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On This Day: Homeland Thriller Series
Ex Philadelphia Police Sergeant, Brant Discher, now a small-town cop, doubts the validity of a local 'suicide case'. He suspects the self-inflicted death of a young, Middle Eastern man has been staged to look like something it is not. Compelled to go rogue, he uncovers the makings of a masterfully complex and sinister plot. With every turn, it seems to go deeper than even he could imagine.
On This Day explores a hive of dormant terrorists secretively and methodically deployed through a manipulation of the US adoption system. They are unaware of the breadth of their assignment, or each other. Unknowingly, all will participate in a national mass attack coordinated for a specific date, etched in stone for over a decade.
On This Day explores a hive of dormant terrorists secretively and methodically deployed through a manipulation of the US adoption system. They are unaware of the breadth of their assignment, or each other. Unknowingly, all will participate in a national mass attack coordinated for a specific date, etched in stone for over a decade.
- GenresThriller
315 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2018
6 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Oak Anderson
8 books332 followersOak Anderson has developed a unique knowledge base in the area of international security, protection and safety through decades of work in the private sector. He was a certified trainer in non-deadly force personal protection, is trained in active shooter response, executive protection, identifying and handling suspicious packages, self-applied protective measures, and kidnap avoidance.
Oak has been deployed for body guarding, protective driving, undercover intelligence, and other security assignments, also liaising with federal authorities on airport security related investigations.
It is these life experiences that Oak has used to let his imagination craft unique crime thrillers that leave readers thinking, couldn't that really happen and challenge the thin line between a civil society and criminal anarchy.
He is the co-author, with Joseph DiFrancesco, of the much anticipated crime thriller, ON THIS DAY, book #1 in the Homeland Thriller Series.
Oak authored the Best Kindle Book Awards semi-finalist, and Amazon best selling novel, TAKE ONE WITH YOU, as well as TOWY Episodes #1 ABOUT FACE, and #2 DEAD EVEN.
Oak has been deployed for body guarding, protective driving, undercover intelligence, and other security assignments, also liaising with federal authorities on airport security related investigations.
It is these life experiences that Oak has used to let his imagination craft unique crime thrillers that leave readers thinking, couldn't that really happen and challenge the thin line between a civil society and criminal anarchy.
He is the co-author, with Joseph DiFrancesco, of the much anticipated crime thriller, ON THIS DAY, book #1 in the Homeland Thriller Series.
Oak authored the Best Kindle Book Awards semi-finalist, and Amazon best selling novel, TAKE ONE WITH YOU, as well as TOWY Episodes #1 ABOUT FACE, and #2 DEAD EVEN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 5, 2019
ON THIS DAY is book 1 in the HOMELAND THRILLER SERIES by author, Oak Anderson and co-author, Joseph DiFrancesco. This novel features ex Philadelphia Police Sergeant, Brant Discher who discovers a complex plot of terrorist activity throughout the US adoption system.
Jaalib Fletcher checked into Motel 6 in Pennsylvania. Cassie, the desk clerk had been notified of a loud disturbance in one of the rooms. When she went to investigate…
“Cassie found Jaalib sitting in a chair; his eyes opened wide, and mouth agape. A large hole beneath his chin still oozed thick red gore, and a snub-nosed revolver rested in his lifeless right hand.”
After 13 years of service with the Philadelphia PD, officer Brant Discher is now working as a small town part-time co, with the Glenmoore PD, and is happy with this. “Brant had to keep things moving.” Brant had made the right choice by leaving the department. He now drank less and was healthier.
Brant was called to the Motel 6 for possible shooting, and was first on the scene. He suspects the self-inflicted death of a young, Middle Eastern man has been staged to look like something it is not.
Suicide or Murder?
The facts of the case conclude that the boy had no criminal record and the coroner’s report concluded death from self-inflicted gunshot wound at close range.
Brant digs deeper and reveals a complex plot of wide-spread attacks that will assault the country. Too many to count. The day had already been picked out…all they needed was to pick a place, a time and a method. A wide spread assault waiting to happen.
On This Day is a well written homeland security thriller, with believable characters and an engaging plot. Dormant terrorists secretively and methodically deployed through a manipulation of the US adoption system…and ready to participate in a national mass attack.
These are the times we live in…
Jaalib Fletcher checked into Motel 6 in Pennsylvania. Cassie, the desk clerk had been notified of a loud disturbance in one of the rooms. When she went to investigate…
“Cassie found Jaalib sitting in a chair; his eyes opened wide, and mouth agape. A large hole beneath his chin still oozed thick red gore, and a snub-nosed revolver rested in his lifeless right hand.”
After 13 years of service with the Philadelphia PD, officer Brant Discher is now working as a small town part-time co, with the Glenmoore PD, and is happy with this. “Brant had to keep things moving.” Brant had made the right choice by leaving the department. He now drank less and was healthier.
Brant was called to the Motel 6 for possible shooting, and was first on the scene. He suspects the self-inflicted death of a young, Middle Eastern man has been staged to look like something it is not.
Suicide or Murder?
The facts of the case conclude that the boy had no criminal record and the coroner’s report concluded death from self-inflicted gunshot wound at close range.
Brant digs deeper and reveals a complex plot of wide-spread attacks that will assault the country. Too many to count. The day had already been picked out…all they needed was to pick a place, a time and a method. A wide spread assault waiting to happen.
On This Day is a well written homeland security thriller, with believable characters and an engaging plot. Dormant terrorists secretively and methodically deployed through a manipulation of the US adoption system…and ready to participate in a national mass attack.
These are the times we live in…
February 25, 2019
"If you enjoy suspenseful thrillers, loaded with action and suspense, that read easy like a Patterson, Connelly or Baldacci, you found the perfect book!" - Dwight St-Louis, Former Chief of Customs and Excise Investigations, International Monetary Fund Advisor
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"On This Day is a well written homeland security thriller, with believable characters and an engaging plot. These are the times we live in..." - Sue Leonhardt, Top 50 Goodreads Best Reviewer
.
"This book hit me in the teeth right from the beginning and continued it's crescendo through to the explosive ending" - Lieutenant Jimmie Eichman, Commander Seventh Fleet, United States Navy
.
"A propulsive tale of terrorism featuring well-developed characters." - Kirkus Reviews
.
"In every respect I should hate this book, yet I don't. I feel almost gross admitting this, but I am hooked. I want to see how far this goes. I want to see what happens." - Isaiah Roby, Book Reviewer, Queer Rights Activist
.
ON THIS DAY is an exciting and well-written read, with an intriguing premise and action that is fast, furious and riveting. - IndieReader
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"A conspiratorial thrill-ride! Hang on tight until the brutal truth is revealed!!!" - Ari Lehman, Actor Friday the 13th (1980 - Jason Voorhees), Band Leader, Musician, Creative Director
.
"I may have gotten in over my head with how real this story felt, but I couldn't tear myself away. FIVE STARS!!" - Sarah Noffke, Best-selling Amazon Author, Columnist and Professor
.
"A coherent read, and the twists made it a mental intrigue which afforded an element of surprise!" - Art Garffer, Special Forces Officer (United States Army Special Forces Command)
.
"On This Day is a well written homeland security thriller, with believable characters and an engaging plot. These are the times we live in..." - Sue Leonhardt, Top 50 Goodreads Best Reviewer
.
"This book hit me in the teeth right from the beginning and continued it's crescendo through to the explosive ending" - Lieutenant Jimmie Eichman, Commander Seventh Fleet, United States Navy
.
"A propulsive tale of terrorism featuring well-developed characters." - Kirkus Reviews
.
"In every respect I should hate this book, yet I don't. I feel almost gross admitting this, but I am hooked. I want to see how far this goes. I want to see what happens." - Isaiah Roby, Book Reviewer, Queer Rights Activist
.
ON THIS DAY is an exciting and well-written read, with an intriguing premise and action that is fast, furious and riveting. - IndieReader
.
"A conspiratorial thrill-ride! Hang on tight until the brutal truth is revealed!!!" - Ari Lehman, Actor Friday the 13th (1980 - Jason Voorhees), Band Leader, Musician, Creative Director
.
"I may have gotten in over my head with how real this story felt, but I couldn't tear myself away. FIVE STARS!!" - Sarah Noffke, Best-selling Amazon Author, Columnist and Professor
.
"A coherent read, and the twists made it a mental intrigue which afforded an element of surprise!" - Art Garffer, Special Forces Officer (United States Army Special Forces Command)
February 3, 2019
Great current events thriller
I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book-- the suspense was crazy. It is like something out of the real world, just taken a step further. After some mysterious seemingly unrelated deaths of a couple of early 20-something men of middle-eastern descent, law enforcement discovers a coincidental link, that they had both been adopted as teens after wars in the middle east by wealthy American parents to give them a better life. What the investigation uncovers is a subversive plot that a terrorist group had been using the overseas adoption agency as an unknowing partner to "plant" indoctrinated teens into American families where they would assimilate into American culture, and have the advantage of a good education, all the while, looking forward to the pre-arranged day when they would simultaneously initiate terror attacks across America. "On This Day" also delves into the personal lives of Officer Brant Discher and FBI Agent Kendra, who, at one time years before, had been seriously involved with each other and this new investigation has brought them together again--lots of romantic suspense there--can they get beyond their differences and see they are perfect for each other, or will their past and hurts be too difficult to overcome? I really enjoyed this book, as reflected in the rating, and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller with some romance thrown in. : )I received this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest reveiw-- thank you!
I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book-- the suspense was crazy. It is like something out of the real world, just taken a step further. After some mysterious seemingly unrelated deaths of a couple of early 20-something men of middle-eastern descent, law enforcement discovers a coincidental link, that they had both been adopted as teens after wars in the middle east by wealthy American parents to give them a better life. What the investigation uncovers is a subversive plot that a terrorist group had been using the overseas adoption agency as an unknowing partner to "plant" indoctrinated teens into American families where they would assimilate into American culture, and have the advantage of a good education, all the while, looking forward to the pre-arranged day when they would simultaneously initiate terror attacks across America. "On This Day" also delves into the personal lives of Officer Brant Discher and FBI Agent Kendra, who, at one time years before, had been seriously involved with each other and this new investigation has brought them together again--lots of romantic suspense there--can they get beyond their differences and see they are perfect for each other, or will their past and hurts be too difficult to overcome? I really enjoyed this book, as reflected in the rating, and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller with some romance thrown in. : )I received this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest reveiw-- thank you!
January 27, 2019
Oak and Joe have hit one outta the park with ON THIS DAY. All along you try and second-guess what’s gonna happen next. But it’s one surprise after the other. The subject is contemporary and rather grim. As the story unfolds, we see how the various people play this out. How most of them stand up to a challenge that’s “in their face” with courage and determination.
"Not on my street!" "Not in my neighborhood." "NOT in MY country." These anthems resound throughout this story. To put it bluntly, this is about what happens when the “shit hits the fan” here in America. It’s a challenge to the old refrain, “It can’t happen here.”
Well, somewhere all over the world it is happening “here.” So whaddaya gonna do? How can this happen? In part, of course, it’s blowback. Just how would you like it if someone’s military suddenly appeared in your town, on your street, and told you that everything you believe, how you live and all of your relatives are nothing but crap? Well, I know what I’d do. I’d put it right back in their face.
So this is what ya get. And it’s certainly something to think seriously about. Let me just say that there’s no wall anywhere on Earth that will be the answer to this one. They’ll be no government policy either. No segregation. No internment. No deportation. No exclusion. No execution.
See, there’s a whole lotta serious “stuff” that’s been going on for over a thousand years. Us in the present are still caught up in it. It’s the “dead hand of history” reaching out to manipulate the folks alive in the here and now. I don’t know how to get past it. For sure, it’s not easy. A resolution will not be found in a bunch of simplistic platitudes and slogans. There was hope at one time that the United Nations organization could play a fundamental role in exploring this bleak issue. We’re still waiting on that one, I’m afraid.
*****
ON THIS DAY has been selected as the February 2019 BOOK OF THE MONTH group read by the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Reading Group. The discussion thread is open. Some FREE eBooks are still available. And our serious discussion begins February 1. Come join in at:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
"Not on my street!" "Not in my neighborhood." "NOT in MY country." These anthems resound throughout this story. To put it bluntly, this is about what happens when the “shit hits the fan” here in America. It’s a challenge to the old refrain, “It can’t happen here.”
Well, somewhere all over the world it is happening “here.” So whaddaya gonna do? How can this happen? In part, of course, it’s blowback. Just how would you like it if someone’s military suddenly appeared in your town, on your street, and told you that everything you believe, how you live and all of your relatives are nothing but crap? Well, I know what I’d do. I’d put it right back in their face.
So this is what ya get. And it’s certainly something to think seriously about. Let me just say that there’s no wall anywhere on Earth that will be the answer to this one. They’ll be no government policy either. No segregation. No internment. No deportation. No exclusion. No execution.
See, there’s a whole lotta serious “stuff” that’s been going on for over a thousand years. Us in the present are still caught up in it. It’s the “dead hand of history” reaching out to manipulate the folks alive in the here and now. I don’t know how to get past it. For sure, it’s not easy. A resolution will not be found in a bunch of simplistic platitudes and slogans. There was hope at one time that the United Nations organization could play a fundamental role in exploring this bleak issue. We’re still waiting on that one, I’m afraid.
*****
ON THIS DAY has been selected as the February 2019 BOOK OF THE MONTH group read by the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Reading Group. The discussion thread is open. Some FREE eBooks are still available. And our serious discussion begins February 1. Come join in at:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
January 9, 2019
You ever come across a ‘fiction’ book and you feel that the story seems so real that it could actually happen? This is that book. Absolutely LOVED it, but it is going to haunt me.
January 29, 2019
Brant Discher was a very active and aggressive Philadelphia PD cop. Having basically chased his love, Kendra Delaney, from his life, he decided that he would move to the smaller town of Glenmoore in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed his life very much, and things were considerably slower in his town. At least he thought so, until a young Middle Eastern man was found dead in a hotel room. At first glance, the crime scene looked like he had committed suicide. But Brants instinct told him something else was afoot. He was to meet the DHS Agent at the Police Station. Little did he know that the agent was Kendra. The two began to work the crime scene, but kept everything official. Brant had a feeling that there was more to this supposed suicide and so did Kendra. Then another murder of a young Middle Eastern man was discovered. There had to be a connection. As of these two deaths weren’t enough, the Lions Gate bridge going to and from the Canadian border was taken over by masked terrorists, who blocked traffic with two 18 wheelers. They were shooting everything in sight. It didn’t matter whether it was women or children. The terrorists mowed down anything in sight. These events were certainly not coincidences. Brant and Kendra continued to research and worked with other law enforcement agencies to find out how this was happening. What will they uncover? Will they be able to save their communities from these terrorists? Who is orchestrating these attacks? How far do these attacks reach? Will Brant and Kendra rekindle their relationship, even though she is now living in LA? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was very well constructed and definitely kept the reader’s attention. The reader could definitely see these types of events happening. The characters were very well described, and the reader could almost envision what the characters looked like and relate to their emotions as well. I don’t want to spoil this for other readers. You just have to read this book. It was a real page turner, and I wasn’t prepared for the ending. I also liked the writers style. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 10, 2019
Terrorism from within the USA! Wow, how this unfolds is truly amazing. It was a little hard at the beginning sorting out all the players. But after reading farther and farther it all was coming together. Lots terroristic twists which could be so true to happen. I’m trying to make this a non spoiler. It’s really a fast read. I started on the 7th after downloading it and finished on the 9th. I liked the main characters and that’s really held my interest. Page after page. Thanks to Joe and Oak for this truly amazing work. You’ve got me hooked!
January 27, 2019
Oak and Joe have hit one outta the park with ON THIS DAY. All along you try and second-guess what’s gonna happen next. But it’s one surprise after the other. The subject is contemporary and rather grim. As the story unfolds, we see how the various people play this out. How most of them stand up to a challenge that’s “in their face” with courage and determination.
“Not on my street!” “Not in my neighborhood.” “NOT in MY country.” These anthems resound throughout this story. To put it bluntly, this is about what happens when the “shit hits the fan” here in America. It’s a challenge to the old refrain, “It can’t happen here.”
Well, somewhere all over the world it is happening “here.” So whaddaya gonna do? How can this happen? In part, of course, it’s blowback. Just how would you like it if someone’s military suddenly appeared in your town, on your street, and told you that everything you believe, how you live and all of your relatives are crap? Well, I know what I’d do. I’d put it right back in their face.
So this is what we get. And it’s certainly something to think seriously about. Let me just say that there’s no wall anywhere on Earth that will be the answer to this one. They’ll be no government policy either. No segregation. No internment. No deportation. No exclusion. No execution.
See, there’s a whole lotta serious “stuff” that’s been going on for over a thousand years. Us in the present are still caught up in it. It’s the “dead hand of history” reaching out to manipulate the folks alive in the here and now. I don’t know how to get past it. For sure, it’s not easy. A resolution will not be found in a bunch of simplistic platitudes and slogans. There was hope at one time that the United Nations organization could play a fundamental role in exploring this bleak issue. We’re still waiting on that one, I’m afraid.
NO THIS DAY has been selected as the February 2019 BOOK OF THE MONTH group read by the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Reading Group. The discussion thread is open. FREE books are available. And our serious discussion begins February 1. Come join in at:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
“Not on my street!” “Not in my neighborhood.” “NOT in MY country.” These anthems resound throughout this story. To put it bluntly, this is about what happens when the “shit hits the fan” here in America. It’s a challenge to the old refrain, “It can’t happen here.”
Well, somewhere all over the world it is happening “here.” So whaddaya gonna do? How can this happen? In part, of course, it’s blowback. Just how would you like it if someone’s military suddenly appeared in your town, on your street, and told you that everything you believe, how you live and all of your relatives are crap? Well, I know what I’d do. I’d put it right back in their face.
So this is what we get. And it’s certainly something to think seriously about. Let me just say that there’s no wall anywhere on Earth that will be the answer to this one. They’ll be no government policy either. No segregation. No internment. No deportation. No exclusion. No execution.
See, there’s a whole lotta serious “stuff” that’s been going on for over a thousand years. Us in the present are still caught up in it. It’s the “dead hand of history” reaching out to manipulate the folks alive in the here and now. I don’t know how to get past it. For sure, it’s not easy. A resolution will not be found in a bunch of simplistic platitudes and slogans. There was hope at one time that the United Nations organization could play a fundamental role in exploring this bleak issue. We’re still waiting on that one, I’m afraid.
NO THIS DAY has been selected as the February 2019 BOOK OF THE MONTH group read by the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Reading Group. The discussion thread is open. FREE books are available. And our serious discussion begins February 1. Come join in at:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
March 7, 2019
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Reading about terrorism just doesn't interest me too much. Or so I thought. This was a very well researched book. The authors worked well together. This is a very serious subject and something we should all be concerned with. I think everyone should read it and keep in mind how very possible this situation could be.
February 7, 2019
I loved this book. Characters you are rooting for within a great story. A real page turner with very current issues.
February 17, 2019
To catch flies, you have to align a web. In Oak Anderson's newest thriller, On This Day: Homeland Thriller Series (Brant Discher Book 1), the web is more complex than it appears.
Discher is a friendly cop, the kind that rescues kittens, who's thrown into a deeper mystery when he investigates an apparent suicide. Conflicts ensue. Terrorists are discovered. Bodies pile up. Love is threatened. Wounds are exposed.
With alternating chapters that focus on different POVs, villains and protagonists, Oak Anderson paints a complicated three-dimensional web. Conspiracy? Another 9/11 story? A firm no. Not if you pay attention.
Oak Anderson is an interesting thriller writer. He takes his time and crafts every word. Not one word is wasted. At the same time, you never have to wait long for plot twists (yes, twists, plural, and endless). If you haven't already, pick up a copy of his book Take On With You, then prepare yourself to start paying attention.
On This Day, explores all aspects of cultural reactions, and sometimes deadly actions, when choice is at perilous risk of extinction. Family, working-class employees, vigilant citizens, social media uproar, federal versus local law enforcement, and a lone newscaster who needs to tell story, all fight for their small corner of the world.
And there's Brant, at the heart of an expanding murder mystery, as he tries to keep his own life from falling apart.
Do we take our lives for granted?
A deeper question. In today's politically-charged world, how can law enforcement catch suspects without racial profiling? Many of us (including yours truly), recognize racial profiling as not only wrong, it's downright criminal. By the same token, a criminal justice system founded on the wrongness of an outdated past, is suddenly without the tools needed to enforce the law.
This book proves that the tools are flawed.
Enter On This Day. You'll be taken on a whirlwind journey that's ripe with dangers and creative death scenes. When sh*t hits the fan, it literally hits the fan. And that nagging question persists. Who has the real power? The flies or the spiders?
I want book #2. I'll wait. *sits down and waits*
Discher is a friendly cop, the kind that rescues kittens, who's thrown into a deeper mystery when he investigates an apparent suicide. Conflicts ensue. Terrorists are discovered. Bodies pile up. Love is threatened. Wounds are exposed.
With alternating chapters that focus on different POVs, villains and protagonists, Oak Anderson paints a complicated three-dimensional web. Conspiracy? Another 9/11 story? A firm no. Not if you pay attention.
Oak Anderson is an interesting thriller writer. He takes his time and crafts every word. Not one word is wasted. At the same time, you never have to wait long for plot twists (yes, twists, plural, and endless). If you haven't already, pick up a copy of his book Take On With You, then prepare yourself to start paying attention.
On This Day, explores all aspects of cultural reactions, and sometimes deadly actions, when choice is at perilous risk of extinction. Family, working-class employees, vigilant citizens, social media uproar, federal versus local law enforcement, and a lone newscaster who needs to tell story, all fight for their small corner of the world.
And there's Brant, at the heart of an expanding murder mystery, as he tries to keep his own life from falling apart.
Do we take our lives for granted?
A deeper question. In today's politically-charged world, how can law enforcement catch suspects without racial profiling? Many of us (including yours truly), recognize racial profiling as not only wrong, it's downright criminal. By the same token, a criminal justice system founded on the wrongness of an outdated past, is suddenly without the tools needed to enforce the law.
This book proves that the tools are flawed.
Enter On This Day. You'll be taken on a whirlwind journey that's ripe with dangers and creative death scenes. When sh*t hits the fan, it literally hits the fan. And that nagging question persists. Who has the real power? The flies or the spiders?
I want book #2. I'll wait. *sits down and waits*
February 6, 2019
Thanks to Oak and Joseph for giving me a chance to read this book. After 9/11, the Islamic community has come under heavy scrutiny. In between all the good that's being done, there are of course the extreme jihadists who are so hell bent twisting the religion to something else. On This Day is an awesome work, half the time, it felt like watching an action thriller on the telly coz each and every image described could be pictured in our mind. That is quite an achievement I think. I loved how the authors have managed to make us feel sorry for the misguided souls being made to do this dirty work.
The ending was quite unexpected but true to the story.
The ending was quite unexpected but true to the story.
February 7, 2019
Wow!!! Fantastic book Oak and Joseph!!! It was hard to put down, but I do work for a living, and need sleep sometimes too!! I must say that I don't enjoy reading about terrorist attacks, but your choice of words was so graphic, that I felt I was there at most of the attack sites.... You can't have a happy ending in a story like this, but Kendra's demise, especially the way it happened, just put the exclamation point on this story. Great job guys!!! When's Book 2 coming???
February 5, 2019
As a fan of suspense novels, it's exciting to read one that stands out. This is definitely not the same old story! The subject matter is timely and the writers did a fabulous job of making it real. The character development was very good and the action was fantastic. I look forward to the next Brant Discher book!
January 14, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book from one of the authors.
I am not a fan of police drama, thrillers, or murder mysteries. So this is not my typical read by far. The reason I don’t like those genres comes through loud and clear in this book.
Characters: I just can’t bring myself to like the grizzled cop that is a loose cannon or the cop that should have retired long ago because of his emotional issues. Enter Brant. He is macho and a great cop, that left due to emotional issues from a relationship that went terribly due to him being toxically masculine. So not the typical cop anti-hero that I can’t stand. There was a kitten scene that really brought home how different Brant was near the beginning of the book. Brant actually seemed to be working on his issues and dealing with what is wrong in his life. Though that is only surface since he doesn’t actually admit what is wrong with him, but blames the city for his issues for most of the book. His real issues come down to a toxic masculinity that doesn’t allow the woman he loves to be more successful than he is. His view of love is also pretty warped, which brings me to the next issue:
Representation of women: woo boy. That is a tough one. Kendra is a kick-ass woman and I really enjoyed her character. That is, I mostly did. The reasons that Brant is in love with Kendra is that she is sexually voracious. Cool. You can love your partner for whatever reasons you want, but it just made me think even less of Brant. He didn’t really seem to have anything in common with Kendra and the relationship felt super shallow. It felt even more shallow when they magically got back together without talking about it, while Kendra was clearly unable to consent to anything (there was not rape, there was a kiss, but it went no further so I have to give kudos for no main female characters being raped in the book). Brant has issues with women, the bad guys have issues with women. The women are few and far between outside of victims and Kendra. Kendra seems to only exist as a plot device by the end though. The ending made me hate her character and really recognize that she wasn’t fleshed out enough to really even be a main character. One redeeming female character was Brant’s mother, but she was also not super fleshed out. That 2D character design seemed intentional though. She had some memory issues and a strong streak of stubborn going, so it actually made her feel more real to me than most of the other characters in the book. I think part of the issue is this was a book that was setting up for a series instead of a stand alone. I can give some leeway for character development, because it is clear there is more to come. The ending did give Brant some major room to change.
Toxic masculinity: This book is just full of it. Brant shows a lot of it. There is a lot of casual homophobia out of nowhere just snuck in for flavor, I guess. The actually gay scenes weren’t bad at all and were pretty interesting writing. There was a gay character with TONS of internalized homophobia and that was a wonderful section to read. There were so many mental disconnects and a religious tint that I hadn’t read before. It was still rooted in toxic masculinity, but it was clear that it was wrong. A lot of toxic masculinity isn’t ever addressed, most in this book aren’t even addressed. This one character had it addressed and I liked it.
Race issues: so this book pretty much plays on the American fear of people from the Middle East and immigrants. It was horrifying how far this book went. There were multiple occasions where the main characters would argue that if the world were less “politically correct” then mass terror could be prevented. There was even a joke that TSA was racist and profiled, which duh, but it made me laugh. There were so many race issues in this book that don’t even stem from my desire to respect people as people, but this book just played on so many unfounded fears for the sake of an easy enemy target. though there was a time where this bit the main characters in the butt, sadly it was not race that got them, but gender.
In every respect I should hate this book, yet I don’t. I feel almost gross admitting this, but I am hooked. I want to see how far this goes. I want to see what happens. This is clearly a first book in a series and it is all set-up. The world is being built, the enemy is slowly being revealed. The heroes are being built up still. There is no conclusion in this book. Normally this annoys me to no end, but in this book it worked. It didn’t rush the action. It allowed for more to happen. I loved the writing itself. It was easy to read and easy to follow. The fact that I could get through a book that had so many issues for me is a real testament to the authors for their ability to keep the book grounded.
I am surprised at some of the issues I had in the book because I have had personal conversations with one of the authors. He is, from what I can tell, a wonderful person. Just the way he is able to describe his feelings and discuss difficult topics was amazing. So I am curious to see how this all plays out. I have a feeling that my issues are not what they seem, but will require a book or two more to really play out to their full potential instead of being stunted the way I am seeing them now. I have hope for this series. I fear that I am right, but the hope is outweighing it right now.
Some thoughts that won’t make sense unless you read the book:
Joan Jett is not considered heavy metal in any world. She is wonderful and a brilliant musician, but far from metal.
Moaning a date during an orgasm is really weird. Just saying.
Never considered oranges to be good for splatter, but I have to admit that the way they are used really does show, in a strange way, a strength of that character.
If I was basing this book solely on my issues, then it would be a one star book. The authors were able to get me through all of my issues with their writing. The book jumps between the cops and the extremists, which at times can be really jarring. There were scenes where the extremists did separate themselves from “moderate” Muslims. There was an effort to make sure that it wasn’t “all Muslims are bad” situation, but it felt like with the author’s apparent skill there could have been more to everything instead of playing off racist fears. The writing and the way the story was actually set up raised this book up. I am torn between giving the book three stars (letting my issues win) and four stars (letting the captivation I felt win). I am going to go with four stars, because it felt like there is so much more to the story that will get me out of my issues. There were so many side characters and build-up that were wonderful to see. The world is so vivid. The writing was enough to get me through a book that I should hate and isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own. So The fact that the writing is so damn near perfect for me, I have to give a rating that fits that. If a book inside a genre that I can’t even pretend to like has me hooked, there is something there. I just hope the authors can really address the issues I have with the book in the next one. There is just so much more than my issues happening. I can ignore “cocksucker” being used as a generic insult, despite it annoying me for the go to casual homophobia and toxic masculinity it is, if it really serves a purpose in the story and doesn’t become a huge focus of the book. It was said maybe twice and during intense scenes where it would be normal for weird stuff to be said that isn’t characteristic. So be warned that there are issues in this book, but I think that the authors will be able to go above and beyond these issues. They are using an easy manipulated fear to start a story, but it will be so much bigger by the end. Something will happen.
I got an ARC of this book from one of the authors.
I am not a fan of police drama, thrillers, or murder mysteries. So this is not my typical read by far. The reason I don’t like those genres comes through loud and clear in this book.
Characters: I just can’t bring myself to like the grizzled cop that is a loose cannon or the cop that should have retired long ago because of his emotional issues. Enter Brant. He is macho and a great cop, that left due to emotional issues from a relationship that went terribly due to him being toxically masculine. So not the typical cop anti-hero that I can’t stand. There was a kitten scene that really brought home how different Brant was near the beginning of the book. Brant actually seemed to be working on his issues and dealing with what is wrong in his life. Though that is only surface since he doesn’t actually admit what is wrong with him, but blames the city for his issues for most of the book. His real issues come down to a toxic masculinity that doesn’t allow the woman he loves to be more successful than he is. His view of love is also pretty warped, which brings me to the next issue:
Representation of women: woo boy. That is a tough one. Kendra is a kick-ass woman and I really enjoyed her character. That is, I mostly did. The reasons that Brant is in love with Kendra is that she is sexually voracious. Cool. You can love your partner for whatever reasons you want, but it just made me think even less of Brant. He didn’t really seem to have anything in common with Kendra and the relationship felt super shallow. It felt even more shallow when they magically got back together without talking about it, while Kendra was clearly unable to consent to anything (there was not rape, there was a kiss, but it went no further so I have to give kudos for no main female characters being raped in the book). Brant has issues with women, the bad guys have issues with women. The women are few and far between outside of victims and Kendra. Kendra seems to only exist as a plot device by the end though. The ending made me hate her character and really recognize that she wasn’t fleshed out enough to really even be a main character. One redeeming female character was Brant’s mother, but she was also not super fleshed out. That 2D character design seemed intentional though. She had some memory issues and a strong streak of stubborn going, so it actually made her feel more real to me than most of the other characters in the book. I think part of the issue is this was a book that was setting up for a series instead of a stand alone. I can give some leeway for character development, because it is clear there is more to come. The ending did give Brant some major room to change.
Toxic masculinity: This book is just full of it. Brant shows a lot of it. There is a lot of casual homophobia out of nowhere just snuck in for flavor, I guess. The actually gay scenes weren’t bad at all and were pretty interesting writing. There was a gay character with TONS of internalized homophobia and that was a wonderful section to read. There were so many mental disconnects and a religious tint that I hadn’t read before. It was still rooted in toxic masculinity, but it was clear that it was wrong. A lot of toxic masculinity isn’t ever addressed, most in this book aren’t even addressed. This one character had it addressed and I liked it.
Race issues: so this book pretty much plays on the American fear of people from the Middle East and immigrants. It was horrifying how far this book went. There were multiple occasions where the main characters would argue that if the world were less “politically correct” then mass terror could be prevented. There was even a joke that TSA was racist and profiled, which duh, but it made me laugh. There were so many race issues in this book that don’t even stem from my desire to respect people as people, but this book just played on so many unfounded fears for the sake of an easy enemy target. though there was a time where this bit the main characters in the butt, sadly it was not race that got them, but gender.
In every respect I should hate this book, yet I don’t. I feel almost gross admitting this, but I am hooked. I want to see how far this goes. I want to see what happens. This is clearly a first book in a series and it is all set-up. The world is being built, the enemy is slowly being revealed. The heroes are being built up still. There is no conclusion in this book. Normally this annoys me to no end, but in this book it worked. It didn’t rush the action. It allowed for more to happen. I loved the writing itself. It was easy to read and easy to follow. The fact that I could get through a book that had so many issues for me is a real testament to the authors for their ability to keep the book grounded.
I am surprised at some of the issues I had in the book because I have had personal conversations with one of the authors. He is, from what I can tell, a wonderful person. Just the way he is able to describe his feelings and discuss difficult topics was amazing. So I am curious to see how this all plays out. I have a feeling that my issues are not what they seem, but will require a book or two more to really play out to their full potential instead of being stunted the way I am seeing them now. I have hope for this series. I fear that I am right, but the hope is outweighing it right now.
Some thoughts that won’t make sense unless you read the book:
Joan Jett is not considered heavy metal in any world. She is wonderful and a brilliant musician, but far from metal.
Moaning a date during an orgasm is really weird. Just saying.
Never considered oranges to be good for splatter, but I have to admit that the way they are used really does show, in a strange way, a strength of that character.
If I was basing this book solely on my issues, then it would be a one star book. The authors were able to get me through all of my issues with their writing. The book jumps between the cops and the extremists, which at times can be really jarring. There were scenes where the extremists did separate themselves from “moderate” Muslims. There was an effort to make sure that it wasn’t “all Muslims are bad” situation, but it felt like with the author’s apparent skill there could have been more to everything instead of playing off racist fears. The writing and the way the story was actually set up raised this book up. I am torn between giving the book three stars (letting my issues win) and four stars (letting the captivation I felt win). I am going to go with four stars, because it felt like there is so much more to the story that will get me out of my issues. There were so many side characters and build-up that were wonderful to see. The world is so vivid. The writing was enough to get me through a book that I should hate and isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own. So The fact that the writing is so damn near perfect for me, I have to give a rating that fits that. If a book inside a genre that I can’t even pretend to like has me hooked, there is something there. I just hope the authors can really address the issues I have with the book in the next one. There is just so much more than my issues happening. I can ignore “cocksucker” being used as a generic insult, despite it annoying me for the go to casual homophobia and toxic masculinity it is, if it really serves a purpose in the story and doesn’t become a huge focus of the book. It was said maybe twice and during intense scenes where it would be normal for weird stuff to be said that isn’t characteristic. So be warned that there are issues in this book, but I think that the authors will be able to go above and beyond these issues. They are using an easy manipulated fear to start a story, but it will be so much bigger by the end. Something will happen.
February 18, 2019
I really liked the protagonist in this book. Despite some failings, he is a person of integrity. Doesn't always know what's best for him, but who does? Certainly his determination to uncover Truth is to be applauded. Thankfully, since this is the first of a series, Brant Discher will return.
ON THIS DAY purports an interesting and possibly accurate premise. For some years, the number of children and adolescents orphaned by the Middle Eastern strife has increased tremendously. Some Americans have adopted adolescents via international adoption agencies, whose regulations may not be as strict as those in the Western countries. That's all very charitable, but the premise here is that some of these adolescents are "deep sleepers." (Manchurian Candidate, anyone?) Trained both in their Islamic faith and also in violence and terrorism, they are sent to America as new adoptees of upper-middle-class families. Eventually, when the time comes, they will break cover and incite terrorism and high numbers of fatalities.
ON THIS DAY purports an interesting and possibly accurate premise. For some years, the number of children and adolescents orphaned by the Middle Eastern strife has increased tremendously. Some Americans have adopted adolescents via international adoption agencies, whose regulations may not be as strict as those in the Western countries. That's all very charitable, but the premise here is that some of these adolescents are "deep sleepers." (Manchurian Candidate, anyone?) Trained both in their Islamic faith and also in violence and terrorism, they are sent to America as new adoptees of upper-middle-class families. Eventually, when the time comes, they will break cover and incite terrorism and high numbers of fatalities.
February 19, 2019
To be brutally honest with you this book scared the crap out of me. Scary in not ghost/slasher but scary to the point that it could happen. I enjoyed the book because it took place in several parts of our country that whoever reads it can say to themselves hey, been there. The author did some heavy research for the book and pulled things right out of today's headlines. If you thought 9/11 was horrific this book goes 1 step further. The one thing I don't like about some books, movies, TV shows, etc. when they write a character out that you associated with or really like. It had to be done because of the topic of the book. Brandt was finally trying to get his life back together and to lose so much was heartbreaking. This book left me saying what if this didn't happen or why did this happen. Opened my eyes to be more aware of my surroundings. Even though the book was disturbing to me I can't wait until the next one. If I could give this book more than 5 stars (rarity for me) I would since it was so realistic.
February 23, 2019
This makes the second Oak Anderson book I have read. On This Day lived up to the suspense and energy of the first book I read by Mr. Anderson. I read On This Day as part of a GoodRead Psychology Thriller book of the month selection. What a great choice for February 2019. This book hit me in the teeth right from the beginning and continue it's crescendo to the final end. I read at the edge of my seat the entire time. On This Day read like a 24 TV series or a movie script. I will not go into detail on the plot of the book so as to not give away an spoilers. I will say this book is full of good ole USA pride. I felt energized after reading this book and I felt great to be a proud American after reading On This Day.
March 2, 2019
Fabulous Thriller
A fast paced thriller following a small town police sergeant, Brant Discher who having been called to a suspected suicide discovers that it could be so much more than first appears which ... and I normally don’t like using this phrase .... really is a true page turner. Incredibly well written by joint authors Oak Anderson and Joseph DiFrancesco flowed so beautifully and while some parts made me grimace in horror felt so very real which is a job well done.
If you love a suspense thriller and want something really good to read I’d definitely recommend this book. Hoping that there will be more in this series. Great work 🙌🏼🙌🏼😘
A fast paced thriller following a small town police sergeant, Brant Discher who having been called to a suspected suicide discovers that it could be so much more than first appears which ... and I normally don’t like using this phrase .... really is a true page turner. Incredibly well written by joint authors Oak Anderson and Joseph DiFrancesco flowed so beautifully and while some parts made me grimace in horror felt so very real which is a job well done.
If you love a suspense thriller and want something really good to read I’d definitely recommend this book. Hoping that there will be more in this series. Great work 🙌🏼🙌🏼😘
February 12, 2019
I'm familiar with both Oak and Joseph, and walking into this collaboration I was eager to see how well their work blended into one. And safe to say from the 5 stars I'm giving it, it works. It works fantastically.
It's a grim story, completely engaging, with twists and turns at the ready to give you whiplash. It's smart, it's current, and it's a gut punch. Not something I find in many of today's work, so do yourself a favor and buy this book.
It's a grim story, completely engaging, with twists and turns at the ready to give you whiplash. It's smart, it's current, and it's a gut punch. Not something I find in many of today's work, so do yourself a favor and buy this book.
March 20, 2019
Very well written book. Definitely a must read if you like books that keep you on edge waiting for the next thing to happen. The author really allows you to get to know the main characters and what makes them tick. I always root for the good guys in these books. By combining some of America's fears and conspiracy theorists ideas this book had me craving to read more and anticipating what was to come. Thank you for a great book
February 15, 2019
I want to start off with saying that this is not my typical read. However, because it was offered for free, I wanted to try it out...give myself a break from the horror/thriller genre I usually read. I was not disappointed at all. This book was well written, with well defined characters/plots/stories. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by these authors.
April 8, 2019
Wow
Oh my. The storyline in this book was described so well and that made it eerily creepy and very scary in the sense that it all could very well be a possibility that a situation like this could actually happen. I really liked the main characters and the ending left me speechless. I can’t wait to see more like this from the authors, as it captivated me from beginning to end.
Oh my. The storyline in this book was described so well and that made it eerily creepy and very scary in the sense that it all could very well be a possibility that a situation like this could actually happen. I really liked the main characters and the ending left me speechless. I can’t wait to see more like this from the authors, as it captivated me from beginning to end.
March 10, 2019
Unfulfilling
The booked focused on the terrorist acts rather than the politics be hind it. Also, we were left wanting something good to happen, but all we were left with was an empty ending.
The booked focused on the terrorist acts rather than the politics be hind it. Also, we were left wanting something good to happen, but all we were left with was an empty ending.
April 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It is a page-turner. The author does a great job with character development, particularly with the main protagonist - Brant Discher. The action sequences are suspenseful and you can’t put the book down. A fun ride that left me wanting more. I hope the series continues!
February 17, 2019
Wow! What an adrenaline fueled ride! One that makes you look at our world today. Wow!
February 19, 2019
What an unbelievably believable story! Brilliant. I kept trying to predict what was going to happen next and gave up. Loved it.
February 21, 2019
Talk about quick pace! This book grabbed me from the first few pages, and didn't let go!
December 7, 2020
I couldn’t put the book down! As the story unfolded I was more and more invested in the characters storyline. It held my interest throughout the entire book! I look forward to the next one!
September 5, 2022
Wow! What a book. The book starts in Chester County Pennsylvania where I currently live. Some of the places mentioned I’ve frequented.
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