The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer Novel

by Ron McManus

2022 IAN Book of the Year Awards 2nd Place Fiction Book of the Year
2022 IAN Book of the Year Awards Outstanding Action/Adventure Winner
2022 IAN Book of the Year Awards Outstanding Suspense/Thriller Winner
2022 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner—Action/Adventure
2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards Grand Prize Winner—Global Thriller
2021 Best Indie Book Award Winner—Suspense/Thriller/Espionage
2021 Publisher's Weekly BookLife Editor's Choice "...a thriller that will keep readers turning the pages to a satisfying—and unexpected—wind-up. Spy thriller aficionados will revel in the lively fight scenes, engaging cast, and vivid settings." —BookLife "Exhilarating...a fast-paced, absorbing terrorist tale.” —Kirkus Reviews “…an international action and adventure thriller, masterfully researched and crafted for an exhilarating ride.” —Readers’ Favorite “... a fast-paced, action/adventure thriller that will ultimately give every international top ten bestselling thrillers a run for its money!” —Readers’ Favorite

Jake Palmer, investigative consultant and former US Navy SEAL, has signed on as a contractor with a top-secret US Joint Special Operations Command team in Islamabad, Pakistan. Palmer and his JSOC partner work to uncover a suspected mole and gather intelligence regarding the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapon arsenal as the country prepares for war with India over control of the disputed region of Kashmir. Fears regarding security of the weapons escalate when Pakistan decides to deploy its arsenal and rumors surface that a shadowy figure, the Chameleon, will attempt to divert a nuclear warhead during the deployment. With a nuclear war countdown clock at a minute ’til midnight, Palmer and his partner risk everything to prevent the Chameleon from carrying out a plan for the world’s first act of nuclear terrorism.

358 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2021

Reviews

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was wicked. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I've never read this author before but I'm so glad I picked this up. The only down side was that it ended.

Excellent.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read 60ish books so far this year and The Chameleon, by Ron McManus, might be the best one. I lost a night of sleep and boy, was it worth it.

The Chameleon is the 4th book featuring Jake Palmer, a former Navy Seal who is an investigative consultant and has been conrtacted into a top secret JSOC team in Islamabad, Pakistan. Stationed at the U.S. Embassy, it quickly becomes apparent a mole is selling out informants when they begin disappearing. Jake and his partner are tasked with ferreting out the mole and it couldn't happen at a worse time. India and Pakistan are the brink of war and a very real chance nuclear weapons will be used.

Intelligence officials are hearing chatter Islamic extremists plan to steal a nuclear weapon when Pakistan moves them from their storage bunkers to their military bases. They are also hearing rumors of someone called the Chameleon but there are doubts he exists. Some think the Chameleon is not a person but several people. Others believe it's a legend that is fantastical. Regardless, Jake and his partner must find the missing nuclear weapons before they are used.

It was quite evident early on McManus knew what he was talking about. The amount of research he had to do for this book is mind boggling. His writing style is elegant but assessable. By assessable I mean he does something I'm not sure I've ever seen in a thriller: if he uses a word many people might not know he defines it for the reader as an aside in the same sentence. It's a nice touch and allows the reader to progress through the story without interrupting the flow of his story.

Im not sure I can adequately express how good The Chameleon is. McManus should be a bigger name than he is and I'm going to tell everyone how great this book is! However, after I finished The Chameleon I went to buy the rest of the series but Amazon only has the first book. I hope that changes soon.

Thank you to Ron McManus, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Chameleon.

[Lex Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Palmer, investigative consultant and former US Navy SEAL, has signed on as a contractor with a top-secret US Joint Special Operations Command team in Islamabad, Pakistan. Palmer is teamed up with Fiona Collin, an operative he's worked with in the past and a woman he may still love. The pair is set to investigate a Pakistani nuclear launch in a major dispute over the Kashmir region. The situation grows ever tenser with the discovery of a shadowy figure, the Chameleon, who may be intent upon diverting a nuclear warhead to the West when the war begins. The nuclear clock has moved to one minute to midnight and Palmer and Fiona must risk everything to stop what would be the world's first act of nuclear terrorism.

Though fourth in the Jake Palmer series, The Chameleon is my first read from author Ron McManus and I guarantee it won't be my last. Verisimilitude, a sense of reality, is a vital key for my determination in rating any book I read for review and Ron McManus clearly understands the art of making a fictional story real. The Chameleon story rocks with reality from the action scenes to the in-depth knowledge of covert military action, counterintelligence operations, government foreign policies, institutional insider information and finally, but most assuredly not the least—characters that are as real as any living person you'll ever meet. Setting the story in the middle of the years long, real life saber rattling between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is another example of McManus' understanding and skills incorporating that all important verisimilitude. Ron McManus has either lived or worked in an intelligence or covert military organization, or he's done some phenomenal research. Regardless of which, I am confident he has produced a fast-paced, action/adventure thriller that will ultimately give every international top ten, bestselling thriller a run for its money!

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me turning the pages from beginning to end...

The Chameleon by Ron McManus is a superbly written terrorist thriller with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this action-packed and suspenseful novel that it had me hooked from the opening chapter.

In summarizing the synopsis we find Jake Palmer, investigative consultant, and former US Navy SEAL has signed on as a contractor with a top-secret US Joint Special Operations Command team in Islamabad, Pakistan. Palmer and his JSOC partner work to uncover a suspected mole and gather intelligence regarding the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapon arsenal. Fears regarding the security of the weapons escalate when Pakistan decides to deploy its arsenal and rumors surface that a shadowy figure, the Chameleon, will divert a nuclear warhead during the deployment…

The plot, the way the characters were developed, and the dialogue all entertained me. The fact that there were several twists and turns in the plot that I did not see coming contributed to the air of suspenseful mystery that surrounded the novel. The Chameleon is a rich tapestry of suspense, action, and drama that held my attention from the beginning to the very last page. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Ron McManus creates a terrifying and plausible scenario centered around a stolen nuclear weapon in Pakistan. He has done his research, including the murky world of Pakistani-U.S. relations, and the daunting technical details of nuclear weapons security. I found his story realistic and compelling. His characters are well-developed, and have evolved over the course of his three-book Jake Palmer series. His villains are interesting as well, with strong, believable motivations. The ending is twisty and surprising, and leaves the readers wanting more.

The book has an unusual structure, almost two different but related stories. I particularly enjoyed one character, Alona Green. She is mysterious in a good way and full of surprises. I look forward to seeing her again.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But there will always be those who are willing to stand up to evil and risk their lives to fight it.”

The chameleon: A Jake Palmer novel is an action-packed military/ covert/ spy/ hero saves the country kind of novel. It is a novel that would remind you of James Bond but more of a military guy than anything. An ex-Navy seal contracted by the US Military to oversee a nuclear missile problem over in Pakistan. As this is the 4th book in the series there are a few character references from the previous books but still makes a good read. I would suggest reading the other books as they should be as enjoyable as this one. It is an easy read with a good story plot that is vividly written by the author. The romantic interest is quite impressive as well. This is definitely an enjoyable read. With some adjustments in the script (dialogues) this has a great potential to be a movie.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that Ron McManus is a combat veteran gives this book an extra condiment as his own experiences enrich the narrative and gives it more credibility.
Reading “The Chameleon” was a very rewarding experience and everything held my attention. Fast paced, action, suspenseful decisions and nuclear weapons are some of the elements that filled this thriller with intrigue and make it impossible to put down. I’m so wrapped up in this world that Ron has created that I don’t want to leave it. It’s twisty, fantastical and spicy to the point I just wanted to move into the book and never leave it.
Palmer is a great main character; it feels good to accompany him in his special operations and it’s easy to live them full of adrenaline.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great action novel.

The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer Novel written by Ron McManus is full of suspense and action. The novel follows Jake Palmer, investigative consultant and former US Navy SEAL, who has signed on as a contractor with a top-secret US Joint Special Operations Command team. He and his partner will try to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack that could be catastrophic.
Although the book is the fourth part of the Jake Palmer series, it is the first book that I have read and I understood it perfectly. It is fast-paced and the plot is very well developed, so it is really engaging. I could notice the military knowledge of the author in the narration and creation of the characters; I liked it. It is a great action novel!

[Conscientious · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chameleon by Ron McManus is a brilliant, fast-paced thriller involving nuclear terrorism storyline. Nuclear-powered countries India and Pakistan are at tensions again. Jake Palmer, Allona Green, along with Fiona Collins and Nick Cole, race against time to prevent a catastrophe beyond imagination. The Chameleon is believed to attempt to divert a nuclear warhead, but is he a real elusive figure or just a figment of a dibble. Expertly woven thriller, tantalizing the depths of the impossible. The storyline is not only thrilling, but it also becomes a heart throbbing race that keeps me on edge all the time. The characters are superb, and their interactions are entertaining. The author’s narration is gripping, and the climax is intense. A must-read!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuclear fallout

India and Pakistan are two rival nuclear powers existing in an uneasy truce. However, someone named the chameleon is working to upset this uneasy balance and kickstart a nuclear war. The only one set against this person is Jack Palmer, ex special forces and working for JSOC. Together with his partner they race the clock following leads in order to uncover both the mole in their organization thwarting their efforts as well as the chameleon. An action packed thriller that will take you around the world. Very fun read and I like the fast paced, worldly thrills with a good many twists. This was right up my alley.

[Azar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for people who enjoy stories about international spies, double agents, military intelligence agents and analysts, and smart and tough characters. The Chameleon is a well written book that takes you along with Jake Palmer, an independent investigator (and ex-military himself) hired on as a consultant by the military to go to Pakistan, where he is to determine if there is a double agent among his own agency and if someone in the Pakistani military is working with terrorists.
This book is a real page turner. Jake Palmer is a great character, and the technological and cultural details included in the story make for a highly believable and engaging story.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon is an intriguing military thrilling novel that is going to grip you from the beginning to the end. This is the story of Jake Palmer an investigative consultant, and former US Navy SEA who has signed in to take part in a secret operation in Pakistan where it has been planned a nuclear attack against India. Author Ron McManu brings all his experience as a combat veteran and a Navy officer into every line that he wrote in this book. You can appreciate how well-written the book is, every detail and description throughout the story made this book one of the best books that I have read in the last month. I'll give this book five stars.

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is book 4 in a series, I found it quit acceptable as a stand-alone.
This is an international thriller with an international cast. It focuses on intelligence agencies and personnel. As I have no experience in that area, I can't comment on the accuracy. It certainly felt plausible to this civilian.
It’s almost two very short books combined. Half way through you’d think the action was over of not for the page count. The tension drops for a few pages before a steady climb to a fingernail chewing climax.
There are references to earlier books that really peeked my interest. I’ll probably have to check them out.

[Huda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with action, thrill, and even a little bit of mystery surrounding nuclear terrorism. If you're someone who enjoys plots that touch over world affairs and international dynamics, then this might be something you'll enjoy reading. The characters are written in an expressive way where each person is shown to have a unique personality. The chemistry between characters is what makes this book so exciting to read. If you're looking for a bit of action with imagery and narration that fully captures the scene, then this will be a good read for you. There are moments where the rider feels that they are right in the middle of all that action.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon is the fourth Jake Palmer novel by author Ron McManus and is an award-winning military thriller. This main character is a research consultant and former US Navy SEAL on a mission in Pakistan, who must deal with a latent threat of nuclear terrorism.
This is a gripping and exciting story where scenarios of political power are interwoven with action and adventures, in a tense climate of suspense and thriller. At the same time, the characters display courage in face of adversity and challenges which makes it even more endearing to experience. To sum up, all of these factors result in a gripping plot that is very hard to put down

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron McManus is the author of "The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer" a terrorism thriller, which introduces us to Jake Palmer, investigative consultant and former US Navy SEAL, who works to uncover a suspected mole, and who collects information on the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons arsenal.
In this novel, author Ron McManus presents us with a story full of adventures, which makes the reader unable to put the book aside. In addition, the twists and turns make the plot original and fresh. Also, the acronyms and abbreviations included at the beginning of the book make it easier for the reader to read and, if necessary, to return to find out what each one means.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable

What a book! The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer Novel written by Ron McManus is the fourth and last book in the series. The book has a well constructed plot in which the author didn’t leave anything to chance. Little by little, we put together all the pieces of the puzzle and that is something I really enjoyed.
This thriller got me turning pages almost non stop. I couldn’t put it down since I started reading it, and although I had to do so, I was eager to keep on reading. The story is totally absorbing and it was given a fast paced that makes it a very enjoyable reading.

[PETER MICHAEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and exciting book about the hunt for missing nuclear warheads. The storyline and the author’s writing style are gripping reading.
It is not necessary to have read the other books in the series, this is a stand-alone novel and can be enjoyed as a new story. However,I certainly intend reading the other books in the series.
I know the London settings of the story very well, especially St Katherine’s Dock - the author has clearly done his homework! The technical details of nuclear bombs are also well researched.
In summary, I can really recommend this novel.

[Adam Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not read any of these books before, was glad that there was a bit of a catch up with in the main story to explain some of the previous novels and character interactions.

A good book, with some interesting character developments and keeping readers on their toes whilst reading. Has a very similar feel to the Paul Richter books by James Barrington. A good mix of political thriller that for fans of early Tom Clancy will enjoy as well. Give it a go if you like this type of novel.

I was provided a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for my honest review.

[Ashley Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer Novel by Ron McManus is a book that attracted me at first sight because of its compelling cover! It is not a very long novel, so I read it in just a couple of sittings. It is a fast paced thriller that I am sure any lover of the genre will enjoy. The scenes and the characters have been masterfully developed and described, helping the reader make a mental picture of everything.
The story waves action and adventure in a well developed plot that from the very beginning attracted me.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Action though out with a story The story and the individual adventures grab and keeps holding on. It make me hope that we really have people like this that can protect us from our enemies, our friends, and ourselves. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Wdmoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable. Excellent plotting. Excellent geo-political intrigue. Great action too, and pleasantly not the fisticuffs and non-stop shooting type of action too many authors substitute for good plotting.

Highly enjoyable. Librarians, your male patrons will love this book

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Ron McManus's, The Chameleon, is so feasible you won't know if you're reading a news report or a novel. The brave hero Jake Palmer has us on edge from cover to cover. Former Navy SEAL Palmer and his colleague, Alona Green, have a string of dangerous escapades in Pakistan. Under cover of secrecy, they're in search of the elusive Chameleon, who may not even be real! Events take a terrifying turn as nuclear warheads go missing.

When the Pakistani-Indian conflict spills over into London, every minute counts. Will Palmer and Green, along with MI6's Fiona Collins (who is Palmer's girlfriend), and EOD expert Nick Cole prevent a nuclear disaster?

The non-stop espionage is perfectly portrayed (if you overlook punctuation issues) and will keep you on your toes. The characters are well developed with colorful pasts and intertwining personal and professional relationships.

Review by Sue Rushford (February 2022)

[Susan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon is a thriller written by author MacManus that is entirely fast-paced and free-flowing.
The plot has been exquisitely well-crafted, with events that are interwoven in such a way that the different chapters connect to each other easily and smoothly. Nothing in this book seems to have been left not figured out. Readers will turn page after page here and delve into the characters’ lives.

In my opinion, this book evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world of fiction I have never even glimpsed before. If I have to describe this tale in just a few words, I would say it is a chilling page-turner. I do recommend it!

[Larry Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Well-researched and captivating. Kept me guessing throughout.

[Best Indie Book Award · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 Best Indie Book Award Winner!