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Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thrillers #3
Ben in Trouble
CIA operative, Titus Ray, is used to helping his protégé, Ben Mitchell, stay out of trouble.
This time, though, Ben’s trouble is brought on by his father, Senator Elijah Mitchell.
When a shakeup in the leadership at the CIA opens up the division head position at the Russian desk, Senator Mitchell uses his influence to recommend Ben for the job. The problem is, Ben doesn’t want a desk job. He’s content being a covert operative.
To thwart his father’s efforts, Ben plans to showcase his skills as an intelligence officer by volunteering for an upcoming mission to Venezuela.To do this, Ben needs Titus’s help, and although Titus agrees to be part of the operation, he discovers there’s a problem with Ben’s plan. Well, several problems.
First, Ben fails to see the big picture . . .
The objective of the mission is to gain intel on an Iranian military base being built in Venezuela, but when Titus gets concerned about what else the Iranians are doing there, Ben isn’t interested in hearing it.
Second, Ben is distracted by the female on the operational team . . .
Helina Vargas, an attractive, vivacious woman, is the third person on the operational team and captures Ben’s attention immediately. Unfortunately, Ben’s attention needs to be on the operation.
Third, Ben fails to recognize an obvious threat to operational security . . .
As the mission reaches its apex, and the protocols have to be changed, Ben’s inexperience becomes evident, threatening the operation itself.
Suddenly, both men find themselves in trouble, more trouble than they ever expected. Can Titus get them out of the mess they’re in, or will Ben salvage the operation and bring it to a successful conclusion? And then what? Is Ben still destined to take a desk job?
Discover the answers in Book III of the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thriller Series, a clean, amusing, multilayered thriller with a hero who’s trying to make his faith and his CIA career work together.
Start reading Ben in Trouble today!
This time, though, Ben’s trouble is brought on by his father, Senator Elijah Mitchell.
When a shakeup in the leadership at the CIA opens up the division head position at the Russian desk, Senator Mitchell uses his influence to recommend Ben for the job. The problem is, Ben doesn’t want a desk job. He’s content being a covert operative.
To thwart his father’s efforts, Ben plans to showcase his skills as an intelligence officer by volunteering for an upcoming mission to Venezuela.To do this, Ben needs Titus’s help, and although Titus agrees to be part of the operation, he discovers there’s a problem with Ben’s plan. Well, several problems.
First, Ben fails to see the big picture . . .
The objective of the mission is to gain intel on an Iranian military base being built in Venezuela, but when Titus gets concerned about what else the Iranians are doing there, Ben isn’t interested in hearing it.
Second, Ben is distracted by the female on the operational team . . .
Helina Vargas, an attractive, vivacious woman, is the third person on the operational team and captures Ben’s attention immediately. Unfortunately, Ben’s attention needs to be on the operation.
Third, Ben fails to recognize an obvious threat to operational security . . .
As the mission reaches its apex, and the protocols have to be changed, Ben’s inexperience becomes evident, threatening the operation itself.
Suddenly, both men find themselves in trouble, more trouble than they ever expected. Can Titus get them out of the mess they’re in, or will Ben salvage the operation and bring it to a successful conclusion? And then what? Is Ben still destined to take a desk job?
Discover the answers in Book III of the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thriller Series, a clean, amusing, multilayered thriller with a hero who’s trying to make his faith and his CIA career work together.
Start reading Ben in Trouble today!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2022
104 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Luana Ehrlich
37 books334 followersLuana 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 9, 2023
Meh. Not too interesting. Has some Christian inspirational thoughts.
June 25, 2022
Ben has a dilemma he's facing regarding his career. His father, a senator, wants him to have a desk job; Ben wants to continue to be a covert operative.
This is a wonderful story involving Ben hatching a plan to convince the interim DDO he wants to still be a covert operative. This story kept me reading, wanting to know if Ben's plan worked.
This is a wonderful story involving Ben hatching a plan to convince the interim DDO he wants to still be a covert operative. This story kept me reading, wanting to know if Ben's plan worked.
November 9, 2022
Ben's problems
Ben misses a big clue and causes the mission to go sideways. Titus salvaged the mission but Ben saved the day by landing their plane when the pilot was shot. Good read! Can't wait to hear what's next.
Ben misses a big clue and causes the mission to go sideways. Titus salvaged the mission but Ben saved the day by landing their plane when the pilot was shot. Good read! Can't wait to hear what's next.
July 4, 2022
Ben in the Pilot's Seat
A fantastic read! With a new Interm Director at the CIA, Titus Ray is even more nervous than ever. Ben's father, Senator Mitchell, wants Ben to be put in charge of the Russian desk primarily to keep him safe. Ben
definitely doesn't want the desk
job. Carlton Douglas makes Ben the top agent in charge of an unusual assignment which doesn't sound overly complicated at first.
Many situations often happen on a case by only a variable or two. In this story, there are multiple situations. Unfortunately, Ben gets side tracked rather easily by a pretty face some times. In this story, things pivot on just one thing and then another! You don't want to miss this exciting book by Luana Ehrlich who has become one of my favorite authors.
A fantastic read! With a new Interm Director at the CIA, Titus Ray is even more nervous than ever. Ben's father, Senator Mitchell, wants Ben to be put in charge of the Russian desk primarily to keep him safe. Ben
definitely doesn't want the desk
job. Carlton Douglas makes Ben the top agent in charge of an unusual assignment which doesn't sound overly complicated at first.
Many situations often happen on a case by only a variable or two. In this story, there are multiple situations. Unfortunately, Ben gets side tracked rather easily by a pretty face some times. In this story, things pivot on just one thing and then another! You don't want to miss this exciting book by Luana Ehrlich who has become one of my favorite authors.
June 27, 2022
I am totally hooked on Luann Erlich’s stories—it is tare to find a well written book yhat brings in faith and the Gospel as a part of everyday life, a source of strength and giide into right living. These books do exactly that, as well as being exciting and hard to put down. Hirry up and write more! O’ve reD them all!
July 7, 2022
Luanna Ehrlich has done it again, another spectacular thriller
Since discovering the Titus Ray Thriller series inside a dangerous secret world filled with those who threaten our way of life and those who silently keep us safe at their own peril. I heartily recommend this series and others, though I haven't yet read everything yet.
Since discovering the Titus Ray Thriller series inside a dangerous secret world filled with those who threaten our way of life and those who silently keep us safe at their own peril. I heartily recommend this series and others, though I haven't yet read everything yet.
July 23, 2022
Ben in Trouble is a clean, exciting, ‘can’t stop listening’ experience. The action is non-stop with twists that keep me guessing and characters that I love to follow on their adventures. The narrator gives a great performance and the fact that I can listen to this book and not worry about my children hearing cursing or explicit love scenes is the cherry on top for me.
June 30, 2022
Excellent novel
This is another great addition to the Titus Ray thriller series! It held my interest and had some great action as Ben takes the lead in an operation with Titus assisting.
This is another great addition to the Titus Ray thriller series! It held my interest and had some great action as Ben takes the lead in an operation with Titus assisting.
July 27, 2022
Love this story and it's awesome
I love how Titus shared his faith and the twist and turns he and Ben negotiated kept me up past my bedtime because I had to know how the story ended. Trust me, you will love this book!
I love how Titus shared his faith and the twist and turns he and Ben negotiated kept me up past my bedtime because I had to know how the story ended. Trust me, you will love this book!
May 4, 2023
As always…..
An excellent read. The subtle humor is great. But best is how Titus shares his faith. A good lesson for us all as we encounter those on a daily basis who don’t know Christ. Thank you Luana Ehrlich for your wonderful stories.
An excellent read. The subtle humor is great. But best is how Titus shares his faith. A good lesson for us all as we encounter those on a daily basis who don’t know Christ. Thank you Luana Ehrlich for your wonderful stories.
June 29, 2022
Trouble
Oh my ! I could not put this thriller down. So many exciting and scary moments. Excited to continue reading this series. I highly recommend it!
Oh my ! I could not put this thriller down. So many exciting and scary moments. Excited to continue reading this series. I highly recommend it!
September 22, 2022
Love this author. I’ve read every book. Decidedly Christian in her outlook she nevertheless presents an entertaining, well crafted spy thriller with engaging characters.
January 16, 2024
Another excellent episode
Lot’s of different elements in this one - behind the scenes intrigue, new revelations during the operation, and last minute tension.
Lot’s of different elements in this one - behind the scenes intrigue, new revelations during the operation, and last minute tension.
August 28, 2023
This was a fun read. It reminded me of a cosy mystery with much of the first part of the story setting the scene, Ben and Titus getting their assignment and preparations to get into Venezuela to complete the short espionage gig.
Ehrlich rights well and has a good understanding of certain CIA protocols, especially those involving overseas assignments. I expect the author has some inside knowledge as it shows in the detail she provides. This makes the story very believable.
The story is told from the POV of Titus. Ehrlich knows him well, he being the lead in a number of her stories. I liked Titus. I enjoyed how he brought his newly found faith into the story, and I wonder if the author has shared how Titus finds having a faith when his job requires him sometimes to kill people.
The story moves along at a solid pace, not fast, for most of the first 80%. It’s only the last 20% where the action hots up and I find I’m turning the pages quickly seeking to understand what happens. Ehrlich is clearly comfortable in writing such scenes as she makes it very believable and as a result, my heart rate ratchets up a notch with the suspense. I just wish there had been more of this suspense earlier in the book.
This is a story that would appeal to the reader who is happy for a slower-paced suspense that provides you with a good rationale for the characters actions.
A solid 3.5
Ehrlich rights well and has a good understanding of certain CIA protocols, especially those involving overseas assignments. I expect the author has some inside knowledge as it shows in the detail she provides. This makes the story very believable.
The story is told from the POV of Titus. Ehrlich knows him well, he being the lead in a number of her stories. I liked Titus. I enjoyed how he brought his newly found faith into the story, and I wonder if the author has shared how Titus finds having a faith when his job requires him sometimes to kill people.
The story moves along at a solid pace, not fast, for most of the first 80%. It’s only the last 20% where the action hots up and I find I’m turning the pages quickly seeking to understand what happens. Ehrlich is clearly comfortable in writing such scenes as she makes it very believable and as a result, my heart rate ratchets up a notch with the suspense. I just wish there had been more of this suspense earlier in the book.
This is a story that would appeal to the reader who is happy for a slower-paced suspense that provides you with a good rationale for the characters actions.
A solid 3.5
January 23, 2024
Iran Holding Hands With Venezuela
This book is part of the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray series of thrillers. This book comes between Books 8 and 9 in the Titus Ray series. As is the case with all of this author's books, This is a clean and Christian story. There is no foul language, no sex, no gore, and minimal violence. While there is a strong Christian message throughout the book, it is not overwhelming. Our hero is a newly minted Christian and is finding how to live his Christian life while being a CIA spy and occasionally killing people. It is walking a tightrope. The plot of this book is excellent and quite plausible. Iran is going to be running Venezuela's oil fields in exchange for being allowed to build a military base there. The CIA crew needs to find out exactly what Iran is building so close to our country. I have been binge-reading this series and really enjoying it. The books are page-turners that hold your interest from cover to cover.
This book is part of the Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray series of thrillers. This book comes between Books 8 and 9 in the Titus Ray series. As is the case with all of this author's books, This is a clean and Christian story. There is no foul language, no sex, no gore, and minimal violence. While there is a strong Christian message throughout the book, it is not overwhelming. Our hero is a newly minted Christian and is finding how to live his Christian life while being a CIA spy and occasionally killing people. It is walking a tightrope. The plot of this book is excellent and quite plausible. Iran is going to be running Venezuela's oil fields in exchange for being allowed to build a military base there. The CIA crew needs to find out exactly what Iran is building so close to our country. I have been binge-reading this series and really enjoying it. The books are page-turners that hold your interest from cover to cover.
August 1, 2024
Titus Ray and Ben Mitchell take on a tough assignment in Venezuela. Posing as Cuban medical personnel who have come to give flu vaccinations at a military base, they are to gather intelligence about Iranian military activity in Venezuela. In addition they are to extract the CIA's main asset in Venezuela.
Ben has an extra worry on his mind during the operation in Venezuela. His father, a powerful senator, wants the CIA to promote Ben to a desk job. Ben wants to remain a covert operative in the field, and he hopes that a good showing in Venezuela will help ensure that happens.
The main thing, though, is for the team to complete its mission and get out of Venezuela alive. It's not clear until the end of this exciting thriller whether they'll succeed.
Ben has an extra worry on his mind during the operation in Venezuela. His father, a powerful senator, wants the CIA to promote Ben to a desk job. Ben wants to remain a covert operative in the field, and he hopes that a good showing in Venezuela will help ensure that happens.
The main thing, though, is for the team to complete its mission and get out of Venezuela alive. It's not clear until the end of this exciting thriller whether they'll succeed.
July 18, 2022
I have enjoyed every one of Luana's books to date, including this one. I usually only read a few chapters at a time, just because I am sorry when they finally end.
As usual, we get a peek into the personalities of the various people Titus Ray works with, as seen through his eyes -- which tends to be rather amusing. I like all the meticulous details about how things work in the CIA as well.
No gore, bad language, or immoral scenes portrayed, which I appreciate. I also like the way Titus simply and humbly shares his story of how he became a Christian with people, as opportunities arise.
As usual, we get a peek into the personalities of the various people Titus Ray works with, as seen through his eyes -- which tends to be rather amusing. I like all the meticulous details about how things work in the CIA as well.
No gore, bad language, or immoral scenes portrayed, which I appreciate. I also like the way Titus simply and humbly shares his story of how he became a Christian with people, as opportunities arise.
July 25, 2022
Ben's father is interfering with his life once again. Sure the motive is to keep Ben safe but that is not what Ben wants for his CIA life. Ben asks Titus to join him to achieve his goal & circumvent his father's desires. This mission, however, reveals Ben's weaknesses & challenges Titus' ability to help Ben complete the mission without actually taking over the mission. Interesting plot development. I was given a copy of the audible version of the book. I enjoyed Mr. Newman's narration. He has an excellent voice for reading books. My opinion is given voluntarily.
May 24, 2025
Poor Ben! How do you walk the fine line between keeping your father from ruining and dictating your life and keep the job you love? Thanks to Titus things worked out, but not the way Ben had planned. Quite a bit of excitement in here, and once again, Titus has a chance to share about his faith. I did have to smile about their undercover personas.
June 27, 2022
It's always a treat to get to read a new Titus Ray book! This one did not disappoint! It was hard to put down, and the cliff hanging suspense and plot twists were as good as ever. I can't wait for the next one.
April 18, 2024
a great read
I enjoy a book that keeps out engaged throughout. Ben seemed like a real,person and the story was interesting and kept your interest throughout. The detail of the mission was incredible.
I enjoy a book that keeps out engaged throughout. Ben seemed like a real,person and the story was interesting and kept your interest throughout. The detail of the mission was incredible.
July 9, 2025
Trouble in the Air
Titus is an agent working with Ben. Ben is a newer, less experienced agent who wants to use their assignment to prove his value as an agent and avoid a push into a desk job.
Titus is an agent working with Ben. Ben is a newer, less experienced agent who wants to use their assignment to prove his value as an agent and avoid a push into a desk job.
June 29, 2022
Always a beginning
As always a most interesting and thrilling story. I can't wait for Luana's next installment. This book really delivered thrills and suspense.
As always a most interesting and thrilling story. I can't wait for Luana's next installment. This book really delivered thrills and suspense.
July 12, 2022
Great Book
I enjoyed reading this book. I have read several of the books written by this author and have loved each one.
I enjoyed reading this book. I have read several of the books written by this author and have loved each one.
November 15, 2022
Great read
I always love how the author weaves faith into the stories ans presents a clear gospel message. Enjoyed the read and looking forward to the next book!
I always love how the author weaves faith into the stories ans presents a clear gospel message. Enjoyed the read and looking forward to the next book!
February 20, 2023
I really enjoy how these books have an ending but the next in the series picks right up. Thank you.
April 10, 2024
Titus Ray is the mentor to Ben Mitchell. Titus truly wants Ben to achieve his own goals. Two likeable guys as CIA operatives.
April 26, 2024
well written
I liked the suspense and the characters (some of which I questioned) but it didn’t harm the story. This is my first Ehrlich book and it won’t be my last either.
I liked the suspense and the characters (some of which I questioned) but it didn’t harm the story. This is my first Ehrlich book and it won’t be my last either.
December 8, 2025
No doub
I had no doubt that this book would be everything I'd hoped for. Luana Ehrlich is definitely 1 of my very favorite authors.
I had no doubt that this book would be everything I'd hoped for. Luana Ehrlich is definitely 1 of my very favorite authors.
June 29, 2022
Fun read!
The missions Titus and Ben are sent on are always an entertaining read! I love the balance of excitement and faith. My only complaint is that the books aren't long enough. 😉
The missions Titus and Ben are sent on are always an entertaining read! I love the balance of excitement and faith. My only complaint is that the books aren't long enough. 😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews