Jon Land

WOW. That Prologue sure got my heart pounding and it’s ‘funny’ I read this right now, because I was just talking about hazardous waste, how they transport it, where it goes, what happens to it over time, and how frightening the whole situation is.

It all starts for Robert, an investigator, and his soon to be ally, Kelly Lofton, who is a member of the Capitol Police, with a shooting on the capitol steps. Terrorists? If terrorists, are they foreign or domestic?

Robert prays that he won’t show more lose another member of his family to violence. His grandson, Max, was on those steps. Max is a chip off the old block. Because of his past ‘work’, Robert knows many people who work in the shadows and he will need all the help he can get. Robert and Kelly both play by their own rules, so it’s not surprising that the threads they are both following bring them together.

Kelly was unfairly let go from her job with Baltimore Homicide. She had been good enough to be the city’s youngest female homicide detective, and she was also African American. The Blue Wall (of evil) reared its ugly head and I am ticked off for her. She makes unilateral decisions, holding things close to the vest and opening the door for those close to her to betray her.

I love damaged characters. I find it interesting, how they struggle through their daily lives, striving to do the right thing, to have a happy home life, while situations beyond their control cause them to put their lives on the line.

Government secrets…I know we need them. How else can we fight against those who want to bring us down. But, that also leaves things open for abuse. Just like anything else, those who want to do good…will. Those who want to do bad…will. I love how Jon Land incorporates bits of reality into his stories. It’s these bits of reality that make the story even more frightening. Some even sound like current events you would hear on the news…or leaked from behind closed doors.

The suspense and tension are ramping up. The action is nonstop. I am beginning to be very worried for some of the characters. How much danger is coming their way? Will they all make it, or will someone pay the ultimate price. Either way, they are in it to the end.

The more I read, the more I feel a sense of urgency. Not just to stop whatever is coming, but to save the lives of the characters. And, isn’t there always some religious zealot making his grab for power, not caring how many he destroys to gain it? We get to see into the mind of evil and find his motivation.

Each chapter hops to a characters moment in time. I love/hate it because it ramps up my need to know, mauybe even stop what happens next. LOL As if I could.

Even though I always recommend starting a series with the first book, it is not necessary. Each book can stand alone. I had never read any of the series before Jon Land starting writing it and began the series with Murder on the Metro. I don’t feel like it affects the book, but it does make me curious about Robert and his past.

We have seen how fragile democracy is and how easily someone can twist things to try to achieve their own agenda, whether greed, power, or just plan hate. Murder at the CDC is a story that seems all too real, but…

WHEW…Brixton and Kelly will live to fight another day. Will they do it together? I know that Robert is the main character, but I love Kelly and hope I get to see more of her.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Murder at the CDC by Jon Land.

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Since the inception of the Texas Rangers, there has been a member of the Strong family serving as a Ranger. Caitlin Strong is a fifth-generation Texas Ranger and just as fierce and awe-inspiring as her forebears. One of the many things I enjoy about reading the Caitlin Strong series is how Caitlin's present-day adventures often mirror those of her father, grandfather, great-grandfather, or great-great-grandfather. In Strong From the Heart, Caitlin is battling enemies on several fronts, show more including one with a very personal link to the children she's helping to raise with her significant other, Cort Wesley Masters. Dylan Torres, Cort Wesley's youngest son, has recently suffered an opioid overdose and the drugs were provided to him at his boarding school. Although Caitlin and Cort Wesley have often battled against enemies that have brought the fight a bit too close to home for comfort, this one has far-reaching ties and may require all of the help they can muster. While Caitlin is trying to reign in Cort Wesley from eliminating all drug dealers from the face of Texas, she must also work to find out who caused the deaths of close to 300 residents of a border town and the subsequent murder of a survivor. Will Caitlin and Cort Wesley be able to find the answers to their family's drug issue before it's too late? Is it possible the deaths of the border town residents due to cyanide gas are linked to the opioid crisis and if so, how and who is responsible? If the deaths aren't linked to the opioid crisis, then what was the reason for the deaths and who is responsible?

If you've been following me for any length of time, then you know I enjoy re-reading books. Yes, I often re-read books when I should be reading new books. So of course, I spent the past eight days re-reading the entire Caitlin Strong series in preparation for reading the newest addition, Strong From the Heart. I know, I know, I've told you that I love this series. You probably thought I was exaggerating. I wasn't. I read the newest addition in one day even though I was dealing with a severe migraine AND back spasms. Let me tell you when you can't comfortably sit upright or even recline, your pain medication isn't working, and you can't turn on a light or even have any music playing in the background but you continue to read, then you must enjoy the book you're reading, right?! I recently described Caitlin Strong as a combination of Wonder Woman, Annie Oakley, and the Lone Ranger. She's someone that is always out seeking the truth and fighting for justice no matter what. Caitlin isn't exactly a social advocate, but she does constantly get into "good trouble" by fighting for what's right. She's willing to stand up for the underdog even against seemingly insurmountable odds and she isn't afraid to go up against anyone, including the federal government when necessary. Case in point, she begins in Strong From the Heart by thwarting ICE agents from "taking several school children into custody" by putting them into "protective custody" as "material witnesses" for the Texas Rangers. She stands up against Homeland Security on a regular basis and has even stood up against US Senators. Strong From the Heart brings back a number of cast regulars, including Captain D.W. Tepper - Caitlin's Texas Ranger boss, Colonel Guillermo Paz - a former Venezuelan Colonel/assassin/current guardian anger, Cort Wesley Masters - Caitlin's significant other/former mob enforcer/retired military, Dylan Torres - Cort Wesley's eldest son and current student at Brown University, Luke Torres - Cort Wesley's youngest son and current boarding student at the Village School in Houston, Jones/Smith - former Homeland Security agent, Dr. Whatley - Rangers' pathologist, Nola Delgado - Caitlin's half-sister/assassin/pseudo-pharmaceutical representative, William Ray Strong - Caitlin's great-grandfather and a Texas Ranger, and Pancho Villa (yes, that Pancho Villa). As always with a Caitlin Strong story, there are bad guys and worse guys. One of the bad guys in this story is an "enforcer" that seems to enjoy killing for the sake of killing and suffers from "congenital insensitivity to pain" or an inability to feel physical pain. (You can tell that's not going to end well.) The worse guys, in my estimation, are the ones that have hired the enforcer and are willing to do whatever it takes to protect themselves and their goals, which is ultimately making money and gaining more power. This story has a lot going on, as with all of the Caitlin Strong stories, including family angst and drama, government intrigue, behind-the-scenes power-brokering, prescription pain addiction, legal and illegal drug dealing (on a massive scale), mass murder, intrigue, and more. Yes, I could give you specifics, but if I did you wouldn't want or need to read the book and you really need to read this book! Seriously, if you're into suspense, thrillers, or books filled with twisted action and believable (and unbelievable but in a good way) characters, then you'll want to read this book. For those of you that are just as addicted to Caitlin's exploits as I am, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of Strong From the Heart if you haven't already purchased a copy. For those of you that haven't already started the Caitlin Strong series, spend your staycation by starting with book one in this series, Strong Enough to Die, and read all the way through to Strong From the Heart. Trust me after the first book, you'll be just as hooked as I am. The books are well-written, the stories well researched, the characters realistic, and the action based on real-life scenarios. I look forward to reading more about Caitlin and her exploits accompanied by her band of misfits in the future (okay, they're more like a dysfunctional family than misfits, but you get the point). I really don't want this series to end and am hoping that there were be a few more additions to the Caitlin Strong series before it eventually ends. So, while I wait for the next Caitlin Strong book, I'll probably spend some time re-reading a few books in this series to tide me over.

Happy Reading, y'all!

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review originally published on 08/18/2020 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/2020/08/2020-book-308-strong-from-heart-by-jon... show less

Years ago there was an ad on television for toothpaste that assured people using this brand that this product offered more than other products in this category, because their brand had MFP, plus they also had IPS. Well, with such recent cavity busting technology in its pocket, why buy anything else? Turns out MFP wasn't some complicated scientific jargon; the letters stood for: More Fluoride Protection. And the IPS? That's simply Invisible Protective Shield. I don't know whatever happened to show more MFP. At some point a catchier jingle or new code for fabulous toothpaste must have replaced it. What I do know for sure is that IPS lives on in **The Tenth Circle** by Jon Land, and Blaine McCracken is just loaded with it. How else could he possibly achieve all the hair-raising, death-defying, downright improbable stunts he pulls off in almost every chapter.

I read another thriller a while ago, not by Jon Land, in which the hero was handicapped. He was confined to a wheelchair which he maneuvered the old fashioned way - with elbow grease and well developed pecs. At one point in the novel, he gave chase to a villain, while in his self propelled wheelchair, down the middle of a one way street in which he was going the wrong way, through traffic, while aiming and shooting a gun to stop the bad guys. He had nothing on Blaine McCracken. **The Tenth Circle** had to be written with tongue firmly implanted in cheek, because no mere mortal could accomplish just one of McC's well-timed, hopelessly contrived, and truly hilarious stunts. But isn't that exactly what makes **The Tenth Circle** so much fun to read? And lovers of the thriller novels want their heroes to be invincible because we can't have the guy or gal wuss out and die on us before the huge, spectacular finish. In this thriller it isn't just McC who is invincible either. Everyone associated within his select group of here-I-come-to-save-the-day posse has some element of IPS built right into their genetic history. Because, this kind of stuff cannot be learned or taught. It has to be present at birth and then become finely honed throughout various and sundry adventures. Jon Land knows exactly how to give us all more than a little taste test of gourmet thrillerisms. Just when I thought he couldn't pull off yet another miraculous save, and these things start at the very beginning of the book, so there's no waiting around for it, McC or Indian or Captain Seven, or Zarrin (who isn't even supposed to be on our side) manage to crush the opposition in some creative, innovative way.

My very favorite character in this novel is H J Belgrade. He's a retired member of the military living in the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC, and he's the only person McC trusts in the city. HJ is a touch on the odd side. he spends part of his day outside feeding non-existent flocks of pigeons, and he keeps a well ordered daily schedule that includes singing The Wheels Go Round And Round at specific times during the day. He has spent considerable time and effort giving the impression that he's hopelessly senile, when in fact he's no such thing. Or is he? There is a scene that takes place in the AFRH that is one of the funniest, most satisfying scenes I've ever read. This particular event is more than worth the price of the book and the time it takes to read it. I read it over again at least 4 times, and I will probably go back and reread it because it was so well done. This book had several scenes that stood out for me like that one did; that one just happens to be the most memorable one I noticed. Besides that, I thought it was perfect that Land gave this shout out to retired members of the military.

And then there are the villains of the piece. Reverend Jeremiah Rule is not simply your basic bad guy. He is vile, disgusting, a disgrace to religion and the whole human race. As more and more about him is revealed, the loathing for him builds and builds. The Tenth Circle is his concept, and he works very hard to see it through to conclusion. Of course we never expect he will pull off this dastardly plan, but for many pages it appears to be a distinct possibility. If not for that IPS, the United States would be toast. There were a few times I thought Land was actually trying to work up some sympathy for Rule because of the life he'd endured, but there's no way to build any redeeming qualities for someone as evil as this. The government villains are slightly less repugnant albeit nasty, mean-spirited, and vicious, but it's pretty much Reverend Rule's show to run from the outset.

I don't think it's a spoiler to reveal that there s no romantic storyline in **The Tenth Circle**, and that's a plus. When one is busy saving the world, it's just not possible to get involved with bodice ripping and sweaty sheets. Instead Land gives his readers a historic backstory that is fascinating on its own. There's a whole colony of settlers in the New World that disappears, an abandoned ship with missing cargo, Greek pirates, and even Napoleon thrown in for good measure. It all works together to give the story the credibility it loses with McC's behavior. I vaguely remember reading about the disappearing colony before, but what I didn't remember was the explanation that resolved it. If, in fact, it ever was resolved. What I do know is that Land gives a plausible explanation for the various events tied together by a small settlement in North Carolina in 1590.

For people who love thrillers, this book is perfect because it fits the criteria we expect from this genre. But there's also room for those who may not be hardcore suspense lovers, but merely enjoy the escapism this kind of story provides. Land says this is 11th novel featuring Blaine McCracken, and because there are a variety of continuing characters throughout his books, I'm considering reading at least a few of the others to see how those people got to where they were in the current book. For anyone who may need a last minute holiday gift for a thriller lover on the to-buy-for list, consider **The Tenth Circle**. show less

Strong Rain Falling by Jon Land is the fifth book in the action/adventure series featuring female Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong. Normally Caitlin or her good friend Cort Wesley Masters are the intended target when/if the shooting starts, but much to their surprise and horror this time Master's two teenage sons, Dylan and Luke, are unmistakably the planned victims. Caitlin must figure out why the boys are being targeted and how it ties into two different massacres that happened on the same day show more but decades apart. It seems Caitlin's famous Texas Ranger grandfather and great-grandfather hold a key to her present day case from one they worked on in 1919.

The murderous plot leads back to the Mexican drug cartels of 1919. Unknown to Caitlin a complex plan for vengeance has been set into motion by the present day surviving head of her family's business, Ana Callas Guajardo. Caitlin's own massive and dangerous guardian "angel" Guillermo Paz is there to help her at every turn, while Masters is also searching his contacts to figure out why his son's specifically are being menaced.

Land's starts out running and quickly becomes a gallop as clues are uncovered and questions answered even as the body count rises and, it seems, nowhere is safe in this fast-paced complex thriller.

The characters are just as complex as the plot. It is always refreshing to see a strong female characters well written and Land has done a credible job with Caitlin and Ana. It's good to see a strong woman (or is that Strong?) as a Texas Ranger working things out on her own terms, not taking guff from anyone, and figuring out what is happening. As for other characters, Paz's self-searching that has him "auditing" college classes to hear about philosophers and then challenging the professors was very entertaining. In comparison, the DHS officer (Smith, Jones) was comparatively slimy.

For those of you who haven't read any of Land's previous books in the Caitlin Strong series, don't let that stop you from reading Strong Rain Falling. Let me admit right now that this is my first Jon Land book featuring Caitlin. Previously I had read several novels with his main character Blaine McCracken. While you won't be privy to all the intricacies of the back story established in previous novels, Land provides enough details to get you up-to-speed quickly. Certainly I didn't feel lost and unable to figure out how everyone was connected.

Very Highly Recommended


Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Tor/Forge Books via Netgalley for review purposes. show less