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CIA operative Titus Ray knows nothing about his next assignment.
Nothing except the person in charge of the operation will be Ben Mitchell.

Operation Concerned Citizen will be Ben’s first assignment as the primary officer in charge of a mission. When Titus learns it’s a simple mission with a clear objective but requires a complicated plan, he questions whether Ben will be able to handle it. After he discovers there are underlying circumstances, he questions whether he’ll be able to let Ben handle it.

It’s a simple mission . . .
Ben, as head of an operational team that includes Titus, will escort Boris Khrasnoff, a Russian defector, and his daughter back to the U.S.

It has a clear objective . . .
Since the defector has intel about the Kremlin’s secret plans to invade a neighboring country, the mission’s objective is to make sure Russian military intelligence is not aware of Boris Khrasnoff’s intentions to defect.

It requires a complicated plan . . .
Ben and Titus, along with a woman from the U.S. State Department, will pose as members of a delegation to an economic summit in Brussels, Belgium, a summit Boris Khrasnoff will attend as part of the Russian delegation.

There are underlying circumstances . . .
Ben has doubts about a woman on the team, while Titus is concerned about the reliability of an old acquaintance. Ultimately, both men have issues with their respective roles in the operation.

When the simple mission proves difficult, Titus discovers he’s not the man he thought he was, and he’s not the man he wants to be. He’s a man learning to live out his faith while living in the shadows, and sometimes those shadows aren’t shadows at all.

If you enjoy a clean, amusing, multilayered thriller with a hero who’s trying to figure out how to make his faith and his CIA career work together, you’ll love this book!

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

148 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Luana Ehrlich

43 books334 followers
Luana Ehrlich is a USA Today bestselling author, known for her award-winning Titus Ray Thrillers, Mylas Grey Mysteries, and Silas McKay Suspense. Her novels are clean reads with intriguing plots, fascinating characters, jaw-dropping twists, and occasional touches of humor and heart-warming romance.

Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.

Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!

Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...

Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.

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5 stars
261 (72%)
4 stars
78 (21%)
3 stars
15 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,411 reviews185 followers
June 15, 2021
I listened to this book on audible.
I love Ben! I love this series! Anyone wanting to listen to a spy book that is clean and keeps the listener engaged, then this is for you. This author is so good in all things espionage.
*I was given a copy of this book to listen to and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books31 followers
May 31, 2021
I have read several books in this series featuring Ben Mitchell and Titus Ray. In this one, I think I hoped for more Ben and less Titus especially since Ben was supposedly in charge. Also the author tries hard to connect readers to past situations. In some ways that is good. But in others, it felt like a lot of repetition. I also feel like there was a lot of discussion about the situation where they were going to protect certain people. Then there the actual situations. Then there was the recap. I could have used more action and less talk. I struggled to get through this one. But I like the series enough that I will continue reading. I do like the author's style, and the faith elements are also significant. Should you read the other books in the collection first? Maybe, maybe not, as there is certainly a lot of discussion about prior situations. My rating for this is a 3.5 star.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,841 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2021
This case, Ben is in charge, and Titus takes the case to see how Ben does in his leadership skills. This is supposed to be a simple extraction mission, but Titus tries to let Ben make all the decisions. A third agent, a woman who asks more questions than a small child drives Ben and Titus crazy. This story has an intense climax and a surprise ending. This story really stresses how Titus’ faith is changing him.
1,836 reviews12 followers
April 18, 2021
This book is about Ben's first assignment where he is in charge. Titus is assigned to go with him along with a female agent. Maybe it's because the DDO doesn't fully trust Ben. There is a lot of dialogue for the first two-thirds of the book before the suspenseful ending. There is a surprise about the DDO also. Unfortunately, the book is continued into the next in this series. It is well written, however.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
January 21, 2024
Current 'Cold War' Events
This was an exciting story that mixed current events with the air of Cold War spy work. This book is the second in the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray series and takes place just before Titus Ray Book 8. It involves Russian defectors, the equivalent of the KGB, and a Middle Eastern Trade Symposium. There are new people to work with, each with some quirks and idiosyncrasies. A lot is going on and the book is a real page-turner. As always, this is a clean book with no foul language, no gore, no sex, and minimal violence. This is a Christian story with strong faith elements. I have been binge-reading these and am so enjoying them! Each book is a new adventure and a fresh read.

1,048 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2022
Ben & Titus in Brussels

With Ben in charge of the mission to help a Russian and his daughter defect to the US, Titus has his own job to do and it's hard for him to not be the lead. Ben takes him to task & Titus struggles to remember he is a Christ follower and not lash out at Ben. Another time, Almira makes a mistake that allows two Russian assassin's to follow them to the safe house, & Titus again struggles to keep from screaming at her. I wish I had known the Ben books were shoehorned into Titus's missions, I would have read them in that order. On to the third Ben book while waiting for the next Titus book.
526 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2024
In Operation Concerned Citizen, Titus Ray is again working with younger agent Ben Mitchell. This time, though, Ben is in charge of the operation because of his language skills. Their task takes place in Brussels, at a European trade meeting.

Some friction naturally arises between the two men, as Titus has to do all he can without undermining Ben's authority, and he is not always forthcoming with Ben about his actions. Can he apply his newfound faith to make better decisions in his interactions with his colleagues and help the operation succeed?

This is an exciting and entertaining entry in a series that falls into the unusual subgenre of "Christian spy fiction."
235 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2021
Titus at his best

Titus is asked to accept another mission, even though he just completed one and wanted to get home to be with his new wife and an about to be adopted daughter. Even though superior in seniority, Titus let’s his partner, Ben, be appointed lead for the operation. Titus comes up against Russian GRU agents who are trying to stop the CIA agents from helping a Russian defect. ENJOY!
796 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2021
Not as good as the previous books

I usually love the books with Titus as the main character. This one gave Ben an opportunity to prove he was a valuable asset to the CIA. I guess I miss the thrill of danger. Still, it was a good book and it introduced Amira Hargoos from the state department. Will she be a benefit and a causality?
208 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2021
Another great novel by Luana Ehrlich. I really enjoy the writing style of Ms. Ehrlich's stories. They move fast and keep your interest. Her characters have depth. I appreciate that although her series tie together, she makes sure you get enough background information and circles back to explain things. They can easily stand alone but I recommend you read them all.
Profile Image for Donna.
167 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2021
Great story

I have read every book in this series so far. I have liked every one and find them addictive. The only reason I gave it four rather than five stars is because each book can be a stand alone story. This means the author has to repeat several details from the previous books. Reading them over and over gets a bit repetitive.
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 119 books269 followers
May 24, 2025
As hard as it was for Titus to let Ben be in charge of an operation, he did it. I didn’t expect it to be easy and Ben and Titus got a bit heated over something, but they worked it out. I really like how Titus is changing and growing and helping Ben at the same time as well as giving him the support that he doesn't get from his father.
70 reviews
September 23, 2025
In Charge

Watching Titus handle Ben in charge was amusing and interesting. Titus could see Ben's growth as an agent, as well as how his own way of handling things would or wouldn't work. Also, watching Titus' growth as a believer and his ability to share with others was insightful. Looking forward to seeing how the next " Ben " book plays out.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
February 20, 2021
Love Spy Novels

I love spy novels full of suspense ,twists and turns .Making this extra special is the fact the Lord is a part of the journey.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian spy novels.
Profile Image for Anne Callcut.
64 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2021
Always a Great Read

This is the 2nd Ben Mitchell book and it has been just as good as the others in the Titus Ray / Ben Mitchell books. Ms Ehrlich engages you in the story right from the first page all the way to the end.
Profile Image for Jackie.
102 reviews
March 6, 2021
Ben in Charge

It is nice to see Ben maturing enough to carry out a mission on his own. This book is good as a "stand-alone" story, but, if you will read the Titus Ray journey, you will understand why Ben questions his role. Besides, they are great stories!
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
March 27, 2021
WHY is Ben in charge? Why is Titus not in charge? Can it be a successful trip? Will the danger be handled? And why is there a civilian involved? A woman??? THIS BOOK has enough twists to keep you interested . . . .and as Titus grows in his faith it makes it even more interesting!!!
250 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2021
Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book. The story was very exciting. Will the mission succeed or won't it? It was great getting to know the new characters and catching up with familiar ones. I am so looking forward to reading the next book.
185 reviews
August 26, 2021
Ben in Charge has a great clean storyline full of action and suspense. I enjoy following the characters throughout the series, but it could also be a standalone. The narrator gave a wonderful performance.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,175 reviews49 followers
June 24, 2022
Ben is put in charge as the primary officer for an operation instead of Titus. They work together to bring a Russian defector to the States. This is a great story that's suspenseful and involves some twists and turns.
Profile Image for Daryl Allen.
7 reviews
July 3, 2022
Another Excellent Book

For those of you thinking about reading this or any of the books written by Luana Ehrlich please do so. You will not regret it. She is an excellent writer and always keeps you interested. I love her books.
402 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2023
Although excellent & a gripping good read, not sure why this is separated from the Titus Ray Thriller series. I expected more about Ben, but as in all the others the voice is Titus & it’s all from his perspective. Still a great spy espionage thriller!
2 reviews
March 31, 2023
Enjoying this series immensely! Don't tell Nikki, but I think I'm in love with her husband, even though he is 25+years younger than me. You must have done a lot of research on the CIA and it's operatives to go into such detail in each story. Love it and don't want the story line/series to end!
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,638 reviews
February 18, 2021
Very enjoyable read!! Can't wait for the next one! Ehrlich just keeps coming up with believable plots. I love Titus Ray's dry humor.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2021
Super mystery

I love the Titus Ray series and this book was a great addition. I think it is so interesting the way the CIA works. This wad a well thought out enjoyable read.
46 reviews
April 17, 2021
Another Winner

Another 5star winner in the Titus Ray series. A Fun afternoon read you're sure to like. Enjoyed it to the max
Profile Image for Donald.
82 reviews
April 21, 2021
Best duo since Batman & Robin! More adventures with Titus & Ben. Can't get enough of this series.
Profile Image for Kim.
722 reviews14 followers
May 25, 2021
Great series

I look forward to each edition of Luana Ehrlich's series. If you're looking for good, clean suspense spy novels, here's your match.

Until next time...
49 reviews
November 12, 2022
Enjoyable read

It's fun reading some other stories where Ben is more prominent. Always enjoy the twists ans interesting characters! So far I've enjoyed this series .
201 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2023
Another great book

I enjoyed this book very much. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series. Love her books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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