Blowback: A Thriller Paperback – November 14, 2023

Great developt characters, intense action that doesn’t stop until the final word. James Patterson at his best. Incredible read that doesn’t let you down.

I prefer layered, political espionage reads. Patterson’s last book co-written with Bill Clinton, is a superior read.This was good but I felt it wasn’t complex & layered enough. The operatives were given too much focus and I feel the lead up of the President’s out of control spiral wasn’t nearly as detailed as I’d have liked. There wasn’t enough substance to “ get into his mind” & flow with the story “ in his head & shoes”CIA Director’s part was well played. VP storyline was awesome. End game escalation with cyber control, again, could have been enhanced.There were few layers that came to light throughout the read, to impact & entice the dedicated reader.however, great and possible scenerio all in all.

Years ago I made a personal decision to forego reading top writers so that I could read and review those books that were written by lesser known writers. It was a payback, of sorts, for me... But, when I saw the subtitle of James Patterson's latest thriller, Blowback, I broke with that decision... And I was glad that I did. It's another fantastic Patterson thriller; however, I read it with prejudice. My hypothesis before reading was that the insane president would be exactly, or for most of the book, like Trump, the former president. I was right. Even the use of related characters from today's political world are recognizable. My guess is that Patterson had to allow readers the reality of what is happening in America, yet create a book that was publishable, without prejudice... I saw the president in the book being the same person that is now running for president in 2024. Each readers will decide whether they see what I did... No matter what, I fully recommend the book to all, especially James Patterson's fans... And, I believe since there are those who pointed out that it was related to Trump and gave it a low ranking, I have the same right to state my viewpoint.President Keegan Barrett was single and preferred working upstairs rather than the Oval Office in general. It was more private, which is what he wanted. His Chief of Staff was a figurehead who was only used when the President wanted something from him... Instead, this president chose to have his "fixer" with him at all times... In fact, he was the only individual who had been with Barrett before his presidency began.Barrett began putting pressure on individuals almost immediately. One man was in Congress and he was charged with delaying the appointment process for the empty position of Director of the CIA. But she, too, had influence and she used it to work behind the scenes to get the director position filled. But, in the meantime, Barrett had already done his research and he had picked two CIA agents to serve and report directly to the president. While both of the individuals were concerned that they were not being placed in these highly classified positions without any form of required approval, they, nevertheless, felt that they had no choice...Liam Grey was to create a team who would be operational across the world, in conducting black "hits" of those the president had identified who needed to be eliminated... While Noa Himel, who had been in the same training class was to work within the United States conducting the same type of kill jobs. Noa was the sane one and started asking lots of questions which Barrett easily sloughed off. Yes, the FBI was the appropriate group, but Barrett had chosen these two individuals for a specific reason, perhaps, he thought they could be manipulated? He'd be watching, though, because, of course, while doing his dirty work, Barrett would also be monitoring them to ensure they did exactly what was demanded.Readers will see the action occurring--that's the thriller part of the book. But when people were being affected by these events, both of the individuals began to worry, especially, when one of Grey's crew died during one of the overseas jobs and Barrett explained that he would not be formally recognized for his loss, and, later, a friend who had been seen in contact with Barrett, was killed. That man was a doctor who had shared his opinion of Barrett as somebody who is a Cluster A personality disorder, presenting as paranoia.Grey and Himel, who had now started meeting outside of the government facilities, began to realize that they, too, could be removed from the earth, without anybody knowing what had happened. They had to make some hard decisions as to what to do, especially when Himel shared that, in meeting with Barrett recently, she had tried to get out of the assignment and Barrett had immediately pointed out that he could attack Noa and rape her right there in his office and then arrange for her disappearance...But who could they trust? Just how many people within this administration were also doing work behind the scenes that would not normally be sanctioned as approved and necessary for the continuation of democracy! From the United States to locations, including China, across the world, illegally authorized, activities had been occurring and spreading... And it was quite clear that the foundation for World War III was being built if Barrett wasn't stopped!GABixlerReviews

By far the best James Patterson book to date. Kudos to Patterson and his co-author, Brendan Dubois, for a hit right out of the ballpark. When I have to take reading breaks to lower my blood pressure and heart rate which are spiking because of the suspense, I know it’s a truly awesome read! A deranged president who is literally less than a minute from plunging the world into an abyss from which their will be no escape and the only one who can thwart his irresponsible and illegal actions is being hemmed in by the President’s diabolical (and unlawful) actions - makes for a really good read. Scary because it seems so very plausible. This is a man who thinks it’s his destiny to be great and ‘save’ the world (in his distorted vision), while actually threatening to ruin it, and plunge the world into economic and quite possibly atomic chaos. And a woman who is determined not to let it happen. But can she? We all know she can, but getting to the reassurance of that literally will make your heart race. A darned good read! Quite literally, the best thriller I have read in a very long time and far and away my favorite novel bearing Patterson’s name. Buy it. Read it. Prepare to lose sleep as you think “just one more chapter,” but that chapter is a cliff-hanger so it’s again “one more chapter…”

From the New York Times bestselling author of The President Is Missing, America has elected its most brilliant president ever, but he’s also a psychopath—and about to start a world war with our most dangerous enemy.US President Keegan Barrett has swept into office on his success as Director of the CIA. Six months into his first term, he devises a clandestine power grab with deadly consequences.Barrett personally orders CIA agents Liam Grey and Noa Himel to execute his plan, but their loyalties are divided. The CIA serves at the pleasure of the president, yet they’ve sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.When the threat comes directly from the Oval Office, that’s where the blowback begins.MY THOUGHTS:An intense story that carries the reader along quickly, Blowback was one to grip us, with the events and characters that take us to an ending that could only be stunning.There were some characters that were less than intriguing, but my favorites were the ones I clung to throughout.An unforgettable five star read.***

Started great with thrilling action but latter part was less captivating. The US President character appears to be unrealistic. The story doesn’t flow well.

This is a good read. Many twist and turns keeps one reading.Lots of characters to keep track of which makes it interesting.

Great book, continuous action and hard to put down once you start.