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The Green Berets #10
New York Minute
First Blood meets Breaking Bad, but this time the bad protects the innocent.
The last time former Green Beret Will Kane was involved in killing someone it made the cover of LIFE Magazine.
Eight years later he’s getting pushed to the edge of that precipice he vowed never to go over again.
Will Kane suffers from undiagnosed Asperger, a high functioning autistic, like a number of exceptional people, especially in the arts. Except his art is death and he is very, very good at it.
New York City, summer 1977. The Bronx is burning. The twin towers of the new World Trade Center loom over the skyline. Son of Sam. Star Wars. Studio 54. The Five Families. The city faces bankruptcy and unrest seethes.
On the dark streets of a city the rest of the country believes is going down the toilet, Vietnam vet Kane’s life mirrors his hometown.
Carrying a past cratered with death and tragedy, Kane has been working as a ‘fixer’ for a high-priced lawyer since returning to New York in disgrace. But is he really fixing anything?
It begins when he takes a compromising picture as part of the job. As the long hot summer boils, so does Kane as the mob, the CIA, the IRA and other forces are brought to bear on him. What they all seem to have forgotten, and Kane wishes he could, is that he is a highly trained and experienced warrior.
A skilled killer.
What should a good man do when faced with evil that the law can't touch?
Kane faces threats, betrayal and shadows from his past, and then, on 13 July 1977, the Blackout occurs and Kane explodes.
For fans of the Green Beret series of books, this book is a prelude to the entire series, and introduces a new character in his own series. Dave Riley is here as Will Kane's 17 year old younger cousin.
This book will be followed by Will Kane in Lawyers, Guns and Money, also set in New York City in 1977, publishing on 16 September
Then Walk On The Wild Side on 9 December 2019
Publishers Weekly reference The Line: “Mayer has crafted a thriller in the tradition of John Grisham’s The Firm.”
(The first Will Kane, Green Beret book)
The last time former Green Beret Will Kane was involved in killing someone it made the cover of LIFE Magazine.
Eight years later he’s getting pushed to the edge of that precipice he vowed never to go over again.
Will Kane suffers from undiagnosed Asperger, a high functioning autistic, like a number of exceptional people, especially in the arts. Except his art is death and he is very, very good at it.
New York City, summer 1977. The Bronx is burning. The twin towers of the new World Trade Center loom over the skyline. Son of Sam. Star Wars. Studio 54. The Five Families. The city faces bankruptcy and unrest seethes.
On the dark streets of a city the rest of the country believes is going down the toilet, Vietnam vet Kane’s life mirrors his hometown.
Carrying a past cratered with death and tragedy, Kane has been working as a ‘fixer’ for a high-priced lawyer since returning to New York in disgrace. But is he really fixing anything?
It begins when he takes a compromising picture as part of the job. As the long hot summer boils, so does Kane as the mob, the CIA, the IRA and other forces are brought to bear on him. What they all seem to have forgotten, and Kane wishes he could, is that he is a highly trained and experienced warrior.
A skilled killer.
What should a good man do when faced with evil that the law can't touch?
Kane faces threats, betrayal and shadows from his past, and then, on 13 July 1977, the Blackout occurs and Kane explodes.
For fans of the Green Beret series of books, this book is a prelude to the entire series, and introduces a new character in his own series. Dave Riley is here as Will Kane's 17 year old younger cousin.
This book will be followed by Will Kane in Lawyers, Guns and Money, also set in New York City in 1977, publishing on 16 September
Then Walk On The Wild Side on 9 December 2019
Publishers Weekly reference The Line: “Mayer has crafted a thriller in the tradition of John Grisham’s The Firm.”
(The first Will Kane, Green Beret book)
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2019
385 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Bob Mayer
214 books47.8k followersBesides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 8, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A former green beret is making his way through the disintegrating New York City of the 1970's, during The Son of Sam's reign of terror.
He tails a mafia figure to a homosexual tryst, and the stuff hits the fan. There's the mafia, the CIA, the IRA, and Studio 54.
A real slice of sleaze.
A former green beret is making his way through the disintegrating New York City of the 1970's, during The Son of Sam's reign of terror.
He tails a mafia figure to a homosexual tryst, and the stuff hits the fan. There's the mafia, the CIA, the IRA, and Studio 54.
A real slice of sleaze.
September 4, 2019
Although this book was grittier than what I usually read, I got totally absorbed in it. Bob Mayer skillfully builds suspense while developing multi-dimensional characters. He displays throughout the book not only a huge knowledge of army weapons and military history; but a vast knowledge of the city of New York. Reading the book, I felt like I was right back there in 1977, which is when the book takes place. That was when many of my relatives still lived in the City so I can attest to his accuracy in the setting. If you're a fan of suspense with militray subplots and action, don't miss this book!
June 26, 2019
This is a tightly written story with layers being revealed one by one. Kane is a damaged soul, seeking not so much healing as simple survival. The mysteries that develop are compelling. (One more page, really, just one more page, Oh, Lord, when did 1 AM happen?) Kane is a protagonist you can care about and believe in – honestly, read this book. Oh, and it was really cool seeing the teenaged Dave Riley in a cameo.
September 18, 2019
Not much about this book that would allow me to recommend it. I gave it two stars because of the history of New York that Mayer wove into the story.
I've read several books by Mayer and this one really seemed like he gave an outline to an intern and let them loose. The plot didn't flow, the dialogue didn't flow. Just a bunch of words on my Kindle.
I've read several books by Mayer and this one really seemed like he gave an outline to an intern and let them loose. The plot didn't flow, the dialogue didn't flow. Just a bunch of words on my Kindle.
May 31, 2021
NYC.. The Underbelly
This was a superbly entertaining read. The dark underbelly of New York exposed in words that make one feel it, smell it, hear it & cringe. From Vietnam to the Mafia to the CIA to the IRA. Will Kane leads you through an action packed, intriguing & violent time.
This was a superbly entertaining read. The dark underbelly of New York exposed in words that make one feel it, smell it, hear it & cringe. From Vietnam to the Mafia to the CIA to the IRA. Will Kane leads you through an action packed, intriguing & violent time.
March 14, 2022
New York Minute
A very good read, once into the story you can’t put it down.
Very intriguing story. Now on to the next one.
A very good read, once into the story you can’t put it down.
Very intriguing story. Now on to the next one.
April 28, 2025
Very different to the other Green Beret books
This has nothing to do with an active duty soldier. In fact this one is very different to the previous 2, in that he leaves under a cloud and rightly or wrongly returns to his home city after being missing for 5yrs, to pick up work, whilst avoiding his family as.much as he can
It's slow, takes a long while.to get going and even the ending leaves you wondering if that is it
If you approach this as an investigation rather than para military story, then you won't be disappointed
This has nothing to do with an active duty soldier. In fact this one is very different to the previous 2, in that he leaves under a cloud and rightly or wrongly returns to his home city after being missing for 5yrs, to pick up work, whilst avoiding his family as.much as he can
It's slow, takes a long while.to get going and even the ending leaves you wondering if that is it
If you approach this as an investigation rather than para military story, then you won't be disappointed
May 17, 2022
Interesting, action packed and left me wanting more
The characters are interesting and very much likeable. I love that there's an abundance of history/information ranging from Ranger training, the Army and West Point Academy as well as information/history on New York City over the years.
Its part kick ass, part mystery, part inner turmoil/angst and a history lesson all in one.
Loved it.
The characters are interesting and very much likeable. I love that there's an abundance of history/information ranging from Ranger training, the Army and West Point Academy as well as information/history on New York City over the years.
Its part kick ass, part mystery, part inner turmoil/angst and a history lesson all in one.
Loved it.
March 14, 2024
Fight for the right reasons.
Learning from his experiences- growing up in the Bronx, graduating from West Point, surviving Viet Nam- and applying the lessons he learned along the way are one part of Will Kane’s journey to live. The friends he makes along the way are the other part.
Learning from his experiences- growing up in the Bronx, graduating from West Point, surviving Viet Nam- and applying the lessons he learned along the way are one part of Will Kane’s journey to live. The friends he makes along the way are the other part.
September 11, 2020
Awesome book! Terrific storyline!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading New York Minute! I especially like the way the writer blends scenes of the Vietnam war with the story. Great characters and plenty of action
I thoroughly enjoyed reading New York Minute! I especially like the way the writer blends scenes of the Vietnam war with the story. Great characters and plenty of action
March 28, 2020
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading this book, found it hard to put down. I have already downloaded Book 2 in the Will Kane Series. Keep them coming!!
I really enjoyed reading this book, found it hard to put down. I have already downloaded Book 2 in the Will Kane Series. Keep them coming!!
February 17, 2021
A war story in New York
A great story by a man who has been there and threw away the tshirt!
this is the first book I have read by Bob Mayer it won't be the last.
A great story by a man who has been there and threw away the tshirt!
this is the first book I have read by Bob Mayer it won't be the last.
May 1, 2021
Exciting parts. Trashy parts. Not fond of the language. Left some unanswered parts to the story.
August 23, 2025
Not for me
Not for me. Found the book utterly boring within the first few pages. Someone else may enjoy this book.
.
Not for me. Found the book utterly boring within the first few pages. Someone else may enjoy this book.
.
November 2, 2025
Different in a good way
Not really my typical read & took a minute to get into but it’s a very good read. Not easy but the characters are ones you can recognize & root for or hate.
Not really my typical read & took a minute to get into but it’s a very good read. Not easy but the characters are ones you can recognize & root for or hate.
February 8, 2020
Great book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters seem real and the story never slows down. I am getting the sequel now.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters seem real and the story never slows down. I am getting the sequel now.
December 19, 2019
I read it....But I'm not sure.
I think this book would be more suited to a male reader. It has a lot of male oriented subjects, such as the Vietnam war and different schools for assorted ranks. Will Kane is a soldier who is still fighting . I don't think he is a satisfied person and I found that sad.
I think this book would be more suited to a male reader. It has a lot of male oriented subjects, such as the Vietnam war and different schools for assorted ranks. Will Kane is a soldier who is still fighting . I don't think he is a satisfied person and I found that sad.
July 30, 2019
It was a great prequel to the Green Berets series. Summer of Sam is hotter in more ways than one. By the time of great blackout no one in the city will be the same again.
October 22, 2019
Loved it!
Great writing. Loved the characters. The time line shifts between Viet Nam & the mid to late 70's was smooth.
Can't wait to read the next one
Great writing. Loved the characters. The time line shifts between Viet Nam & the mid to late 70's was smooth.
Can't wait to read the next one
June 19, 2025
Set in NYC, summer 1977, introduces a new protagonist (a relative of Mayer's Green Beret hero, Riley) returning from Viet Nam trying to adjust to life at home. Well done thriller.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews