Fatal Objective: A Leine Basso Thriller

Leine Basso Thriller #12

by D.V. Berkom

A missing assassin. An unlikely betrayal. A secret cabal, sowing chaos.

Leine Basso's missing.

She's not answering her calls. Or texts. Lou and Santa fear she's been compromised. According to her operational contact, she's fine, just busy.
When she finally responds it doesn’t sound like her.

The two men who know her best aren’t buying it. Something isn't right.

Leine Basso's missing.

And Lou and Santa are going to find out why.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2022

About the author

DV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.

A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.

For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL

Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead

The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter

The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leine Basso is a badass. She used to be an assassin and now works for SHEN– Stop Human Enslavement Now – an anti trafficking network, rescuing those who are unable to save themselves. I wondered how D V Berkom would come up with something new for Leine. Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. She is a master at rescuing herself, but, this time…I’m not so sure she can do it solo. Not and bring down those who have conspired against her. She has been betrayed…in a very big way.

Leine is missing. Betrayal. A secret organization.

I never imagined the roots of the problem coming for Leine. D V Berkom did come up with a way to keep me enthralled, flipping pages, wondering how in the hell Leine would get out of this mess.

From the opening pages, D V Berkom had me hooked. I felt a kinship to Valentina.

I quit taking notes early on, because I was afraid of spoiling things for you. I wanted to tell you so much, but I will stick to the basics. The danger and suspense is at a high level. Valentina is not aware of those who conspire against her, using her for their own ends. Can Leine Basso save her when the shit hits the fan?

I was bummed at the loss of a man who helped her. Leave it up to D V Berkom to get my emotions riled up. She’s not afraid to kill off a character. Sometimes a character may seem bad and I wonder, can they be redeemed? Others, their greed rules their life. They will stop at nothing to get what they want. Never enough power. Never enough money.

The Leine Basso books can stand alone, but I highly recommend beginning at the beginning, with A Killing Truth, to follow Leine Basso’s life as she morphs into so much more than an assassin, yet those skills will be life saving. I wonder where D V Berkom can go from here. Will Leine always have to fight? Will she ever find a life of love, romance, and safety?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Fatal Objective by D V Berkom.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Objective - a review by Rosemary Kenny.


D.V. Berkom's 12th Leine Basso detective novel, Fatal Objective, whisks you straight to the heart of the action, which will grip you firmly by the imagination, keeping you riveted to every heart-stopping scene and character throughout.

Leine's gone missing, (rumoured dead), while Lou and Santa are urgently trying to locate her. Then assassin 'Valentina' appears in a shocking storyline, that gradually brings revelations about her true identity and former life, with the aid of hypnotherapy - leading to violence, hope and reconciliation for many.

Highly recommended to fans of Emily Kimmelman and Willow Rose...grab a copy of Fatal Objective by D.V.Berkom today, and buckle up for a 5-star, wild international ride through the secret world of espionage, altruism and hope for the future!
Make sure you grab a copy today - and tell all your friends!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't many authors that can create a thrilling series that just gets better and better with each new book. Every author writes a so so book every now and again but that certainly isn't the case with D.V. Somehow she shakes everything up with each book, so the reader never knows what to expect, other than a thrilling adventure that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. The story is told by multiple characters as the hunt for Leine Basso is on, this works well because it gives the reader an insight into what is going on without giving to much away. Needless to say the body count is high and there is plenty of action, as well as old friends and foes. A bit like traveling down memory lane with a number of missions from previous books mentioned, although you don't need to have read them or listened to them to understand this book, I was just nice for fans who have been cheering on Leine from the beginning. I can't wait for the next book and the audio book version of this one because I will definitely be adding it to my audio book collection.
Leine has gone missing and Santa her boyfriend is worried. It's normal for the ex assassin to be out of contact for long periods as she carries out missions for SHEN, Stop Human Enslavement Now but her boss and friend gets a bad feeling too. Her handler claims she is fine just out of contact. Then a text claiming to be from Leine has them scrambling, it just sound like her and they know she is in trouble. It's a question of who to trust or who would she go to if she was in trouble? a question they will have to figure out if they want to find her alive.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to Leine?

That is the question in this latest addition to the popular Leine Basso thriller series. If you have followed this series you know Leine leads a very exciting life full of danger and intrigue – has it finally caught up to her? Her boss, Lou, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Santa, team up to find out what happened to her. Hang on to your chair because this book is full of crazy twists and unexpected turns that will keep you guessing all the way through. There is a shocking betrayal, a shadowy cabal, an unpredicted new friendship, a diabolical doctor, dangerous Russian oligarchs, a painful loss, and more excitement than is good for your blood pressure. I have loved this series from the beginning and with each impossible-to-put-down book I think the author has reached the pinnacle of the series but I am always proven wrong when the next book comes out. If you enjoy full-throttle thrillers featuring great characters in relentlessly paced amazing stories, you’ve come to the right place. Five stars are just not enough.

I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Stuff 'n' Things

DV has, once again, surpassed herself with this latest outing for Leine Basso. I never thought I would still be enthralled by a series of books for this long but they just keep getting better.

This is another action packed thriller starring the irreplaceable Leine Basso who, once again, has found herself in a bit of a pickle and it will take all her guile and acumen to get herself out of it with a little help from some friends along the way.

With fantastic characters throughout and an intriguing plot, Fatal Objective is a compulsive read that will have your eyes whizzing across the pages (or screen) in a bid to find out what happens next. I didn't want it to end but admit that I felt a little sad after finishing it and I really hope this isn't the last 'adventure' for Leine.

Highly recommended series but please be reassured that this can be read as a standalone although I would advise you to go back and read the others ... you won't be disappointed.

I must thank D.V. Berkom for allowing me to be a member of her Advance Reader Team and for allowing me to read Leine's latest outing and share my thoughts.

[Tom Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable!

I’ve probably said this about every novel by DV Berkom, but this, the latest entry in the Leine Basso series, is THE BEST YET!

Leine is an ex-black ops operative who is currently working for SHEN - Stop Human Enslavement Now - to atone, as she feels she should, for her past.

But, Leine is missing and her return texts don’t seem quite right. Her ex-boss for the government group and current leader of SHEN (Lou) and very close friend Santiago aka Santa go to Rome to search for her.

Without dwelling on the plot or revealing any of the situations, let me just say that this novel will completely capture you until you have finished and then some.

Don’t get me wrong. There are twists and turns, action, double crosses, and more. More than enough of them to make it fully worthwhile to read.

But the novel is more than that.

It’s not a page turner or page burner. It is much, much more. The pages seem to vaporize as you get so immersed in the book.

You don’t read and observe Fatal Objective. You live it as you feel every pain, every emotion, every thought, every step as you become so immersed in the book that you become the main character. You can’t possibly put it down.

It’s a great experience.

There is also a surprise ending…

[HornFan2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance ARC form the author for my honest review and I also purchased it on amazon.com. Something I like to do, to support one of my favorite authors.

How can you not like Leine Basso character, she's superhuman, tough as nails, no fear, can handle any situation, lethal with a gun and protector of the weak, that can't defend themselves.

'Fatal Objective', finds Leine Basso vulnerable, betrayed by someone she knew, being controlled via injections that erase her memory by an Association, called Valentina, they also monitors her movements and has associates shadowing her.

D.V. Berkom mixes an intertwining storyline, multi-layered with deceit, overloaded with twist and turns, suspenseful, trickery, a dash of predictability, puts the reader in the pages, good verse evil and she makes Leine more lethal. Once again her support characters, take over the story, she makes them all important to the storyline, no needless characters and easily could have their own series.

Three things I like about D.V.'s write, she always add new elements to the Leine Basso series, for me each book tops it's predecessor and she always leaving you with something to ponder while you impatiently wait for her to write the next book. For example, with Fatal Objective ending, your picturing Leine Basso owing a book store, you know you'd want to shop in it and it would have a badass selection of books.

The only thing that would have made Fatal Objective, oh so much better, not that I didn't enjoy this one, would have had Jana and Derek van der Haar getting called by Leo to join him and Santa in the hunt for Leine and highly recommend this one.



To Be Continued

[Library Champion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 12 in the series of Leine Basso thrillers, this one starts with a bang - literally - and continues to develop as a deep mystery. The sniper initiating the action is a Leine-caliber (no pun intended) assassin called the Huntress, who works for an organization that is far different from Leine's beloved SHEN. And anyway, Leine has retired from killing on assignment, so who is this Huntress and what does she have to do with the character she has just brought down?

As the Huntress's character is revealed with almost painful slowness, it becomes evident that there is a major deep-shadow operation that we have not encountered before. The Association, first personified here by a puppet-master called Gerhard, is shown to be an international body with the intent to control both political and financial aspects of the world order.

This novel is one of the most suspenseful in the series, not least because we encounter one sketchy character from Leine's past that we eventually learn is apparently overseeing the activities of the Huntress. He is the Association's handler of this asset, who is revealed as 'Valentina' and who has a very murky history as a contract killer.

And then, Valentina fails miserably on her next assignment and goes into hiding, from police and from a debilitating drug withdrawal. She is hiding from everything and has drug induced amnesia that keeps her from knowing her past as well as who she can trust and what her next steps must be.

Meanwhile, Leine is on assignment for SHEN and has also gone dark, likely from practical aspects of her operation, so her boss and her lover are both growing anxious to reconnect and find out how her op is proceeding.

Berkom has a talent for weaving varied storylines in her tales, and that shows brilliantly in 'Fatal Objective'. We learn from parallel narratives what the various characters suspect and come to believe, while at the same time our own suspicions are alternately inflated and derailed. By the end of the book (no unfair cliffhangers here, but not everyone gets out alive), we are gradually beginning to breath easy and again there is a twist finale that suggests unexpected change.

I will say again that I would love to see Berkom's books find their way to broader circulation, including libraries where new readers might develop an affinity for her writing. I suggest reading *all* of this series – start with the prequel, book #5, 'A Killing Truth'. This brings a better perspective to book #1, 'Serial Date', which begins her post-Agency saga. Get 'em how you like 'em, print or e-reader, but get 'em.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the Leine Basso series. It has the obvious things that returning readers would expect. First, the kick-butt female lead, Leine, obviously. The series has her name after all. A few recurring characters make an appearance as well. If you’ve read and liked one or more of the previous books, I’d expect you’ll like this one.

However, if you felt there was a pattern to the old books, like you could guess at a high level what was going to happen with just the specifics changing, the mold got broken for this book. I don’t want to say anything else so as to not accidentally include a spoiler beyond saying that this book is different. I also thought a bit of a bomb got dropped near the end, but if you read to the last word (even beyond “the end”) then you’ll get better perspective on that.

Now I’m eager to get the next book in the series when it come out. Keep’em coming, Ms Berkom.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Bianca Ellerkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leine Basso's missing.
She's not answering her calls. Or texts. Lou and Santa fear she's been compromised. According to her contact on the op she's fine, just busy.
When she finally responds it doesn’t sound like her.
The two men who know her best aren’t buying it. Something isn't right. Lou and Santa are going to find out why.
The book immediately starts with a tension that mounts and can no longer be contained. As a reader you're sitting on the edge of your seat and there's no possibility to put the book down.
The characters evolve slowly but Leine is going through the biggest change.
Although I didn't read any of the other Leine Basso thrillers it wasn't difficult to
get to grips with Leine Basso. She is very well written and partly through her memories you learn a lot about who she is and what she had done in the past.
I really enjoyed reading Fatal Objective and can recommend this book to anyone who likes super good thrillers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rita Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Stopping Action

This book has so much going on with Leine/Valentina right in the middle of any action. She is a take charge person who doesn’t back down from anything. She charges toward obstacles with a lot to overcome. She has been a guinea pig in medical experiments and an assassin. Luckily she has some loyal friends ready to stand by and help her.

There is a lot to take in as I read of all the places and experiences she encountered trying to beat the bad guys. She is one tough lady.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of action and suspense. There are some very interesting characters in this story and a great plot. I hope there will be more Leine Basso books to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

[Gill Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant from start to finish!
This is the best one yet! I’ve read all the Leine Basso series and this has got to the best one. Leine is missing, and although her friends are receiving texts from her, something feels off about them. If you’ve read any of the earlier books in the series, you’ll recognise familiar names and characters. If you haven’t read any, you’ll still be able to follow the plot, but you might just want to start at the beginning of the series afterwards just because they are soo good! Fatal Objective is a thrill ride from start to finish. DV Berkom is a brilliant writer – she weaves a plot which keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Great book, highly recommended.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Leine Basso adventure and my favourite one so far, a action packed deadly and exciting what more could you want.

I loved it from start to finish you couldn't tell what was going to happen apart from it would be fast and probably loud the audio will be Awesome just a thought.. There was pain and fatal.objective is a great title for this as I can't soil it i couldn't say the one thing I didn't like but think it's a twist we may see rectified at a later date. You will guess as soon as you read it the one bit that I hope I've guessed right. But that is stint thing the rest is absolutely amazing (rhymes with Amazon one of the places selling it).

It has to be five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 it's just that good and when you read it I think you will almost certainly agree. P.S if your after a sloppy romance then you obviously won't but for action pact thrills this is the book to get.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is one of the best stories in the series, Leine acts like a machine, with fast killing and survival instincts, however, not being too conscious of why she does it and the reasons behind everything she knows, without knowing her past. She is surrounded by intriguing people who sometimes seem to be good and at others are pure evil. Will she be able to find which are the values that guide her? Will she have help? This is a thrilling story that once you start you just cannot let go, a great plot, fast-paced reading, and great descriptions of places and people, in other words, great entertainment for those who enjoy the genre.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so much going on with Leine/Valentina right in the middle of any action. She is a take charge person who doesn’t back down from anything. She charges toward obstacles with a lot to overcome. She has been a guinea pig in medical experiments and an assassin. Luckily, she has some loyal friends ready to stand by and help her.

There is a lot to take in as I read of all the places and experiences she encountered trying to beat the bad guys. She is one tough lady.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of action and suspense. There are some very interesting characters in this story and a great plot. I hope there will be more Leine Basso books to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Non-stop action from beginning to end, Fatal Objective shows the assassin's skill Line Based has shown in the past. With Santa and Lou as active participants in the action there is never a dull moment in this well-crafted thriller. I don't reiterate storylines as I feel it takes from the enjoyment of readers, but I can say each character with whom Leine deals is detailed and believeable. The story takes the reader from Italy to England to Libya and is written with the skill and I have come to expect from the author. I highly recommend this novel. I received an ARC and this is.my honest evaluation of this novel.

[Richard Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when an assassin leaves the life? In the c add of Madeleine (Leine) Basso, she had channeled her energies into work to counter human trafficking, while becoming part of an odd relationship - he's an L A. Cop and she's killed people, for crying out loud! So she headed off to raid a prison in Libya and then seemingly dropped off the face of the map.

Enter "the Huntress." An assassin working for The Association. " And as you've already guessed, it's Leine. With no memory. Amd then chapter after chapter on how she comes.back to knowing who.she was. Gunfights. Explosjond. A romping fin.read!

,

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing the reader following author D. V. Berkom will notice, is that a new star assassin, Valentina, has made her debut. Very capable, cold and calculating and so successful.
That is when you start anticipating the appearance of Leine Basso somewhere along the way. No way can this Valentina upstage Leine and escape scrutiny. No way. And Leine is not somebody to upset for any reason whatsoever.
Hats off to author D. V. Berkom for a very original plot once again with Fatal Objective and a fast pace mystery action thriller that will keep the reader immersed and high anticipation from the very first paragraph.
Enjoy.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel that this is one of the best in this series. Intricate plot, wonderful characters, and plenty of twists and turns that have you guessing about what character you are actually reading about. Then the story completely changes direction and you find yourself back into cleaning up the bad guys like Leine is so good at doing. Lots of action and an amazing ending. This is really an exciting story and I highly recommend it. Don’t want to say too much since there are a lot of surprises in this story. Definitely recommend that prior books be read so that you can really appreciate the interaction of the characters and the amazing developments.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another high paced action thriller in the Leine Basso series. Leine is missing and Santa and Lou are determined to find out why. Is she injured, imprisoned or worse? During their search they discover a mysterious new organization, the Association, may be involved. The Hunt for Leine is a rollercoaster ride through Italy and London. I read it in two days because I had to know....what happened to Leine Basso? I have to say I loved this one! So many twists and turns and if I say anymore I may accidentally spoil it for my fellow readers!

[Lonnie Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Leine Basso book yet. I love the series and didn't think it could get any better, but it did. This book is fast paced from beginning to the end. Santa convinced Leine is missing even though they have been getting messages from her. Santa feels the messages don't sound like Leine. He started look for her. While they are looking for her an assasin Valentina is having memory problems from the drugs she is being told she has to take. Valentina realizes she can't be sure of the things she remembers. This is a great book and you won't be able to put it down.

[Emma Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing, fast paced and exciting. I couldn’t stop reading. I read at every opportunity and literally didn’t put it down. I’d go as far as saying this is one of my favourite Leine Basso stories and hope this isn’t the end of her story. I would definitely recommend this book, u can read it as a stand alone or as part of the series. Which is great if you haven’t read any of the other Leine Basso books, but I would recommend reading them because they’re fantastic.

[Eileen Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title states ‘a Leine Basso Thriller’ and this book is very definitely a thriller from beginning to end. I leave it to others to confirm the ramifications of the plot - I will just say that you will find it difficult to put this book down once started. You are drawn from chapter to chapter and capital city to capital city - and a number of other non-capital cities and villages too! Strap in and get ready for the ride. You will enjoy it, I have no doubt.

[Timothy Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

An assassin with memory loss and "murder headaches" cannot complete an assignment; Leine hasn't had contact with her friends with the exception of vague text messages. DV Berkom continues her compelling series with FATAL OBJECTIVE (Leine Basso Thriller #12) with another non-stop, action filled adventure guaranteed to keep you tethered to the story until you're finished! And, if you've never read any of Leine's prior sorties, don't worry.. There's enough back story to keep you thoroughly in the loop and most likely looking to start with Book 1!

[Suz L · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I've enjoyed every book in the Leine Basso series. Leine is a heroine with real world issues and thoughts. Situations she's involved with are just real enough to get me really engaged and interested. And, there is non-stop action and twists and turns.
Fatal Objective brings all of her strengths to the forefront with an unusual situation and obstacles that only someone with her strength and experience can overcome. Definitely recommend reading this book and consider the whole series!

[Linda Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentina is an assassin working for the Association. While on a job she starts getting killer headaches. With them she starts to get images of another life. She goes into hiding to try and recover from the attacks. The association finds her true to inject her with a drug to repress her memories. She gets away with help. As she starts getting her memories back she finds Santa and Lou who are looking for. Now they work together to take down the Association. She finds out she was trying to rescue women and children being held captive. Can they do that an can she return to being Prime again. I recommend this book.

[Linda Balicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Leine Basso plot that is thrilling, exciting, and keeps you on the edge of your seat book! Leine has medically lost her memory in this book and the creative way DV Berkom intertwines her previous books and Leine’s experiences would get any new reader wanting to read the entire series. DV does not disappoint on her newest Basso Thriller!

[Dave and Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 5/5
Refugees, confusion, power hungry people, old and new acquaintances and a lost sense of being.
All of this mixed together to give Leine a hard road to manage.
The first third of the book is soft on the ears BUT by the next third of the book you realize it was just setting the ground for a fast past last two thirds.
I had to keep reading to see how the air is cleared, memories are reviewed and who the persistent assassin really is. Just a paid job or a friend.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A action packed thrill ride! Brilliant!
Brilliantly written! Amazing story!
An edge of your seat read!
A high action rollercoaster ride thriller!
A pulse pounding, fast paced adventure!
Wow! Exciting! Tense!
Intreging! Electrifying!
You really don't want to miss this one! You will be sorry if you do!
Read!

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a DV Berkom book, I am ready to go on a fast paced roller coaster adventure that is filled twists and turns. Fatal Objective A Leine Bassco Thriller does not disappoint. Leine, on a SHEN undercover rescue mission, is suddenly silent. Her boyfriend Santa (Santiago Jenson) and the director of SHEN Lou Stokes are concerned that Leine has been compromised. The result is a whirlwind quest to Rome, Florence and London to locate Leine and complete the mission.
Another exciting adventure that I was unable to put down.