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Requiem for the Dead

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When Helen Chapman, the beautiful sixteen-year-old daughter of Army Chief-of-Staff for the European Command in Germany, had gone missing, her father, Brigadier General Earl Chapman, assumed she sped off on yet another one of her adventures with her boyfriend. However, hours later the body of Helen Chapman's boyfriend was discovered by German police on the side of the road; they found a ransom letter lying on the front seat of the young man's car.

US Army CID criminal investigator, Special Agent Jacqueline Sinclair, and DIA Agent Tom Price are assigned to take the lead in the case by her chief on request of the Provost Marshal, Agent Sinclair's father. She knows a SIR (Serious Incident Report) already filed through channels, will attract the close attention of higher command; they would watch Sinclair every step of the way. Later, Sinclair learns that they also kidnapped three other dependent children.

Their pursuit of the kidnappers will take them straight into the heart of the military establishment where conspiracy and intrigue are commonplace . . . and where truths are seldom spoken. Worse still they uncover a more sinister and diabolical plot--a plot to set off two nuclear Smart Bombs in Pyongyang--placing the North Korean Regime and the President of the Unites States, in its crosshairs.

They find themselves deep in enemy territory and the target of highly trained killers, tasked to threaten or even to shoot to kill--whatever it takes to conceal sensitive information. Bringing justice and staying alive becomes job number one as the duo finds their skills, and their courage tested under fire.

396 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2020

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Victor M. Alvarez

5 books16 followers

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5 stars
81 (51%)
4 stars
50 (32%)
3 stars
18 (11%)
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5 (3%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews497 followers
August 27, 2021
An Adventure That Follows A Strong Army Investigator

A General blames the Army and all in charge at the time of his son's death for his demise, and plans a high-level game that will get him Revenge!
We meet a hard working CID Investigator Jacqueline 'Belle' Sinclair, brought a case of several General's children that are kidnapped. The kids are all of high-ranking fathers, and there seems to be a hidden reason behind their kidnapping at this time.
There are fabulous characters, you really will feel those good and bad, fantastic scenes and of course amazing action from start until the end!
Profile Image for Timea Tokes.
Author 95 books286 followers
July 27, 2021
A brilliant introductory thriller

I loved this book and the way it kept surprising me at every turn. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical upon reading the description, because I thought the author already gave away too much about what was going to happen. I was wrong, indeed. The writing was so clever, that despite "knowing" what was to come, I ended up rooting for characters, and being fascinated by the bad guys.

Yes, I swallowed the bait, hook and all, and the stoey quickly had me turning the pages - even though I'm normally not a huge fan of the genre, the swapping of perspectives and the enjoyable writing style made this book worthwhile. Can only recommend for fans of military suspense with a hint of romance and (a lot of) conspiracy.
1,391 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2021
Great action story featuring a strong female protagonist, Army investigator Jacqueline “Belle” Sinclair, who leaves all other action heroes in the dust. When several children of army general officers are kidnapped, the story starts, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Soon a nefarious plot is uncovered, headed by a vengeance-seeking former general and his band of elite misfits. As more bodies fall, Superhero Sinclair, along with her able-bodied sidekick from the DIA fight battle after battle to thwart the evil plan. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1,197 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2021
Requiem for the Dead – A General’s need for revenge sets in motion the possibility of WWIII.
Army CID Investigator Jacqueline “Belle” Sinclair is assigned a case of the abduction of another General’s daughter. While gathering information she learns of another kidnapping and then another – all the while she feels that someone is not only watching her every move but seems to know her every move. Great characters with the action building up to a heart-stopping ending. Looking forward to book two of this series! #RequiemfortheDead #NetGalley
Profile Image for Frank Kelso.
Author 12 books368 followers
November 7, 2020
A military police thriller with a female investigator

Sinclair started investigating kidnapped teens that leads to international leaders facing one another as rogue military units creating havoc around the world. Bullets fly with friends and does falling in battle.
Profile Image for BooksCoffee.
1,138 reviews
January 25, 2021
Alvarez’s electrifying political thriller features the appealing pair of the feisty Special Agent Jacqueline Belle Sinclair and equally capable Agent Tom Price.

Agent Belle of the Army’s CID division along with Price from military intelligence is assigned to the kidnapping of Helen Chapman, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the European Command chief of staff. As the pair begin their investigation into the case, they learn that three other children of high-ranking military officials also have been kidnapped. Soon, it becomes clear that there is someone using the children as leverage on their highly-placed, important fathers.

The theft of two nuclear weapons from the secure federal building raises the stake further. Also, disturbing Belle’s somber peace is a troubling attack on her father, Col. Richard Sinclair and the fact that fathers of the abducted victims seem to holding something back during their interviews. As the pair set on the trail of the kidnappers, they come across a sinister conspiracy. With the North Korean Regime and the President of the Unites States in the crosshair of the conspirators, Belle and Price must do everything in their power to uncover the plot while keeping themselves alive.

Belle is a memorable heroine: she is a gutsy, intelligent, and independent powerhouse whose capacity to investigate complicated mysteries is both convincing and realistic. Price’s ambivalence about Belle adds to his appeal. The sophisticated depiction of power politics and military intelligence, owing to Alvarez’s extensive experience as a Vietnam War veteran and retired Army policeman and CID agent lends a thorough authenticity to the story.

Alvarez handles his lead pair’s interactions with each other and the local officials with authority to equal his military and CID expertise. Both Price and Belle’s working-outside-the-box style approach to their job makes the reader immediately take to them, while their undeniable chemistry and gradually burgeoning relationship add to the story’s intrigue. Several shocking, believable twists put a new spin on the investigation, and a dash of romance between the pair lightens the otherwise tense mood.

The main storyline of teens getting kidnapped and tortured is unrelentingly grim, and escalating body counts keep things heated. There are enough twists to this sophisticated conspiracy thriller to cause whiplash, and the ending is both surprising and satisfying. Readers will wait eagerly for Belle and Price’s future adventures.

Fast-paced, intense, superbly plotted, fluidly written, and impossible to put down, this is an absolute page-turner.
Profile Image for Viga Boland.
Author 56 books48 followers
September 6, 2021
A MIND-BLOWING MILITARY THRILLER

Novels based on high-level military personnel aren’t usually my cup of tea, but this author had me enthralled by the end of the first chapter. With an almost super human ability to survive several life-threatening encounters with traitorous military-trained killers, protagonist Agent “Belle” Sinclair is level-headed and focussed on her mission to locate and save 4 kidnapped teens while a shattered father plots the ultimate revenge on those who failed to save his own son. This novel is a real gripper, written by an author whose own military experience makes the plot plausible and very frightening. Is there a movie in this book’s future? Should be!
Profile Image for Rick Treon.
Author 9 books51 followers
July 30, 2020
The action is pitch-perfect and neverending in this international military thriller with stakes no less than the start of World War III.

And, while agents Sinclair and Price are in danger from Page One, author Victor M. Alvarez manages to include a romantic subplot that's believable and doesn't distract from the plot. And Thomas Scott, the antagonist, is also fully fleshed-out, operating with precision and ruthlessness.

Fans of military thrillers like those written by Brad Thor won't go wrong with this one!
38 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2021
A Simply Brilliant Thriller

Not only does ‘Requiem for the Dead’ feature one of the best female protagonists I’ve read in a long while it’s also an incredibly engaging and well written thriller. The action scenes are brilliant and the romance scenes nestle neatly into the plot. The antagonist is written surprisingly well and definitely stands out as one of the better amidst that of military thrillers. There are a few clichès littered throughout but overall this is an excellent book, well worth a read.
25 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2021
From present and former ranks of the U.S. military, a vengeful father assembles a private army. Some of these men are disaffected, some financially desperate, and some just temperamentally suited to the job. All are highly trained and brutally efficient. This unit will carry out the vengeance that the U.S. government would not—and with deadly force equal to that of a state actor.

The first stage of the operation involves abducting the daughters of generals who are positioned to clear the way for the diabolical plan.

Assigned to investigate the abductions are Agents Tom Price and Jacqueline Belle Sinclair. Price is a charmer; Sinclair is a looker. Both are extremely good at their jobs. As the horrors mount, the story is leavened by partner patter and romantic chemistry.

But the tension never lets up in this page turner of a thriller. Constructed as a series of quick, action-packed episodes, the story moves back and forth between participants in the rogue military operation, their abductees, new targets and innocent bystanders, and the investigators scrambling to crack the case in time to prevent the onset of World War Three.

The story’s culminating confrontations are full of unexpected, edge-of-your-seat twists.

Some readers may prefer that less of the tension derive from woman-in-peril episodes—though, arguably, just about everyone in this story is in peril (and the body count by the end is significant).

An engrossing military thriller. Recommended.
4 reviews
May 17, 2020
This novel is a well grafted thriller constructed around a retired military general who decides he must seek revenge on North Korea for the imprisonment and death of his son. Brigadier General Scott, who has the means [money] to employ former military personnel and mercenaries to achieve his goal, vows that someone will pay for his son's death.
It is an action packed read that includes the kidnapping of children with the inevitable involvement of police, plus specialist agents, members of a foreign military command and even terrorism including nuclear warheads. The story is fast-paced with ‘just enough, maybe a little too much’ military jargon thrown in that will satisfy those readers who enjoy a ‘military thriller’ . I note that the author “feels that telling an extraordinary story of revenge may waken the communist regime to the possibilities that their homeland could be targeted and destroyed by others.” While I do not entirely subscribe to this view, I am happy to give the novel a rating of three stars. - Kintra
Profile Image for Sublime Book Review.
241 reviews19 followers
April 2, 2020
Overall Rating = 3.75

Storyline & Concept = 4.25

Writing & Delivery = 3

Editorial = 4



Requiem for the Dead by Victor Alvarez is a thriller that begins with the kidnapping of the teenage daughter of a high-ranking American military officer stationed in Germany. It takes us through a series of further kidnappings, the resulting investigation, and the discovery of a plot against North Korea that could result in World War Three.

This is an explosive novel featuring the characters of Special Agent Jacqueline Belle Sinclair of the Army’s CID division and her sidekick, Agent Tom Price, from military intelligence. They successfully lead the reader through a sequence of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat scenes that demonstrate the author’s own extensive experience in the military and CID. To soften the tone, he adds an underlying romance to the story.

For fans of the genre, Requiem for the Dead delivers all the necessary ingredients.

Sublime line: “A military thriller that takes the reader on an action-packed adventure through present-day Germany and North Korea.”
Profile Image for James W.
224 reviews21 followers
July 30, 2021
Victor M. Alvarez’s ‘Requiem For The Dead’ is an edge-of-your-seat military thriller that just so happens to feature a female protagonist who’s more than capable of holding her own in an otherwise male-dominated genre.

When Special Agents Jacqueline Sinclair and Tom Price are tasked with getting to the bottom of the recent kidnapping and murder of a general’s sixteen-year-old daughter, things appear pretty clear-cut. But the duo soon realizes that what happened to Helen Chapman wasn’t an isolated incident, and their investigation leads them into the dangerous and uncharted waters of international espionage. With assassins on their trail and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Sinclair and Price’s race against the clock to find justice brings them perilously close to an Earth-shattering truth—one of America’s own has finally decided to take matters into his own hands.

What follows is a carefully constructed military-thriller featuring a grim, wince-inducing premise and loads of shrouded intentions all culminating in an action-packed third act. While twists abound, Alvarez wisely tethers this novel to a contemporary setting that feels eerily plausible (especially given today’s increasingly polarized climate).

When it comes to nail-biting, globe-trotting page-turners, there’s a tried-and-true formula that works, and for that reason, the genre’s biggest names rarely flip the script. With that all being said, Victor Alvarez succeeds in putting his own spin on the ‘Clancy’ template.

With a pair of dynamic protagonists and an air-tight plot, not to mention some pretty brilliant dialogue, the former CID agent adds a tangible element of authenticity to every page. Sure, there’s little here that hasn’t been covered before (Sinclair tends to flirt with ‘damsel in distress’ territory from time to time), but it’s in the mix of ingredients where Alvarez succeeds—and boy, does he ever.

‘Requiem For The Dead’ is a smart, impeccably-crafted novel—one that is every bit as compelling as the stuff those ‘top-shelf’ authors are churning out. You probably won’t find this book on the NY Times’ Bestseller’s list, but if you’re looking for something that’s smart, gripping, and isn’t full of the same names you’ve been reading for years, ‘Requiem For The Dead’ just might be the perfect book for you.
Profile Image for Hannah Barry.
314 reviews18 followers
August 10, 2021
To be honest, I am not generally a fan of army-based political thrillers, but the idea of a badass female protagonist had me intrigued enough to give it a try. And you know what? This book blew me away. It was of the caliber of James Patterson--or at the very least, this author will grow to become equally brilliant. This book was filled with such exciting twists & turns, and the movement & character development was dynamic and well-written. And what's more, his take on the female protagonist was refreshing, exhilarating, and felt grounded in respect and reality.

I really don't want to give too much away, but after having read the book I can safely say that this line of the summary for the book is spot-on: "Their pursuit of the kidnappers will take them straight into the heart of the military establishment where conspiracy and intrigue are commonplace . . . and where truths are seldom spoken. Worse still they uncover a more sinister and diabolical plot..."

It's the kind of line that had me a little skeptical, but there truly was conspiracy & intrigue, and it really was sinister & diabolical!!! I was so pleased to have enjoyed this book and that it turned out to be everything it promised to be. I cannot wait to read more from this author. I surely expect to see him up on the NYT's bestseller list someday.

I highly recommend this book for fans of strong female heroines, political thrillers, and all of the chase and intrigue.
137 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2021
Requiem for the Dead is an intriguing military thriller with political agendas and some heavy detective work.
Agents Sinclair and Price have been assigned to a case where a sixteen-year-old Helen Chapman has disappeared and her boyfriend murdered. It soon becomes apparent that this is more than a kidnapping when trained killers hunt them and conspiracies arise.

From the get-go, the writing style is easy to follow, with good character development and a progressive plot, which makes a good setup for the story. The opening chapters are intriguing enough to make you want to keep reading, and the continual twists and turns make the book anything but boring.

Some characters are more detailed than others, and I did want a little more context on a couple of characters. However, this wasn't a big issue as a lot is happening in the book. The author, at times, focuses more on the action, and there are different character perspectives throughout the book. So although you don't receive as much context on certain characters, you instead view the events from their eyes. This makes the story more enjoyable as you get to see the plot unfold rather than read about it after it happened.

Overall, the author has created an intense and engaging read. The book is a military thriller, but I would also class it as action and detective with a touch of romance. There are unexpected plot twists and suspenseful confrontations that will keep you turning the pages. An enjoyable read!
1,161 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2021
Meh

A retired general bent on revenge assembles a team of well trained mercenaries to execute a scheme to destroy his enemies. To gain control of his adversaries and access to classified information he kidnaps their kids. Agent Sinclair is assigned to the case. Soon she is not just fighting for survival but tostop events that could lead to WWIII.

The author clearly knows military operations, tactics and firearms. The narration hopped from goid guys, to bad guys to kidnapped kids. It was choppy and the dialogue stilted. Characters were sometimes called by their first names, nicknames, last names and job. There were way too many of them. Sinclair is a brilliant daddy's girl who is virtually unstoppable. In short she is annoying and unbelievable. The action scenes, of which there are many, feel cartoonish. Despite the exigencies the main characters spend an awful lot of time eating and drinking. And who goes for spa day in the middle of a kidnapping investigation? Not my cup of tea.
5 reviews
August 29, 2021
This international military thriller based book is action-packed and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a main female protagonist and a male partner who are easy to route for, this novel will easily grab readers attention and keep them in suspense until the end.

The story follows the female and male partners as they solve a horrific plot that involves various parts of the military of the US and Germany. The reader and antagonist will have a love hate relationship with each other as he sets a plan in motion to seek revenge for the killing of his only son.

Most readers will be able to relate with his feelings even if they don’t agree with the method and actions he takes to obtain his goal. In the end readers will be set on an emotional rollercoaster but enjoy each minute.
156 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2021
Wow! What a fantastic read. I'm a big fan of military thrillers, and this one didn't disappoint. From a badass female heroine to a ruthless father hell bent on saving his daughter to quite the team of military mercenaries on a rogue operation, this book just doesn't stop to let you breath. The conspiracy and intrigue plot line is electrifying. And I loved the romantic subplot. All in all, this is one of the best books of its kind that I have read in a long time. Alvarez should consider taking this "Hollywood."
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,658 reviews490 followers
September 29, 2021
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

Requiem for the Dead is the first installment in author Victor Alvarez's CID Agent Jacqueline Sinclair series. Meet CID (Criminal Investigation Division) Agent Jacqueline Sinclair stationed in Germany. She received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for actions in Afghanistan, she has a black belt in Japanese karate since the age of fourteen, she's a close quarters combat expert, counter surveillance training, proficient in covert communications, jump qualified, expert in unarmed combat, expert in small arms and automatic weapons. And, she's about ready to face the real threat of World War III if she can't stop a rogue General from getting his revenge.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
59 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2021
Absolutely 1st class For intrigue, Mystery, detective work, and a splash of romance!

Agent Sinclair and tom price Are astounding in this story Preventing world war 3. End incredible tale of A fathers revenge for the brutal murder torture of his son. I read it all In about 4 1⁄2 hours nonstop except for a bourbon on the rocks! Highly recommend to all those who want real action that is believable!
Profile Image for Donna Costello.
Author 11 books68 followers
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a page turner and was engaged from the very beginning. I am not usually a fan of the military genre as it’s very male dominated, but this novel was a fantastic change of pace as the main character was a strong and vibrant woman. I found the other characters well developed and the writer’s voice very clear and strong.

Overall, this was a refreshing read in what I had previously thought of as a stale genre.
Profile Image for Argenis Ovalle-Sánchez.
33 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2021
Requiem For The Dead is what horror movies should be: a mix of action and suspense. Victor Alvarez gives us the army at its simplest, as an entity that can also provide terror and suspense. While also giving us Romance, we are introduced to a world where nothing is what it seems. Where we don't know what to expect. And leaves us wanting more. If there isn't a part two, I will be disappointed. Marvelous work.
16 reviews
December 20, 2021
Captured my attention

So refreshing to read a military novel where they actually talk like military. e.g. Radio protocol: none of that "over and out" BS. Proper protocol is observed. Honestly, it surprises me how many writers have never served

The story starts as a missing persons case assigned to a military police officer. It is strictly confidential which means that she can't use a lot of investigitory assets. However, from there it spirals up

Good exciting read
Author 0 books3 followers
August 4, 2021
This was an action packed military thriller. It was a fun read, pacing was fast so kept my attention. Great beats and twists. There were parts that reminded me of The Rock. Flow of the story was great and the heroine was strong and capable. The dialogue was natural, believable, and well done. Overall, I really liked this book. I read it in one sitting. Would highly recommend.
558 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2021
A very interest and entertaining war stoe

I really liked the way the story flowed and all the different characters that were presented throughout the story as it flowed to a nice conclr
Profile Image for barbara pint.
193 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2021
Review

Liked the authors writing style. Kept my interest throughout the story. Have to admit some was boring but kept reading and enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters. Definitely recommend this book highly.
8 reviews
December 27, 2021
Full names?

Good story well written. Why were full names used for every character? New ones you expect, but even it the last chapter the main characters full name were used. Very annoying.
23 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2022
Awesome

This story had me hooked from the start. Badass heroine and sexy partner. Liked the look into military procedures and interaction of all our agencies. Action was continuous and had me staying up way too late to find out what happens!



5 reviews
October 8, 2023
review

I have read better books, but it kept my attention. The plot was o,, I did not care for the father-daughter theme. Never heard of it before, although I guess it could happen. But for me it detracted from the book.
Profile Image for Tina O..
1 review
April 27, 2024
I loved the book and the way it kept me on the edge. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is the fact that periodically the technical descriptions of type of ammo, weapons, etc. where too long and interrupted the smooth reading flow, other than that I really enjoyed every page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews