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The Blowback Protocol: A Sam Jameson Thriller
A little girl has been slain. Is it Special Agent Sam Jameson’s fault? Homeland, Justice, and a powerful US senator think so. And Sam is afraid they might be right. She’s been suspended, and she even faces an indictment. With her beau stuck on an overseas deployment, she’s left alone with her guilt and heartache — until a cryptic and terrifying message propels her out of her darkness and into a morass of international intrigue. Along the way, the clues start to add up, and Sam begins to was the little girl’s tragic death an accident, or something much worse? And what does the CIA have to do with the horrible tragedy? Halfway across the globe, Sam runs into someone from her past. But something’s different about him, and it quickly becomes clear he’s in a desperate struggle of his own. Three important people in his life have been kidnapped and face a brutal death — that he himself has set in motion. Are all of their fates intertwined? Are Sam and the man from her past fighting the same battle, against the same adversary? Can they unravel a vast and deadly conspiracy in time to save their own lives? Blowback is a classic spy thriller in the tradition of the best espionage novels from Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Daniel Silva, Mark Greaney, and Frederick Forsyth, told with the entertaining style and flair that have made #1 Bestselling Author Lars Emmerich one of the thriller genre’s most promising stars. For fans of these great spy thriller Mark Greaney (the Gray Man) Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum (Jason Bourne), Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon), Frederick Forsyth, Barry Eisler, Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, and Brad Thor. Interview with #1 Bestselling Author Lars Emmerich
Who are your influences?
Too many to list! I started out years ago as a Tom Clancy addict, and I thoroughly enjoy many of Nelson DeMille’s novels. I regularly read David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, Barry Eisler, Michael Connelly, and John Grisham. James Patterson has redefined what it means to be a working author, and I read his stuff as well. My top picks are usually espionage and private detective novels, any of the thousands of thrillers and mystery best sellers, and, of course, books featuring classic pulp heroes. And I’m greatly influenced by all sorts of nonfiction, as well. I read all the time, and I’m a bit of a magpie about the topics — science, economics, finance, politics, history, mathematics, engineering, biomechanics, medicine… It’s a big world out there, and I love learning more about it. Many of those topics find their way into my fiction, so I can justify it all as “research.”
The Sam Jameson series has become quite a phenomenon. What do you think has been the driving force behind the books’ success?
I think Sam has something of a unique voice. She says the things we all wish we could say, and she gets away with it about half of the time. The other half of the time, not so much. I think she’s also a very human heroine. She has plenty of flaws and weaknesses, yet she accomplishes some amazing things. She’s like every one of us in that regard, which resonates.
You have developed personal relationships with your readers over the years, which is a little unusual in the publishing business. Was that a conscious choice?
Absolutely. Books are intimate things. They occupy a person’s mind and thoughts for hours at a time. Good books leave a lasting impression, and great books might even change the way we think about things, but all books are a relationship. I always wanted a conversation. I wanted to learn from my readers, to hear what was on their minds, to listen to their criticism and hopefully improve the books I write. It’s been extremely rewarding, and I’m hopeful it can continue for years to come.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2017
125 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Lars Emmerich
48 books93 followersYou know that feeling when a story gives you goosebumps? I love that feeling.
And the one where you read something that puts a lump in your throat and smoke in your eyes? I love that one too.
And the feeling that you know what's going to happen next, only to find out to your absolute delight that you couldn't have been more wrong? I love that feeling too.
I love reading stories that move me and challenge my assumptions and teach me something. I love the way a great author lures me in and takes me along for a fantastic ride.
I also love to write stories. It's how I spend my days and a good share of my nights, too. I'm on a quest to write the perfect story full of perfect sentences. I don't know if I'm anywhere close, but I enjoy the gentle struggle.
And the one where you read something that puts a lump in your throat and smoke in your eyes? I love that one too.
And the feeling that you know what's going to happen next, only to find out to your absolute delight that you couldn't have been more wrong? I love that feeling too.
I love reading stories that move me and challenge my assumptions and teach me something. I love the way a great author lures me in and takes me along for a fantastic ride.
I also love to write stories. It's how I spend my days and a good share of my nights, too. I'm on a quest to write the perfect story full of perfect sentences. I don't know if I'm anywhere close, but I enjoy the gentle struggle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 27, 2017
Wonderful action thriller with a strong female lead..
Sam Jameson is an admirable female character, an operator for Homeland with strong detective skills and quick wit. With a fast-paced story, this spy thriller grabs you right away and you can't turn the pages fast enough! I have a new writer to follow, and definitely need to read every book in this series. I highly recommend this story to all who like high action thrillers, I promise you will not be able to put it down!!
Sam Jameson is an admirable female character, an operator for Homeland with strong detective skills and quick wit. With a fast-paced story, this spy thriller grabs you right away and you can't turn the pages fast enough! I have a new writer to follow, and definitely need to read every book in this series. I highly recommend this story to all who like high action thrillers, I promise you will not be able to put it down!!
May 22, 2017
This was my first Sam Jameson read from Lars. This book was extremely fun to read with lots of twists and turns. The story line and characters were amazing, believable and interesting. A great modern day thriller with plenty of action. I highly recommend it.
April 27, 2017
One of my favorite action novels ever!
With this book, Lars Emmerich secures his place in this reader's heart as a new favorite in the genre. His strong leading female character makes his work stand out among the traditionally make character dominated novels in the genre. Sam Jameson is strong without sacrificing her femininity. She has the skills necessary to get the job done but she can still be a woman's woman without sacrificing quality. She's an awesome character, with a humanity that grabs you as well as a level of expertise and competence in her field that leaves you no doubt she is the one who is right for the job. I enjoyed this book for many reasons, not the least of which were the great writing and cast of characters that did not disappoint me as I shamelessly devoured it in about a day's time total. I didn't want to put it down to sleep, but I had to or I'd not have been able to eat, either. As it was I only ate twice because I didn't want to stop reading!
With this book, Lars Emmerich secures his place in this reader's heart as a new favorite in the genre. His strong leading female character makes his work stand out among the traditionally make character dominated novels in the genre. Sam Jameson is strong without sacrificing her femininity. She has the skills necessary to get the job done but she can still be a woman's woman without sacrificing quality. She's an awesome character, with a humanity that grabs you as well as a level of expertise and competence in her field that leaves you no doubt she is the one who is right for the job. I enjoyed this book for many reasons, not the least of which were the great writing and cast of characters that did not disappoint me as I shamelessly devoured it in about a day's time total. I didn't want to put it down to sleep, but I had to or I'd not have been able to eat, either. As it was I only ate twice because I didn't want to stop reading!
June 29, 2017
A real blowback of an explosive story.
By Mary Enck on June 28, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I received this novel as a gift from the author. I have to say the experience of reading the story went deep into my emotions. I really found myself caring about some of the characters, and terrified at the exposure of the cruelty of others. So much of the tale hovers around things that are happening in real life today. So much so, that when I came to the end, I just stared into space and let it all roll across my mind. These things could happen in our world, they really could. People in power who we should be able to trust to do the right thing no longer live by those standards. It's mostly about greed and power and very difficult to perceive why they are that way. The personalities of the characters in The Blowback Protocol are as varied as to fit their roles. I think Mr. Emmerich has mastered the skill of creating believable characters and even some who are so unique in the damage of their persona as to be shocking.
This story moves fast and while reading it, I felt a constant sense of urgency. It goes from one scene to the next without taking a breath. This is my idea of a real thriller. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys the genre.
By Mary Enck on June 28, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I received this novel as a gift from the author. I have to say the experience of reading the story went deep into my emotions. I really found myself caring about some of the characters, and terrified at the exposure of the cruelty of others. So much of the tale hovers around things that are happening in real life today. So much so, that when I came to the end, I just stared into space and let it all roll across my mind. These things could happen in our world, they really could. People in power who we should be able to trust to do the right thing no longer live by those standards. It's mostly about greed and power and very difficult to perceive why they are that way. The personalities of the characters in The Blowback Protocol are as varied as to fit their roles. I think Mr. Emmerich has mastered the skill of creating believable characters and even some who are so unique in the damage of their persona as to be shocking.
This story moves fast and while reading it, I felt a constant sense of urgency. It goes from one scene to the next without taking a breath. This is my idea of a real thriller. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys the genre.
May 7, 2017
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.Riveting spy mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.Read almost the whole book in one night. Sam Jameson is sad and on the run because during the execution of a case a 5 year old girl was killed and now Sam is on the run, suspended from her job and with an arrest warrant with her name on it. Someone has also broken into her house and is watching her every move. As Sam moves from place to place instead of answers all she gets is more questions. Her only friend is her former co-worker Dan who is helping in any way he can with great risk to himself. Sam meets up with James Hayward a rogue CIA agent, who is trying to redeem himself and save some friends from Spain. Why did Sam and James meet up? Chance or is it a set-up? Are the CIA people dirty and who can Sam trust , if anybody? This book was a real page turner and left me wondering how much info we receive is the truth and how much is info is just plain BS made up to protect "innocent"senators and political machines.
May 8, 2017
This is the first of Mr. Emmerich's books that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last.
The female lead protagonist, Sam, is an FBI agent, who has been suspended over an operation that went wrong and where a young child was killed. I ought to have loved the character of Sam, but for some reason I found it quite difficult to empathise with her.
Perhaps it is because I am a Brit. but I found the constant demonising of the CIA to get rather tiresome as well. The result of these issues is that it took me longer than it should have done to read the book, I kept putting it down and doing other things as it just didn't fully engage me.
On the other hand though the plot is excellent (and very complicated, so will keep you guessing) the characters are complex and believable and there are some great action sequences. Looking at the other reviews out there, it seems that I am pretty much alone in my antipathy to Sam, so if you are a fan of thrillers, give it a go and I am sure that you will enjoy it.
The female lead protagonist, Sam, is an FBI agent, who has been suspended over an operation that went wrong and where a young child was killed. I ought to have loved the character of Sam, but for some reason I found it quite difficult to empathise with her.
Perhaps it is because I am a Brit. but I found the constant demonising of the CIA to get rather tiresome as well. The result of these issues is that it took me longer than it should have done to read the book, I kept putting it down and doing other things as it just didn't fully engage me.
On the other hand though the plot is excellent (and very complicated, so will keep you guessing) the characters are complex and believable and there are some great action sequences. Looking at the other reviews out there, it seems that I am pretty much alone in my antipathy to Sam, so if you are a fan of thrillers, give it a go and I am sure that you will enjoy it.
May 24, 2017
THE BLOWBACK PROTOCOL by Lars Emmerich a Sam Jameson novel
We meet Sam, at a funeral for a five year old girl, feeling that it was her fault, her failure. Which led her to being suspended, pending investigation from Homeland Security. Love for Brock, made her think of changing jobs, but there was something about being an agent. They think she is guilty, then comes a cryptic note, that spears her into action. Meeting others who are involved in this, she now wonders was it an accident. A brilliant plot that will have you trying to put the pieces together of what happened
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
We meet Sam, at a funeral for a five year old girl, feeling that it was her fault, her failure. Which led her to being suspended, pending investigation from Homeland Security. Love for Brock, made her think of changing jobs, but there was something about being an agent. They think she is guilty, then comes a cryptic note, that spears her into action. Meeting others who are involved in this, she now wonders was it an accident. A brilliant plot that will have you trying to put the pieces together of what happened
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
May 12, 2017
An Intense Read!
This book is a for grown-ups. You might need to have a thick skin to deal with some of the subject matter. It starts out reasonably mild, but picks up speed and tension with the passing of pages. Some might find the story line, the activities of the heroine Sam, and the greed and sickness of her superiors very distasteful. Nevertheless, Lars Emmerich captures the imagination, too well at times, and produces a story that will stay with you for a very long time.
This book is a for grown-ups. You might need to have a thick skin to deal with some of the subject matter. It starts out reasonably mild, but picks up speed and tension with the passing of pages. Some might find the story line, the activities of the heroine Sam, and the greed and sickness of her superiors very distasteful. Nevertheless, Lars Emmerich captures the imagination, too well at times, and produces a story that will stay with you for a very long time.
September 18, 2022
Yes!!!! Finally a well written and excelently authored spy novel. Been a long time since I have read a really good intrigue and this is one. Sam is in deep deep trouble; not only in private life but her career has taken a serious fallback to the extent that she is now a wanted person instead of a person in good standing with the agency. So she sets out to clear her name,figure out what went wrong in her last episode which resulted in the death of a child. The more she digs however the muddier the waters get until it seems like there is a whole lot of 'other' going on.
May 8, 2017
I love this series! Very good thriller/spy story with great female protaganist and tons of wonderful background characters. This book has you racing around the world battling friend and enemy alike because it's really hard to tell who's the good guy and who's the bad guy! Even when you think you might have it figured out, there's another twist! Really well written!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 26, 2017
This book starts with 2 seemingly unrelated story lines, a Homeland Security agent in charge of an operation that resulted in the death of a 5 year old girl, and a CIA agent are both on the run from "friendly" elements. They meet up and both believe it can't be a coincidence so team up to get to the bottom of a complicated and corrupt scheme that goes to the highest levels of the Intelligence community. Lots of action, all over the globe, story moves along quickly.
December 27, 2018
This is the first book that I’ve read from Lars Emmerich. It was a thoroughly enjoyable action adventure. Having a strong female character such as Sam Jameson was a nice change. The characters were well developed and the storyline progressed so speedily that it was difficult to put the book down. I love when I find a new author and am now looking forward to reading another Sam Jameson adventure.
July 5, 2017
Buckle up !!!
The author kept the story flowing. The main characters had substance which made them likeable. Be prepared to get hooked and unable to stop reading. Would recommend this book to everyone. Look forward to reading more adventures with Sam Jameson.
The author kept the story flowing. The main characters had substance which made them likeable. Be prepared to get hooked and unable to stop reading. Would recommend this book to everyone. Look forward to reading more adventures with Sam Jameson.
July 6, 2017
This book is a spy book, which I usually don't read. But I found it interesting and the characters were believeable. They are dealing with their own issues which, in turn are actually the same. Espionage plays a big role in this story also.
December 22, 2018
Chilling! Just when you think a series can't get any better it does. The details in this one shocked me. There aren't enough words to describe just how good this book is. I loved it even when it terrified me.
September 25, 2022
Another spell binding Sam Jameson action/espionage thriller by Lars Emmerich. Two supposedly unrelated stories being revealed chapter by chapter, until thet suddenly inter-connect for a chilling unexpected finale. Can't wait to see where Sam goes next.
May 11, 2017
I think i have read all of the Sam Jameson thrillers and enjoyed all of them.
July 17, 2017
Excellent story line.
Loved it & could not put down my iPad.
Looking forward to reading Fallout.
Loved it & could not put down my iPad.
Looking forward to reading Fallout.
August 18, 2019
This was my first Lars Emmerich book but not my last! It is a page turner for sure. It has intrigue, moves across the continent and will keep you going until the end.
March 11, 2020
Another great read. Love the tenacious lead character.
August 7, 2020
New author for me. Exciting, but is the CIA really so corrupt?
September 9, 2020
Oh, I love these guys!!
Twisting and turning. Never knowing what's coming next. Wow! These characters are amazing. I want more! I am hooked on Sam!
Twisting and turning. Never knowing what's coming next. Wow! These characters are amazing. I want more! I am hooked on Sam!
August 13, 2023
Blowback
Not my favorite of this series but it was enjoyable. I am feeling sad for Sam! Lo o king forward to the next book.
Not my favorite of this series but it was enjoyable. I am feeling sad for Sam! Lo o king forward to the next book.
March 4, 2020
There is not an idle moment in Lars Emmerich's books. Non-stop fun, uncompromising stories, entertaining and strong characters, and none of that Politically Correctness crap. If you are a fan of action, thrillers, espionage, or many other conspiracy loaded topics, Mr. Emmerich should be your first choice!
Great book. The time passes and you'll be getting more attached to the story continuously. Among the best writers in the profession, no doubt about it. There are plenty of current social and personal insights and the hours of fun won't abandon you for many months ahead. It is a shame the Big A company had a payment fallout with Lars, but from now on, you can find his new books on his personal website, which can be easily found online. There is a new one about the Big Bad Wolf Quinn on the store!!!
Great book. The time passes and you'll be getting more attached to the story continuously. Among the best writers in the profession, no doubt about it. There are plenty of current social and personal insights and the hours of fun won't abandon you for many months ahead. It is a shame the Big A company had a payment fallout with Lars, but from now on, you can find his new books on his personal website, which can be easily found online. There is a new one about the Big Bad Wolf Quinn on the store!!!
April 29, 2017
Full disclosure, I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the author however I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Caught in the Crossfire
A child is dead. Caught in the crossfire of a shootout with a terrorist in the heart of the nation’s Capitol Homeland Security agent Sam Jameson is blamed for her death and why not; Sam also blames herself. As the head of the operation to bring the “Doberman” group down, Sam made the call to open fire, ultimately resulting in the death of a bystander. With her current position suspended pending a full investigation, Sam retreats to the safety of her home to regroup and lick her wounds but soon finds herself on the run when she discovers that her state of the art security systems have been breached. Coincidence? Sam doesn’t think so as she becomes an international fugitive trying to track down the clues to determine who is setting her up and why.
The Blowback Protocol has got the be the fastest 448 pages I have ever read. Sam Jameson is back and better than ever in this newest thriller. Set some time after the global financial crisis depicted in the author’s recent “Devolution Trilogy” it appears that the crisis has passed and the world continues as it always has. There are a few familiar names and faces that reappear from previous novels, but this does not detract from the current story. “The Blowback Protocol” is a standalone novel and can be read without the reader feeling as if they have missed out on any critical plot points. Corruption is the theme of the day as Sam discovers just how vast and far reaching the corruption can be. What appears to be just a simple operational “error” is only just a small piece in a larger web of lies, deceit and subterfuge.
Overall, “The Blowback Protocol” is an excellent fast paced thriller that, if nothing else, will have me looking at the typical career politician types in a more cynical way than I already do. If the current inhabitants of D.C. are a fraction of what are depicted by Lars Emmerich, we are all in trouble! Sam Jameson it a strong, ballsy heroine that still has a heart that can be broken. I am looking forward to whatever her next adventure may be.
Caught in the Crossfire
A child is dead. Caught in the crossfire of a shootout with a terrorist in the heart of the nation’s Capitol Homeland Security agent Sam Jameson is blamed for her death and why not; Sam also blames herself. As the head of the operation to bring the “Doberman” group down, Sam made the call to open fire, ultimately resulting in the death of a bystander. With her current position suspended pending a full investigation, Sam retreats to the safety of her home to regroup and lick her wounds but soon finds herself on the run when she discovers that her state of the art security systems have been breached. Coincidence? Sam doesn’t think so as she becomes an international fugitive trying to track down the clues to determine who is setting her up and why.
The Blowback Protocol has got the be the fastest 448 pages I have ever read. Sam Jameson is back and better than ever in this newest thriller. Set some time after the global financial crisis depicted in the author’s recent “Devolution Trilogy” it appears that the crisis has passed and the world continues as it always has. There are a few familiar names and faces that reappear from previous novels, but this does not detract from the current story. “The Blowback Protocol” is a standalone novel and can be read without the reader feeling as if they have missed out on any critical plot points. Corruption is the theme of the day as Sam discovers just how vast and far reaching the corruption can be. What appears to be just a simple operational “error” is only just a small piece in a larger web of lies, deceit and subterfuge.
Overall, “The Blowback Protocol” is an excellent fast paced thriller that, if nothing else, will have me looking at the typical career politician types in a more cynical way than I already do. If the current inhabitants of D.C. are a fraction of what are depicted by Lars Emmerich, we are all in trouble! Sam Jameson it a strong, ballsy heroine that still has a heart that can be broken. I am looking forward to whatever her next adventure may be.
April 30, 2017
Another great Sam Jameson thriller. Twists and turns with a strong female character. Fast paced. I didn't want to put the book down.
Read
April 30, 2017I love this series and this new book continues the great characters. I hope this series doesn't end! The story is well developed and thought out. Keeps you reading from chapter to chapter
April 30, 2017
Entertaining
It was entertaining at times and then would into a section that seemed to drag on forever. It also would switch from one character to another and leave the reader guessing which character it was. Therefore, my rating is in the middle.
It was entertaining at times and then would into a section that seemed to drag on forever. It also would switch from one character to another and leave the reader guessing which character it was. Therefore, my rating is in the middle.
May 2, 2017
Another Sam Jameson action packed book. Once you start reading, it will be hard to put down. Special Agent Sam Jameson gets held responsible for the innocent little girl's death. But is she? While she's trying to find out the truth of what happened and evade being caught, she eventually runs into someone from her past. He's also trying to solve a mystery. Is it coincidence that they've run into each other or are they both part of a bigger story? And can Sam trust him? Didn't see the many twists that were to come and now want to know what happens in the next chapter of Sam's life. Definitely a book worth reading.
May 3, 2017
Are you looking for an adventure with lots of adventure, plot twists, intrigue and lots of exotic locations? Then this is the new thriller for you. Lars Emmerich's newest novel, The Blowback Protocol is loaded with all. Don't expect a whole lot of sleep as this novel will grab you and hold you for page after page. Tons of action and twist, this story will have you questioning almost everything you thought you knew about the methods used in the name of National Security. A fabulous novel that holds you in suspense from the opening page. A must read for 2017! 5 full stars!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews