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Jason Trapp #5
The Apparatus
Spies are like rats. In DC, you're never more than ten feet from one.
Jason Trapp is about to find that out the hard way. All he wanted was a week off, but the world had other plans. Trapp stumbles onto something he wasn't meant to see, and when half a dozen top US officials are murdered by drug cartel sicarios, the reason becomes sickeningly clear.
Within days, Mexico is on the brink of civil war, and the violence is spilling across the US border. The drug cartels are at war, innocent people are dying, and the President needs options. Trapp soon realizes there's more to this than meets the eye.
Someone out there planned this.
But he intends to finish it.
The Apparatus is the fifth book in Jack Slater's best-selling Jason Trapp CIA thriller series. It sees the return of fan favorite operative Eliza Ikeda, and the introduction of a shadowy global organization that will prove Trapp's stiffest test yet...
Jason Trapp is about to find that out the hard way. All he wanted was a week off, but the world had other plans. Trapp stumbles onto something he wasn't meant to see, and when half a dozen top US officials are murdered by drug cartel sicarios, the reason becomes sickeningly clear.
Within days, Mexico is on the brink of civil war, and the violence is spilling across the US border. The drug cartels are at war, innocent people are dying, and the President needs options. Trapp soon realizes there's more to this than meets the eye.
Someone out there planned this.
But he intends to finish it.
The Apparatus is the fifth book in Jack Slater's best-selling Jason Trapp CIA thriller series. It sees the return of fan favorite operative Eliza Ikeda, and the introduction of a shadowy global organization that will prove Trapp's stiffest test yet...
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2021
2101 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 10, 2021
Not What I Expected
I was not thrilled with this book as I was with the first two. I didn't like all of the cartel information and not enough Jason Trapp action. I took me everything to keep reading this book. Sorry but that is how I feel about this book.
I was not thrilled with this book as I was with the first two. I didn't like all of the cartel information and not enough Jason Trapp action. I took me everything to keep reading this book. Sorry but that is how I feel about this book.
February 16, 2021
The Apparatus
I had some issues with this story. Iker worked for carreon, but in the last few chapters he seemed to be working for Rayes. The story was interesting, though not one of my favorites in the Jason Trapped series. Now you are taking a break from the Trapp series to move in a different direction for a while. It took to long to get this book out, I'm not sure I'll enjoying waiting another year for another Trapped story
I had some issues with this story. Iker worked for carreon, but in the last few chapters he seemed to be working for Rayes. The story was interesting, though not one of my favorites in the Jason Trapped series. Now you are taking a break from the Trapp series to move in a different direction for a while. It took to long to get this book out, I'm not sure I'll enjoying waiting another year for another Trapped story
June 11, 2024
In the fifth installment of the Jason Trapp saga, the concept of this suspense thriller was great. The Apparatus was a black ops strategy that was clever, far fetched and so extremely dangerous of an operation that was quickly dismissed by the higher authorities several years prior. However, those who put together this plan sought to implement it on their own and the ramifications of this operation would put both the U.S. and Mexico in grave danger of an international conflict between the two countries that would be difficult to recover from. It began with the murder of a high level military official and the DEA Director which sets off a chain of events that are about to unfold. That's when the President calls Trapp to get involved.
The suspense, intrigue and development of the supporting characters was great. However, I would've liked the story better if there was more Jason Trapp. It seems to me that there was less of him than in the previous stories and the main character should always be the main focus. Some of the backstories of certain characters could've been shortened, part of the an intelligence briefing to Trapp or been sort of a flashback sequence instead of the central part of the story. Other than that, it is a fast read and the parts when Trapp was featured the most was everything we come to expect from the character as he delivers in carrying out his mission to protect the U.S. from its enemies. The book is recommended even though I enjoyed some of the previous books because he was at center stage. Off to the next book.
The suspense, intrigue and development of the supporting characters was great. However, I would've liked the story better if there was more Jason Trapp. It seems to me that there was less of him than in the previous stories and the main character should always be the main focus. Some of the backstories of certain characters could've been shortened, part of the an intelligence briefing to Trapp or been sort of a flashback sequence instead of the central part of the story. Other than that, it is a fast read and the parts when Trapp was featured the most was everything we come to expect from the character as he delivers in carrying out his mission to protect the U.S. from its enemies. The book is recommended even though I enjoyed some of the previous books because he was at center stage. Off to the next book.
August 24, 2024
Was expecting to see a lot more of Jason Trapp and was a little disappointed. Story was mostly about rival drug gangs in Mexico and an American trying to gain control of them both. Good story, though, so I gave it 4 stars. Hope the next one has more Trapp in it.
August 15, 2022
Jack Slater has a way of getting under my skin. His novels sometimes give me the impression that I've been researching a story and somehow came across a contact for a guy I'd rather not know too well. A guy who travels for his job and frequently tests his skillset against others. Like one of those extreme athletes fighting the clock and his own sense of self preservation to complete a 100 mile run. In "The Apparatus" Slater presents a scenario that could have been plucked from the headlines. A couple of cartels go to war. Slater, like a journalist, draws the stories from the leaders of both, telling it from their perspectives. In this case, one cartel leader gets rescued from prison (reminding me of Charles Bronson in "Breakout" but just a little. The other cartel boss suffers one hit on his operation after another. Then U.S. attorneys are killed on live television. But this is not just another drug war spilling onto American territory. Slater weaves something more akin to reality. Nothing is as it appears. While protagonist and CIA operative Jason Trapp plays a lead role, he's less the focus in the novel. Slater tells quite a bit of the narrative through the cartel leaders and a Mexican special forces operative, giving readers of "The Apparatus" rare insight into the sprawling impact of an international incident that just happens to be fictional. And this gets me back to my initial point. Sometimes I just had to put this book down. Stop reading. It stressed me out. Whether that was Slater's intent, I don't know. But many of the situations seemed very real, often switching the silicon chip in my head to overload. I didn't want the intensity to end.
March 26, 2021
Jack Slater knows how to write a thriller that you can't put down. The Apparatus, is a story with a multilayered plot, good and bad guys that you don't expect, and an urgency to solve the problem before larger disasters can happen.
I have read all of the Jason Trapp series and have found each one of them full of surprises and intrigue. You don't have to start with book one of the series to enjoy Jason Trapp, but I always prefer to read a series in order because you get to know the characters from the beginning and to learn what you can expect from the main character and from the author. If you enjoy a good spy thriller, the Jason Trapp series will not disappoint you.
I have read all of the Jason Trapp series and have found each one of them full of surprises and intrigue. You don't have to start with book one of the series to enjoy Jason Trapp, but I always prefer to read a series in order because you get to know the characters from the beginning and to learn what you can expect from the main character and from the author. If you enjoy a good spy thriller, the Jason Trapp series will not disappoint you.
January 25, 2024
A good read, but not as good as the previous books.
This book was just ok. I’ve been reading the series, and have enjoyed them.
But this book did not have enough of Jason Trapp in it, for me.
Most of the book was corrupt cartel types and others killing people, without us getting to enjoy enough of Trapp knocking the bad guys off their plans, and then saving the country, or at least other agents.
I like the hero aspect of Trapp. I like a happy, victorious ending to most missions.
I’ll continue more of the Jack Slater books, re Trapp’s experiences.
I’ll review future reads as well.
This book was just ok. I’ve been reading the series, and have enjoyed them.
But this book did not have enough of Jason Trapp in it, for me.
Most of the book was corrupt cartel types and others killing people, without us getting to enjoy enough of Trapp knocking the bad guys off their plans, and then saving the country, or at least other agents.
I like the hero aspect of Trapp. I like a happy, victorious ending to most missions.
I’ll continue more of the Jack Slater books, re Trapp’s experiences.
I’ll review future reads as well.
February 14, 2021
Jason Trail does it again
I've liked the series since the first book. Jason Trapp 's a macho guy that might sometimes bend the rules of what's strictly legal, but if I was walking into Hell, I'd want him on my side. My favorite character is President Nash though. Why can't we have Nash for President? I'd vote for him. And speaking of characters, I want to be Ikeda. Good writing here. I sneak off from writing urban fantasy now and then to read this author, rather like one of Jason Trapp's guilty secrets. ;-)
I've liked the series since the first book. Jason Trapp 's a macho guy that might sometimes bend the rules of what's strictly legal, but if I was walking into Hell, I'd want him on my side. My favorite character is President Nash though. Why can't we have Nash for President? I'd vote for him. And speaking of characters, I want to be Ikeda. Good writing here. I sneak off from writing urban fantasy now and then to read this author, rather like one of Jason Trapp's guilty secrets. ;-)
June 17, 2021
If Trapp thought he and Ikeda were going to get some time off for a little hiking and camping, he soon learned otherwise. The FBI needs their help pronto. Two Mexican cartels are at war and an American traitor want to help them along so that he can be in charge. When it reaches across the border to American soil, Jason and Eliza team up with Pope and Kelly, a new, but very capable recruit. What they find is much worse than what they might have expected. There is too much happening for there not to be plenty of action!
May 10, 2025
This was a book about the bad guys. Jason Trapp was almost non-existent. Mexican cartels, their rivalry, in-fighting is about as dull as it gets. It’s unfortunate that they have such long reach and cause so much pain and destruction, but we know that. Certainly don’t have to read a whole book to understand that. I’m moving on to the next book but if it’s more of this boredom, I’m going to be looking for a new author. I just switched from another author/series where the same thing happened…starting out nicely with a great main character and 3-4 books in he also practically disappeared. Blah.
March 10, 2021
Written During Difficult Time
We’ve all felt a wide range of emotions during this pandemic. I can’t imagine trying to write a novel during it. Different than the other books in the series, this one suffers a little in a lack of descriptive detail (it was hard to picture one of the big battles). Believability was stretched (it usually is in spy thrillers but this was too much), and the book felt too long.
We’ve all felt a wide range of emotions during this pandemic. I can’t imagine trying to write a novel during it. Different than the other books in the series, this one suffers a little in a lack of descriptive detail (it was hard to picture one of the big battles). Believability was stretched (it usually is in spy thrillers but this was too much), and the book felt too long.
May 2, 2021
If you want action packed adventure then this is a series for you
Yet another great action packed adventure involving Jason Trapp. These are well thought out easy reading stories which I feel would make great films. Jack Slater is one of a small list of new authors I've discovered since lockdown started, I've read all 5 books since Christmas and await the new series and more of these with anticipation
Yet another great action packed adventure involving Jason Trapp. These are well thought out easy reading stories which I feel would make great films. Jack Slater is one of a small list of new authors I've discovered since lockdown started, I've read all 5 books since Christmas and await the new series and more of these with anticipation
August 7, 2021
A good build up to an elaborate story.
This not the typical Trapp novel. In fact, most of chapters don’t involve the beloved character. Instead this story revolves around an elaborate plot that is not so outlandish to not be feasible. It uses this story to build to an unexpected climax that has the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall a fantastic read and a change to series. I personally cannot wait for the next addition in the series and lucky for me, it is already out.
This not the typical Trapp novel. In fact, most of chapters don’t involve the beloved character. Instead this story revolves around an elaborate plot that is not so outlandish to not be feasible. It uses this story to build to an unexpected climax that has the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall a fantastic read and a change to series. I personally cannot wait for the next addition in the series and lucky for me, it is already out.
August 16, 2021
The Apparatus Jack Slater
Jason and Ikeda , contractors for the CIA. Actually the Presidents personal team. The two major cartels in Mexico are at war with each other. Bodies are rapidly piling up. Included is the head of the DEA and many other senior officials. A peace has to be brokered. Leading the carnage in Mexico are two U.S. retired military intelligence agents. Traitors who will be dealt with. Non stop action, intrigue. An excellent read!!!Enjoyed immensely!!
Jason and Ikeda , contractors for the CIA. Actually the Presidents personal team. The two major cartels in Mexico are at war with each other. Bodies are rapidly piling up. Included is the head of the DEA and many other senior officials. A peace has to be brokered. Leading the carnage in Mexico are two U.S. retired military intelligence agents. Traitors who will be dealt with. Non stop action, intrigue. An excellent read!!!Enjoyed immensely!!
February 5, 2022
Different, for sure.
Unlike the first 3 Jason Trapp books, the last two have had too many characters and complications involved and the main man has become less and less of the hero he was in the first three. You don't need to age and slow down your characters as it lessens them. Remember, it's Fiction! Like Clive Cussler found out, adventure seekers don't want to read about an old hero....
Unlike the first 3 Jason Trapp books, the last two have had too many characters and complications involved and the main man has become less and less of the hero he was in the first three. You don't need to age and slow down your characters as it lessens them. Remember, it's Fiction! Like Clive Cussler found out, adventure seekers don't want to read about an old hero....
October 7, 2022
Right from the start this book grabbed my attention. Jason and Ikeda start off on vacation and then a crisis develops and the FBI need their help ASAP. A cartel war is developing in Mexico and an American is behind the whole ordeal so he can assume power when the cartels destroy each other. When the war hits home Jason and Ikeda jump in to action and care for the problem. Another excellent book in the Trapp series.
December 27, 2022
Good share of the glory
Sometimes get rich quick schemes not only don't work out but take longer than he thought. Trying to pit two cartels against each other and dragging the violence into the United States. Unfortunately for him between Jason, Ideka, Nash, Kelly and Hector he didn't stand a chance. Lots of action and violence. A good look into the character of all persons involved. Great job. Thank you.
Sometimes get rich quick schemes not only don't work out but take longer than he thought. Trying to pit two cartels against each other and dragging the violence into the United States. Unfortunately for him between Jason, Ideka, Nash, Kelly and Hector he didn't stand a chance. Lots of action and violence. A good look into the character of all persons involved. Great job. Thank you.
February 6, 2021
Trapp MIA. What a total disappointment. Jason made a brief, silly , appearance in the first third of the book. Ikeda was an afterthought and really had nothing to contribute. 80% of the story line dealt with the competing drug cartels and much of the verbiage tended to bore. Slater has done more to diminish Trapp than all the antagonists is the first 4 books.
February 28, 2021
Good Reading!
I’ve enjoyed the Trapp series. A strong protagonist, some romance, action: a page turner. I understand that many authors writing in a contemporary setting will stay somewhat politically correct; it’s just good business, but basically cowardly. As our country is thrust into darkness, for many, it’s “every man for himself.”
I’ve enjoyed the Trapp series. A strong protagonist, some romance, action: a page turner. I understand that many authors writing in a contemporary setting will stay somewhat politically correct; it’s just good business, but basically cowardly. As our country is thrust into darkness, for many, it’s “every man for himself.”
May 11, 2021
Five Stars
Another great read. Lots of thought provoking material to think about. All made worse because these drug cartels really exist. There is no doubt that so many people in these parasite organisations have no respect for human life, so so sad. Anyway, a big thank you to the author Jack Slater, and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great read. Lots of thought provoking material to think about. All made worse because these drug cartels really exist. There is no doubt that so many people in these parasite organisations have no respect for human life, so so sad. Anyway, a big thank you to the author Jack Slater, and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 13, 2021
Hidden thinking
This story to me is wishful thinking at it's best. It would be a reward that has more merit than can be imagined if possible. Another action packed story with some high principles to think about. I really enjoy this author's writing and skills. Thanks for all the entertainment,till the next one.
This story to me is wishful thinking at it's best. It would be a reward that has more merit than can be imagined if possible. Another action packed story with some high principles to think about. I really enjoy this author's writing and skills. Thanks for all the entertainment,till the next one.
August 31, 2021
Think Tanks Ain’t All That Great
It took a while to get up to speed in this story of a think tank gone wrong. But, it kept me glued to the pages just the same. I like Nick Pope a lot... he’s been a good character in a few stories. Ikeda is great and I’d like to see her and Jason doing more just the two of them. Maybe next time.
It took a while to get up to speed in this story of a think tank gone wrong. But, it kept me glued to the pages just the same. I like Nick Pope a lot... he’s been a good character in a few stories. Ikeda is great and I’d like to see her and Jason doing more just the two of them. Maybe next time.
October 28, 2021
A read for these times.
Mexico is a big place. Still, great to read of sense triumphing in a smaller than worldwide area and the bad guys taking a beating, partly self inflicted and partly through two small teams, one local and official and one beyond secret, the Jason Trapp plus the amasingly able and beautiful Ikeda. Quite a read as are all the other Jason Trapp tales.
Mexico is a big place. Still, great to read of sense triumphing in a smaller than worldwide area and the bad guys taking a beating, partly self inflicted and partly through two small teams, one local and official and one beyond secret, the Jason Trapp plus the amasingly able and beautiful Ikeda. Quite a read as are all the other Jason Trapp tales.
October 4, 2022
A Very Interesting Read
I've read all the books in the Jason Trapp series and I've loved each and every one of them! The excitement builds in every book and I find myself turning the pages faster and faster! Thank you Jack Slater for the many enjoyable hours I've spent reading this series.
I've read all the books in the Jason Trapp series and I've loved each and every one of them! The excitement builds in every book and I find myself turning the pages faster and faster! Thank you Jack Slater for the many enjoyable hours I've spent reading this series.
January 11, 2023
just another bleh story…
I wonder why is the book called a Jason Trapp book? He has no meaningful impact within the story. Looks like the author is running out of ideas and also getting lazy…it feels like he cares in moderation or not at all about the quality of his creation.
Another book, another check!
I wonder why is the book called a Jason Trapp book? He has no meaningful impact within the story. Looks like the author is running out of ideas and also getting lazy…it feels like he cares in moderation or not at all about the quality of his creation.
Another book, another check!
March 5, 2023
Compelling as usual
This was a little different story and just as compelling as the author’s previous books. I really get hooked and stayed up
way too late to finish this one. Thanks for the superb entertainment! Keep them coming. Also I appreciate all the research that goes into the books making them authentic,
This was a little different story and just as compelling as the author’s previous books. I really get hooked and stayed up
way too late to finish this one. Thanks for the superb entertainment! Keep them coming. Also I appreciate all the research that goes into the books making them authentic,
April 7, 2023
Book was good. The case this time around for Jason deals with the Cartels. We follow Ramon and Carreon's individual cartel groups. Though there may be a third person messing with them. Book returns Nick Pope as he does field work to provide evidence to bring the person down with the help of Kelly. All in all it was a good story.
June 27, 2023
Brilliant.
When I read,it's always for pleasure. So I started with the 1st in the series, that was Sunday, it's no Tuesday, and I have just finished book 5......
I will leave you to hopefully do the same, just don't forgot to eat inbetween books.
Awesome reading, and no I will start book six😊😊😊
When I read,it's always for pleasure. So I started with the 1st in the series, that was Sunday, it's no Tuesday, and I have just finished book 5......
I will leave you to hopefully do the same, just don't forgot to eat inbetween books.
Awesome reading, and no I will start book six😊😊😊
September 13, 2023
Mexican drug cartels and traitors!
What have Jason Trapp and Iketa gotten themselves into this time? We even see our FBI friend back for more adventure in this book. They venture south of the border to untangle a curious web of lies and betrayal. Who’s telling the truth and who really wants what?
What have Jason Trapp and Iketa gotten themselves into this time? We even see our FBI friend back for more adventure in this book. They venture south of the border to untangle a curious web of lies and betrayal. Who’s telling the truth and who really wants what?
November 6, 2023
Disappointed
I did not like the beginning of this book!! It drug on and on and on. I quit it 2 times before finally turning to the dinner with the President. I know I missed the highlights of the ending. Sorry, but I couldn’t continue. After the last book which was one the best I’ve read this one was a major disappointment.
I did not like the beginning of this book!! It drug on and on and on. I quit it 2 times before finally turning to the dinner with the President. I know I missed the highlights of the ending. Sorry, but I couldn’t continue. After the last book which was one the best I’ve read this one was a major disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews