug cartel responsible sets off a bomb at the funeral. This sets Swanson on the trail of the man he thinks is responsible. Concurrent to this, a new Congresswoman is stirring up public concern over the CIA and its involvement in the drug trade.
Swanson heads to the middle east in pursuit of the bomber on behalf of the CIA. He has been paired with another sniper who has been employed on special missions for the CIA. The two close in on their quarry, but things take an unexpected turn. A far larger plot is underway than Swanson and the CIA leadership had imagined.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this suspenseful 301 page thriller. The characters were well developed and the plot was good, though far from unique. The cover art is OK, though I would have preferred something more closely related to the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary times. The primary character is former Marine sniper Kyle Swanson, who is now out of the service, but who occasionally does work for the CIA.
A Mexican police officer who was a good friend of Swanson's is killed in the line of duty. The drug cartel responsible sets off a bomb at the funeral. This sets Swanson on the trail of the man he thinks is responsible. Concurrent to this, a new Congresswoman is stirring up public concern over the CIA and its involvement in the drug trade.
Swanson heads to the middle east in pursuit of the bomber on behalf of the CIA. He has been paired with another sniper who has been employed on special missions for the CIA. The two close in on their quarry, but things take an unexpected turn. A far larger plot is underway than Swanson and the CIA leadership had imagined.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this suspenseful 301 page thriller. The characters were well developed and the plot was good, though far from unique. The cover art is OK, though I would have preferred something more closely related to the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
March 19, 2018
Exemplary example of excellence in the elite military genre. The action was non-stop. The characters were engaging and left me wanting to know more about each of them. The plot was very believable (except the fake grenade attack on Swanson and Gibson early on that was obviously a set up but taken seriously by our intrepid operator). The pacing of the prose was very good and kept me fully, naturally, and effortlessly engaged which I always find impressive when I encounter it. This was my first Coughlin read but will not be my last. I am eager to find out if this is a one off wonder or a new addition to my "always read immediately" category. Thank you for a great read!
June 9, 2019
This was a very good book. Two traitors of the CIA with one trying to kill Kyle, ruin his good name but failing at that. I like the ending where he does finely get married and have a child and does retire from the CIA totally because he was now married and had a family. But I did hate to end the series as I did like it very much.
March 12, 2023
Was another very good book in the series, however this one seemed very hastily edited if at all. Several glaring typos or contextual issues such as titling OO Dawkins as a “Chief Master Sergeant”. As a Marine, there is no such rank and OO Dawkins had been set up for 9 books as a Marine. Still a great book overall and a thrilling conclusion(?) to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
Excellent adventure series
this is the latest in the series following Kyle Swanson, a former marine sniper now
a top agent with the CIA. In this book he is out to trap a rogue agent who killed one of his closest friends.
this is the latest in the series following Kyle Swanson, a former marine sniper now
a top agent with the CIA. In this book he is out to trap a rogue agent who killed one of his closest friends.
July 2, 2018
This is a long and difficult adventure. It has several
story lines going at the same time. The stories skip from countries to countries. At times I could not remember who some of the characters were.
story lines going at the same time. The stories skip from countries to countries. At times I could not remember who some of the characters were.
October 17, 2018
I had a little trouble getting into this story put the pace picked up soon and it turned out great. The end leaves open the possibility that Kyle Swanson will be retired as a sniper. I expect sequels having Swanson riding a desk as a new protagonist replaces him under Swanson's tutoring
May 15, 2020
As good as ever
Highly entertaining, fast paced, with the usual crew all present and doing what they usually do
Book is really made of of 3 parts with anotjer story connecting each bit. nicely done. Few surprises towards the end
Highly entertaining, fast paced, with the usual crew all present and doing what they usually do
Book is really made of of 3 parts with anotjer story connecting each bit. nicely done. Few surprises towards the end
July 8, 2020
Kyle Swanson is a CIA sniper who is hunting for a rogue agent. New teams up with Luke Gibson who appears to want to really be his partner. In reality, however, he wants to kill Kyle so he can become the top sniper.
July 11, 2021
Great read, wonderful character's, and one tough
Enemy but after finishing the read and the last chapter I was worried. Am I reading the last chapter? I hope not but if it is thank you for a great series.
Enemy but after finishing the read and the last chapter I was worried. Am I reading the last chapter? I hope not but if it is thank you for a great series.
September 3, 2017
Really good read
The plot is a little contrived. But that is to be expected. There are some annoying typos. But overall a great read.,
The plot is a little contrived. But that is to be expected. There are some annoying typos. But overall a great read.,
September 5, 2017
Not my favorite Swanson book..very predictable
September 21, 2017
3 1/2 stars
December 22, 2017
Solid thriller, well plotted and fast paced
December 24, 2017
Solid thriller.
Read
May 1, 2018Another good one in the series!
June 9, 2018
Another great book in my favorite sniper series
January 6, 2019
This is an action packed story and Kyle was a good character.
June 21, 2019
I always love a happy ending, But now that means the series is over darn it.
July 30, 2019
Classic Kyle Swanson! Enjoyed the sniper approach!!!!
January 9, 2020
Great series, I enjoyed the journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews