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Cut-Throat Syndrome: A Lance Underphal Murder Mystery Thriller
Are the two tragedies connected?
Sao the port engine of a Chinese airliner inhales a drone packed with explosives. A hacker cult claims responsibility for the downed plane and threatens there’s more to come.
Phoenix, the next A homicide detective discovers the headless corpse of an unidentified teenager.
The she sells resale homes during the day. By night, she runs a non-profit for missing children. He takes pictures, sometimes of the dead, freelancing as a police consultant of last resort. They work as a team with a close-knit group of friends, stepping up to bring missing children home.
Dagwood left this 5-star “Heart Stopping - Start to Finish …this one thrilled me from the first page to the very last. To simply call it thrilling storytelling, just doesn't cut the mustard. It’s way beyond that. …Lance doesn't seem destined for a smooth and ordinary life since the death of his soulmate, Sonja. If you are not moved by his torment, I will be amazed. For me, a heavy reader, Cut-Throat Syndrome is unputdownable. It's amazing how storytelling can maintain such a furious pace...miss it at your peril.”
Website message from “Wow... I just finished the book, (Cut-Throat Syndrome) ...and it terrified me ...it was so believable ...and yet so utterly farfetched.... exposing the greed and corruption in a world that I once thought was secure.......the ‘what ifs’ are still running through my mind ...what an extraordinary story line.”
Outside the box of Ludlum, and Child, “It ain’t your daddy’s murder mystery/international conspiracy/action thriller.” Try Cut-Throat Syndrome .
Sao the port engine of a Chinese airliner inhales a drone packed with explosives. A hacker cult claims responsibility for the downed plane and threatens there’s more to come.
Phoenix, the next A homicide detective discovers the headless corpse of an unidentified teenager.
The she sells resale homes during the day. By night, she runs a non-profit for missing children. He takes pictures, sometimes of the dead, freelancing as a police consultant of last resort. They work as a team with a close-knit group of friends, stepping up to bring missing children home.
Dagwood left this 5-star “Heart Stopping - Start to Finish …this one thrilled me from the first page to the very last. To simply call it thrilling storytelling, just doesn't cut the mustard. It’s way beyond that. …Lance doesn't seem destined for a smooth and ordinary life since the death of his soulmate, Sonja. If you are not moved by his torment, I will be amazed. For me, a heavy reader, Cut-Throat Syndrome is unputdownable. It's amazing how storytelling can maintain such a furious pace...miss it at your peril.”
Website message from “Wow... I just finished the book, (Cut-Throat Syndrome) ...and it terrified me ...it was so believable ...and yet so utterly farfetched.... exposing the greed and corruption in a world that I once thought was secure.......the ‘what ifs’ are still running through my mind ...what an extraordinary story line.”
Outside the box of Ludlum, and Child, “It ain’t your daddy’s murder mystery/international conspiracy/action thriller.” Try Cut-Throat Syndrome .
370 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2017
175 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Michael Allan Scott
20 books496 followersMichael Allan Scott, his wife, Cynthia, and their rescue Doberman, Roxie live with coyotes, bobcats, and javelina on their 'dove ranch' in the Arizona desert.
The Route 66 mystery series, as well as the Jena Halpern and Lance Underphal murder mystery/thriller series are available on Amazon.
For more on Michael Allan Scott, and his new breed of mystery/thriller series, go behind the scenes with an “Access Pass” available at Michael Allan Scott Author of Mystery Thriller Series.
You may also check out book trailers, NBC interviews, and other stuff on YouTube.
Please join him on BookBub, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and Goodreads.
The Route 66 mystery series, as well as the Jena Halpern and Lance Underphal murder mystery/thriller series are available on Amazon.
For more on Michael Allan Scott, and his new breed of mystery/thriller series, go behind the scenes with an “Access Pass” available at Michael Allan Scott Author of Mystery Thriller Series.
You may also check out book trailers, NBC interviews, and other stuff on YouTube.
Please join him on BookBub, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 28, 2017
4.5/5
I'd read the first book in this series, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, a few weeks ago and was excited to dive back into the psychic mind of Lance by picking up Cut-Throat Syndrome—fourth book of this series that can be enjoyed as a standalone, too. Reading the synopsis and the first few chapters, I'd assumed this would be a mystery about some ChinaAir flight that had unfortunately been targeted by terrorists. A few more chapters ahead, I surmised this would be an interconnected brainteaser about the dark world of Internet, signalized through a hacker group called Vendetta, and a missing teenager. I kept going for a while and soon intelligence agencies, officers of these agencies, politically powerful people and loads of paranormal sequences also became a part of this story.
The best part of the book, let me mention it right off the bat, is how different it is from the previous work and in a really good way. While Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe disappointed me in terms of character development, Cut-Throat Syndrome worked the best in this aspect. A long list of names in addition to the previously featured ones—Lance, Sonja, Frank—made me wonder at the start if I would be able to connect to any of these. And I was. Though all aren't given equal spotlights, neither should they be, all are able to contribute in some way or the other while rowing the boat. Not only this, everyone was portrayed three-dimensional by giving each of them their own doubts, own plans, own decisions and own mistakes. This was definitely the highlight of my reading process--understanding the characters for what they're doing or feeling. It made them come alive to me and that's the number one reason for me to recommend this book.
The graphically detailed writing was yet another strong point of this book. From Lance's visions to Jake's torture, everything was vivid enough and strengthened the narrative. The attempt to justify (or explain) the paranormal side of this world was a great one; wavelengths and frequencies worked to shift the supernatural assumption to a metaphysical reasoning. It's rare to stumble upon a paranormal story that doesn't let things happen in the name of 'otherworldly' occurrence, instead tries to give a scientific approach to the idea. Even the psychic talents were enhanced in this installment; while Lance was interacting with only dead people via his unnatural mind in Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe, here he'd leveled up his game. In addition to the dead, he now has abilities to communicate through the minds of those who are alive.
Another reason to read the book is for the end. I love open endings, if done right. More often than not, stories that are presumed to have an open ending are technically only rushing to write 'THE END' and leave all the strings loosely hanging. But this isn't one of them. Apart from an ending that leaves me hurriedly turning pages while knowing deep inside that I've reached the last bit, the villains were another outstanding part of the climax. It's difficult to praise this section while keeping the review spoiler-free so let's sum it up: For a change, the bad guys here are genuinely powerful enough to force the protagonists, no matter how smart or strong they are, to act like any other human would...or should.
I usually don't prefer too many things happening together in a book because I feel like things either take up a high note or go down completely. While nothing of this sort happened in Cut-Throat Syndrome—nothing worked negatively—I felt like the last bit seemed slightly sudden. Everything was quickly taken up in a philosophical—though reality still tangled in it—sense by the main characters; even though I loved the turn it had taken, I felt the pacing was a bit off. I would've preferred a steadily and subtly growing thought through the story instead of a single vision (and Sonja) making sense to Lance, and ultimately leading to his decision at the end. The half-star evaporated under the heat of this.
Overall, this is certainly one of those genre-benders that leaves the reader craving for more but still satisfied. I'm not currently aware of what follows Cut-Throat Syndrome in the Lance Underphal series but will keep an eye out for any possible sequel or spin-off.
This book is perfect for all those who love to read about real-world concepts integrated into a thriller sequence, conspiracy theories, with varied sub-plots and characters who change over the story, both in a good and bad perspective.
Read this and more reviews on my blog
Cut-Throat Syndrome is yet another well-written, well-crafted and well-delivered psychic suspense thriller in the Lance Underphal series.
I'd read the first book in this series, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, a few weeks ago and was excited to dive back into the psychic mind of Lance by picking up Cut-Throat Syndrome—fourth book of this series that can be enjoyed as a standalone, too. Reading the synopsis and the first few chapters, I'd assumed this would be a mystery about some ChinaAir flight that had unfortunately been targeted by terrorists. A few more chapters ahead, I surmised this would be an interconnected brainteaser about the dark world of Internet, signalized through a hacker group called Vendetta, and a missing teenager. I kept going for a while and soon intelligence agencies, officers of these agencies, politically powerful people and loads of paranormal sequences also became a part of this story.
The best part of the book, let me mention it right off the bat, is how different it is from the previous work and in a really good way. While Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe disappointed me in terms of character development, Cut-Throat Syndrome worked the best in this aspect. A long list of names in addition to the previously featured ones—Lance, Sonja, Frank—made me wonder at the start if I would be able to connect to any of these. And I was. Though all aren't given equal spotlights, neither should they be, all are able to contribute in some way or the other while rowing the boat. Not only this, everyone was portrayed three-dimensional by giving each of them their own doubts, own plans, own decisions and own mistakes. This was definitely the highlight of my reading process--understanding the characters for what they're doing or feeling. It made them come alive to me and that's the number one reason for me to recommend this book.
The graphically detailed writing was yet another strong point of this book. From Lance's visions to Jake's torture, everything was vivid enough and strengthened the narrative. The attempt to justify (or explain) the paranormal side of this world was a great one; wavelengths and frequencies worked to shift the supernatural assumption to a metaphysical reasoning. It's rare to stumble upon a paranormal story that doesn't let things happen in the name of 'otherworldly' occurrence, instead tries to give a scientific approach to the idea. Even the psychic talents were enhanced in this installment; while Lance was interacting with only dead people via his unnatural mind in Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe, here he'd leveled up his game. In addition to the dead, he now has abilities to communicate through the minds of those who are alive.
Another reason to read the book is for the end. I love open endings, if done right. More often than not, stories that are presumed to have an open ending are technically only rushing to write 'THE END' and leave all the strings loosely hanging. But this isn't one of them. Apart from an ending that leaves me hurriedly turning pages while knowing deep inside that I've reached the last bit, the villains were another outstanding part of the climax. It's difficult to praise this section while keeping the review spoiler-free so let's sum it up: For a change, the bad guys here are genuinely powerful enough to force the protagonists, no matter how smart or strong they are, to act like any other human would...or should.
I usually don't prefer too many things happening together in a book because I feel like things either take up a high note or go down completely. While nothing of this sort happened in Cut-Throat Syndrome—nothing worked negatively—I felt like the last bit seemed slightly sudden. Everything was quickly taken up in a philosophical—though reality still tangled in it—sense by the main characters; even though I loved the turn it had taken, I felt the pacing was a bit off. I would've preferred a steadily and subtly growing thought through the story instead of a single vision (and Sonja) making sense to Lance, and ultimately leading to his decision at the end. The half-star evaporated under the heat of this.
Overall, this is certainly one of those genre-benders that leaves the reader craving for more but still satisfied. I'm not currently aware of what follows Cut-Throat Syndrome in the Lance Underphal series but will keep an eye out for any possible sequel or spin-off.
This book is perfect for all those who love to read about real-world concepts integrated into a thriller sequence, conspiracy theories, with varied sub-plots and characters who change over the story, both in a good and bad perspective.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review by the author himself and that doesn't, in any way, affect this review.
Read this and more reviews on my blog
November 7, 2017
This book is a must read for lovers of paranormal mysteries! I was hooked on the first page and read straight through into the wee hours. I always enjoy Michael Allan Scott's writing but his one goes above and beyond. Kudos to the master of this genre. May he long blow our minds with his art!!
October 10, 2018
Great reading!
This was an excellent story! Lance and friends are well written and so is the plot. Having read The Dark Side of Sunset Point first, and then Cut-Throat, I need to fill in the middle stories. Well done!
This was an excellent story! Lance and friends are well written and so is the plot. Having read The Dark Side of Sunset Point first, and then Cut-Throat, I need to fill in the middle stories. Well done!
November 11, 2021
I can’t take anymore either. This is SOOO sad. AND the news media. This all sounds like what is going on now - disinformation and slander. I enjoyed the floating scenes and recommend the book for those who like this type of book.
June 23, 2020
Very good mystery. I enjoyed it very much. I will be reading more from Michael Scott in the future.
November 5, 2017
A HEART-POUNDING READ!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lance Underphal is a photographer, psychic and Reach Out for Children (ROC) Board Member.
Callie Harper is Lance's girlfriend and ROC chairwoman.
Frank Salmon is a Homicide Detective and ROC Board Member.
Lacey Friends-Salmon is Frank's wife, free-lance journalist and ROC Board Member.
Jake Jacobs is a private investigator, ex-Seal member and ROC Board Member.
Laura Steinberg is Jake's girlfriend and ROC Board Member.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The scene opens with two men; they are hackers and they have a drone with a camera heading towards ChinaAir, Flight 5026. The airplane explodes on take-off.
A young man, Chad, is missing. His mom, Amanda doesn't know where he is.
Lance has a vision of someone in a white van with two people inside. They kill the unknown person. They cut his throat, chops off both hands, bags his body and puts it in the dumpster.
Amanda calls "Reach Out for Children" to report Chad missing. Jake contacts her and he goes to her home. After his visit, he calls Frank, telling him to send police to take a report. Frank tells Jake he's dealing with a crime scene; head and hands of an unknown victim. Frank picks up Lance and they go to a landfall Lance saw in his vision. Then Frank calls Jake telling him he's found Chad's body.
Jake finds out that Vendetta is a notorious hacker group. He decides to go undercover, using various names to infiltrate the Dark Web. He is looking forward to going on a fishing trip with his ex-Seal friends but he never makes it to the airport. No one has heard from him and his friends are worried.
Callie and Lance chase a white van; the one Lance saw in his vision. They end up in an accident, Callie has a concussion and Lance is in a coma. While he is comatose, he communicates with Callie, Frank and Jake.
Where is Jake? Will Lance pull through? What happens next? You'll have to read it for yourself!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michael has written a story full of twists and turns! I love the way he describes Lance's visions - they are vivid, intense, bold and honest. Delving into the world of Black Ops and the Dark Web is intriguing and mysterious. Michael has weaved an excellent plot and is definitely worth reading!
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know what to say about the ending... it's intense, heart-pounding and gripping with emotion. Jake realizes he's gone too far and goes into hiding. Callie, Lance and Chopper are on the move. Frank and Lacey stay in Phoenix. As for Laura... Will they ever meet again? We'll have to wait and see!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book 4 of the Lance Underphal series, however, they can be stand alone reads. I recommend reading them in order. I'm absolutely spell-bound by this story. There are so many heart-stopping moments. It never ceases to amaze me how Michael develops his main characters; with each book, you learn more about them and you care about what happens to them. Now it's time to decompress from all this excitement and intrigue!! JOB WELL DONE, MICHAEL!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lance Underphal is a photographer, psychic and Reach Out for Children (ROC) Board Member.
Callie Harper is Lance's girlfriend and ROC chairwoman.
Frank Salmon is a Homicide Detective and ROC Board Member.
Lacey Friends-Salmon is Frank's wife, free-lance journalist and ROC Board Member.
Jake Jacobs is a private investigator, ex-Seal member and ROC Board Member.
Laura Steinberg is Jake's girlfriend and ROC Board Member.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The scene opens with two men; they are hackers and they have a drone with a camera heading towards ChinaAir, Flight 5026. The airplane explodes on take-off.
A young man, Chad, is missing. His mom, Amanda doesn't know where he is.
Lance has a vision of someone in a white van with two people inside. They kill the unknown person. They cut his throat, chops off both hands, bags his body and puts it in the dumpster.
Amanda calls "Reach Out for Children" to report Chad missing. Jake contacts her and he goes to her home. After his visit, he calls Frank, telling him to send police to take a report. Frank tells Jake he's dealing with a crime scene; head and hands of an unknown victim. Frank picks up Lance and they go to a landfall Lance saw in his vision. Then Frank calls Jake telling him he's found Chad's body.
Jake finds out that Vendetta is a notorious hacker group. He decides to go undercover, using various names to infiltrate the Dark Web. He is looking forward to going on a fishing trip with his ex-Seal friends but he never makes it to the airport. No one has heard from him and his friends are worried.
Callie and Lance chase a white van; the one Lance saw in his vision. They end up in an accident, Callie has a concussion and Lance is in a coma. While he is comatose, he communicates with Callie, Frank and Jake.
Where is Jake? Will Lance pull through? What happens next? You'll have to read it for yourself!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michael has written a story full of twists and turns! I love the way he describes Lance's visions - they are vivid, intense, bold and honest. Delving into the world of Black Ops and the Dark Web is intriguing and mysterious. Michael has weaved an excellent plot and is definitely worth reading!
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know what to say about the ending... it's intense, heart-pounding and gripping with emotion. Jake realizes he's gone too far and goes into hiding. Callie, Lance and Chopper are on the move. Frank and Lacey stay in Phoenix. As for Laura... Will they ever meet again? We'll have to wait and see!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book 4 of the Lance Underphal series, however, they can be stand alone reads. I recommend reading them in order. I'm absolutely spell-bound by this story. There are so many heart-stopping moments. It never ceases to amaze me how Michael develops his main characters; with each book, you learn more about them and you care about what happens to them. Now it's time to decompress from all this excitement and intrigue!! JOB WELL DONE, MICHAEL!
August 18, 2021
A crazy dark world
Lance now has friends, especially dear to him is Callie. She is susceptible to influences of the paranormal, but to a much lesser extent than Lance.the book starts with a drone attack on a ChinaAir plane. It also starts with the death of a teen hacker. Lance has to delve into the depths of darkness to find him. As the situation unravels, both Lance and Jake find themselves in personal hello. All their friends are worried. Both Lance and Jake teeter on the abyss while trying to solve the murders and plane crash. I did not foresee the ending. It's a whopper. I hope there is another book in the series. This one is really good.
Lance now has friends, especially dear to him is Callie. She is susceptible to influences of the paranormal, but to a much lesser extent than Lance.the book starts with a drone attack on a ChinaAir plane. It also starts with the death of a teen hacker. Lance has to delve into the depths of darkness to find him. As the situation unravels, both Lance and Jake find themselves in personal hello. All their friends are worried. Both Lance and Jake teeter on the abyss while trying to solve the murders and plane crash. I did not foresee the ending. It's a whopper. I hope there is another book in the series. This one is really good.
December 13, 2017
"A Gripping, Suspenseful, Chilling Thriller"
This novel is a thriller from the beginning. It's contains paranormal talents, fantasy and takes you on a voyage to the netherworld. Psychic Lance Underphal is taking on a new challenge of discovery. A drone filled with explosives flies into the engine of a Chinese airliner. An unknown hacker cult pirates a live news program to claim responsibility. Lance's visions lead Detective Frank Salmon to a headless corpse of a teenager. PI Jake Jacobs finds out that a CIA informant has gone rogue on the Dark Web. There's lots of intrigue here and it may not be suitable for the faint of heart. It will keep you guessing to the very end.
This novel is a thriller from the beginning. It's contains paranormal talents, fantasy and takes you on a voyage to the netherworld. Psychic Lance Underphal is taking on a new challenge of discovery. A drone filled with explosives flies into the engine of a Chinese airliner. An unknown hacker cult pirates a live news program to claim responsibility. Lance's visions lead Detective Frank Salmon to a headless corpse of a teenager. PI Jake Jacobs finds out that a CIA informant has gone rogue on the Dark Web. There's lots of intrigue here and it may not be suitable for the faint of heart. It will keep you guessing to the very end.
November 4, 2017
Gruesome murders, bombed planes, people disappearances, political intrigue, police investigations and, of course, psychic powers make this a spellbinding read from the first page!
Lance Underphal is back again as the photographer who can communicate with the dead (including his deceased wife, Sonja) and “see” murder scenes due to his psychic powers.
This story takes his powers one step further with him also able to contact his friends when they are unconscious or in a deep sleep state. It also sees him in a happier place than in the last book I read by the author, “Dark Side of Sunset Pointe”, with a new girlfriend and dog in his life.
After the first few chapters, I was hooked and wondered how Mr Scott was going to pull all the different elements together cohesively but needn't have worried. He teased me along, with just a little more each chapter, in his very descriptive style. The fact that Lance’s journey through the story is told in 1st person style, with the rest in 3rd person, gives the book an extra edge, and the world Lance inhabits when in his psychic state is dark and the stuff nightmares are made of.
I didn’t want to put this book down, telling myself “Just one more chapter – ok, just another one” - eventually I had to, but only because my Kindle needed recharging!
Another brilliant read from Michael Allan Scott - would definitely recommend this book!
Lance Underphal is back again as the photographer who can communicate with the dead (including his deceased wife, Sonja) and “see” murder scenes due to his psychic powers.
This story takes his powers one step further with him also able to contact his friends when they are unconscious or in a deep sleep state. It also sees him in a happier place than in the last book I read by the author, “Dark Side of Sunset Pointe”, with a new girlfriend and dog in his life.
After the first few chapters, I was hooked and wondered how Mr Scott was going to pull all the different elements together cohesively but needn't have worried. He teased me along, with just a little more each chapter, in his very descriptive style. The fact that Lance’s journey through the story is told in 1st person style, with the rest in 3rd person, gives the book an extra edge, and the world Lance inhabits when in his psychic state is dark and the stuff nightmares are made of.
I didn’t want to put this book down, telling myself “Just one more chapter – ok, just another one” - eventually I had to, but only because my Kindle needed recharging!
Another brilliant read from Michael Allan Scott - would definitely recommend this book!
November 12, 2017
This book has a lot going on in it. Lance Underpal is a psychic and gets some help from his dead wife, Sonja. An anonymous hacker cult pirates a live news broadcast to claim responsibility, forcing Lance to help out Detective Frank Salmon with his visions.Things get really complex with things happening all over the world causing an international emergency. There is a plane blown up by drones, a head-less corpse, and a CIA informant gone rogue. Are they all tied together somehow? Or is this the work of different entities working at the same time? Graphic descriptions, so if your queasy about that, this book is not for you. Can Lance get the person(s) responsible? Get the book to find out.
June 8, 2020
Another gripping thriller by Mr. Scott. I read this book on my Kindle and once again was not disappointed. Lance's ability to visit with Callie, Jake, and Frank was a boost to the book in my opinion. Lance never fails to help those who need him, even if it may be a detriment to his own condition. With big decisions to make, he continues to fight to save those he knows need him. It amazes me the punishment the SEALS take to help their brothers. With every novel, I read of Mr. Scott's, I wonder how his mind stretches to such far reaches to write his tales. The research for this one is beyond compare. The ending is a shocker and I wonder what will happen next to the Lance saga.
January 27, 2018
The last time I read a book this intense, the title was "INTENSITY" by Dean Koontz about thirty years ago. The subject matter of this book could be culled from the current political headlines. It felt like I was reading the story behind the News stories.
I have some friends who were Sub-Mariners from the Viet Nam era and twenty years after. These guys are a very close-knit fraternity (like the SEALS in this book) who stay in close contact. Many of them have migrated into the "Alphabet Agencies". I recall them saying years ago about some of Tom Clancy Spy novels, "Somebody's Been Talking" because of how much "insider" information he appeared to have. I'm sure if these guys read this book (which I'm going to recommend to them) they'd have the same comments. BTW, if you enjoyed the Tom Clancy novels (e.g. "Sum of all Fears", etc.), you're going to love this book. The big difference here is that when Clancy talks about a bomb, he tells you about the physics involved in the explosion and how to build it. The closest Michael Scott comes to that is a seemingly plausible description of the physics involved in prescience and ESP.
I personally dislike "HS Book Report" style reviews that attempt to summarize the book. If that's what the prospecting reader is looking for I strongly suggest you read the author's summary. No reviewer can do a better job. There are a few things you should know. There are very detailed descriptions of torture and dismemberment that are a critical part of the story and necessary for the reader to feel the emotions the key characters feel. It takes it to a much higher level experience when you understand and feel the rage rather than just reading, "he was enraged."
One of the recommendations I frequently make to authors of books with many characters in a variety of organizations is that the reader would benefit from a "Who's Who". While I had read the earlier books and was familiar with the core characters, there are six of them, Scott somehow presented them, and others, in a manner that lets the reader get comfortable and involved quickly. I believe it's that Intensity I mentioned at the beginning of this review that helped achieve this involvement.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
I have some friends who were Sub-Mariners from the Viet Nam era and twenty years after. These guys are a very close-knit fraternity (like the SEALS in this book) who stay in close contact. Many of them have migrated into the "Alphabet Agencies". I recall them saying years ago about some of Tom Clancy Spy novels, "Somebody's Been Talking" because of how much "insider" information he appeared to have. I'm sure if these guys read this book (which I'm going to recommend to them) they'd have the same comments. BTW, if you enjoyed the Tom Clancy novels (e.g. "Sum of all Fears", etc.), you're going to love this book. The big difference here is that when Clancy talks about a bomb, he tells you about the physics involved in the explosion and how to build it. The closest Michael Scott comes to that is a seemingly plausible description of the physics involved in prescience and ESP.
I personally dislike "HS Book Report" style reviews that attempt to summarize the book. If that's what the prospecting reader is looking for I strongly suggest you read the author's summary. No reviewer can do a better job. There are a few things you should know. There are very detailed descriptions of torture and dismemberment that are a critical part of the story and necessary for the reader to feel the emotions the key characters feel. It takes it to a much higher level experience when you understand and feel the rage rather than just reading, "he was enraged."
One of the recommendations I frequently make to authors of books with many characters in a variety of organizations is that the reader would benefit from a "Who's Who". While I had read the earlier books and was familiar with the core characters, there are six of them, Scott somehow presented them, and others, in a manner that lets the reader get comfortable and involved quickly. I believe it's that Intensity I mentioned at the beginning of this review that helped achieve this involvement.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
August 9, 2018
Cut-Throat Syndrome by Michael Allan Scott starts off with a bang. A commercial airliner is destroyed, and a hacker group called Vendetta claims responsibility for the massive death toll. Closer to home, a boy involved with Vendetta turns up dead, and it's up to a cop, an ex-SEAL turned PI, and a psychic named Lance Underphal to piece it all together. But in a world of hackers and criminals and alphabet-agencies willing to do anything to hide their deep, dark secrets, it's clear that they'll have to break a few rules to get anywhere close to the truth.
Cut-Throat Syndrome is the fourth book in the Lance Underphal series, and I wish I could give a more detailed synopsis, but there are so many delightful and gruesome twists and turns to the story that it would be a disservice to even try. From the inner workings of the intelligence community to the Dark Web to Lance's journeys through the nonphysical realm, this is a cleverly-woven tale of espionage, intrigue and shadowy entities playing one hand against the other, with just a touch of the paranormal to give it a kick in the pants. Clearly, a lot of research went into this story, and it shows. But as always, it comes down to characters.
Not having read any of the other three books, I thought I might be lost, but such is Michael Allan Scott's talent that I immediately knew every one of these characters, and I cared about them all. They are done to perfection. Real people with real personalities and real demons. And now that I know them, you can bet that I'll be traipsing back through time soon enough to get to know them better and see what other mischief they've been up to.
Cut-Throat Syndrome is the fourth book in the Lance Underphal series, and I wish I could give a more detailed synopsis, but there are so many delightful and gruesome twists and turns to the story that it would be a disservice to even try. From the inner workings of the intelligence community to the Dark Web to Lance's journeys through the nonphysical realm, this is a cleverly-woven tale of espionage, intrigue and shadowy entities playing one hand against the other, with just a touch of the paranormal to give it a kick in the pants. Clearly, a lot of research went into this story, and it shows. But as always, it comes down to characters.
Not having read any of the other three books, I thought I might be lost, but such is Michael Allan Scott's talent that I immediately knew every one of these characters, and I cared about them all. They are done to perfection. Real people with real personalities and real demons. And now that I know them, you can bet that I'll be traipsing back through time soon enough to get to know them better and see what other mischief they've been up to.
December 7, 2018
STRETCHING THE PSYCHIC ABILITIES
Lance’s metamorphosis into his psychic abilities has made this mystery series get better and better with each new book. Michael Allen Scott has said he is going to let Lance and the crew rest a bit while he develops a new protagonist, but I for one will be a very unhappy reader if there are no more Lance Underphal mysteries. This book AND this series is well worth the time to read it.
Lance’s metamorphosis into his psychic abilities has made this mystery series get better and better with each new book. Michael Allen Scott has said he is going to let Lance and the crew rest a bit while he develops a new protagonist, but I for one will be a very unhappy reader if there are no more Lance Underphal mysteries. This book AND this series is well worth the time to read it.
May 28, 2019
Mindbending
Great pace, superb characters and a riveting tale. Add the element of Lance, the psychic and, in my humble opinion, you’ve got a winner.
Great pace, superb characters and a riveting tale. Add the element of Lance, the psychic and, in my humble opinion, you’ve got a winner.
July 24, 2019
Good reading
This is the 4th book I this series. Each book has gotten better, writing hE greatly improved. There was no end of story line is will need to read the next book to find out what halpetst
This is the 4th book I this series. Each book has gotten better, writing hE greatly improved. There was no end of story line is will need to read the next book to find out what halpetst
September 9, 2022
A tad farfetched
I really enjoyed this book. Although it was difficult to understand all the computer stuff I still liked the over all story. Just wish I knew what happened to some of my favorite characters. I guess I'll have to wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. Although it was difficult to understand all the computer stuff I still liked the over all story. Just wish I knew what happened to some of my favorite characters. I guess I'll have to wait for the next one.
April 26, 2018
Different, and intriguing
Seems as though I have picked up fourth book in a Series, this was very strange beginning as I had no reference to the previous books\stories. Yet, as the pages turned, the weaving of all the characters became engrossing. Shall now have to locate the first three books.
Seems as though I have picked up fourth book in a Series, this was very strange beginning as I had no reference to the previous books\stories. Yet, as the pages turned, the weaving of all the characters became engrossing. Shall now have to locate the first three books.
March 27, 2019
Cliffhanger to the Max
Though the computereze left me mistafied, after I stopped trying to figure it out (I'm technologically challenged) the action was nonstop! I can't wait for the next one. Can't figure out where it's going. Keep up the good work!
Though the computereze left me mistafied, after I stopped trying to figure it out (I'm technologically challenged) the action was nonstop! I can't wait for the next one. Can't figure out where it's going. Keep up the good work!
May 18, 2019
I liked this book better than the first in the series; the things that bothered me then were not an issue in this one. I enjoyed the characters and I rate it 4.6 stars.
November 1, 2017
Its not a fast, easy read. It's a dark complicated mystery with action and suspense from start to finish.
The descriptive words used in many of the scenes made the movie in my mind come alive. Some of the scenes are pretty gory, but the main character s are ex seals.
Lance is a lot of what sets this book apart from most mystery/thrillers. He is a psychic, and that is putting it lightly. I think book will quickly become a favorite for readers of this genre.
The descriptive words used in many of the scenes made the movie in my mind come alive. Some of the scenes are pretty gory, but the main character s are ex seals.
Lance is a lot of what sets this book apart from most mystery/thrillers. He is a psychic, and that is putting it lightly. I think book will quickly become a favorite for readers of this genre.
September 27, 2019
I love the way Mr Scott writes, poetically beautiful, regardless of the gruesome content that is very visual I do love reading his work.
I love all the characters, Lance as he is, very cantankerous but I do feel for Jake the most, he's such a gentle giant that seems to have lost his way.
The storyline had my pulse rate running high from the beginning right through to the end.
I have to admit, the storyline didn't go where I thought it would, which is why I enjoyed it so much, it's unexpected.
A brilliant read and a brilliant series.
I love all the characters, Lance as he is, very cantankerous but I do feel for Jake the most, he's such a gentle giant that seems to have lost his way.
The storyline had my pulse rate running high from the beginning right through to the end.
I have to admit, the storyline didn't go where I thought it would, which is why I enjoyed it so much, it's unexpected.
A brilliant read and a brilliant series.
November 15, 2017
This was my first book from Mr. Scott, and I have to say I was in love.
I like the fact that these books are written as a stand-alone so that you can read them in any order and are able to read them. I was hooked from the start of the book. I was excited to see how well Lance worked with the other charters in the book and how things turned out in the end.
If you are looking for a good series to read then this is it. Once I was done reading this book, I had to go and pick up the rest of the books in this series and I have so far read The Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe. It is good as this one. So go ahead and pick them all up and read them. You will not be disappointed.
I like the fact that these books are written as a stand-alone so that you can read them in any order and are able to read them. I was hooked from the start of the book. I was excited to see how well Lance worked with the other charters in the book and how things turned out in the end.
If you are looking for a good series to read then this is it. Once I was done reading this book, I had to go and pick up the rest of the books in this series and I have so far read The Dark Side Of Sunset Pointe. It is good as this one. So go ahead and pick them all up and read them. You will not be disappointed.
November 13, 2017
Rating
5 out of 5 Hearts
What an Amazing Thrill Ride.
Michael Allan Scott is a new to me author and he most definitely has an active and vivid imagination to create a multi-layered world with twisted turns that I did not see coming.
It's not a quick read, but it does go pretty fast with all the action packed scenes. I will be reading the other books in this series, they can be read as standalones or in order.
Lance Underphal isn't like any other character I have encountered before. Photographer, psychic, and is a Board Member of ROC - Reach Out for Children. There is so much going on in this story, it blew my mind. Along with a cast of colorful characters, Lance is on the move to solve the latest missing teenager. He dies gave help from an unlikely source, his late wife, Sonja.
Well Done!
5 out of 5 Hearts
What an Amazing Thrill Ride.
Michael Allan Scott is a new to me author and he most definitely has an active and vivid imagination to create a multi-layered world with twisted turns that I did not see coming.
It's not a quick read, but it does go pretty fast with all the action packed scenes. I will be reading the other books in this series, they can be read as standalones or in order.
Lance Underphal isn't like any other character I have encountered before. Photographer, psychic, and is a Board Member of ROC - Reach Out for Children. There is so much going on in this story, it blew my mind. Along with a cast of colorful characters, Lance is on the move to solve the latest missing teenager. He dies gave help from an unlikely source, his late wife, Sonja.
Well Done!
November 3, 2017
This is an engrossing read of a paranormal + murder/spy novel.
I enjoyed this book because I like novels that are well written, have interesting plot lines with twists, and have well rounded characters. If you like these things too, this is a good story that you will enjoy. However, I’m not going to give you a synopsis or outline the book for you. I hate spoilers! Suffice to say that I recommend reading this book.
This is not the first book featuring the characters in this book, and if you haven’t read any prequel you might be interested in doing so. If you do, I recommend reading “Dark Side of Sunset Pointe” first.
If you haven’t done that, just be aware that there are a lot of characters introduced within the first few pages, but don’t let this throw you and do keep reading. You will be rewarded by an interesting and novel approach to a spy and murder mystery. Within a few pages the characters get sorted out, and Michael Allan Scott does a good job of fleshing them out and making them believable, even with some of them having varying degrees of paranormal ability. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!
I enjoyed this book because I like novels that are well written, have interesting plot lines with twists, and have well rounded characters. If you like these things too, this is a good story that you will enjoy. However, I’m not going to give you a synopsis or outline the book for you. I hate spoilers! Suffice to say that I recommend reading this book.
This is not the first book featuring the characters in this book, and if you haven’t read any prequel you might be interested in doing so. If you do, I recommend reading “Dark Side of Sunset Pointe” first.
If you haven’t done that, just be aware that there are a lot of characters introduced within the first few pages, but don’t let this throw you and do keep reading. You will be rewarded by an interesting and novel approach to a spy and murder mystery. Within a few pages the characters get sorted out, and Michael Allan Scott does a good job of fleshing them out and making them believable, even with some of them having varying degrees of paranormal ability. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!
November 4, 2017
To be honest, I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but it turned out be an extremely good read. The writing is excellent, the character development is great, and the plot was very interesting.
This is one of those books that doesn't fit in only one genre. It's part action/adventure, part mystery/syspense, part political thriller with some paranormal thrown in. All of this results in a story that I really enjoyed.
This is one of those books that doesn't fit in only one genre. It's part action/adventure, part mystery/syspense, part political thriller with some paranormal thrown in. All of this results in a story that I really enjoyed.
October 22, 2024
An Awesome Book, An Awesome Experience
First, let me state that you do not simply read this book, you experience it. The author weaves such an engrossing tale that you become an actual part of the happenings. Very few authors have the skill level to accomplish this, and this author needs to be commended for so mastering his craft.
It seems every Lance Underphal novel I read leaves me feeling like I have witnessed the pinnacle possible for this series, and then the next book proves me wrong and blows me out of the water.
In case I am being too vague, let me put it in easy, direct, non-ambiguous language – I loved this book. It is a great book, and I think you will enjoy it also.
A topic is taken straight from today’s newspapers and presented without ever becoming preaching. At times this book reminded me of the movie Enemy of the State, and also at times it had elements that reminded me of the book Thin Air by Simpson and Burger. Both excellent works.
But make no mistake about it, although I may be reminded of other things, this is a very original work. An outstanding creation, one that we are so incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy.
I very much look forward to whatever else this author next presents.
First, let me state that you do not simply read this book, you experience it. The author weaves such an engrossing tale that you become an actual part of the happenings. Very few authors have the skill level to accomplish this, and this author needs to be commended for so mastering his craft.
It seems every Lance Underphal novel I read leaves me feeling like I have witnessed the pinnacle possible for this series, and then the next book proves me wrong and blows me out of the water.
In case I am being too vague, let me put it in easy, direct, non-ambiguous language – I loved this book. It is a great book, and I think you will enjoy it also.
A topic is taken straight from today’s newspapers and presented without ever becoming preaching. At times this book reminded me of the movie Enemy of the State, and also at times it had elements that reminded me of the book Thin Air by Simpson and Burger. Both excellent works.
But make no mistake about it, although I may be reminded of other things, this is a very original work. An outstanding creation, one that we are so incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy.
I very much look forward to whatever else this author next presents.
May 23, 2019
I must say that of all the Underphal books, this was a disappointment for me. I've come to like the story lines but this last book seems like the author went off on a tangent and couldn't find his way back. The book finish feels like someone who just decided it had to end and wasn't worried about how the plot was left hanging with little resolution and then the announcement that there are no new books in the series at this time. Can't give this a positive rating no matter how much I want to support indi authors.
May 29, 2023
An airliner bombings, CIA rogue agents, murder, government coverups and scapegoats to blame it all on. What more could you ask for? Well, you could throw in a man with psychic abilities to help the good guys along the way. Then you could cheer when the accused make their escape. I, for one, would like more of Lance Underphal and all his crazy friends.
December 22, 2019
Eeek!
Sad frustrating commentary on the state of world governance today, and while fictionalized hyperbole, not all that unbelievable given the state of things today.
Never thought Lance & Co. would end up in such a convoluted real-world nightmare.
Sad frustrating commentary on the state of world governance today, and while fictionalized hyperbole, not all that unbelievable given the state of things today.
Never thought Lance & Co. would end up in such a convoluted real-world nightmare.
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