CIA covert operative Titus Ray is used to keeping secrets. This time, it’s different. This time, he’s keeping secrets from his boss, his handler, and his wife.
Operation False Flag is the secret Titus is keeping from his boss . . . While his boss, Deputy Director of Operations, Robert Ira, would ordinarily be aware of any operation being run out of the Agency, this mission concerns the DDO himself, a mission that could cost him his job. The whistleblower behind the operation is the secret Titus is keeping from his handler . . . Even though his handler, Douglas Carlton, has been tasked with directing Operation False Flag, he has no idea Titus knows the identity of the whistleblower who gave the Inspector General the files that set the operation in motion.
The operation itself is the secret Titus is keeping from his wife . . . Operation False Flag is a Top Secret mission, which means Titus can’t share the details with Nikki, but deceiving her about what he’s doing is a lot harder and more costly than he thought it would be.
Book VIII in the Titus Ray Thriller Series is an emotional roller coaster ride involving Titus’s personal life, his relationships at the CIA, and his desire to live out his Christian faith in the midst of a secret mission, a mission that turns deadly.
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!!
((I listened to the audiobook version on Audible))
I appreciated how Four Steps Missed was a completely clean and biblical thriller. I also liked how topics such as abortion and adoption were addressed. On the other hand, the book itself wasn't very thrilling. I don’t usually read thrillers because I’d come across some that were quite dark in the past, but Four Steps Missed was exactly the opposite.
In some ways, this is nice because the themes and content don’t drag the reader down (as I mentioned before, it’s a Christian novel). On the other hand, the story didn’t even actually have anything thrilling. I think (?) the climax happened with the gunman coming along, but that barely even lasted five seconds. Even as someone who doesn’t prefer anything too suspenseful, this thriller fell short (it was neither thrilling nor suspenseful).
I do see that quite a few other people love this series, so I’m willing to read more books by this author. Perhaps it would’ve helped if I had started from the beginning of the series instead of from book 8. I would recommend this book if you might be interested in a contemporary Christian novel involving international politics and the CIA.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not at all required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.
As always I thoroughly enjoyed Luana Ehrlich’s latest Titus Ray thriller! I also enjoy seeing Titus grow in his faith and take a huge step by forgiving an individual without that individual asking for the forgiveness. The next installment is bound to be exciting due to some upcoming changes at the CIA and how those play out for Titus, Ben and Douglas. My only problem is how long I will have to wait for the next book as I preordered this one.
If this is your first of this series, you'll enjoy the read. However it will be even better to start with the first book in the series. The story line is well developed and quickly I felt I personally knew the players. It's hard to put the book down and leaves you looking for the next episode.
• There were funny moments and witty banter in many places throughout this book.
• Nikki, Titus, Eleanor, and Mitchell were characters that kept you reading because you wanted to know more about them.
• Olivia, Eleanor, and Carlton were minor characters that added dimension to the plot.
• I like the intrigue of a spy novel.
• I like it when an author has the main characters use their brains and do not have them make ridiculous mistakes to drive the action of the story.
• The author presented a well-crafted enjoyable story. It kept my interest from the beginning until the end.
• I did not find this contemporary Christian spy novel preachy. Religion was just a natural part of the characters' lives. No lectures.
• This was a clean read.
At my request, I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions were my own. I really enjoyed this book and I will be listening to or reading more books by this author. I will also keep a lookout for books narrated by D. C. Newman. He does an excellent job of narration.
So far I have read everything Luana has written. Her style is exciting and the research is very realistic. The thing I love the most is the characters, she brings them to life. I love the fact I don't have to sensor words and phrases in my mind. I love her books.
Another great read from Luana Ehrlich! I thoroughly enjoy the Titus Ray character & this series. Being & spy & a new Christian is an interesting conundrum. I have read everything Luana has written & am hungry for more. Love the Christion perspective & no bad word to read around. And...it all flows from the wonderful place called, Norman!!
This book is another winner in the Titus Ray series, if you read these books to experience what it might be like to be a real spy, you will not be disappointed. If you read these books because you like the characters, you will not be disappointed. The characters and all the Titus Ray thrillers are real, you become friends with them and you want them to win. There’s always so many things going on in so many different directions in these stories that they stay interesting and they keep your attention. Titus Ray has a way of explaining his belief and how he came to his faith that you can understand it. Each book is filled with adventure, as well as heart, and laughter, and a bit of whodunit.
When Titus Ray, his wife Nikki and foster daughter Eleanor arrive at the Meadows , they hope to finalize the adoption of Eleanor. However a new situation changed things. Not to mention the fact that Carlton has a Top Secret assignment for Titus to take care of in Israel. Unfortunately for this reason, Nikki cannot go with him. The characters are quite believable. Some of the themes: Betrayal verses loyalty, terrorists, depression, hope, faith in God forgiveness, love.
Titus never expected to have an assignment to investigate his boss, the DDO. That is his newest assignment that takes him to Israel. Coupled with it is dealing with a snag in the adoption of their foster daughter. Ms. Ehrlich does such an excellent job spinning her stories to keep me guessing about what's coming next & how the story ends. I also enjoy audible stories. Mr. Newman's voice is captivating. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
Following The Rules This book is part of the Titus Ray series of CIA thrillers. These are clean, Christian books with no foul language, sex, gore, or excessive violence. This story takes place primarily in Israel. The plot is split between an investigation into rule-breaking and the adoption of a dead colleague's daughter. There are enough plot twists to keep the reader involved and on edge. I have been enjoying binge-reading this series.
Espionage thriller to gather intel about the Deputy Director of Operations. Things will be changing at CIA Headquarters. Eleanor’s grandmother, Lisa Redding has recovered from her deep depression and had decided to extend the time for a while for the adoption of Eleanor to decide whether she could accept the challenge of raising an 8 year old. But she did end up signing the adoption papers. Hurray‼️🎉🎉
I'm always amazed that Ehrlich can keep coming up with new plots and situations that keep my interest and are great reads! This is another good ones. She weaves together the "work" plot and the "personal" plot threads well, keeping up the suspense in both. Already can't wait for the next Titus Ray book!
Luana always delivers a great action packed thriller with a realistic view of her characters which make them relatable. I liked the way she developed Titus journey to accepting Christ and his growth as a Christian as it relayed to both his personal and professional life. You will not be disappointed with this series. A 5+ series
Titus is stopped short when his and Nicki’s attempt to adopt Eleanor hits a snag. A trip to Israel to find out whether the adoption can proceed is coupled with an investigation of the Deputy Director of Operations to lead to a big discovery. ENJOY!
Another winner. I have hundreds of books on my Kindle but when a new Luana Ehrlich book comes out it shoots to the top. This installment of the Titus Ray series is just as good as the others. Great characters, excellent plot and just enough action. One of my favorite authors!
Good clean fun, but Titus has to go to Israel for 2 reasons, only one he can tell Nikki about one of them. He and Ben Michel team up again. Is telling the truth better than lying? Maybe.
Love the Titus Ray series! It's been fun to follow his adventures, see how he relates to Nikki and Elenore, and his growth in his walk of faith. My biggest complaint is the book was too short!😉
I continue to enjoy each of the Titus Ray books and have trouble putting them down. I love the characters and intrigue. It’s hard to wait until the next one comes out
I have loved every one of the books in this series and this one is excellent! It is so interesting how the CIA works and how Titus learns to be a Christian all the while being a top CIA operative!
I cannot get enough of this and other series from Luana Ehrlich's skilled writing. As soon as I hear that another book will be released, it's immediately on pre-order. Apparently, other fans do the same.
This is the 8th in the Titus Ray series which traces the career of a CIA operative who had a life changing encounter as he was assisted to escape Afghanistan after his network was betrayed. It’s terrific spy thriller. She is a very polished storyteller. Thoroughly recommended.
I really enjoy this author and her Titus Ray Thrillers. It was good to reconnect with the characters and travel with them on a road trip and then a secret mission. I'm always amazed how real to life the books in this series read. Highly recommend!
As with all the Titus Ray Thrillers, Four Steps Missed, was outstanding. The ending leaves it open for a continuation for Titus, Nikki and Eleanor. It also leaves it open for Ben Mitchell. Ms Luana Ehrlich is an excellent writer.
This story is about a young girl who was being adopted by a CIA agent and his policeman wife as well as his job with the CIA. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
After reading the first book in this series, I bought the next seven. I've now finished, and wanting more. I'm sure I'll be reading the Ben Mitchell series, and anything else by Luana Ehrlich that I can find. Good reading!
Great story filled with danger, intrigue and truth. God is good all the time...and all the time, God is good!! One of my favorite statements. This book touched on so much truth and emotion. It’ll touch you too!
This story had quite the assignment! Not one I was expecting, but it needed to happen. I was pretty sure Titus and Ben would get the assignment done, but I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be. And there was more about Eleanor and her situation.