Reaper: Ghost Target by Nicholas Irving with A. J. Tata
Harwood, one of the best snipers in the Rangers, is tracking his target in Afghanistan when he witnesses what appears to be a kidnapping of Afghani women. As he prepares to take out his target, the Chechen terrorist Khasan Basayev, his position is attacked. Harwood wakes with severe head injuries and gaps in his memory. His spotter has disappeared.
Harwood returns to the United States to continue his physical and mental recovery. There are still gaps in his memory as he goes about training other snipers around the country. Suddenly, people around Harwood start dying and he finds himself on the run from the police. Harwood has to unravel the mystery before the police close in on him. He finds himself evading the police, the army, his old friend the Chechen, and other unknown parties in a conspiracy that stretches from Afghanistan to the highest reaches of the US military and government.
Irving knows how to tell an exciting and fast-paced tale. His African American protagonist brings an interesting perspective and style to the military thriller genre. Irving’s military knowledge and sniping experience lend an authenticity to the action. He does a good job of layering in the mystery that has to be solved along the way, interspersed with strong action pieces. Some of the plot points are telegraphed, but this doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of the story. Once Harwood is on the run, the book really takes off with a pace that keeps accelerating until the very end. Harwood’s humanity and inner conflict is on display and Irving surrounds him with other complicated and sometimes sympathetic characters.
Exciting action, solid characters and an entertaining story make for a great blend and a promising start to a new series. I’m looking forward to further stories in the series. Thriller fans will definitely enjoy. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the publisher.
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