Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Harper (2011), 466 pages
Description
Fiction. Thriller. HTML: "Vail is in the mold of Lee Child's Jack Reacher and Robert Crais's Joe Pike....This guy has movie written all over him." �??Chicago Sun-Times "Fans of Sam Spade and Jack Reacher will feel right at home with this new tough guy." �??Boston Globe "We have a new American hero in Steve Vail." �??Patricia Cornwell Steve Vail, former discarded covert operative and the FBI's new go-to guy for the toughest jobs, returns in Agent X�??the pulse-pounding follow-up to the explosive New York Times bestselling debut thriller by Noah Boyd, The Bricklayer. A former FBI agent himself, author Boyd pulls out all the stops in Agent X�??as "the Bricklayer" hunts down an elusive Russian spy in a taut and authentic thriller that rivals the very best of Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Stephen Hunter, and Robe… (more)
Media reviews
A poorly written, clumsy romance subplot will distract readers from the action, and fans of the genre won’t be impressed by crime-solving through sudden hunches and lucky run-ins with characters who handily know more than they should. Not recommended.
Booklist
Steve Vail, once an ace FBI agent, now a bricklayer (The Bricklayer, 2009), arrives in Washington to take Kate Bannon, the bureau’s assistant director, to an embassy soiree. But his romantic mission is sidelined by an urgent summons from the bureau: a Russian embassy staffer, code-named Calculus,
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is offering to name Americans feeding sensitive information to Russian intelligence. But no sooner than the bureau accepts the Russian’s terms, he is spirited off to Moscow, presumably to be tortured into admitting what he has done. Steve and Kate must identify the moles and reel them in before the Russians snuff them. But before that can happen, Vail must solve the many puzzles that Calculus uses to conceal information. Thriller fans get an endlessly twisting plot strewn with chases, gun battles, and explosions. Calculus’ puzzles are engaging, and the bureau’s procedural and bureaucratic thickets sound real. Cynics will enjoy the portrayal of all FBI administrators as butt-covering careerists, but Vail, equal parts Sherlock Holmes and Dirty Harry, strains credulity. Not as strong as The Bricklayer, but fans won’t want to give up on the series yet. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member Omakase
Not having read The Bricklayer, I was somewhat intrigued by the jacket blurb and bubbling praise for Agent X. The premise wasn’t particularly original (ex-FBI agent is called back to help on a special case), but in the hands of a new author I was hoping for a fresh take on the idea.
Unfortunately,
The plot is an over-the-top spy mystery with so many (very unlikely) plot twists and dead bodies that by the end I just wanted the story to be over. While I can suspend belief for a rip-roaring action story, this one just did not measure up. The book opens with Steve Vail, the main character, solving a kidnapping while seemingly on a coffee break. A few keen insights and he is able to solve the crime and capture the kidnapper in a dozen pages. This was a prelude to how the rest of the book unfolds with Vail jumping frenetically from scene to scene.
Boyd manages to wrap some interesting puzzles into the narrative, but these can’t carry the storyline.
The problems with this book really fall into three areas: dialogue, characters and plot – which doesn’t leave much. The dialogue is this novel is frankly horrendous. Every other line sounds like adolescent banter and it never lets up. The sexual innuendo and double entendres get very old and had me cringing in so many places.
The characters were forgettable and very one dimensional for most of the book. The “relationship” between Vail and Kate Bannon was stiff and unnatural and felt forced into the story. Vail himself is portrayed not only as always being the smartest guy in the room, but the ONLY smart guy in the room.
As far as the twisting plot, there were just far too many times when the action didn’t make any sense. Boyd may be able to develop a better writing style in future books, but the action scenes here were dry and unexciting.
As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of books like this on the market and many of them are better. I would not recommend this book for the experienced reader as it will leave you disappointed.
Unfortunately,
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Agent X really failed as a sophomore novel in a number of areas and the quality of the overall story suffered greatly as a result. The author, Noah Boyd, is an ex-FBI agent himself, but he wasn’t able to capture any of the real life details you would expect with a writer who has that experience.The plot is an over-the-top spy mystery with so many (very unlikely) plot twists and dead bodies that by the end I just wanted the story to be over. While I can suspend belief for a rip-roaring action story, this one just did not measure up. The book opens with Steve Vail, the main character, solving a kidnapping while seemingly on a coffee break. A few keen insights and he is able to solve the crime and capture the kidnapper in a dozen pages. This was a prelude to how the rest of the book unfolds with Vail jumping frenetically from scene to scene.
Boyd manages to wrap some interesting puzzles into the narrative, but these can’t carry the storyline.
The problems with this book really fall into three areas: dialogue, characters and plot – which doesn’t leave much. The dialogue is this novel is frankly horrendous. Every other line sounds like adolescent banter and it never lets up. The sexual innuendo and double entendres get very old and had me cringing in so many places.
The characters were forgettable and very one dimensional for most of the book. The “relationship” between Vail and Kate Bannon was stiff and unnatural and felt forced into the story. Vail himself is portrayed not only as always being the smartest guy in the room, but the ONLY smart guy in the room.
As far as the twisting plot, there were just far too many times when the action didn’t make any sense. Boyd may be able to develop a better writing style in future books, but the action scenes here were dry and unexciting.
As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of books like this on the market and many of them are better. I would not recommend this book for the experienced reader as it will leave you disappointed.
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LibraryThing member command3r
Agent X comes across as standard secret agent fare. What Noah Boyd lacks in authenticity, he makes up for in keeping a swift pace. Though a real counter-intelligence agent may scoff at our hero being engaged in so many shootouts, the action drives the story. While there is a puzzle aspect to the
The main complaint with the novel is the interaction between Vail and the female lead, who seem to be stuck in a recurring loop of high school level banter. Overall the flaws (character interaction, authenticity) are able to be overlooked by the pace Boyd maintains in transitioning the reader from one shootout to the next.
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plot, the clues lie off screen, only accessible to the protagonist Steve Vail, agent turned bricklayer turned agent (he doesn't actually do any brick laying in this novel, but the readers are constantly reminded of his off screen blue collar life, lest we forget). Not having read the first in the series (The Bricklayer) did not seem to have affected the understanding of the plot or characters. The main complaint with the novel is the interaction between Vail and the female lead, who seem to be stuck in a recurring loop of high school level banter. Overall the flaws (character interaction, authenticity) are able to be overlooked by the pace Boyd maintains in transitioning the reader from one shootout to the next.
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LibraryThing member Jarratt
This is the second time in a row I’ve read a book just to finish it, not because I wanted to finish it. I won “Agent X” in the Early Reviewer program, so bought Boyd’s first book, “The Bricklayer” to prepare myself, since it has mason and part-time FBI agent Steve Vail in both books.
As
Vail’s ability to figure virtually everything out with apparent ease is ridiculous. He stops by a police precinct while they’re scrambling to find a missing boy at a children’s marathon. Within a few hours (and completely on his own, of course) he solves not only the mystery of the day, but one of four years earlier. Poof!
Characters like Preston/Child’s Pendergast have an uncanny ability to solve crimes, but he’s a much more cool character than Vail. I get the feeling like Boyd’s read authors like Preston/Child, DeMille, Flynn, etc. but just doesn’t have the ability to get anywhere near them. I think he’s trying to make the complexity of the plot the real character, and that just falls flat.
As
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with the first, “Agent X” was too convoluted, too long, and with too little character development. Vail can seemingly do no wrong and all the other FBI agents around him can do nothing without Vail’s direction. The sexual banter is silly and pushed, the action eye-rollingly unbelievable, and the coincidences too far-fetched.Vail’s ability to figure virtually everything out with apparent ease is ridiculous. He stops by a police precinct while they’re scrambling to find a missing boy at a children’s marathon. Within a few hours (and completely on his own, of course) he solves not only the mystery of the day, but one of four years earlier. Poof!
Characters like Preston/Child’s Pendergast have an uncanny ability to solve crimes, but he’s a much more cool character than Vail. I get the feeling like Boyd’s read authors like Preston/Child, DeMille, Flynn, etc. but just doesn’t have the ability to get anywhere near them. I think he’s trying to make the complexity of the plot the real character, and that just falls flat.
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LibraryThing member jazziejj07
Steve Vail, the Bricklayer, was entertaining and very fast moving. As another reviewer noted Vail was, " a little too good to be true." The bad guy in this book is someone at the Russian embassy known as Calculus. He's offered the FBI the names of American's trading classified information for cash.
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There were a lot of twists and turns in this second book about the Bricklayer; along with several sub-plots. It was an easy read with not a lot of substance. Although I like the first book a lot better, I look forward to the next book featuring, The Bricklayer. Show Less
LibraryThing member mybookcloset
I met Steve Vail, ex-FBI agent and hero of this book in The Bricklayer. In that novel he was convinced to help out the FBI on a case, even though he had been fired several years before. That case ended with the FBI Director offering him his job back with the promise of free rein. Vail’s dislike
This sequel finds Vail unexpectedly showing up at Kate’s door on New Years Eve to escort her to a party hoping to re-kindle their romance. Before feelings can be explored she gets a call about a kidnapping and we’re off at break neck speed. His re-appearance and involvement in solving the kidnapping, just as a possible spy case begins, brings him to the attention of the Director of counterintelligence. The Director convinces Vail and Kate to help find a list of moles alleged to exist by a Russian defector who has disappeared.
I love a good tough guy and Vail is tough, but he’s also a thinker that has an uncanny knack of coming to the correct conclusion when presented with the facts/clues in a case. One thing learned early on… he keeps and acts on the best clues himself, often sending other agents off on leads he knows will come to nothing. That’s why the introduction of Agent Luke Bursaw, the only friend Vail seems to have from his days at the Bureau, was welcome. Up till then he seemed like a total loner, who trusted no one.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to additional books in the series.
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of Bureau management, which he knows will always kick in, causes him to turn the offer down, say goodbye to by-the-book Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon (failed love interest), and head back to Chicago and his life as a bricklayer.This sequel finds Vail unexpectedly showing up at Kate’s door on New Years Eve to escort her to a party hoping to re-kindle their romance. Before feelings can be explored she gets a call about a kidnapping and we’re off at break neck speed. His re-appearance and involvement in solving the kidnapping, just as a possible spy case begins, brings him to the attention of the Director of counterintelligence. The Director convinces Vail and Kate to help find a list of moles alleged to exist by a Russian defector who has disappeared.
I love a good tough guy and Vail is tough, but he’s also a thinker that has an uncanny knack of coming to the correct conclusion when presented with the facts/clues in a case. One thing learned early on… he keeps and acts on the best clues himself, often sending other agents off on leads he knows will come to nothing. That’s why the introduction of Agent Luke Bursaw, the only friend Vail seems to have from his days at the Bureau, was welcome. Up till then he seemed like a total loner, who trusted no one.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to additional books in the series.
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LibraryThing member readafew
This is the sequel to the Bricklayer, starring Steve Vail. Steve stops by Kate Bannon's home on New Year's Eve hoping to accompany her to a party when she gets a phone call asking for help on a kidnapping. Kate and Steve go and solve the kidnapping in a few hours and return to find the Director of
This is a fast paced story with a bit of humorous bantering between the main characters which helped make the book enjoyable. Steve seems to have an almost magical ability to come to the right conclusions and luck upon vital clues to keep the pace moving. Overall, it's a fun book with lots of action but the plot is quite thin and the holes are visible if you slow down and take the time to look closely. Fans of David Baldacci and James Patterson will likely enjoy this book.
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counterintelligence wants to meet with both of them to ask their help in finding a list of moles purported to exist by a 'defector' that got recalled to Russia. This is a fast paced story with a bit of humorous bantering between the main characters which helped make the book enjoyable. Steve seems to have an almost magical ability to come to the right conclusions and luck upon vital clues to keep the pace moving. Overall, it's a fun book with lots of action but the plot is quite thin and the holes are visible if you slow down and take the time to look closely. Fans of David Baldacci and James Patterson will likely enjoy this book.
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LibraryThing member rdurant1217
Going into this book, written by author previously unknown to me, I must admit that I had fairly low expectations. However, as a fan of the likes of Harlan Coben, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, and the like, I was very pleasantly surprised.
This book (the second in the burgeoning series, but the
This male/female are struggling not only with their romantic intentions but with their cases and the addition of Luke Bursaw, Steve's only trusted Agent friend, the recipe for "crime solving" is complete.
The writer shows a lot of promise with this book - his style is a little rough and the plot has too many offshoots for it to be considered a tightly knit book, but the fundamentals and good pacing are there. His dialogue doesn't make me want to cringe and run away - mostly it's very good. There are parts where you're suspending disbelief, in a way you would with a decent movie, chalking up the strange, seemingly out of character actions as "it's a movie" or in this case "it's an action thriller" not a non-fiction account.
But overally it's surprisingly easy to read, although at times gets bogged down in too much detail, however the ending was wrapped up rather well. I think the characters are enjoyable and I will look forward to the next one by Noah Boyd.
This book (the second in the burgeoning series, but the
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first to me) marked my first introduction to Steve Vail, an ex-FBI agent-cum-bricklayer who is just too good at his previous job to avoid getting pulled back into it again and again. Albeit, he does so not as reluctantly as he'd have you believe and at the behest of female protagonist Kate Bannon. This male/female are struggling not only with their romantic intentions but with their cases and the addition of Luke Bursaw, Steve's only trusted Agent friend, the recipe for "crime solving" is complete.
The writer shows a lot of promise with this book - his style is a little rough and the plot has too many offshoots for it to be considered a tightly knit book, but the fundamentals and good pacing are there. His dialogue doesn't make me want to cringe and run away - mostly it's very good. There are parts where you're suspending disbelief, in a way you would with a decent movie, chalking up the strange, seemingly out of character actions as "it's a movie" or in this case "it's an action thriller" not a non-fiction account.
But overally it's surprisingly easy to read, although at times gets bogged down in too much detail, however the ending was wrapped up rather well. I think the characters are enjoyable and I will look forward to the next one by Noah Boyd.
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LibraryThing member debavp
This still reminded me a bit of Lee Child's Reacher, John Sandford's Davenport, and Michael Connelly's Bosch, the same feeling I had with The Bricklayer, but with a tiny bit of Dan Brown's Langdon thrown in. Vail is just a comfortable sort of character, allowing that his persona is really
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unbelievable. Bannon, well, she really has no personality in this one, except as a "yes" woman. How did she ever make it to the top of the FBI when all she does is go along with everybody! The introduction of Bursaw was a smart addition and provided some comedic verbal sparring between the guys. I'm still looking forward to seeing this series develop over time. Show Less
LibraryThing member SRB5729
This was a fun read. The main character seemed a bit one dimensional at first but began to flush out better as the story moved. The plot held my attention for its plausibility, other than the amount of action in such a short period. The pacing is quick and light. As stated earlier, there is a bit
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of a dialog challenge in the male - female interactions. They seem limited and repetitive. Despite the challenges of the book, I enjoyed this author and would like to read more as its written. Show Less
LibraryThing member Camellia1
I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. This was an OK book, but not my favorite thriller by any means. The Steve Vail character is maybe just a little too perfect - He figures out all the cryptic clues, shoots all the bad guys, and helps solve assorted other criminal cases
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along the way. All the other characters just seem to be there so there are people around for Vail to talk to as he explains his brilliant insights. While I did finish this book, I won't be looking for others in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Boobalack
In my opinion, this is just another formulaic espionage book. Steve Vail represents the required genius, who can solve most any puzzle before others can even read the clues. His obligatory romantic interest is Kate Bannon, a by-the-book person, who loosens up a tad toward the end of the book. I
The book moves along at a rapid pace – at times too swiftly for realism. At the end, though, it seemed that the author just got tired of writing and called it quits.
Steve and Kate had dated briefly in the past, but she decided they were too different, and they are – in disposition, in outlook on life and in many other ways. They both are drawn to each other, but Kate continues to resist, and Steve acts like a love-sick kid, which doesn’t quite fit his image. The “maybe, maybe not” quality of the romance soon got very boring.
For such an intelligent man, Steve took much too long to figure out one thing, which he should have realized after one or two happenings. I can’t tell you what it is without spoiling the discovery that finally pops into his head..
Another thing that was rather a disappointment is that it was too easy to decide who Agent X was. I knew when there was about a forth of the book left to read. Too many clues pointed to this person.
I think the author has read too many Dan Brown books – again, just my opinion.
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suppose being thrown in prison, though innocent, must have mellowed her some.The book moves along at a rapid pace – at times too swiftly for realism. At the end, though, it seemed that the author just got tired of writing and called it quits.
Steve and Kate had dated briefly in the past, but she decided they were too different, and they are – in disposition, in outlook on life and in many other ways. They both are drawn to each other, but Kate continues to resist, and Steve acts like a love-sick kid, which doesn’t quite fit his image. The “maybe, maybe not” quality of the romance soon got very boring.
For such an intelligent man, Steve took much too long to figure out one thing, which he should have realized after one or two happenings. I can’t tell you what it is without spoiling the discovery that finally pops into his head..
Another thing that was rather a disappointment is that it was too easy to decide who Agent X was. I knew when there was about a forth of the book left to read. Too many clues pointed to this person.
I think the author has read too many Dan Brown books – again, just my opinion.
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LibraryThing member DBower
I received this book through early reviewers and loved it. The story was realistic, the characters were well developed, and the pace was wild. It was evident throughout that the author (a former FBI guy) knew the world in which he was writing . I read the book in a weekend finding it extremely hard
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to put down. I am a huge fan of Connelly, Crais, Baldacci, Patterson and the like and truly believe that this author will soon be giving them a run for their money. I have already purchased the first book (Bricklayer) and look forward to future books in the series. If you like police/FBI thrillers with a touch of political drama you should definitely give this book a try. Show Less
LibraryThing member alohaboy
I received this book through early reviewers and read it in one sitting. After reading The Bricklayer when it was published last year I hoped the author would bring Steve Vail back. And I am glad he did. Anyone who has to deal with bureaucrats understands Vail's approach to solving crimes--nod yes
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to the bureaucrat and do your own thing. Which Vail does with gusto. The story is realistic--Russians, moles, defectors, counterterroism, etc.--, the characters are believable, and the pacing like the Indy 500. It was evident throughout that the author is intimately familiar with the world in which he was writing--and loves the institution but not the people who run it. It's a great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member ToddGerber
I received an ARC for this book, and enjoyed it enough that I already went back to purchase the author's first book. Steve Vail is an ex-FBI operative with a predictable dislike for Bureau management, but driven by his rocky love affair with Kate Bannon, an assistant FBI director. He is pulled back
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into a extortion case, and is quickly solving puzzles left by a source at the Russian embassy who has indicated knowledge of American traitors. Some of the puzzles are a bit odd (e.g., notches on a CD edge) and at times it appears that all FBI agents are someone inept given that Vail walks in and solves complex issues overnight. His desire to avoid managerial involvement often leads to physical confrontations and plenty of dead bodies, and although that may be a bit predictable as well, the book wouldn't have been as entertaining without it. Vail is a good surrogate for the time between Reacher (Lee Child) and Pike (Crais) novels, and a good book upon which to finish 2010. Show Less
LibraryThing member LB121100
Steven Vail is a renegade ex-FBI agent who hates bureaucrats - can you relate? So he takes on special projects as he works as a bricklayer. He has a romantic interest in Kate Banning who is high up in the FBI but the two can't get their relationship on the right path. Steve works on two main cases
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simultaneously in this book and both make his character and the story very exciting and suspenseful. i liked Steve's character. He does what a lot of us want to do - do our job without interference. But sometimes that can get you in trouble. This is an easy to read book and one that you don't mind going back to the next day. I really enjoyed it and recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member millhold
This was one of my early reviewer books. While I enjoyed the book, as a light weight, no brainer, I won't be rushing to purchase Boyd's books unless they're from the used bookstore.
I found the story to be less than original, and the first half kept reminding me of a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mystery.
I couldn't wait to finish this book, so I could start something else, although I did enjoy the humor.
I found the story to be less than original, and the first half kept reminding me of a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mystery.
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The last half was somewhat better, but still, toward the end, when I was supposed to be surprised, I wasn't having figured out the big secret early on. I couldn't wait to finish this book, so I could start something else, although I did enjoy the humor.
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LibraryThing member bill
I have my favorite authors and they typically write books that suck me into the story in the first few pages. I read mysteries and suspense to escape. Boyd’s Agent X did exactly what I wanted, I was hooked in the first few pages. Steve Vail, the Bricklayer, is a hard as nails good guy. Smart, but
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he resists authority and hence wants to go his own direction. I detect a hint of Bernard Sampson, Len Deighton’s cold war spy unlikely hero. Vail gets drawn into official business through his girl friend, FBI agent Kate Bannon. He likes her, but she wants to break off their relationship. That wonderful relationship makes for an ideal partnership to solve mysteries, protect America from spies, and generally upset the calm of Washington, D.C. I thoroughly enjoyed Boyd’s writing, the plot twists, and the relationship between Vail and Bannon. I’ll definitely be reading more Boyd as this series develops. Show Less
LibraryThing member thejazzmonger
Agent X is part of a series about Steve Vail, ex-FBI agent turned Chicago bricklayer. This is a very good book and a fun read. Vail is an entertaining character with a superb sense of humor to go along with his talent for crime-solving and adventure.
Boyd's characters are realistic, engaging
I liked "The Bricklayer" character and his back-story. This is a series that I will follow eagerly.
I highly recommend Agent X by Noah Boyd.
Boyd's characters are realistic, engaging
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personalities, not just plot devices. And the story offers a number of surprises that kept me engaged throughout. For my taste, a spy/crime thriller has to have an air of plausibility. The perils of the protagonist can't be "ginned up" just because it's time for a crisis. Noah Boyd satisfies on all counts.I liked "The Bricklayer" character and his back-story. This is a series that I will follow eagerly.
I highly recommend Agent X by Noah Boyd.
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LibraryThing member johnfgaines
I am happy to be introduced to Noah Boyd and his "Bricklayer" series featuring FBI-agent turned construction worker Steve Vail and his partner (in more ways than one) Kate Bannon. Boyd is the pseudonym for an FBI insider and his insight into the inner workings of the Bureau shows in his writing.
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Even so, Vail's uncanny ability to piece together clues and reach conclusions stretches credulity at times. Exciting fiction sometimes requires the reader to practice the willing suspension of disbelief. The most enjoyable course is to sit back and go with the flow of the adventurous narrative. When the reader is willing to stop picking nits, he or she is in for a wild ride as Vail and Bannon lurch from one dangerous situation to another, trying to untangle an Ariadne's thread leading them to a series of traitors who had been giving American secrets to the Russians. The trouble is the Russians keep wasting their assets by killing off the traitors just before the FBI catches them. On the whole, Agent X is a very satisfying read and comes highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member maureen61
This was a fabulous read! The story was suspenseful, filled with unexpected twists and turns and integrated with wit and a wry sense of humor. The main characters were well developed yet left with some undefined aspects of their personality that continue to intrigue. The mysterious deaths in this
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spy novel prove that the complexities of the cold war continue into the 21 century with the added complications of technology and a global need for indepth information on nations and weapons development no matter what the cost. I am now going to find the first book - "The Bricklayer"_ and know I won't be disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bumpersmom
Steven Vail is the new super agent, along with Kate Bannon they untangle to most intricate and complicated clues in a spy mystery that is a real page turner. I know this is the 2nd book in a new series, so I read the first book before tackling my assisgnment. I recommend both books and look forward
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to Book #3. Show Less
LibraryThing member cycoduck
Yet another early reviewer book that just didn't catch my interest.
LibraryThing member JJKING
My apologize for taking so long to review this book.Took it on vacation and it was missed placed.Then the other book came and could not put it down.By then I had this one and I"m so glad I found it....Its a roller coaster ride with the twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end,and
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when you find out who Agent X is and the reason behind it all...well...would say more...but don't want to gave anything away...WELL WORTH YOUR TIME... Show Less
LibraryThing member SallyRose
Noah Boyd’s life makes up for a remarkably authentic background for this book. His own life was a former FBI agent and his character of Steve Vail, aka Bricklayer was derived from his father’s occupation.
As I did not read his first book, this is my thought of where Bricklayer came from. He was
Kate Banning starts the story as someone who knows something or has something someone wants. The first pages get you hooked. You do not have to wait until page 100 to get into this story. The story moved up, down, and sideways. When you think that is it, something else pops up to grab your attention.
The book is very readable. , Even though Steve is a superman hero, his has Clark Kent’s romantic skills with Kate and as a result the romance falls flat in the story.
The cover is quite eye catching and would make a great Mark Valley movie!
As I did not read his first book, this is my thought of where Bricklayer came from. He was
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a disenchanted FBI agent and rules got in his way of doing his job effectively. Therefore, Steve Vail becomes a nomad with the skill of an officer of the law but none of the stops. Despite this, it does stand on its own without having read the first book.Kate Banning starts the story as someone who knows something or has something someone wants. The first pages get you hooked. You do not have to wait until page 100 to get into this story. The story moved up, down, and sideways. When you think that is it, something else pops up to grab your attention.
The book is very readable. , Even though Steve is a superman hero, his has Clark Kent’s romantic skills with Kate and as a result the romance falls flat in the story.
The cover is quite eye catching and would make a great Mark Valley movie!
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LibraryThing member PatrickJIV
Although this is fiction, the believability of some of the things these two peeps did, especially figuring out the code was just to much to think it was possible. Disappointed in this book.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011-02-08
Physical description
7.4 x 1.2 inches
ISBN
0061827037 / 9780061827037