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Sean Kruger #6
The Dark Trail
Facing mandatory retirement on his 57th birthday, FBI Profiler Sean Kruger must find the person who killed one of his best friends before he is forced to leave the FBI. FBI Profiler Special Agent Sean Kruger is called back to the FBI from his special task force when his long-time friend and current Deputy Director of the FBI, Alan Seltzer is brutally murdered during his morning bike ride. As Kruger is thrown into the investigation, he quickly finds out Alan was not the first high-profile African American to die in a suspicious manner. Now with the loss of his friend and his pending retirement on his 57th birthday. Kruger must endure a dark trail as he rushes to find Alan's murderer before he is forced to leave the FBI. Filled with the trademark twists and turns of a J.C. Fields thriller, The Dark Trail will keep you glued to the pages well past your bedtime. PRAISE FOR THE SEAN KRUGER SERIES " The Fugitive's Trail is a stunning first entry in The Sean Kruger Series by J.C. Fields, a page-turner that is intelligently plotted and executed with great mastery." - Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite " The Cold Trail by J.C. Fields is quick to read and full of little details not to be missed, making it a fast-paced page-turner. I would highly recommend The Cold Trail to crime fans everywhere." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite " The Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields is a real page-turner from the first paragraph and a novel I literally could not put down until the end. The unforgettable characters have detailed backstories and distinguishable personalities. I loved the suspense and plot twists, especially the climactic end which I did not see coming at all." - Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
361 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2020
370 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Fields
26 books80 followersJ.C. Fields is a multi-award-winning and Amazon best-selling author. His Sean Kruger Series and The Michael Wolfe Saga have been awarded numerous gold, silver and bronze medals in the Reader's Favorite International Book Awards contest. In March of 2020, his book, A Lone Wolf became a #1 Best Selling Audiobook. The second book in the series, The Last Insurgent, gained Amazon's #1 New Release status in January 2021.
As one of the featured authors on the highly successful YouTube podcast, Fear From the Heartland, hosted by Paul J. McSorley, he offers a variety of original short stories penned specifically for its listeners.
He lives with his wife, Connie, in Southwest Missouri.
As one of the featured authors on the highly successful YouTube podcast, Fear From the Heartland, hosted by Paul J. McSorley, he offers a variety of original short stories penned specifically for its listeners.
He lives with his wife, Connie, in Southwest Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 20, 2021
The Dark Trail by J.C. Fields is a great story even though I haven’t read any of the others in this series…but I will! This story has a lead FBI agent, nearing retirement, called to Washington to investigate the murder of his friend and senior colleague, the Assistant Director of the FBI, Alan Seltzer.
With Sean Kruger’s record with the National Security Advisor, and his friendship with the President, a position is created the President of the USA to create a new department in order that Sean could continue his pursuit of not only the Director of the FBI’s killer, but the other cases he discovers Alan Seltzer came across.
With his hand selected team, many part of his original group, they identify the individual who was responsible for Allan's death as well as other deep rooted hate killings.
Initially Sean’s new group was part of Homeland Security, but ordered to be placed under the auspices of the FBI when two terrorist actions were discovered planned in Baltimore and San Francisco.
I enjoy the rollercoaster ride with Sean, his team and the high-tech they weave in their “feet on the ground, old school detective” approach.
This was a great page-turner and I plan to read the first five in the series!
With Sean Kruger’s record with the National Security Advisor, and his friendship with the President, a position is created the President of the USA to create a new department in order that Sean could continue his pursuit of not only the Director of the FBI’s killer, but the other cases he discovers Alan Seltzer came across.
With his hand selected team, many part of his original group, they identify the individual who was responsible for Allan's death as well as other deep rooted hate killings.
Initially Sean’s new group was part of Homeland Security, but ordered to be placed under the auspices of the FBI when two terrorist actions were discovered planned in Baltimore and San Francisco.
I enjoy the rollercoaster ride with Sean, his team and the high-tech they weave in their “feet on the ground, old school detective” approach.
This was a great page-turner and I plan to read the first five in the series!
April 23, 2021
Killing off a major character is a tough start
let's be clear - I've read through all 6 of Fields' Sean Kruger series in the past few days. And while I eagerly await a seventh volume, I've got a word of advice for him: get a proofreader! Who ever he's been using hasn't been as diligent as he needs. I suspect there's been a reliance on software, given that the errors that disturb an otherwise wonderfully written narrative are syntactical - the kinds of things that would get past a spell checker, but aren't grammatically correct. So far they've been part of all six Kruger books, and they show up like sand in the gears.
Oh yes - get off it about gray hair, dude! Unless you want to be remembered as the author who must include characters with a touch of gray in the temples. Now, neither of the two complaints should stop anyone from picking up this (or any of the five previous episodes), carving out a chunk of time and reading nonstop, cover to cover.
Because - as I've said in reviews of the other books he's written - Fields does a job very reminiscent of Tom Clancy in providing very valid, likely scenarios that have Russians in the background. Believably so. And, along the way, he paints a good picture of bureaucracies that hamper progress, men and women who stand forclaw, order and justice, and his characterization of Kruger and his relationships has heart.
I am eagerly awaiting #7!
let's be clear - I've read through all 6 of Fields' Sean Kruger series in the past few days. And while I eagerly await a seventh volume, I've got a word of advice for him: get a proofreader! Who ever he's been using hasn't been as diligent as he needs. I suspect there's been a reliance on software, given that the errors that disturb an otherwise wonderfully written narrative are syntactical - the kinds of things that would get past a spell checker, but aren't grammatically correct. So far they've been part of all six Kruger books, and they show up like sand in the gears.
Oh yes - get off it about gray hair, dude! Unless you want to be remembered as the author who must include characters with a touch of gray in the temples. Now, neither of the two complaints should stop anyone from picking up this (or any of the five previous episodes), carving out a chunk of time and reading nonstop, cover to cover.
Because - as I've said in reviews of the other books he's written - Fields does a job very reminiscent of Tom Clancy in providing very valid, likely scenarios that have Russians in the background. Believably so. And, along the way, he paints a good picture of bureaucracies that hamper progress, men and women who stand forclaw, order and justice, and his characterization of Kruger and his relationships has heart.
I am eagerly awaiting #7!
September 14, 2021
This book is every bit as good as the previous 5 in the series, with the added complication that Sean, approaching his 57th birthday is obliged to retire from the FBI. However, this time it's the murder of his good friend, the deputy director of the FBI, a black man, brilliant at his job and liked by everyone who knows him, that Sean has to investigate. Things are much more complicated than "just" this murder, of course - the murdered man had privately been investigating the murders of people of different ethnicities who were successful in their fields that had been dropped and classed as closed by the investigating sheriffs. And with Roy Griffin, a straightforward, strait talking "Good Guy" now the president of the USA, Sean is definitely not going to be allowed to retire - although he says that he wants to spend more time with his wife and children, she is a realist and can't bear to see him bouncing around the house at a loose end. As the investigation gets more complicated, and the threat to the United States and democracy in general becomes more evident, the President and his security advisor - long time friend of Sean and his group of friends and colleagues comes up with inventive ways of not only keeping Sean in charge and with full powers. As usual, this book, all the characters and the plot are so well written that I feel I know them all and became instantly immersed in the investigation. I do advise anyone considering reading this book to start with book 1 in the series because the characters evolve in each book and there are references to previous investigations. I do, however, highly recommend reading them!
December 31, 2021
An Intriguing Case
“The Dark Trail” by J. C. Fields offers an engaging, suspenseful thriller packed with unexpected twists and turns. The story begins when the FBI Deputy Director is stopped by a vehicle on his morning bicycle ride and murdered execution style. His friend and FBI Profiler Special Agent Sean Kruger is assigned to solve the case. Kruger quickly organizes a team, but worries he might not be able to find the perpetrator before his 57th birthday, the FBI mandatory retirement age.
As the team searches for suspects, they delve into the cases the Deputy Director was researching, discovering he was looking into cold cases that involved high-profile professionals. Kruger also notices that all the murders occurred in various locations in the country when universities were on breaks. Kruger pinpoints an adjunct professor who happened to be teaching at a university in each town when a victim was killed. As the team hones in on their suspect, he disappears. Similar to members of the investigation team, the prime suspect is also a highly skilled computer expert. Can Kruger and his team locate the killer before he strikes again and permanently vanishes from their reach?
The author, J.C. Fields, has created believable characters with authentic dialogue. Like the prior book I read in the Sean Kruger Series, this can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys captivating, well-plotted, page-turner thrillers.
“The Dark Trail” by J. C. Fields offers an engaging, suspenseful thriller packed with unexpected twists and turns. The story begins when the FBI Deputy Director is stopped by a vehicle on his morning bicycle ride and murdered execution style. His friend and FBI Profiler Special Agent Sean Kruger is assigned to solve the case. Kruger quickly organizes a team, but worries he might not be able to find the perpetrator before his 57th birthday, the FBI mandatory retirement age.
As the team searches for suspects, they delve into the cases the Deputy Director was researching, discovering he was looking into cold cases that involved high-profile professionals. Kruger also notices that all the murders occurred in various locations in the country when universities were on breaks. Kruger pinpoints an adjunct professor who happened to be teaching at a university in each town when a victim was killed. As the team hones in on their suspect, he disappears. Similar to members of the investigation team, the prime suspect is also a highly skilled computer expert. Can Kruger and his team locate the killer before he strikes again and permanently vanishes from their reach?
The author, J.C. Fields, has created believable characters with authentic dialogue. Like the prior book I read in the Sean Kruger Series, this can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys captivating, well-plotted, page-turner thrillers.
December 10, 2020
I wished it was possible
to give twenty stars, for this book!! I am never disappointed or bored with any of J.C. Fields books!!! They are very fast moving. he is consistently giving new information. You know how some books, repeat the same information, throughout the book? Maybe these authors forget what they already wrote, or to fill the pages. Either way it gets tedious. I have to admit, I didn't have a clue, about all the computer jibber-jabber!! :). But it sure made the book fun!! Whether any of is authentic, I have no idea!! Who cares?? Seriously? People read science fiction. Aliens? ET? Batman? Superman? I live in the real world. I don't know about you, but I want to read about subjects, not related to my every day life. J. C. Fields books never slow down. The the intrigue and suspense, of the story, is present throughout the book. I wish all law enforcement could figure out murders and terrorists, as fast, as books do. Anyway, I'm still high from reading the book! Raises my adrenaline! I'm babbling!! Lol. If you can't tell I loved this book! All of J.C. Fields books. I would like to thank you, J.C. for having your books in Kindle Unlimited.
to give twenty stars, for this book!! I am never disappointed or bored with any of J.C. Fields books!!! They are very fast moving. he is consistently giving new information. You know how some books, repeat the same information, throughout the book? Maybe these authors forget what they already wrote, or to fill the pages. Either way it gets tedious. I have to admit, I didn't have a clue, about all the computer jibber-jabber!! :). But it sure made the book fun!! Whether any of is authentic, I have no idea!! Who cares?? Seriously? People read science fiction. Aliens? ET? Batman? Superman? I live in the real world. I don't know about you, but I want to read about subjects, not related to my every day life. J. C. Fields books never slow down. The the intrigue and suspense, of the story, is present throughout the book. I wish all law enforcement could figure out murders and terrorists, as fast, as books do. Anyway, I'm still high from reading the book! Raises my adrenaline! I'm babbling!! Lol. If you can't tell I loved this book! All of J.C. Fields books. I would like to thank you, J.C. for having your books in Kindle Unlimited.
July 21, 2021
While riding his bike and thinking about a new serial killer on the loose, Deputy Director of the FBI, Alan Seltzer is forced by a vehicle off the road, then shot multiple times, execution style. “Surprise and denial were the last emotions he felt as his head struck the asphalt.” His friend, FBI Profiler Special Agent Sean Kruger is tasked with investigating the crime.
He realizes that this murder is part of a pattern of violence against Black men in position of authority. Allan’s computer files reveal that his friend, an African American lawyer for the Coca-Cola Company, Roger Johnson, was executed in Atlanta. Figuring the killer had his sights on the victim for years. Will Sean capture him before he has the chance to plan more hate crimes?
The main character is depicted as real and complex. Sean is a man protective of his family and facing the reality that his career in the FBI is almost over. “The dark trail I’ve been going down these past few months has taken its toll. I’ve come to the realization all I’ve ever wanted to be is an agent with the FBI. That’s not possible anymore.”
Five stars.
He realizes that this murder is part of a pattern of violence against Black men in position of authority. Allan’s computer files reveal that his friend, an African American lawyer for the Coca-Cola Company, Roger Johnson, was executed in Atlanta. Figuring the killer had his sights on the victim for years. Will Sean capture him before he has the chance to plan more hate crimes?
The main character is depicted as real and complex. Sean is a man protective of his family and facing the reality that his career in the FBI is almost over. “The dark trail I’ve been going down these past few months has taken its toll. I’ve come to the realization all I’ve ever wanted to be is an agent with the FBI. That’s not possible anymore.”
Five stars.
November 13, 2021
Since this 6th in the Sean Kruger series, guess you can tell I like the guy and I like J.C. Fields stories. This book has a similar formula that Fields uses in each of the Kruger adventures, but with slight different twists here and there. This one involves homegrown terrorism and a really heartless man who is totally anti-social and has killed way too many innocent people. Sean and his co-workers, most of whom are also friends with him, work together well as they criss-cross the country after the bad guys -- and yes, they are all "guys." Even though Sean's wife Stephanie appears quite "vanilla" in the last few books, I still like her and I like the fact that she is so supportive of her husband. Way too often in books, there is a lot of unwonted drama from the wife. Not so with Steph. It makes for a happy marriage - something a man like Sean who is in so many life and death struggles really needs.
April 29, 2022
From the get go the author throws the reader into a nail-biting scenario that has you turning the pages. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the Sean Kruger series, but didn’t feel lost at all. Fields descriptions and scene settings are stellar! I felt like I was on those bike rides, in those conference rooms, and part of the danger.
J.C. Fields’ characters are well defined, and believable. Getting an idea of what goes on in an FBI investigation was very interesting. And feeling a part of Sean’s dilemma, being so close to retirement, yet so passionate about finding his friends killer made him so “human”. Loved the relationship between Sean and his wife. Great plot, great writing, highly recommendable read!
J.C. Fields’ characters are well defined, and believable. Getting an idea of what goes on in an FBI investigation was very interesting. And feeling a part of Sean’s dilemma, being so close to retirement, yet so passionate about finding his friends killer made him so “human”. Loved the relationship between Sean and his wife. Great plot, great writing, highly recommendable read!
December 16, 2020
This story has a gripping storyline that seems all too real: the protagonist finds that the killing of a friend is part of a much broader set of serial murders with implications affecting the entire country. Sadly, the plot is not much of a stretch beyond what is in today's headlines. The characters are interesting and well described, and the place settings and scenarios are believable. You will not be able to set the book down before finishing it!
April 27, 2021
I love the Kruger series. It's fast moving action, an interesting group of characters, detailed information of how they came to understand what was going on and who was behind it. This story makes you sit up and take note- this could really happen if it hasn't already. It's a well written, interesting, well thought out story. I look forward to more in this series. Can't wait to see what happens to Kruger next and which direction he chooses.
April 20, 2022
A lot of twists and turns.
There was lot’s of action. This was a great story and well written. With everything that has been happening it makes you wonder if this could really happen. The characters only keep getting better with each book. The story line has a great flow, that crosse’s the U.S.A. several times. The author put the story together that makes it sound real. Well worth reading.
There was lot’s of action. This was a great story and well written. With everything that has been happening it makes you wonder if this could really happen. The characters only keep getting better with each book. The story line has a great flow, that crosse’s the U.S.A. several times. The author put the story together that makes it sound real. Well worth reading.
April 10, 2020
Love the entire Sean Kruger series! Sean tasked to solve the murder if his longtime friend Alan, Directory of the FBI. Pressure to solve before his birthday due to a mandatory retirement rule. Is he successful? You'll have to read it to know just how far seats d his team will go to get this accomplished!
August 28, 2020
This is the first Sean Kruger book I have read and it was so enthralling, I have to go back and read the other 5. This story is so intricately designed, with hidden bits suddenly becoming major points. You will find yourself flipping to the next page urgently, so involved in the story you feel as rushed and determined as the characters. Great job, Mr. Fields!
August 20, 2021
Another great mystery with Sean Kruger
Sean is approaching retirement age in the FBI and he realizes this will be his last assignment. His friend Alan, deputy secretary to the FBI head, is assonated and Sean is assigned the case. I really enjoy reading J.C. fields’ books. I could not put it down.
Sean is approaching retirement age in the FBI and he realizes this will be his last assignment. His friend Alan, deputy secretary to the FBI head, is assonated and Sean is assigned the case. I really enjoy reading J.C. fields’ books. I could not put it down.
December 12, 2022
As Sean considers his mandatory retirement age approaching one of his FBI classmates is murdered. During the investigation a bigger conspiracy is uncovered and Sean is set up with a special task force to continue the investigation. After his family is attacked again Sean retires. Another fast paced
action packed story with many twist and turns
action packed story with many twist and turns
February 17, 2023
Outstanding and Exciting
Many issues delivered as Kruger finished his career as the FBI. Before the book ends a series of terrorists, white nationalists, Russians, and criminals fight on Kruger. His family is threatened, as a political is after Kruger. The action is continuing and suspense. The book is a single story as the series goes on.
Many issues delivered as Kruger finished his career as the FBI. Before the book ends a series of terrorists, white nationalists, Russians, and criminals fight on Kruger. His family is threatened, as a political is after Kruger. The action is continuing and suspense. The book is a single story as the series goes on.
March 23, 2020
Hamilton Reviews
Please consider reading this series in order as it provides a lot of background in prior cases mentioned in this book. Like the others this is action packed. The plot is well done. The characters are interesting. I look forward to the next Sean Kruger story.
Please consider reading this series in order as it provides a lot of background in prior cases mentioned in this book. Like the others this is action packed. The plot is well done. The characters are interesting. I look forward to the next Sean Kruger story.
August 31, 2020
Excellent
Well written story about a search for a serial killer that leads to a bigger group of anti establishment wackos who are murdering ethnic people. These groups are masterminded by the Russians, and the FBI is got on the trail. Great read
Well written story about a search for a serial killer that leads to a bigger group of anti establishment wackos who are murdering ethnic people. These groups are masterminded by the Russians, and the FBI is got on the trail. Great read
September 18, 2020
Dangerous
Sean Kruger FBI extraordinaire leads his team on the trail of espionage and terrorism. Several things go wrong but Sean never gives up. Keep reading this series it's awesome
Sean Kruger FBI extraordinaire leads his team on the trail of espionage and terrorism. Several things go wrong but Sean never gives up. Keep reading this series it's awesome
Read
February 27, 2021I read the entire 6 book series. Excellent series, could not put them down. I woud suggest you start from book book one. I will not go into the details of the books as there are enough listed in other reviews.
December 11, 2022
Another great story
I am really enjoying this series, great writing and great characters. The storyline keeps you engaged in what is going on with no dull moments. Looking forward to the next one.
I am really enjoying this series, great writing and great characters. The storyline keeps you engaged in what is going on with no dull moments. Looking forward to the next one.
July 12, 2023
Great FBI thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of drama and suspense. It gave you insight into how you have to follow a thread to unravel the case. Good read!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of drama and suspense. It gave you insight into how you have to follow a thread to unravel the case. Good read!
May 5, 2024
Awesome series!
I have been absolutely delighted with this series. I could not read fast enough.
The characters were clearly defined. Sean Kruger was the kind of FBI agent I wish America had more of in service. Thank you Mr. Fields for the journey.
I have been absolutely delighted with this series. I could not read fast enough.
The characters were clearly defined. Sean Kruger was the kind of FBI agent I wish America had more of in service. Thank you Mr. Fields for the journey.
July 29, 2025
great series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
March 27, 2020
Beyond excellent!
Superior story-telling! I especially enjoyed riding with Sean and his team as they used tech, "shoeleather" and gut to get the bad guys. What a ride!!!
Superior story-telling! I especially enjoyed riding with Sean and his team as they used tech, "shoeleather" and gut to get the bad guys. What a ride!!!
August 24, 2020
Great Author
All books in this six book series were amazing. Cannot wait for more books. Great story line and characters through all books. Would definitely recommend series
All books in this six book series were amazing. Cannot wait for more books. Great story line and characters through all books. Would definitely recommend series
August 28, 2020
Very impressive. interesting characters, credible dialogue, and great action scenes. I'll be looking out for other titles with this main character.
April 11, 2021
Very enjoyable story. Well written with good characters maintaining your interest through to its satisfying conclusion.
5 stars
5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Good book
Usually not my cup of tea, politics, FBI, foreign enemies of the country. But their book was well written with good characters.
Usually not my cup of tea, politics, FBI, foreign enemies of the country. But their book was well written with good characters.
February 3, 2022
Another excellent story in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews