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Leine Basso Thriller #10
Shadow of the Jaguar: Leine Basso Thriller #10
Leine Basso is back in Shadow of the Jaguar, an edge-of-your-seat, page-turning action-adventure thriller.
A lost civilization. A woman’s abduction. The promise of unimaginable treasure.
Deep in the heart of the Amazon, an expedition finds evidence of a fabled lost city of gold. It isn’t long before a ruthless drug trafficker learns of the possible find and kidnaps an expedition member, threatening to kill her and the rest of the expedition unless he’s given the coordinates to the city.
Former assassin Leine Basso and her daughter are called in to rescue the kidnapped woman, who also happens to be a good friend’s niece. But in the jungle, danger lurks at every turn, and nothing is as it seems…
A lost civilization. A woman’s abduction. The promise of unimaginable treasure.
Deep in the heart of the Amazon, an expedition finds evidence of a fabled lost city of gold. It isn’t long before a ruthless drug trafficker learns of the possible find and kidnaps an expedition member, threatening to kill her and the rest of the expedition unless he’s given the coordinates to the city.
Former assassin Leine Basso and her daughter are called in to rescue the kidnapped woman, who also happens to be a good friend’s niece. But in the jungle, danger lurks at every turn, and nothing is as it seems…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2020
148 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Berkom
50 books364 followersDV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 21, 2020
I have read other books about the Lost City, so I am eager to see D V Berkom’s spin on it. I do love traipsing through the jungle, with danger lurking, looking for lost treasure.
Martin is concerned about keeping the discovery quiet and the location secret, to protect it from those who would endanger the site and the people who live around it. Nancy, his daughter, is more interested in academic pursuits, wanting to share it with the world, which opens them up to those who want it for themselves.
She drank the Kool-Aid.
Enter Leine Basso…a kickass ex-assassin that takes name and leaves no prisoners. She is pulled from her comfy cozy bed, where she was nestled with Santa, her detective boyfriend, in Los Angeles and on her way to the jungle deep in the heart of the Amazon.
The head bad guy betrays anyone and everyone to get what he wants and I hope and pray he gets a healthy dose of Karma.
I am loving Shadow of the Jaguar and the Indiana Jones vibe I’m picking up. We have action and adventure, loyalty and betrayal, treasure found, and lives lost.
I love books that add the ecological aspects that would accompany a discovery such as this, including theft, clear cutting, eco terrorism and things that would damage the jungle and the people who live there. To me it adds a realistic aspect to the fiction.
The pacing flowed smoothly, making it easy to read on, totally captivated by the characters, trying to figure out who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I was worried and I wonder…could a good guy do a bad thing and still be a good guy?
I love that D V Berkom has Leine and her daughter on the adventure together. They both work for SHEN, which is an organization that deals with human traffickers and there is never a dull moment. They are well equipped to handle whatever gets thrown at them and it is a pleasure to be along for the ride.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow of the Jaguar by D V Berkom
Martin is concerned about keeping the discovery quiet and the location secret, to protect it from those who would endanger the site and the people who live around it. Nancy, his daughter, is more interested in academic pursuits, wanting to share it with the world, which opens them up to those who want it for themselves.
She drank the Kool-Aid.
Enter Leine Basso…a kickass ex-assassin that takes name and leaves no prisoners. She is pulled from her comfy cozy bed, where she was nestled with Santa, her detective boyfriend, in Los Angeles and on her way to the jungle deep in the heart of the Amazon.
The head bad guy betrays anyone and everyone to get what he wants and I hope and pray he gets a healthy dose of Karma.
I am loving Shadow of the Jaguar and the Indiana Jones vibe I’m picking up. We have action and adventure, loyalty and betrayal, treasure found, and lives lost.
I love books that add the ecological aspects that would accompany a discovery such as this, including theft, clear cutting, eco terrorism and things that would damage the jungle and the people who live there. To me it adds a realistic aspect to the fiction.
The pacing flowed smoothly, making it easy to read on, totally captivated by the characters, trying to figure out who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I was worried and I wonder…could a good guy do a bad thing and still be a good guy?
I love that D V Berkom has Leine and her daughter on the adventure together. They both work for SHEN, which is an organization that deals with human traffickers and there is never a dull moment. They are well equipped to handle whatever gets thrown at them and it is a pleasure to be along for the ride.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow of the Jaguar by D V Berkom
April 22, 2020
I received an advance ARC form the author for my honest review and I also purchased it on amazon.com. Something I like to do, to support one of my favorite authors.
Shadow of the Jaguar, has everything you would expect from the author D.V. Berkom. I will say this one is different from other Leine Basso books.
To explain what I mean, I'll use two NHL players. Normally this series, is like Alex Ovechkin where he firing a slap shot between 95 to 100 MPH, takes off from page one but with the latest it's more like Patrick Kane getting nifty with the puck, stick handling it to fake or freeze the goalie and it's not till Leine enters in the story that it really takes off.
It's still a good read, has an intertwining storyline with multi-layers of deceit, trickery, predictable and Leine's still is badass. I really like the Leine Basso character, she's super human, tough as nails, has no fear, can handle any situation, lethal with any gun and protector of the weak, those that can't defend themselves.
With "Shadow of the Jaguar", Leine takes on a different role by helping her boss Lou, by rescuing his brother Martin and daughter Nancy in the amazon jungle in Peru and she's team with her daughter April on the mission. Don't want to give anything away, but when Leine wounded, that probably the only scene that seemed fake to me, she already doesn't trust him, because as a former assassin, she'd sense it and she would attack before he had the chance to do anything.
I would have add this element to the story. When she doesn't hear back from Lou. Why not have her reach out to an old friend, ex-poacher Derek van der Haar, whom we met in "Dakota Burn" and they made an awesome team. Plus at first with the Derek character, that who I thought of as reading.
Definitely if you haven't yet, highly recommend that you give author D.V. Berkom a try and you won't be disappointed.
Shadow of the Jaguar, has everything you would expect from the author D.V. Berkom. I will say this one is different from other Leine Basso books.
To explain what I mean, I'll use two NHL players. Normally this series, is like Alex Ovechkin where he firing a slap shot between 95 to 100 MPH, takes off from page one but with the latest it's more like Patrick Kane getting nifty with the puck, stick handling it to fake or freeze the goalie and it's not till Leine enters in the story that it really takes off.
It's still a good read, has an intertwining storyline with multi-layers of deceit, trickery, predictable and Leine's still is badass. I really like the Leine Basso character, she's super human, tough as nails, has no fear, can handle any situation, lethal with any gun and protector of the weak, those that can't defend themselves.
With "Shadow of the Jaguar", Leine takes on a different role by helping her boss Lou, by rescuing his brother Martin and daughter Nancy in the amazon jungle in Peru and she's team with her daughter April on the mission. Don't want to give anything away, but when Leine wounded, that probably the only scene that seemed fake to me, she already doesn't trust him, because as a former assassin, she'd sense it and she would attack before he had the chance to do anything.
I would have add this element to the story. When she doesn't hear back from Lou. Why not have her reach out to an old friend, ex-poacher Derek van der Haar, whom we met in "Dakota Burn" and they made an awesome team. Plus at first with the Derek character, that who I thought of as reading.
Definitely if you haven't yet, highly recommend that you give author D.V. Berkom a try and you won't be disappointed.
June 12, 2020
The Leine Basso books are based on a foundation that has no many layers that make for some intense stories. Leine currently works for SHEN, an organization that is fighting human traffickers all over the world, which has had her at different times involved in cases on several continents, urban areas in the US, or the not-so-urban Dakotas. Her past as an assassin, not necessarily doing good, is contrasted with her current life, where she might sometimes do things that most wouldn’t consider good, but she’s always doing them in a battle for good to overcome evil. This dichotomy in her past and present or sometimes even between her goals and her actions to move towards those goals are interesting and thought provoking (not to mention making for an action-packed story).
In this particular story, April, who is Leine’s daughter and has been training to follow in her mom’s footsteps, is assigned to the case along with Leine. This adds another layer of stress as Leine has faith in April’s skills, but things can always go wrong and she’s still April’s mother, so the push and pull of those things adds still more tension whenever things start to feel dangerous. As I’ve come to expect from the Leine Basso books, I was kept guessing as to what was going to happen, on edge, and couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know how it was going to turn out. That’s what I’d consider the ideal reaction to a thriller.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
In this particular story, April, who is Leine’s daughter and has been training to follow in her mom’s footsteps, is assigned to the case along with Leine. This adds another layer of stress as Leine has faith in April’s skills, but things can always go wrong and she’s still April’s mother, so the push and pull of those things adds still more tension whenever things start to feel dangerous. As I’ve come to expect from the Leine Basso books, I was kept guessing as to what was going to happen, on edge, and couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know how it was going to turn out. That’s what I’d consider the ideal reaction to a thriller.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
May 26, 2020
A killer of a story
D.V. set me down in the Amazon and messed with my head until the end. Plot twists I never saw coming were masterfully crafted. If justice gets deal out anywhere besides the courtroom, it's in this story.
I'm not out to give a book review because I hate spoilers. You'll have to read it for youself to get the full flavor.
I recommend this book for a great read.
D.V. set me down in the Amazon and messed with my head until the end. Plot twists I never saw coming were masterfully crafted. If justice gets deal out anywhere besides the courtroom, it's in this story.
I'm not out to give a book review because I hate spoilers. You'll have to read it for youself to get the full flavor.
I recommend this book for a great read.
April 5, 2020
The 'Shadow of the Jaguar' becomes a much-needed talisman for Leine Basso in the newest thriller from DV Berkom. This new tale is something of a departure from Leine's recent cases, with more gut-clenching, heart-pounding action in a different setting.
Leine is set on a task by Lou, her friend and organizational head, to help his brother Martin. She must find and rescue Nancy, Martin's daughter, who has been kidnapped from the base camp of their archaeological search in the Amazon basin. Martin, Nancy, and their small team have been deep in the rain forest seeking a "lost city" site that may hold riches in precious metals and sculptures. The site may also hold medicinal secrets that can solve modern medical mysteries as well.
Lou asks Leine to include her daughter April, a maturing member of the organization, to provide April with operational experience in this new area. When they land, they meet an intermediary of the operation's funding source who twigs Leine's operational "radar," and leads to significant anxiety from not-so-natural hazards along the way to the base camp. They are ferried into the Amazon, downriver and down tributaries, then must hike through the jungle/rain forest to the campsite from which Nancy was taken.
April proves tough, though she is unseasoned and needs Leine's guidance and occasional re-direction as they begin the search. They must locate the campsite of the outlaws who have taken Nancy, and they also must overcome obstacles to finding the "lost city" site. The two-pronged search requires finesse on Leine's part, and she is forced to fight against both expected and unexpected enemies along the way.
Their resilience is tested, especially when Leine is eventually taken by the band of outlaws. Leine must comply, then fight to save herself and those they are tasked to help. Not everyone gets out alive, and it is touch-and-go for Leine and others. In the end, karma proves to have teeth, as well as an enveloping side for both Leine and April.
Mystery and problem solving combine in this novel with nail-biting action to the very end. And for those who have followed the arc of this series, many will be pleased to see 'Santa' Santiago still in Leine's life and her heart.
Throughout her books, Berkom has matured as a solid writer with more than a whisper of Barry Eisler (whose Livia Lone series comes to mind as the reader proceeds through the arc of the Leine Basso series). I was especially impressed as I read an advance copy here as a part of DV's Advance Reader Team that I couldn't find even the slightest misspelling or grammar/syntax error throughout -- amazingly polished for an advance preview copy from any author.
I've said before that I would love to see Berkom's books find their way to broader circulation, including libraries where new readers might develop an affinity for her writing. I suggest reading *all* of this series – start with the prequel, book #5, A Killing Truth. This brings a better perspective to book #1, Serial Date, which begins her post-Agency saga.
Leine is set on a task by Lou, her friend and organizational head, to help his brother Martin. She must find and rescue Nancy, Martin's daughter, who has been kidnapped from the base camp of their archaeological search in the Amazon basin. Martin, Nancy, and their small team have been deep in the rain forest seeking a "lost city" site that may hold riches in precious metals and sculptures. The site may also hold medicinal secrets that can solve modern medical mysteries as well.
Lou asks Leine to include her daughter April, a maturing member of the organization, to provide April with operational experience in this new area. When they land, they meet an intermediary of the operation's funding source who twigs Leine's operational "radar," and leads to significant anxiety from not-so-natural hazards along the way to the base camp. They are ferried into the Amazon, downriver and down tributaries, then must hike through the jungle/rain forest to the campsite from which Nancy was taken.
April proves tough, though she is unseasoned and needs Leine's guidance and occasional re-direction as they begin the search. They must locate the campsite of the outlaws who have taken Nancy, and they also must overcome obstacles to finding the "lost city" site. The two-pronged search requires finesse on Leine's part, and she is forced to fight against both expected and unexpected enemies along the way.
Their resilience is tested, especially when Leine is eventually taken by the band of outlaws. Leine must comply, then fight to save herself and those they are tasked to help. Not everyone gets out alive, and it is touch-and-go for Leine and others. In the end, karma proves to have teeth, as well as an enveloping side for both Leine and April.
Mystery and problem solving combine in this novel with nail-biting action to the very end. And for those who have followed the arc of this series, many will be pleased to see 'Santa' Santiago still in Leine's life and her heart.
Throughout her books, Berkom has matured as a solid writer with more than a whisper of Barry Eisler (whose Livia Lone series comes to mind as the reader proceeds through the arc of the Leine Basso series). I was especially impressed as I read an advance copy here as a part of DV's Advance Reader Team that I couldn't find even the slightest misspelling or grammar/syntax error throughout -- amazingly polished for an advance preview copy from any author.
I've said before that I would love to see Berkom's books find their way to broader circulation, including libraries where new readers might develop an affinity for her writing. I suggest reading *all* of this series – start with the prequel, book #5, A Killing Truth. This brings a better perspective to book #1, Serial Date, which begins her post-Agency saga.
April 12, 2020
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I'm a bit of a broken record when it comes to this particular series but I make no apologies for that as each one is as good, if not better, than the last and once again I am struggling to find new words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and I have found myself delving into my thesaurus to come up with some new ones ...love, relish, savour, delight in ... all work but mean the same thing in that this book is one of the many containing Leine Basso that shouldn't be missed.
In this, the ninth instalment, we find Leine and her daughter April in the midst of a kidnapping case deep in the Amazon jungle ... sounds straight forward enough however, things are never as they seem and Leine and April soon have to bring to the fore all of their training and instincts to get to the bottom of what's going on and survive coming into contact with all manner of creatures - both human and animal!
D.V. Berkom literally immerses you on their journey through the Amazon and although I've never had that pleasure unfortunately, I could feel the cloying humidity, the mosquitoes biting and hear the jungle noises in my living room such was the excellent writing and vivid descriptions used throughout this book.
There is plenty of adventure, action and twists to make anyone happy but there is also an educational element thrown in for good measure ... I have learnt a thing or two about Shamans and I'm off to find out what my spirit animal is now! [it's a cat by the way 😺]. Although this is the ninth book in the series, you don't particularly have to have read all the preceding books but I would recommend reading at least a few in order to understand Leine a little better as she is a complex character.
Once again, I have not been disappointed and I want to thank D.V. Berkom for providing me with an advance copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and I can't wait for the next adventure.
I'm a bit of a broken record when it comes to this particular series but I make no apologies for that as each one is as good, if not better, than the last and once again I am struggling to find new words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and I have found myself delving into my thesaurus to come up with some new ones ...love, relish, savour, delight in ... all work but mean the same thing in that this book is one of the many containing Leine Basso that shouldn't be missed.
In this, the ninth instalment, we find Leine and her daughter April in the midst of a kidnapping case deep in the Amazon jungle ... sounds straight forward enough however, things are never as they seem and Leine and April soon have to bring to the fore all of their training and instincts to get to the bottom of what's going on and survive coming into contact with all manner of creatures - both human and animal!
D.V. Berkom literally immerses you on their journey through the Amazon and although I've never had that pleasure unfortunately, I could feel the cloying humidity, the mosquitoes biting and hear the jungle noises in my living room such was the excellent writing and vivid descriptions used throughout this book.
There is plenty of adventure, action and twists to make anyone happy but there is also an educational element thrown in for good measure ... I have learnt a thing or two about Shamans and I'm off to find out what my spirit animal is now! [it's a cat by the way 😺]. Although this is the ninth book in the series, you don't particularly have to have read all the preceding books but I would recommend reading at least a few in order to understand Leine a little better as she is a complex character.
Once again, I have not been disappointed and I want to thank D.V. Berkom for providing me with an advance copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and I can't wait for the next adventure.
April 18, 2020
D.V. Berkom has done it again, with one of my favorite characters. This latest novel in the Leine Basso series, Shadow of the Dragon, shows Berkom’s advancing skill in the art of suspense writing. Her more recent works demonstrate a style of creating tensions all along the way, while building to a crescendo to reveal the final denouement. This technique has the effect of pulling you through the novel as you become desperate to find out what happens in each side story.
While Berkom’s narrator is omnipotent, Leine is not, which makes for an endearing character who makes many mistakes in dealing with her family and in failing to accurately judge others who come into her sphere, even though she is an accomplished assassin. Another of Berkom’s tactics is to leave almost constant subtle hints about the people and events that are important to the story. It teaches you to make a mental note of some facts, since you know they will be important later as you attempt to solve the mystery before the end. Another novel I recently finished had to provide a whole bunch of facts at the end, some of which, had you known them, would have helped ferret out the mystery. I feel cheated when that happens. That does not mean, at all, that you can figure out the entire conclusion, because you have the facts, but not the context, but you make mental notes to remember and then eventually fit them into the whole.
That’s a lot about technique, but these works are just a joy to read. This series is extremely well written, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and gives satisfaction that, once again, good overcomes evil. The result of all this is that you can’t wait for the next book to arrive. I envy those who have not yet started the Leine Basso series! (I received an Advance Reader copy of this book for review)
While Berkom’s narrator is omnipotent, Leine is not, which makes for an endearing character who makes many mistakes in dealing with her family and in failing to accurately judge others who come into her sphere, even though she is an accomplished assassin. Another of Berkom’s tactics is to leave almost constant subtle hints about the people and events that are important to the story. It teaches you to make a mental note of some facts, since you know they will be important later as you attempt to solve the mystery before the end. Another novel I recently finished had to provide a whole bunch of facts at the end, some of which, had you known them, would have helped ferret out the mystery. I feel cheated when that happens. That does not mean, at all, that you can figure out the entire conclusion, because you have the facts, but not the context, but you make mental notes to remember and then eventually fit them into the whole.
That’s a lot about technique, but these works are just a joy to read. This series is extremely well written, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and gives satisfaction that, once again, good overcomes evil. The result of all this is that you can’t wait for the next book to arrive. I envy those who have not yet started the Leine Basso series! (I received an Advance Reader copy of this book for review)
April 20, 2020
Dr. Martin Stokes and his daughter Nancy are in the Amazon basin in Peru, on the verge of finding a lost city mentioned in a conquistadores’ ancient manuscript. When an armed group of narco-traffickers kidnap Nancy and threaten to kill her unless he leads them to the site of the city, Stokes calls on his brother, Lou for aid in rescuing her.
Leine Basso is dispatched to find and rescue Nancy, but is forced to take her own daughter April along on the mission. April, who has worked with the anti-trafficking organization as a counselor, has no experience in the field, and Leine is worried that she will have to take care of her as well as concentrate on the job at hand.
In the jungle, Leine and April find things have gone from bad to worse, and don’t know who to trust. With greed, deceit, and perfidy at every turn, they are challenged just to stay alive.
Shadow of the Jaguar by D. V. Berkom is another offering in the stellar Leine Basso series, and they just keep getting better. If you like your heroines strong, focused, and uncompromising, you’ll love this one, and it it’s your introduction to this character, it’ll whet your appetite to go back to the beginning and read the preceding volumes.
This one will grab you by your attention span and pin you to your chair until, soaked with sweat and panting, you reach the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, couldn’t put it down until I finished it, and give it five stars. Heck, I’d give it more if I could, but five’s the limit.
Leine Basso is dispatched to find and rescue Nancy, but is forced to take her own daughter April along on the mission. April, who has worked with the anti-trafficking organization as a counselor, has no experience in the field, and Leine is worried that she will have to take care of her as well as concentrate on the job at hand.
In the jungle, Leine and April find things have gone from bad to worse, and don’t know who to trust. With greed, deceit, and perfidy at every turn, they are challenged just to stay alive.
Shadow of the Jaguar by D. V. Berkom is another offering in the stellar Leine Basso series, and they just keep getting better. If you like your heroines strong, focused, and uncompromising, you’ll love this one, and it it’s your introduction to this character, it’ll whet your appetite to go back to the beginning and read the preceding volumes.
This one will grab you by your attention span and pin you to your chair until, soaked with sweat and panting, you reach the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, couldn’t put it down until I finished it, and give it five stars. Heck, I’d give it more if I could, but five’s the limit.
April 6, 2020
This is DV Berkom at her very best. What an incredible journey through the Rain Forests and jungles of South America. Aside from the compelling story with plots and subplots, I was so immersed in the descriptions of conditions, the terrain, and the animals and insects that in addition to thoroughly enjoying the story I felt as though I also completed a course in South American geography, wildlife , and civilizations.
The writing and descriptions are so engrossing that at times I was swatting imaginary mosquitos, wiping my brow, listening for the roar of a Jaguar- the neighbor’s dog scared the hell out of me - and checking for poisonous frogs and spiders.
Leine’s daughter - April - joins her in this mission to locate and rescue Leine’s boss
Lou’s niece - Nancy - who has been kidnapped by drug runners and worse from her father’s camp where they are in search of a lost city of a lost civilization.
Dr. Martin Stokes Is in search of the city, but with mixed emotions. The last thing he wants is to see is his find exploited by those seeking gold or overrun by tourists.
But, he must aid the rescue of his daughter.
We also have a wealthy businessman in search of a cure for his disability.
Who can be trusted?
Who’s working for whom?
Plot and counter plots.
This book is worthy of every second you spend on it and more.
April 18, 2020
SHADOW OF THE JAGUAR...DV..Berkom
Dr Stokes had his daughter Nancy with him on this expedition. She was determined to bring something spectacular back to the university. A drone showed there was a large settlement upon a cliff in this jungle. Also there was an old manuscript, the billionaire, who was funding it, privately wanted Dr..Stokes to find..
He had made a promise to Totchitl his tribe would not be endangered as he
rubbed fingers over the tiny jaguar stone, given by him. Part of him was
excited for the hope of a find and part of the outcome, he feared.
Commandos arriving and demanded the treasures, be given to them or they
would take his daughter. A call is made and Leine and her daughter April are going in, a task force has been assembled.
Great story that flows with the history of the jungle and the Dr and his daughter, feeling we know them, and the desperation now facing him. The excitement of what his job could uncover. The heat and lack of so many things for months, the other side, it felt real, the sounds, and what one could see. Now he is facing a terror in front of him, his data was password protected but did someone leak it, for these men to come. Once again the author has given us a spell binding story, as we read and what the outcome will be.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Dr Stokes had his daughter Nancy with him on this expedition. She was determined to bring something spectacular back to the university. A drone showed there was a large settlement upon a cliff in this jungle. Also there was an old manuscript, the billionaire, who was funding it, privately wanted Dr..Stokes to find..
He had made a promise to Totchitl his tribe would not be endangered as he
rubbed fingers over the tiny jaguar stone, given by him. Part of him was
excited for the hope of a find and part of the outcome, he feared.
Commandos arriving and demanded the treasures, be given to them or they
would take his daughter. A call is made and Leine and her daughter April are going in, a task force has been assembled.
Great story that flows with the history of the jungle and the Dr and his daughter, feeling we know them, and the desperation now facing him. The excitement of what his job could uncover. The heat and lack of so many things for months, the other side, it felt real, the sounds, and what one could see. Now he is facing a terror in front of him, his data was password protected but did someone leak it, for these men to come. Once again the author has given us a spell binding story, as we read and what the outcome will be.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
April 4, 2020
Woohoo!! Leine Basso is back and better than ever. The story grabs you from the first chapter and just like a jaguar with something in its mouth it doesn't let you go until the final chapter.
It is slightly different to the normal Leine stories (I think) because she knows who the main bad guy is and it is just a case of finding him but with all good books (and I count this as one of them) there is plenty of twist and turns. So you don't know what to expect other than plenty of action and an Indiana Jones style adventure, just with tough kick ass females in the staring role.
Leine boss's niece Nancy has been kidnapped while on a dig in the Amazon rainforest and her father has 10 days to find a lost ancient city full of treasure or she dies. That gives Leine and her daughter April just enough time to get there and do there thing. But the Amazon rainforest is no place for you first assignment and although Liene is a trained agent for SHEN (Stop human enslavement now) among other things her daughter isn't and In the rainforest it is not only the kidnappers that can be deadly. Can Leine find Nancy and keep her own daughter safe?
DV Berkom has done it again another book that I have just got to add to my audio book collection when it comes out.
It is slightly different to the normal Leine stories (I think) because she knows who the main bad guy is and it is just a case of finding him but with all good books (and I count this as one of them) there is plenty of twist and turns. So you don't know what to expect other than plenty of action and an Indiana Jones style adventure, just with tough kick ass females in the staring role.
Leine boss's niece Nancy has been kidnapped while on a dig in the Amazon rainforest and her father has 10 days to find a lost ancient city full of treasure or she dies. That gives Leine and her daughter April just enough time to get there and do there thing. But the Amazon rainforest is no place for you first assignment and although Liene is a trained agent for SHEN (Stop human enslavement now) among other things her daughter isn't and In the rainforest it is not only the kidnappers that can be deadly. Can Leine find Nancy and keep her own daughter safe?
DV Berkom has done it again another book that I have just got to add to my audio book collection when it comes out.
April 13, 2020
DV Berkom creates a vivid and colourful experience of the life of the Amazonian jungle, into which Leine and her sister journey on their mission to find the kidnapped daughter of Amazon explorer Dr Martin Stokes. Danger begins early, before their journey into the rain forest, with an attempt to kill them while in a restaurant with Herberto Rodriguez, partner of Austen Newall who has sponsored Stokes’ expedition. His treachery becomes obvious when a helicopter pursues their river boat.
When they leave the river to trek into the forest the jungle comes alive with sound and colour, wild life and the dense tropical heat. One of the most memorable parts of the novel is the vibrant evocation of the Peruvian rain forest, with the heat, the sudden storms, and confrontations with its often dangerous creatures.
The story is well-plotted with betrayal piling upon betrayal, breath-taking danger upon danger, and the last very satisfying revelation as the novel comes to its close. Brilliant. Looking forward to the eleventh Leine Basso adventure
Christine Key UK
When they leave the river to trek into the forest the jungle comes alive with sound and colour, wild life and the dense tropical heat. One of the most memorable parts of the novel is the vibrant evocation of the Peruvian rain forest, with the heat, the sudden storms, and confrontations with its often dangerous creatures.
The story is well-plotted with betrayal piling upon betrayal, breath-taking danger upon danger, and the last very satisfying revelation as the novel comes to its close. Brilliant. Looking forward to the eleventh Leine Basso adventure
Christine Key UK
April 18, 2020
I was hooked from the beginning and once stared couldn't put it down
This is my first Leine Basso story and first story by DV Berkom and I have to say I was delighted with the story and the author's writing style.
South America brings thoughts of drug cartels, kidnappings, and murder. It also envisions ancient civilizations, ancient ruins, wildlife and plants never before seen. It also brings to mind the Amazon Rainforest that is being burned for development and potentially destroying unknown wonders and the world we know it.
All of the above is wonderfully woven into this story as Leine and her daughter try to find their kidnapped friend. The more information they find, the more confused they are, and time is running out for everyone to get out alive.
I've got to say, I think I'm a fan of this former assasain turned human trafficker hunter.
I did receive an advance copy from the author and delighted to leave my honest review.
This is my first Leine Basso story and first story by DV Berkom and I have to say I was delighted with the story and the author's writing style.
South America brings thoughts of drug cartels, kidnappings, and murder. It also envisions ancient civilizations, ancient ruins, wildlife and plants never before seen. It also brings to mind the Amazon Rainforest that is being burned for development and potentially destroying unknown wonders and the world we know it.
All of the above is wonderfully woven into this story as Leine and her daughter try to find their kidnapped friend. The more information they find, the more confused they are, and time is running out for everyone to get out alive.
I've got to say, I think I'm a fan of this former assasain turned human trafficker hunter.
I did receive an advance copy from the author and delighted to leave my honest review.
April 4, 2020
It is rather difficult to say ‘I like Leine Basso’ as her character is somewhat complex! However, there are many things that I liked about Shadow of the Jaguar that I have to difficulty expressing. A fast paced thrilling walk through the Amazon. Meetings with a Shaman, and a range of baddies and goodies that weren’t all that good, made for good reading. For me, it was the Jaguar that was the star - why, you may ask? Well some time ago I became interested in Shamanism and dabbled a little bit as to what my spirit animals may be. I seemed to attract Big Cats and the Jaguar was one such cat. So, now I can say that I have a true affinity with Leine Basso- something I did not think I would find myself saying when I first met her! A thoroughly good read and a character worth getting to know.
April 9, 2020
These thrillers just get better. It's always hard to review without giving away a spoiler, but I think it's safe to say that April gets to go on her first mission with her mum, and both Leine and April manage to balance that complexity with the requirements of an eventful excursion in the Amazon. I learned lots, mostly that no should be trusted and that karma is always lurking.
I pre-ordered as soon as I knew it was going to be released (I sign up to news letters from all my favourite authors, for this very reason) and it is the perfect read for lockdown.
Gripping, exciting, well written by someone who isn't merely a competent author, but an inspired one. You can feel the research, although is sits so lightly - the book flows beautifully.
I had to ration myself, and I'm so glad I did. I'm going to have to look up some of the flora and fauna mentioned, as well as the locations for a vicarious tour now.
I pre-ordered as soon as I knew it was going to be released (I sign up to news letters from all my favourite authors, for this very reason) and it is the perfect read for lockdown.
Gripping, exciting, well written by someone who isn't merely a competent author, but an inspired one. You can feel the research, although is sits so lightly - the book flows beautifully.
I had to ration myself, and I'm so glad I did. I'm going to have to look up some of the flora and fauna mentioned, as well as the locations for a vicarious tour now.
April 14, 2020
Shadow of the Jaguar: A Leine Basso Thriller Is an extremely well written thriller. Leine is asked to find the kidnapped niece, Nancy, of her boss Lou. Dr. Nancy Stokes and her father, Dr. Martin Stokes are in the Amazon jungle searching for a lost city that would provide their benefactor, Austin Newell, with a cure for his paralysis.
Leine along with her daughter, April, embark on a trip together through the Amazon basin only to find that they are unable to trust their contact person. In danger from the jungle elements as well as thugs, Leine and April discover that nothing is as it seems.
D.V.Berkom’s creates a realistic world where life is harsh, comfort is non-existent and rain showers offer no relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of the Amazon while revealing the beauty of the untouched jungle. The book is action packed and filled with mystery and intrigue.
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Leine along with her daughter, April, embark on a trip together through the Amazon basin only to find that they are unable to trust their contact person. In danger from the jungle elements as well as thugs, Leine and April discover that nothing is as it seems.
D.V.Berkom’s creates a realistic world where life is harsh, comfort is non-existent and rain showers offer no relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of the Amazon while revealing the beauty of the untouched jungle. The book is action packed and filled with mystery and intrigue.
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
Another top notch thriller. I received an advance copy of the book to review, so I read it in early April. We are right in the middle of the covid19 scare, and I am reading even more than usual, and that is a lot. I probably read five books a week, and this one has been my favorite. I don't think I put my kindle down once. I read the leine stories because they are exciting, but I can actually say that I was more taken with the descriptive parts of this one. I learned a lot about the jungle environment and I later looked up about the earlier civilizations there. I also read all the books by an author who writes about two protagonists in Minnesota, and he gets a lot of good press. Personally I think that Leine and kate are just as good and I think DV needs to be moved more into the mainstream.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
Leine and April head to the Amazon jungle to find a woman who was kidnapped by a drug trafficker. The trafficker was demanding directions to a lost city full of gold, and took the woman as incentive for the people already on this expedition to find the city and then reveal its location.
Loved this book! It has to be my favourite Leine book. This one had action, with many twists, and so many questionable characters that it was hard to know who to trust! I liked that Leine and April have come so far, in terms of improving their relationship, and really enjoyed having her there with Leine on this mission. Usually, family members are relegated to the sidelines in books like this, but she was right there in the thick of the action, holding her own.
This was a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Loved this book! It has to be my favourite Leine book. This one had action, with many twists, and so many questionable characters that it was hard to know who to trust! I liked that Leine and April have come so far, in terms of improving their relationship, and really enjoyed having her there with Leine on this mission. Usually, family members are relegated to the sidelines in books like this, but she was right there in the thick of the action, holding her own.
This was a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 19, 2020
This book has characters that range from strong, hard willed women and men to dangerous killers looking only to find treasure to fill their bank accounts. Leine along with her daughter April go to the Amazon to look for Martin’s kidnapped daughter Nancy along with men to back them up while searching for lost treasure. Dangerous, greedy men and drug dealers are on their trail to get the gold for themselves.
When reading the book, you will feel as though you’re following them on their journey and seeing the sights the characters see.
I was on the edge of my seat while reading to find out what was going to happen next. Great plot and interesting characters.
I really enjoyed reading this and looking forward to the next book in the series.
When reading the book, you will feel as though you’re following them on their journey and seeing the sights the characters see.
I was on the edge of my seat while reading to find out what was going to happen next. Great plot and interesting characters.
I really enjoyed reading this and looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 15, 2020
Every time a Leine Basso thriller falls into my lap, my 'currently reading' book gets finished in double-quick time. I'm Leine's biggest fan!
She's back, with her daughter, in the Amazon jungle this time. Her boss's niece, Nancy, with her father, is on the hunt for an ancient traditional medicine. But the expedition stumbles on evidence that there is a 'lost' city of gold. Knowledge of which hasn't escaped a greedy, immoral, ruthless drug trafficker, Dario. He isn't going to let anything get in the way of the prospect of huge wealth for the rest of his pathetic days. Nancy's kidnap is a way to that end. It's up to Leine and her daughter to find Nancy and stop Dario exploiting an ancient site.
The hardest thing for an author is a series. Each book has to be as good as the first to keep the reader's interest piqued, and I can honestly say, that this, number 10 in the series, is as excellent as the first. As nail-biting, as thrilling, as action-packed.
And now I want the next one yesterday.
She's back, with her daughter, in the Amazon jungle this time. Her boss's niece, Nancy, with her father, is on the hunt for an ancient traditional medicine. But the expedition stumbles on evidence that there is a 'lost' city of gold. Knowledge of which hasn't escaped a greedy, immoral, ruthless drug trafficker, Dario. He isn't going to let anything get in the way of the prospect of huge wealth for the rest of his pathetic days. Nancy's kidnap is a way to that end. It's up to Leine and her daughter to find Nancy and stop Dario exploiting an ancient site.
The hardest thing for an author is a series. Each book has to be as good as the first to keep the reader's interest piqued, and I can honestly say, that this, number 10 in the series, is as excellent as the first. As nail-biting, as thrilling, as action-packed.
And now I want the next one yesterday.
April 20, 2020
I've been eagerly awaiting this book for ages and it certainly didn't disappoint! I recommend reading all books in this series first, but it's not essential. The plot is well thought out and written and makes for an exciting read. This is different to the previous books in the series, but once again another fantastic book. Leine Basso is not someone to be messed with and she is joined by her daughter on this mission. I'm not adding any spoilers or details of the port, but will just say that I highly recommend this book if you like an action packed thriller with plenty of twists and turns. If I could give it 10 stars I would!
April 5, 2020
Another awesome Leine Basso thriller. If you are looking for an story with plenty of action as well as a lesson in Amazon history you are in the right place. I felt like I was right there next to Leine all the way through the book - our author does an amazing job of not only telling a story but adding all of the color around the characters every step of the way. I truly believe I saw more in this book then I would normally see if I were watching a movie on tv. Hard to put down and I am looking for many more goodreads from DV.
Read
April 7, 2020This book grabs you the moment you open it and doesn’t let go. I have read a number of D.V Berkom’s books and she never disappoints me with her story telling or her characters. Her characters are always well developed and believable if not always very likeable. The plot of this book is very well constructed and intricate. The action of course is non stop and the setting is very realistic. I liked the unexpected twist at the end and definitely recommend this book.
I received this book as an Advance Reader copy and am glad to have the opportunity to read and review it.
I received this book as an Advance Reader copy and am glad to have the opportunity to read and review it.
April 8, 2020
I received this copy as an Advanced Reader Team member. Leine Basso finds herself in the steamy Amazon where she and her daughter are tasked with finding the kidnapped daughter of her boss's brother. Through DV Berkom's descriptions, you can almost feel the sweat and hear the buzzing insects. The book is a bit of a departure from Leine's usual jobs, but it allows us to see another side of this strong female character. A lot of action and a bit of mysticism allow us to see Leine and her daughter in a new light.
April 4, 2020
An action packed thriller. Leine and her daughter, SHEN instructor, April travel to the Amazon to rescue a daughter of a doctor kidnapped by a local drug dealer. The doctor is looking for a lost city for artifacts and a cure for paralysis. A billionaire with paralysis is funding the project looking for a cure.
There are people with the doctor, but you can you trust. This novel will keep you guessing.
There are people with the doctor, but you can you trust. This novel will keep you guessing.
April 6, 2020
D. V. Berkom has once again written an amazing book for Leone Basso. This time we are in the Amazon rainforest with her daughter, working together to try and find the kidnapped daughter of Lous's brother. There are so many thrills, dangers and untrustworthy so called friends!! This is a book that you really should not miss. Once you start chapter one...believe me you will not be able to put it down. Superbly well written thriller with the badass Leine...
April 2, 2020
This book does not disappoint. It grabs you from chapter one & leaves you panting from the ride on the last page. DV is setting a bar for herself few can follow. This was an exciting addition to her collection. Leine takes on a new assignment for Lou & the hunt is on. I couldn’t put it down. Read from cover to cover. You will too! Thanks DV for a much needed break at a critical time.
April 2, 2020
Shadow of the Jaguar is another top rate thriller. This one is set in the Amazon forest and mixes suspense and folk lore from the Amazon. There are a few twist that make the book really exciting and you do not see them coming, just the hints. Leine and her daughter April, team up and make a dynamic duo. The ending is so fitting so no hints about it. I loved the book and know you will too.
Read
April 6, 2020This Leine Basso book grabs your interest from the start and doesn't slow down until the end. If you have not read the other books in the series it won't matter except after reading this one you will have to read the other books. The author does a fantastic job ok keeping your interest and making you want more.
April 9, 2020
Leine is searching for Lou's niece, kidnapped in the Amazonian jungle, aided by her daughter April.
What could go wrong?
Be prepared for corruption, twists, depict and action in this latest book.
Visit ancient long lost city's and remote tribes in this book. Learn of the problems caused by greed and corruption in the destruction of the rain forest.
I received an arc copy of this book.
What could go wrong?
Be prepared for corruption, twists, depict and action in this latest book.
Visit ancient long lost city's and remote tribes in this book. Learn of the problems caused by greed and corruption in the destruction of the rain forest.
I received an arc copy of this book.
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