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New York City. A dead official. A girl who saw too much.

When the sole witness to a foreign dignitary’s murder is kidnapped, secret agent Maggie Black is sent to the United States to save her.

Already shaken by unexpected personal news, Maggie’s work gets even more complicated when she learns the witness is a twelve-year-old girl being held inside the Russian consulate. Using her specialized skill set, Maggie must find a way to return the girl into the safe hands of her British colleagues.

From subway brawls to high-speed car chases, Maggie’s trip to the Big Apple is hardly a walk in Central Park. Because things aren’t as they seem, and in the end, Maggie must decide if she can live with a deadly lie when the truth could mean war…

THE WITNESS is the second heart-pounding novella from Maggie’s case files, and the perfect read for fans of Lee Child and James Patterson.

Get your copy of THE WITNESS today and join Maggie Black in one of her most harrowing missions as a secret agent.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2018

38 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Jack McSporran

23 books51 followers

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5 stars
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35 (33%)
3 stars
18 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Richard.
2,339 reviews196 followers
January 22, 2018
I feel much more comfortable reading the second short story in this series and being able to be more positive than the first book left me.
Maggie is sent to New York to “capture” a young English girl who was witness to a crime of international consequences. Those rogues the Russians have taken her to prevent her telling the truth about their foreign policy in action as Emily had seen the murder at firsthand. Maggie needs to rescue Emily before the Russians have opportunity to dispose of her permanently, trouble is she is somewhere in the Russian Consulate.
I like that the author plays on his female protagonist role; Emily calls her Jane Bond on at least 3 occasions. I like that her strength is limited and other factors are in play and Maggie must improvise.
I loved the whole chase through New York City and the action sequences described.
Finally I really bought into the plot twists and the sense of commitment brought into question about the work that they undertake for Queen and country.
The humour was clever and the humanity of Maggie was a winning hand in the complex world of spies and agents. That women’s issues can be centre stage makes this not just readable but relevant.
How Maggie will be able to literally pick herself up and go again will be answered mid Feb.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,013 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2018
A British female undercover agent travels to the US to save a young girls life even though she just found she’s pregnant. Great characters with a great story line keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kelly (kellyinbookland).
281 reviews35 followers
March 4, 2021
Absolutely love the Maggie Black books and this one has been my favourite of the 3 so far. The writing keeps you on the edge of your seat and is so filled with quick wit and action. This one had me in tears at parts which was a surprising twist that I unexpectedly loved. My only thing was I wish their had been a lot more of Ashton. I’m a big Ashton fan!

If you haven’t got in on the Maggie action already then I highly recommend you do. Epic action and twists throughout!
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,404 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2018
Action packed and full of emotion and intrigue

Maggie is back in this story and it has a new twist that I enjoyed until the very end, though I understand why it had to happen that way. There is action throughout the whole story and we see more of Ashton in this story as he comes through for Maggie in a big way. The subway scenes, use of the motorcycle and then the Navy Yard are so descriptive that I wish they were on television bc that would be some amazing stunts and scenes. I smiled or giggled each time I saw Jane Bond being utilized. This story had a few twists I was not expecting and they added to the overall enjoyment of the story and this Maggie series.

I would recommend reading this before reading the book Kill Order as again there are some characters and their roles that do not quite add up if you read this after Kill Order. Can’t wait to read the next case file!
579 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2020
In The Witness, the second in the Maggie Black Case Files series, the badass agent comes out. Like many readers pointed out in the first book, Vendetta, there were a lot of non-badass actions by Maggie. This one makes up for that shortcoming.

Operating this time on American soil, New York City, in fact, Maggie sets out to complete her mission of saving young Emily from the Russian consulate.

With not a lot of preamble, the story progresses quickly and lively. Maggie and her young charge form a bond that seems to surprise Maggie.

I’m not sure the “unexpected personal news” was necessary. It seemed to shake her less during the mission than teaming up with her on/off lover did in Vendetta (IMHO). All-in-all, a good, quick, fast-paced read.

Happy Reading!
21 reviews
February 17, 2018
Another Excellent Book !!! This third volume in the Maggie Black Case Files series is the best so far.

Jack McSporran has a very smooth and "easy-to-read" writing style. A very good mix of character development, action and interesting attention to detail without slowing the narrative down.

Definitely one of better Espionage/Black Ops books that have come out in recent times. Believable characters and realistic plot lines.

The Case Files series is a brilliant way to support his main series of Maggie Black books.
645 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2019
Very fast pace novel about a witness to a murder and she is only 12yrs old, the Russians hold her at the moment but Maggie is called in to what she thinks is to save her, but to get her to the British Consulate is another question, and as Maggie and her charge go from one place to another well a lot can happen, and Think of James Bond he can do it so can Maggie, does tend to stretch the imagination, but for me it was a quick read not that long, I think if it was any longer you would give up because it would have to repeat itself so the author has it about right.
Profile Image for Teresa.
786 reviews14 followers
November 14, 2021
Maggie Black is called to The Unit for a mission even her superior does not know the details of. All Maggie is told by the British Consulate in New York City is her mission is to rescue a witness from the Russians in a matter of the highest world security. Turns out, this witness is a twelve-year old girl who saw a murder. Maggie is intelligent, quick-thinking, strong, but in The Witness, she has a "small" secret that seems to be distracting her. Looking forward to the third in this fast-paced, intense set.
346 reviews14 followers
January 17, 2018
Like tales of strong women or spies or fun -- you don't want to miss this book!

If you like non-stop suspense, compelling mystery, and thrilling action, no question, it's all in there!

Jack McSporran has created one of the best chase stories I've read! The scenes were written so vividly and the story so compelling, I almost felt I was a spectator of live action. I could feel the fear and desperation of the two main characters because both their lives were on the line.

The charismatic character, Maggie Black, is a person you would probably like as a friend -- except she is always on a mission! She is dynamic, intense and dedicated to her work, although, she has recently started thinking about more. Now, with a difficult decision on the line during her latest mission, Maggie shows who she really is!
Profile Image for Tina  Helzer.
323 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2018
Maggie is one amazing lady who can do just about anything. This time there is an international incident and Maggie has to step in to help out. She has to rescue a child who saw too much. There is always a twist and you can just never predict what is going to happen. It will keep you guessing until the end.

Jack McSporran is an amazing author who makes you feel like you are right there with Maggie as she does what she does best. You will really enjoy this book, so hurry and buy it today.
Profile Image for C..
249 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2018
Another great book about a strong woman who faces danger and death with the same vengeance as any male. Maggie Black's character becomes a little more fleshed out and that makes her even more appealing. Jack McSporran has created a group of characters that blend so well that they always add to the overall story. I received an ARC from the author in return for a fair and honest review. You have to try a Maggie Black novel to get a real feel for a heroine who still remains a warm, caring woman.
Profile Image for Nigel.
559 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2018
Maggie's back, still trying to come to terms with some unexpected news she is sent to USA on a need to know mission. A witness has been kidnapped and Maggie has to find and rescue them. But all is not what it seems. Great read cant wait for the next full novel. Totally recommend these books and this Author. Thanks Jack.
28 reviews
February 16, 2018
Love the Books but a Bit Confused

After reading the first two books I was confused by the fact that one character that had died in a book was back in this one. That and the fact that Maggie had walked away from the Unit only to be back in this one. Granted there’s no series of Maggie walks away but things don’t seem consistent.
Profile Image for Lonnie Mixell.
32 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2018
Maggie Black is one of my favorite literary characters.
The Witness is a non-novel length story about her mission to rescue a high value witness in New York City.
While reading the story, the reader can really get the feeling that they are right there with Maggie.
I am looking forward to the next book to be completed.
Profile Image for Andy.
32 reviews
December 21, 2017
Absolutely fantastic book. Can be read as a stand-alone novel if you haven't read the previous books in the series, but you should read them as you're missing out!
This book has a new twist and it works well.
Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining reading.
9 reviews
January 14, 2018
Another great book (novella) from the pen of Jack McSporran.

Maggie is in USA this time to extract a young girl from a Russian embassy.

Another fast paced thriller, being a novella does not disappoint. Used.to hate novellas, felt I was being short-changed.

Not with Maggie!

Great read, go on buy it!
172 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2018
Wow, what a story. We follow Maggie who has been given the assignment to save a witness to a killing of a high ranking foreign government official. Then, well, things get real interesting. And I'm understating what comes next. Fasten your seatbelt because it's an exciting ride.
213 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2018


Maggie Black is back again! Another great adventure that keeps you glued to your seat! Maggie is sent on a new assignment to find a witness to murder and hand her over to the British government and now the fun begins! Fast pace, very enjoyable quick read!
Profile Image for Andrea Gugliotta.
125 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2018
This book was fast paced and full of action Maggie Back is a female version of James Bond.
Maggie has to save a 12 year old girl from the Russians. If you like action and suspense this book is for you...
157 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2018
Maggie crosses the pond to New York City on a mysterious mission. Many twists and turns. Who are the good guys; who are the bad guys? Hard to tell even with a program. A little girl’s life is in danger and as usual Maggie goes all out. Is Maggie’s life ever going to be he same again?
387 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
I love Maggie Black

In this book she has two important decisions to make.

The person that is the Witness surprised me.

There is one thing in the book that really upset me---you will know when you read the book.

Profile Image for Shaun.
20 reviews
January 12, 2018
damm good read all the way through with lots twists n turns throughout .
Profile Image for Chanda Shae Curry.
274 reviews
August 11, 2020
Maggie Black is back in another fast paced, action adventure. But who is on the end of her actions this time? You’ll never guess...
7,767 reviews50 followers
January 5, 2018
THE WITNESS by Jack McSporran book 2 "Maggie Black"
Americans rarely sought British help, unless it involved both nations. Sole witness to a UN official has been abducted, held by Russian. This probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but the right one, Maggie decided. Can she succeed, a gripping, tense mission, without guns and back up. Readers won’t want to miss this, and awaiting book 3. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Brian Mackie.
112 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2018
The Witness is the third in the Maggie Black series by fantastic author Jack McSporran,Maggie is back in undercover role again and thrown back into another action filled adventure, possibly the best so far.If you are a fan of Jack McSporran and Maggie,then you’ll enjoy this latest offering,and if you’re new to either it’s not a problem as all books can be read as standalone.looking forward to reading The Defector.
Profile Image for Woody.
230 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
Entertaining Thriller
ARC download in exchange for an honest review
This is the Second Maggie Black Case Files Novella Series. It continues on with Maggie finding out that she is pregnant.
She is given the task of going to New York and rescuing a girl from the Russian Consulate.
As usual with Maggie Black there is loads of fast paced action. Lots of chases and suspense to keep you reading until the end. Lots of twists and turns that make this book a good thriller. I like seeing the softer side of Maggie as she deals with the thought of her becoming a parent. A good read that leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Alejandrina Lopez.
15 reviews
January 13, 2018
Maggie is back doing what shshe does best. An international incident had the US asking for British help against the Russians. Maggie steps I to a fire situation and is racing against the clock to save the life of a young girl. She sets off with minimal information, no back up and no weapons. Join her on the streets of New York, Central Park and an action packed subway ride. Will she make it? Is all as it seems to be? Will her personal life interfere with her goal this time around? Most importantly, will you be able to put this book down?The answer to that one is a resounding no, as for the rest you’ll have to read The Witness for those answers and a surprising plot twist. Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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