Andrew Britton (1) (1981–2008)

As I mentioned in a comment a few weeks ago, I found The Assassin to be "the most amazingly soporiferous thriller I've ever read". I stand by that analysis. The characters were wooden, the plot was obvious, and there was just nothing to hold my interest.

In the past, I've suggested that Scot Harvath, protagonist of Brad Thor's novels, aspires to be Mitch Rapp, the protagonist of Vince Flynn's novels. By that standard, Ryan Kealey, aspires to be Scot Harvath (and fails miserably). Thus, it is show more a long, long way, from Kealey to Rapp.

Perhaps a comparison is the best way to analyze this book: From the beginning of 2008 until I started The Assassin in early August, I read 30 books; that is, I was reading approximately 1 book every week. It took me exactly one month to read The Assassin. Until someone gives me a good reason to change my mind, I'm afraid that Andrew Britton has fallen off of my reading list. show less

This review is based on an uncorrected proof for Early Reviewers and, as such, may not represent the final published product.

This was my first Kealey novel by Britton and I now look forward to catching up with earlier installments. Britton's writing is fast-paced, well-developed, and enjoyable. While "The Operative" certainly isn't groundbreaking in the thriller genre, it is a more than capable entry into the field.

Britton's Kealey is a welcome relief from most protagonists in the genre. He show more is not a superman never missing with a shot and always thinking two steps ahead of his enemies. His flaws are developed and integrated into the story adding depth and context.

Unlike so many of today's thrillers, Britton's action sequences are neither gratuitous nor farcical. They are well paced and show a great understanding of not only the technical aspects, but the interpersonal side of conflict as well.

"The Operative" is an enjoyable and engaging read, representing the best of the thriller genre available in today's market. Four out of five stars. show less

For not being a super original story, "The Operative" was too complicated for it's own good. While I don't think Britton was a bad writer, there were many passages I had to read several times. He also struggled with that fine line between making the dialogue realistic (in terms of jargon and acronyms) and making it confusing. Crichton was brilliant at it. But here, often, I'd read the dialogue, read the next couple of paragraphs that explain what was said, then have to read the dialogue show more again with the new found knowledge.

"The Operative" is about an American "patriot" who decides to force a final conflict between the US and Islamic nations. If you want to read a similar--but much better done--book, read Nelson DeMille's "Wild Fire." show less

When I started reading, I was hooked.

I liked the way the plot unfolded, step by step, as if I looked over the shoulder of Ryan Kealey.
Only when he learned that the terrorist who is about to attack the American, Italian and French presidents, the scope also switched to him.
I could feel the tension as it were, when the police, CIA, FBI and all other agencies were trying to prevent the attack from happening. Since there was too little information, it looked at first they would never succeed. show more BUT a lucky question brought a neccessary answer and the bomb never went off. Too bad that Kealey did not think of anything but going home to his fiancee, that he even left his gun outside. Now he had no defence at all, when he found the terrorist in his own house, holding Katie hostage. And, killing her, just to hurt him and provoke him to come and start a chase.
It was a plausible book, well written, a reccomendation to all who love these kind of books. show less