Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

SpyCo #2

Assignment: Paris

Rate this book

One man broken-hearted by his wife’s brutal slaying…one nuclear device primed to destroy the city of Paris…one chance to save over two million lives. Can Perry Hall set aside his grief long enough to prevent the unthinkable?

After his wife was slain by a sadistic assassin, SpyCo agent Perry Hall stopped caring whether he lived or died. Nothing mattered, save binge drinking and caring for his bulldog, Fleming. His disdain for life-threatening operations makes him an asset to Director J. Carlton Moore, who sends Perry into the most dangerous situations to ever face the covert organization. So when the City of Lights faces extinction at the hands of the world’s most feared terrorist group, Perry emerges as the only hope for over two million innocent civilians.

Book Two in the SpyCo Novella Series, Assignment: Paris will thrill, chill, and entertain!

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2017

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Craig A. Hart

103 books216 followers
Craig A. Hart is a writer of thrillers. In a past life, he was also director for Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, a broadcast outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired.

In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.

In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.

In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
33 (54%)
4 stars
21 (34%)
3 stars
7 (11%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,485 reviews24 followers
February 9, 2021
FYI: ebooks 1-3 of the series have been combined into a single set, Assignment: Adventure.

While the characters from Assignment: Athens were briefly mentioned in this book, it’s not necessary to read/listen to that one to enjoy this. However, they will feature more prominently in the next book – so the series should be read in order.

This a great mix of espionage, thriller, mystery, & suspense with a dash of humor. Even though it’s only 3 hours – this was a fulfilling and complete adventure.

Perry Hall is drowning his grief in alcohol and what little humanity he has left is directed toward his English Bulldog, Fleming. Perry is basically given the high risk assignments because he’s practically lost the will to live. It’s a little heartbreaking, but he does work diligently and competently to rescue/recover missing operatives and attempt to thwart Scorpion’s plans to nuke a city. He gets help in unexpected places – including from the ever-loyal Fleming.

The main mission is accomplished, but Perry has a personal vendetta yet to be avenged and I’m looking forward to Assignment: Istanbul.

Narration:
This was my first experience with narrator Richard Peterson. I thought he was a good choice for the gruff & sometimes cynical Perry. He gave all the characters unique personalities and voices. I do wish the accents for secondary characters were more consistent – but it wouldn’t keep me from listening to him in the future.
Profile Image for Lisa Robbins.
314 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2017
Another quick and action packed SpyCo novel. In this installment we meet Perry Hall, an agent who is still troubled by the murder of his wife. We first meet Perry waking up on his floor hung over. His flaws and pain make him a more relatable character. When we meet him, he doesn’t seem like he’d be an agent in a spy organization. He’s sent to Paris, where he and his wife went on their honeymoon. Will he be able to stop Scorpion before they blow Paris to the ground? A quick and entertaining read! Looking forward to the next installment!

Thanks to author Craig Hart for a free copy of this book.
9,834 reviews107 followers
October 17, 2017
Wow. What a book. Poor Perry is grieving after an assassin murdered his wife. All he wants is to drink, but he gets an important assignment and he has to choose. Just loved every bit of this story, keeps you gripped until you’re finished. This author is totally awesome. Received an ARC and am reviewing because it’s important to me.
Profile Image for Kim.
377 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2021
Another great spy novella…

The authors, Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo, are masters at packing so much action and adventure (as well as a touch of humor) into such compact stories. This is the second SpyCo novella and features a different main character than the first, but there are common characters which tie the two stories together. I think they, at least so far, can be read as standalones or enjoyed as an ongoing series. In this installment we get to tag along as a psychologically challenged agent, reeling from the loss of his wife, is thrust into a scenario in which the fate of Paris is dropped into his hands. As a well-trained and accomplished operative, he is able to get his act together, quell his burgeoning alcohol problem, and step up to perform at a level we armchair adventurers live to vicariously enjoy. The addition of his dog, Fleming, as a character was an inspired stroke of genius as he adds so much charisma and humor to the otherwise adrenalin-laden, deadly serious sequence of events. (Reminiscent of John Wick but with a small and delightful touch of comic relief). I shall forever be a fan of the fabulous (and frequently flatulent) fabulous Fleming. I chose to read along as I listened to the audio version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The narrator, Richard Peterson, offered a brilliant performance that served to complement this highly entertaining tale. Without reservation, I can recommend this book to all enthusiasts of action, adventure, and spycraft.

While I did purchase a copy of this book, the author gifted me with a code for the audio version and the above is my honest and unbiased review.

If you find this review helpful, thank you for so indicating.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,691 reviews391 followers
September 10, 2018
Assignment series:
Assignment: Athens #1 - A well written little spy story. Not in Ludlum's league, but Hart does a good, simplistic job. The prologue starts the ball rolling with favors of Mr. Majestyk and The Mechanic, which made me laugh. While this isn't my favorite story, I love the other books I've read from this author, especially the Serenity Series.

If you like Assignment: Athens, prepare to get your socks knocked off with Serenity. I am curious to see if the next book in the SpyCo series will be as well written as the Serenity, which by the way are all 5-star books. 4*

Assignment: Paris #2 - Another well written spy story from a good storyteller. The characters are believable, the fast paced plot twists and the humor rampant. Mr. Majestyk is replaced with James Bond, but the story still rocks. 5*

Assignment: Istanbul #3 - Another well written little spy story. The books in this series are getting better, as most good things do with age or practice, and the reader has a fast paced, suspense filled story laced with humor. I recommend reading the series from the beginning as the well developed characters pop in and out from various books. Plus, why not, they're a fun way to spend a couple of hours. 5*

Assignment: Sydney #4 - Again, another well written, suspense filled novel that keeps the reader immersed in the story while having fun reading it, too. The characters are interesting and the plot is well thought out, plus there's the signature humor found in this series and other Hart books. 5*

Assignment: Alaska #5 - These stories get better and better. A well written, action packed, humorous novel that keeps the reader in stitches while glued to the pages. Some of the characters have returned from previous stories and get more interesting. The well thought out plot and the return of Dot makes the intrigue rock. I noticed a new coauthor and can tell a difference with his contribution.

Update: I found the coauthor did not help write this book; it was written strictly by Mr. Hart. This is my favorite book of the series so far, including Dublin #6. The other books are missing him not being the only writer, but I understand his reason. 5*

Assignment Dublin #6 – Another well written little spy story. Dot appears again; she’s my favorite character. The gang’s off again with a new assignment, which if you read the other books, you know what to expect. A quick read done in a couple hours, good for relaxing. 4*
223 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2018
Assignment Athens and Assignment Paris
Spyco Book 1 and 2 by Craig A. Hart and S.J.Varengo
I am writing the two reviews together because my comments will be the both for both: excellent, quick reads. These two are novellas; which means they are shorter than a full novel. They are the first two in the series.
Our hero, James Reagan Burke, or better known as Tiger, is a covert operative for SpyCo. He gets called in when the average SpyCo agent can’t solve the mystery. Scorpion is a terrorist group that Tiger is called upon to go up against; and go up against them he does.
In Assignment Athens he is after a briefcase containing classified information that has disappeared. In Assignment Paris we meet agent Perry Hall who gets called into a very dangerous situation to ever face the SpyCo organization.
Both novellas kept me reading from beginning to end. Both thrilled, chilled and entertained me. Both contained a touch of humor that fit what was going on. I am off now to download Book 3 Assignment: Istanbul.
09.23.18
1,320 reviews29 followers
October 17, 2017

When a Spyco operative and her important husband disappear in Paris, Former top agent Perry Hall, is called in to go to Paris. Paris has some very bad memories for him as it was the last time he saw his new wife alive. Before leaving of another assignment.
Once at JFK, Perry is met with an assassin, and when he opens the window of his hotel room, he misses a bullet flying past his head. It seems Perry is not welcome or wanted in Paris.
Upon being captured, Perry learns of a plot by Scorpion to detonate a nuclear device near Point Zero, Paris.
Craig wrote another well written, fast paced story that hold your interest, and was a fun read. My only disappointment with the story is I was looking for a more active role from agents Venus, who only showed up to get a message to Perry, and Tiger, who only received an honorable mention.

Profile Image for Pete.
872 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2017
This is the first of Craig Hart's 'SpyCo' books that I have read and I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed it, it reminded me of a Roger Moore period Bond film script, without so many gadgets, but definitely with the tongue-in-cheek humour. But to make the fun work it also needs a very clever and exciting story line and this book has that in spades.
The characters are larger than life caricatures, but gentle ones so that they are still just believable, and again this fits in with the humorous slant of the book. Overall a great read, perfect to cheer up a winter's evening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I voluntary wrote this honest review based on my own opinions.
Profile Image for RoseMary author.
Author 2 books40 followers
December 17, 2017
Thrilling Fun!

Stumbling upon this novella because of having read Craig Hart's Shelby Alexander series (2 books in: read them for a ride) and wish I'd read the 1st book first. But never fear, the 2nd is so well-written--let me state that again--SO well-written, that you have a sense of what the first book would have been like and are not a bit lost in reading segment two.

I love when characters are flawed and fallable and yet larger than life. That's Perry--our hero with a lot of baggage. As a product of growing up in the 60s & 70s, this book put me in mind of the original Man From U.N.C.L.E., which was ever so much fun. If you like a thriller and love a bull dog, grab this one and hunker down for some reading fun.
Profile Image for Gillian.
125 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2017
Having lost the love of his life Trina three years previously who had been murdered by Flick on their own front doorstep. Perry Hall had turned to alcohol to dull the pain he would get his revenge he would kill Flick.
Perrys next assignment is Paris with Spyco he is no sooner there when someone takes a shot at him through his hotel room window, luckily it misses. He leaves to meet his contact but has the eerie feeling he is being followed who is following and why? Will Perry get the revenge on Flick he desperately needs?
I love the Assignment series Craig is doing they’re short which be never liked before but they have you gripped there’s a whole story a compact reading. I tend to start them with intentions of reading a few chapters but end up reading it all in the one night. Looking forward to the next one.
12 reviews
November 5, 2017
Action Packed Spy Thriller

SpyCo agent Perry Hall is depressed after his wife was killed by an agent of Scorpion, a European enemy agency. He is pulled into service to return to Paris, his honeymoon city, to locate the code panel for a nuclear bomb which was stolen from two other SpyCo agents by Scorpion. Hart has once again written an outstanding novella which keeps you turning the pages. He has excellent character development and thrilling adventure. And the end...ok...Where is Perry going next?
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 54 books246 followers
March 12, 2019
"Slick, well-written story"

There was something old-fashioned about this one. Perhaps it was the Bond & Fleming references. Everything clicked into place with such ease that any mystery was cast aside, which was a shame. I kept expecting to read that 'with one leap our hero was free'. Despite that, if you want a few hours of escapism to occupy your day then this style of thriller will fit the bill. You can't fault the writing. It's as smooth as a dry martini.
109 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2018
Fun, quick read.

This is a quick read full of suspense and a little humor. It's a fun read. The story quickly moves into the action and since I read this book first, there was enough information about what happened in the first book so I could understand what was happening in this book.
1,889 reviews21 followers
December 21, 2019
After a diplomat and his spy wife disappear in Paris, a SpyCo agent with tragic memories of Paris swings into action in this heart-pounding thriller. I loved the first book in this series and this one was even better. It's full of spies, thugs, self-serving industrialists and even a slobbery dog. What else could you ask for in an afternoon's entertainment?
Profile Image for Bob Himes.
619 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2021
Fleming Fields This One

Assignment Paris, although short, combines all the elements of a Ludlum or DeMille, without the convoluted plot and its details. For fans of the authors mentioned, Craig Hart and S.J. Varengo combine to serve us a light, delightful dessert. Very fun to read.
452 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2017
Wonderful Thriller

I need to be able to follow Perry until he completes his mission. Kill Flick. This author I'd magnificent and will continue reading all his books. Great storyline.
Profile Image for Karla Thompson.
276 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2017
Another fun Spyco novella!

I love this bunch! They are hilariously quirky and yet intelligent and able killers. Assignment Paris was thrilling and full of twists. Fleming was a hoot! Thanks Craig! I look forward to Book 3.
Profile Image for Julian White.
1,261 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2017
Another fast read - and SpyCo seems to have problemsstill with security as there appear to be leaks which impact the protagonist, as in Book 1. I was amused by the (several) Bond references in this book.
Author 2 books9 followers
December 5, 2017
another great spyco book a nice little read that will keep you interested from the start this time we meet perry and his dog fleming perry goes to paris to find his old nemisis and from the 1st chapter theres action aplenty will be good to see if perry gets a 2nd outing
Profile Image for Tom Bierdz.
Author 9 books56 followers
January 15, 2018
Paris is written in the Ian Flemming style of James Bond where the spy appears to be invincible and saves the world from a nuclear disaster. The book is short, well-plotted with interesting characters, and entirely predictable. But that's the nature of the genre. It was an entertaining read.
898 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2018
An action packed spy thriller with a great plot an unlikely last minute hero. (No I won’t tell you, you will just have to enjoy the book yourself to find out.) Take a trip to Paris, and save the world at the same time without leaving the comfort of your home.
40 reviews
December 28, 2020
A job well, done.

Covert ops. Enemy agents. Assassins. Evil businessman. What do they all have in common? They all have a job to do. Some have a plan. Some improvise. It all turns out in the end.
Profile Image for SherleyB.
200 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2017
aka. SherleyB.
Throughly enjoyed reading this book.
Well worth reading characters where enjoyable as well.
4 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2018
A spy Novella

Good story..a little slow at first but then it gets really interesting. Very good reading ...an author to be followed.
Profile Image for Judi McNeil.
35 reviews
September 29, 2018
Assignment:Paris

Another thriller, but in this one the sadist killer escapes to taunt the hero, one more time. Look forward to the next adventure.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch.
221 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2018
Spy vs, spy. Fast moving. Action packed. Perry Hall, the main character, is a grieving widower. He’s also a top notch spy for SpyCo. Perry is the guy used for the worst cases. Don’t know if he has no fear or just doesn’t care. SpyCo’s spy’s are going missing. Perry is called in to find out why and where. The where is somewhere in Paris.

Perry Hall is a natural spy. He has great instincts. This is second nature to him. Code names. Gadgets. Spy skills. It’s all in included. James Bond American style.

The characters are well defined. The story flow is so smooth which makes this book easy read. This is the second book in the SpyCo series. It reads as a stand alone book. The details from the first book are well incorporated into this story. I have to read the first book myself. Looking forward to that and the following books.
354 reviews1 follower
Read
October 20, 2017

I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

Reading Craig Hart is like taking a short vacation from reality. His short stories are a delight with completely satisfying endings. Assignment Paris brings two new characters into play. Perry Hall, a SpyCo operative, and Piet, a SpyCo techno specialist. Perry is called up for a special assignment due to his very special skills. We follow him to Paris, where his wife had been murdered three years earlier.

Perry battles his emotions as he unknowingly seeks the man who killed his wife and the egomaniacal monster who will sacrifice all of Paris for his own financial gain. Can Perry stop this maniac? Can he find the man who took his wife from him? Come to Paris with us and find out. Craig Hart carries you into the intrigue and mayhem of SpyCo vs Scorpion with the skill of a true craftsman.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.