With Jake Beamer's name, I waited for Angelo's people to find me. I thought the attack would come on Day Five. I thought they would send at least a group of guys. Instead, they sent just one, and I learned I had run into Angelo's people before.
This is a fascinating read, not only because there is a good story unfolding but the author was an officer with the CIA and therefore it isn't a normal spy thriller, but one where there is a good deal of realism. The thing that I enjoyed most was the fact that you can see the thought processes of the main character at each point where a decision has to be made - the logic and calculation of the likelihood of success versus failure which provides a story line where there are not leaps of faith needed to hold the story together.
Its clear there are a number of further parts to come before the story is concluded and I'm avidly waiting for the next installment. However there is a lot more here than just a story. If you look at the other works by the author, it is as much a series of examples of how an operative would think under pressure where there would be a lot at stake. As such if you are open to thinking how you could apply the thought processes yourself, there is a lot that you can apply to everyday living where you need to cultivate awareness and thinking in order to act decisively and logically when under pressure, or even with just making every day decisions where there are a number of variables. There is a fair amount of game theory here that moves this book out of the scope of a normal thriller and into the realm of something that is really quite unique and special.
These are two novellas that comprise one general story but with multiple storylines that interconnect. I enjoyed the second installment more but that is not due to anything the author did. The author is very knowledgeable about spy tactics and scientific theory. LOL. He is a very smart writer. The books are well done and the story is interesting. Character development isn’t a huge part of the story but the main character is certainly interesting in terms of his knowledge and background. The second book is a cliffhanger as well so I am excitedly waiting for the third book. I got confused following the two storylines in the first book because I didn’t read it in one sitting. The second one I basically read in one sitting and it was easy to follow. Highly recommend If you like spy thrillers.The author also has non-fiction works related to his knowledge regarding decision making, analysis and spy related activities. The knowledge can be taken and used in everyday life.
I like the short chapters that allow one to take breaks without losing their place. The switching from one adventure to another between chapters is a challenge to adjust to. Good read!
It was a good follow up to the first one. I enjoy all of John Braddock's books. They provide some helpful thought analysis and ways to stay safe. But he blends it into the story. My children enjoy listening to the audio version of the books.
An outstanding spy thriller that had you intrigued with just one page. Impossible to stop reading. Angelo’s people are after Jake. I held my breath, trying to figure out what would happen.
This book is a highly entertaining sequel to the first “The 24th Name”. John Braddock’s books always leave me wanting to read another one. This one is no different.
Under his 24th name “Jake Beamer” moves his strategy forward against the group that leads to the murder of his friend. Using the strategy and thinking skills mentioned in “A Spy’s Guide to Thinking” and “A Spy’s Guide to Strategy” the books provide fun stories of the application of the information in the “A Spy’s Guide” books.
I look forward to reading Part III, as well as any new “A Spy’s Guide” books that come out in the future.