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The Last Operative
Jordan Kirkwood wants to go quietly into the sunset. His career as an NSA intelligence officer has taken a significant toll. His two adult children are little more than distant acquaintances. His wife has been patient and supportive, but he knows she has deserved better. That was part of the reason they were going to London. He wanted her to see Europe like a tourist. But that was before he was given intelligence information during the recent mission to Germany. The threat is grave—bigger than 9/11. And the risk is compounded by the fact that someone inside the NSA is involved. The most hidden place in Kirkwood’s past will have to be unmasked in order to meet the challenges of this mission.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Jerry B. Jenkins
693 books1,778 followersJerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 24, 2018
THIS is the sort of fiction I love. I think I'm a Jenkins wannabe... okay, this might literally be the only thing of his I've read, but Christian spy thriller action stuff? And Christian?
Read it like a month ago, so I don't have a ton to say. Other than it was sad at the beginning. I didn't know who to trust at any time.
And then the reason one star was knocked off for me. Again, it actually wasn't as creepy as it sounds. :)
Other than that, spys! Action! A plot against America that must be foiled by the dire actions of a handful of characters. Interpol. NSA. Oh, and a dad trying to connect with his troubled, college-aged children who he's never really invested in. Read it if that's your type of book.
Read it like a month ago, so I don't have a ton to say. Other than it was sad at the beginning. I didn't know who to trust at any time.
And then the reason one star was knocked off for me. Again, it actually wasn't as creepy as it sounds. :)
Other than that, spys! Action! A plot against America that must be foiled by the dire actions of a handful of characters. Interpol. NSA. Oh, and a dad trying to connect with his troubled, college-aged children who he's never really invested in. Read it if that's your type of book.
January 13, 2016
I usually thoroughly enjoy a book by Jerry B. Jenkins. This was no exception. I enjoyed it. I found it interesting and since I'm not an authority on spy-craft or the CIA or NSA, I found it plausible.
I am sure there are more "accurate" stories. I am sure there are more intriguing stories. But I found this good enough for me. It told me a tale about which I had no mental concept - spies who spy upon spies and who then report to unknown authority figures. And then the "operatives" are almost all gone- except The Last Operative who is the main protagonist.
We see him in a tangle where he doesn't know whom he can trust out of those he has trusted most and completely in years and events bygone.
Folks die. Houses are blown to smithereens. Folks are on the run. People lie, steal, spy.
A good read that incorporates faith - faith one has and faith one needs to regain.
DISCLOSURE: I received this via the TyndaleRewards program after earning points. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.
I am sure there are more "accurate" stories. I am sure there are more intriguing stories. But I found this good enough for me. It told me a tale about which I had no mental concept - spies who spy upon spies and who then report to unknown authority figures. And then the "operatives" are almost all gone- except The Last Operative who is the main protagonist.
We see him in a tangle where he doesn't know whom he can trust out of those he has trusted most and completely in years and events bygone.
Folks die. Houses are blown to smithereens. Folks are on the run. People lie, steal, spy.
A good read that incorporates faith - faith one has and faith one needs to regain.
DISCLOSURE: I received this via the TyndaleRewards program after earning points. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.
July 16, 2021
Jerry B Jenkins, The Last Operative
***
July 7-15
The key character is a "globe-trotting specialist in political & criminal undercover work."
The story lacked something, maybe believability? The codes given to decipher were far-fetched. Perhaps more explanation was needed to fill out the plot which is enticing.
I do much of my reading by listening so the author and the story captured my interest enough to read it book style though I wasn't listening to it. Half-way through the book, I was hooked.
There are several people to keep straight so keep that in mind as you begin it.The story moves but is choppy. I still consider it worth reading. It does show, without belaboring the point, the consequences of good and bad decisions.
***
July 7-15
The key character is a "globe-trotting specialist in political & criminal undercover work."
The story lacked something, maybe believability? The codes given to decipher were far-fetched. Perhaps more explanation was needed to fill out the plot which is enticing.
I do much of my reading by listening so the author and the story captured my interest enough to read it book style though I wasn't listening to it. Half-way through the book, I was hooked.
There are several people to keep straight so keep that in mind as you begin it.The story moves but is choppy. I still consider it worth reading. It does show, without belaboring the point, the consequences of good and bad decisions.
August 10, 2010
Jerry B. Jenkins, Author
The Last Operative
Tyndale, ISBN 978-1-4143-0905-7
Fiction: Christian, thriller, action, espionage
371 pages
August 2010 Review for Bookpleasures
Reviewer-Michelle Kaye Malsbury, BSBM, MM
Review
Jerry Jenkins has penned numerous novels that have sold more than 63 million copies worldwide. (2010, inside back cover) Seven of his books have had the honor of debuting in first place on the New York Times Bestseller List. Mr. Jenkins has been written up in USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and the Wall Street Journal. He and his wife live in Colorado. For more information about this wonderful author please visit his website at www.jerryjenkins.com.
The Last Operative is filled with religious undertones and overtones. Christianity is a common thread that is creatively woven throughout the pages of this novel without being overbearing. Obviously this is part and parcel of the author Mr. Jenkins too. I have to admit he did a very good job in this regard, especially for those of us who tend to lean in the atheist category.
The main character, Jordan Kirkwood, works undercover for the NSA. He was covertly recruited just of out high school in Michigan where his first test was to spy on other governmental personnel while working for the Peace Corp in Indonesia. Here he meets and falls in love with a lovely French woman who will haunt him the remainder of his life because life and circumstance have them going their separate ways despite being very deeply in love.
Eventually he meets and marries the daughter of a minister. They have two children. Nobody they live near or are related to have any idea about Mr. Kirkwoods’ real job. His children are resentful that he has literally missed most of their lives because he is usually out on assignment and unable to attend normal family gatherings or school functions. Their mother is their safety net and mother/father figure rolled into one.
This undercover NSA job has allowed Mr. Kirkwood entry in remote and populated places around the globe under a variety of disguises where he can cautiously and methodically ferret out evil plans that could encroach on America’s national security. The Last Operative is a spellbinding tale of a man torn by his love of a woman far in his past and his duty to wife and family in his present.
That life has just spun terribly out of control. Jason Kirkwood has just lost his wife to a brutal killing in an airport where they were slated to meet for a long awaited vacation. Luckily or unluckily he is detained and then passed off with a friend who escorts him home to bury his wife and make amends with his children before being embroiled in the next operation, which he assumes may be his last.
As the story unfolds and the plot deepens more bizaare things happen and Jordan Kirkwood goes deep undercover to try to untangle the tightly coiled web of deceit that can only come from having a person on the inside having it out for him. With his life turned upside down where will he go? Will he find the mole and expose him or her? Or will he get whacked in the process?
Despite the, more or less, overt religiousity I truly enjoyed this book. I liked the description of the characters and the lives they led. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, like me, who really likes reading spy or espionage novels even if religion is not your thing. Thank you Jerry B. Jenkins for a wonderfully page turning book filled with action, contemplation, and direction for those seeking it!
The Last Operative
Tyndale, ISBN 978-1-4143-0905-7
Fiction: Christian, thriller, action, espionage
371 pages
August 2010 Review for Bookpleasures
Reviewer-Michelle Kaye Malsbury, BSBM, MM
Review
Jerry Jenkins has penned numerous novels that have sold more than 63 million copies worldwide. (2010, inside back cover) Seven of his books have had the honor of debuting in first place on the New York Times Bestseller List. Mr. Jenkins has been written up in USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and the Wall Street Journal. He and his wife live in Colorado. For more information about this wonderful author please visit his website at www.jerryjenkins.com.
The Last Operative is filled with religious undertones and overtones. Christianity is a common thread that is creatively woven throughout the pages of this novel without being overbearing. Obviously this is part and parcel of the author Mr. Jenkins too. I have to admit he did a very good job in this regard, especially for those of us who tend to lean in the atheist category.
The main character, Jordan Kirkwood, works undercover for the NSA. He was covertly recruited just of out high school in Michigan where his first test was to spy on other governmental personnel while working for the Peace Corp in Indonesia. Here he meets and falls in love with a lovely French woman who will haunt him the remainder of his life because life and circumstance have them going their separate ways despite being very deeply in love.
Eventually he meets and marries the daughter of a minister. They have two children. Nobody they live near or are related to have any idea about Mr. Kirkwoods’ real job. His children are resentful that he has literally missed most of their lives because he is usually out on assignment and unable to attend normal family gatherings or school functions. Their mother is their safety net and mother/father figure rolled into one.
This undercover NSA job has allowed Mr. Kirkwood entry in remote and populated places around the globe under a variety of disguises where he can cautiously and methodically ferret out evil plans that could encroach on America’s national security. The Last Operative is a spellbinding tale of a man torn by his love of a woman far in his past and his duty to wife and family in his present.
That life has just spun terribly out of control. Jason Kirkwood has just lost his wife to a brutal killing in an airport where they were slated to meet for a long awaited vacation. Luckily or unluckily he is detained and then passed off with a friend who escorts him home to bury his wife and make amends with his children before being embroiled in the next operation, which he assumes may be his last.
As the story unfolds and the plot deepens more bizaare things happen and Jordan Kirkwood goes deep undercover to try to untangle the tightly coiled web of deceit that can only come from having a person on the inside having it out for him. With his life turned upside down where will he go? Will he find the mole and expose him or her? Or will he get whacked in the process?
Despite the, more or less, overt religiousity I truly enjoyed this book. I liked the description of the characters and the lives they led. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, like me, who really likes reading spy or espionage novels even if religion is not your thing. Thank you Jerry B. Jenkins for a wonderfully page turning book filled with action, contemplation, and direction for those seeking it!
February 7, 2017
While there were still exasperating puzzles, one thing was clear: this was more than espionage, more than politics. Millions, maybe tens of millions, of lives were at stake.
Working for the NSA as an intelligence operative has taken a major toll on Jordan Kirkwood and his family over the years. He's toying with the idea of ending his career, but a new, deeply critical threat to the nation's security might end Jordan's life first in The Last Operative, a novel by Jerry B. Jenkins.
This book is as much about the hero's trouble with his mental and emotional state, his past, and his family life as it is a novel of suspense and danger. Overall, I appreciated the balance between those two general sides of the story. It seemed the issue of vengeance was raised without reaching a real resolution, but I might have missed something there.
Still, I did wonder why the climax of Kirkwood's NSA mission seemed to arrive and end as soon as it did. One of two things often happens when a novel reaches an early climax: either it idles around in what remaining material the story has left, or it introduces new material that it may not have enough time to develop well (or to leave the reader much time to care about the new stuff) before the book is over.
Either way, the climax usually signals to my senses that it's time for the story to start wrapping up. So when a book carries on much longer, my interest begins to wane. This novel does introduce a new dilemma after the climax, and then it ends in a somewhat awkward spot, like, "Well, the story's gotta stop sometime, so we'll stop it here."
Nevertheless, I found this to be an enjoyable Christian suspense read, and I certainly plan on checking out more from this author.
_____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I've given an honest review, through a rewards program from the publisher. I received no monetary compensation.
Working for the NSA as an intelligence operative has taken a major toll on Jordan Kirkwood and his family over the years. He's toying with the idea of ending his career, but a new, deeply critical threat to the nation's security might end Jordan's life first in The Last Operative, a novel by Jerry B. Jenkins.
This book is as much about the hero's trouble with his mental and emotional state, his past, and his family life as it is a novel of suspense and danger. Overall, I appreciated the balance between those two general sides of the story. It seemed the issue of vengeance was raised without reaching a real resolution, but I might have missed something there.
Still, I did wonder why the climax of Kirkwood's NSA mission seemed to arrive and end as soon as it did. One of two things often happens when a novel reaches an early climax: either it idles around in what remaining material the story has left, or it introduces new material that it may not have enough time to develop well (or to leave the reader much time to care about the new stuff) before the book is over.
Either way, the climax usually signals to my senses that it's time for the story to start wrapping up. So when a book carries on much longer, my interest begins to wane. This novel does introduce a new dilemma after the climax, and then it ends in a somewhat awkward spot, like, "Well, the story's gotta stop sometime, so we'll stop it here."
Nevertheless, I found this to be an enjoyable Christian suspense read, and I certainly plan on checking out more from this author.
_____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I've given an honest review, through a rewards program from the publisher. I received no monetary compensation.
April 11, 2021
Page turner
Great characters with unique personalities...exciting plot that is relevant and believable I wish there were a sequel! Fast intriguing read.
Great characters with unique personalities...exciting plot that is relevant and believable I wish there were a sequel! Fast intriguing read.
July 31, 2018
Jerry's forward says that a previous version of this book was one of his first and that his publisher approached him with the idea of updating it to fit society and technology of today. He did and it turned out great. Here's a thriller that doesn't sink into the muck, although there is plenty of action and danger. The main character has a conscience even though he (almost) has a license to kill. The conscience helps to create the character development in the story. It is refreshing to see that covert operations don't have to be kill or be killed, even though the fate of the world is at stake. Jerry writes crisply and tells a good story. He also says in his forward that he intentionally wrote in such a way so that all dialogue attributes were clear; he didn't want to use the attribute: "he said." He succeeded very nicely and it read smoothly and clearly to the point that I did not miss the he said, she said. You did good, Jerry.
July 5, 2020
NSA Intelligence Officer, Jordan Kirkwood plans to his wife at Heathrow Airport for a much needed European vacation. Before Jordon goes to the airport, he meets with author Stanley Stewart, who insists Al Qaeda is poised to attack the United States. At Heathrow, a sniper opens fires on Jordan's wife and the man she is talking to killing many bystanders. The threat is grave. And the risk is compounded because someone inside the NSA is involved. The most hidden place in Kirkwood’s past will have to be unmasked in order to meet the challenges of this mission.
This book is about Kirkwood's troubles and his mental and emotional state. His past reveals danger and suspense. I experienced the inner workings of our country's security agency.
I love the writing style of Jenkins. Online, I've attended his Writers Guild. Great training. Plot - excellent. Characters - interesting. Suspense - high.
This book is about Kirkwood's troubles and his mental and emotional state. His past reveals danger and suspense. I experienced the inner workings of our country's security agency.
I love the writing style of Jenkins. Online, I've attended his Writers Guild. Great training. Plot - excellent. Characters - interesting. Suspense - high.
August 13, 2020
Jerry Jenkins proved himself a master of Christian suspense when he co-authored the Left Behind series. He is equally good with this solo story. Up until about two chapters from the end, I thought this was going to be the first of a series, but the end was satisfying.
This book had surprisingly few editing oversights in the Kindle text:
Page 20, from La Havre, France / from LE Havre, France ; 68, weird combination softy and cynic / weird combination OF softy and cynic ; 74, he was able think about something / he was able TO think about something ; 94, Couple of test results will be back / A COUPLE of test results will be back ; 125, He may have been in charge / He MIGHT have been in charge ; 140, Who knows how much time we have. / Who knows how much time we HAVE? (a question) ;
Page 180, who am I to prescribe how a person should respond to a trauma like yours. / who am I to prescribe how a person should respond to a trauma like YOURS? (a question) ; 188, what do we do about whoever is coming here. / what do we do about whoever is coming HERE? (a question) ; 341, one of busiest and most bizarre bazaars / one of THE busiest and most bizarre bazaars ; 345, well you, anyway / WELL, you, anyway .
This book had surprisingly few editing oversights in the Kindle text:
Page 20, from La Havre, France / from LE Havre, France ; 68, weird combination softy and cynic / weird combination OF softy and cynic ; 74, he was able think about something / he was able TO think about something ; 94, Couple of test results will be back / A COUPLE of test results will be back ; 125, He may have been in charge / He MIGHT have been in charge ; 140, Who knows how much time we have. / Who knows how much time we HAVE? (a question) ;
Page 180, who am I to prescribe how a person should respond to a trauma like yours. / who am I to prescribe how a person should respond to a trauma like YOURS? (a question) ; 188, what do we do about whoever is coming here. / what do we do about whoever is coming HERE? (a question) ; 341, one of busiest and most bizarre bazaars / one of THE busiest and most bizarre bazaars ; 345, well you, anyway / WELL, you, anyway .
August 8, 2024
4.5 stars. When I came across this book, I loved the premise and was interested to see how a Christian spy character would be approached. I was guessing that the story would be enjoyable enough to finish, but was pleasantly surprised that not only was the story compelling and well-written, but that it read very quickly. Fifty pages went by much more quickly than they have in most books i have read and the chapters are short enough that you will find yourself thinking, "i could easily knock out one more before i need to wake the kids up." There were a few annoying parts of this book, including one over-the-top part of one of the characters', training that i had to roll my eyes at and the repeated use of the word, "clip," instead of, "magazine," which will drive nuts anyone with firearms knowledge and that i feel is such a common mistake in popular fiction that anyone who continues to make it - especially in a genre like this - is just being careless. That said, this was an enjoyable, well-written story with a protagonist you can't help but like, that reads quickly and provides suspense without being too heavy. I'm normally annoyed that every book published these days seems to turn into a series, but i would actually like that to happen with this one.
April 20, 2024
Great Story
I enjoyed this updated edition of The Last Operative. I had not read the original book so have no comparison but I certainly can recommend this one. The NSA is an organization I have not read anything about so it was new to me. It is not something I would want a family member involved with.
If you enjoy spy novels you should like this. It is Christian fiction but that plays a pretty minor role in the story; I actually would have liked to see a stronger emphasis on that aspect.
I enjoyed this updated edition of The Last Operative. I had not read the original book so have no comparison but I certainly can recommend this one. The NSA is an organization I have not read anything about so it was new to me. It is not something I would want a family member involved with.
If you enjoy spy novels you should like this. It is Christian fiction but that plays a pretty minor role in the story; I actually would have liked to see a stronger emphasis on that aspect.
September 28, 2024
This book was good, exciting, suspenseful, kept my interest! It was a clean read - no bad words or sex scenes. I would say it has light Christianity in it, but it was not forced or overwhelming - it's there but doesn't take away from the story and is rather briefly mentioned. If the description of the book sounds interesting to you, I would recommend it! I read it while on vacation and I would say this book did not disappoint!
August 20, 2023
It felt like the plot was very choppy and didn't flow smoothly. As it was one of Jenkins earlier writings I suppose this makes sense. There are some plot twists that I could appreciate. Overall an okay light read.
October 17, 2024
Reworking of an earlier book. It was somewhat puzzling to me because events in this text seemed to be in conflict with the timeline of two other books that included these characters. Could just be me.
January 8, 2025
Great storyline, clean fiction, enjoyable light read.
Found keeping up with all the characters and the dialogue to be slightly confusing.
Enjoyed reading this clean spy fiction that had no outside agenda. The book started a little slow but got better as it went.
Found keeping up with all the characters and the dialogue to be slightly confusing.
Enjoyed reading this clean spy fiction that had no outside agenda. The book started a little slow but got better as it went.
May 7, 2019
absolutely loved this book. On the edge of your seat type of book!!!
April 19, 2020
Well written and engaging throughout. A quick and easy read.
May 18, 2021
I was captivated within the first 2 pages. Kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
February 2, 2022
Wishing for more
What a great story and an excellent opportunity for a series. As always Jenkins has presented a clear picture of God’s love and forgiveness.
What a great story and an excellent opportunity for a series. As always Jenkins has presented a clear picture of God’s love and forgiveness.
March 11, 2022
Excellent book! Kept my interest the entire time with some plot twists I did not see coming! I would definitely read this again!
March 22, 2023
This author is one of my favorites. Always enjoy his books.
March 25, 2023
Riveting
This story hooked me at the start and held my interest with such intensity, I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book.
This story hooked me at the start and held my interest with such intensity, I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book.
January 26, 2025
Story teller
Jerry Jenkins is a very good story teller. I felt like I was right there with the last operative. I could put the book down. Great read!
Jerry Jenkins is a very good story teller. I felt like I was right there with the last operative. I could put the book down. Great read!
October 21, 2025
Another Jerry Jenkins page-turner.
A thrilling story putting the spotlight on God's forgiveness and sin, making tough choices for family, career, and patriotism.
A thrilling story putting the spotlight on God's forgiveness and sin, making tough choices for family, career, and patriotism.
November 2, 2025
As always a great book written by Jerry! Love the suspense.
July 20, 2026
A fast moving novel. He writes a good story, he keeps the pace going, plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the read.
October 24, 2020
NSA agent Jordan escapes attempts on his life, those close do not. Al-Qaeda funds high-ranked traitor, jets in US awaiting warheads. Devout prayers help him reconnect with first love Cyd, reach out to children.
August 25, 2010
This review first appeared on my blog: http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/1...
According to the author's note, this book is a thorough re-telling of his first stand-alone novel, "The Operative", rewritten and updated for today's audience. He also poses a question to the reader about the dialogue, which is not weighed down with "he said" this and "she said" that. To answer the question: yes, the dialogue worked. I never had a problem differentiating who was speaking.
Jordan is an NSA operative, suddenly called to Germany for an assignment that could have been handled by anyone else. One of the higher-ups, Stu, surprises him by requesting a secret meeting, where he is told of the presence of a nuclear threat within the United States and the strict certainty that someone high within the NSA is involved.
Jordan is puzzling over this when he goes to meet his wife at Heathrow airport where they are supposed to embark on a long-overdue vacation. Suddenly gunfire erupts as the passengers are disembarking, and it becomes clear that someone wanted Jordan dead. A day later, Stu IS dead, the victim of an apparent suicide. Now it is up to Jordan and his mentor, Chuck, to find out how to stop nuclear missiles from entering the United States, who is behind it, and who in the NSA is involved. After years of faithful work and service, Jordan suddenly finds everything he's done being questioned and his allegiance to the NSA is on shaky ground.
I WANTED to like this book. There's faith, and family, and a seemingly good spy story. But I didn't feel what I was supposed to feel, which is involved with the characters. It felt like a sketch that still needed to be shaded in. There WAS a point shortly after page 200 where the action becomes more intense and fully-fleshed, then it was back to the surface sketches. I found it unbelievable that more than 20 years after a youthful indiscretion, Jordan would still be guilt-ridden about it. I also found it less than believable that he would have ended this youthful relationship in the fashion that he did if he truly loved that person. Even the anger that his son feels towards him doesn't read as real. There's a twist when we find out who is the inside guy at NSA, but there are enough hints early on that most of us will have already figured it out.
All in all, it was an OK read, but nothing to re-read, at least not for me.
QUOTES:
For the first time, Jordan resented his own training. He envied others their grief and fear. Such open honest, human, unchecked emotions.
"Chuck, I feel like I'm leaning over a gas tank with a cigarette in my lips."
"Comforting. Two decades apart, a few hours to mend fences, and we exit as kamikazes."
According to the author's note, this book is a thorough re-telling of his first stand-alone novel, "The Operative", rewritten and updated for today's audience. He also poses a question to the reader about the dialogue, which is not weighed down with "he said" this and "she said" that. To answer the question: yes, the dialogue worked. I never had a problem differentiating who was speaking.
Jordan is an NSA operative, suddenly called to Germany for an assignment that could have been handled by anyone else. One of the higher-ups, Stu, surprises him by requesting a secret meeting, where he is told of the presence of a nuclear threat within the United States and the strict certainty that someone high within the NSA is involved.
Jordan is puzzling over this when he goes to meet his wife at Heathrow airport where they are supposed to embark on a long-overdue vacation. Suddenly gunfire erupts as the passengers are disembarking, and it becomes clear that someone wanted Jordan dead. A day later, Stu IS dead, the victim of an apparent suicide. Now it is up to Jordan and his mentor, Chuck, to find out how to stop nuclear missiles from entering the United States, who is behind it, and who in the NSA is involved. After years of faithful work and service, Jordan suddenly finds everything he's done being questioned and his allegiance to the NSA is on shaky ground.
I WANTED to like this book. There's faith, and family, and a seemingly good spy story. But I didn't feel what I was supposed to feel, which is involved with the characters. It felt like a sketch that still needed to be shaded in. There WAS a point shortly after page 200 where the action becomes more intense and fully-fleshed, then it was back to the surface sketches. I found it unbelievable that more than 20 years after a youthful indiscretion, Jordan would still be guilt-ridden about it. I also found it less than believable that he would have ended this youthful relationship in the fashion that he did if he truly loved that person. Even the anger that his son feels towards him doesn't read as real. There's a twist when we find out who is the inside guy at NSA, but there are enough hints early on that most of us will have already figured it out.
All in all, it was an OK read, but nothing to re-read, at least not for me.
QUOTES:
For the first time, Jordan resented his own training. He envied others their grief and fear. Such open honest, human, unchecked emotions.
"Chuck, I feel like I'm leaning over a gas tank with a cigarette in my lips."
"Comforting. Two decades apart, a few hours to mend fences, and we exit as kamikazes."
August 29, 2010
I'm thankful to have received a review copy of The Last Operative, by Jerry Jenkins. He creates a story with a 007 type character that is faithful to his wife and family. Even though he’s away on missions and he doesn’t see his family much, he’s thankful to his wife for holding it all together while he’s away. He’s passionate about his family and will lay down his life for them.
Jordan Kirkwood, NSA intelligence operative is finally going to make his wife’s dream come true. She’s wanted to see Europe as tourists-Problem: he’s just found out a secret that could end life as he and everyone else knows it. Who can he trust? What can he do? “Jordan was tempted to break his cover, to assure the authorities that all the bullets had come from the same weapon! But he knew this would be determined soon enough by ballistics.” He could be compromised if he reveals this secret, but the situation will put the country on high alert—his life could unravel fast and furious if he does what he’s thinking about doing! What about his wife and kids? Everything he holds dear could change in the blink of an eye.
Unbelievable things happen to Jordan in his quest for answers. He even begins to question his faith in God and his own instincts become shaky. His life was turning upside down and inside out. Would he risk it all to find out what was really going on?
Jordan’s career has taken a toll on his family, because he hadn’t realized the stakes were so high until he learned of this secret. “Facing the ugliest side of himself. There’s no making up for lost time, is there? I’ve just royally screwed up my relationships with my kids.”
This book has it all - action, adventure, espionage, romance - and so much more. Jerry Jenkins creates likeable characters on top secret missions that will have you up late to see what happens next. Jerry Jenkins says that this is a stand alone book he re-wrote for modern readers, but in my opinion, he did leave it open for a sequel. I’m just saying! Grin!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Jordan Kirkwood, NSA intelligence operative is finally going to make his wife’s dream come true. She’s wanted to see Europe as tourists-Problem: he’s just found out a secret that could end life as he and everyone else knows it. Who can he trust? What can he do? “Jordan was tempted to break his cover, to assure the authorities that all the bullets had come from the same weapon! But he knew this would be determined soon enough by ballistics.” He could be compromised if he reveals this secret, but the situation will put the country on high alert—his life could unravel fast and furious if he does what he’s thinking about doing! What about his wife and kids? Everything he holds dear could change in the blink of an eye.
Unbelievable things happen to Jordan in his quest for answers. He even begins to question his faith in God and his own instincts become shaky. His life was turning upside down and inside out. Would he risk it all to find out what was really going on?
Jordan’s career has taken a toll on his family, because he hadn’t realized the stakes were so high until he learned of this secret. “Facing the ugliest side of himself. There’s no making up for lost time, is there? I’ve just royally screwed up my relationships with my kids.”
This book has it all - action, adventure, espionage, romance - and so much more. Jerry Jenkins creates likeable characters on top secret missions that will have you up late to see what happens next. Jerry Jenkins says that this is a stand alone book he re-wrote for modern readers, but in my opinion, he did leave it open for a sequel. I’m just saying! Grin!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
April 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this updated novel by Jerry Jenkins. It was interesting and gives insight into the world of a spy; not one I would want a family member or friend involved in.
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