Tripoli's Target

Justin Hall and Carrie O'Connor are Canadian Intelligence agents, tasked with preventing an assassination plot in Libya by radical factions of the Islamic Alliance. There is more than enough action – not a day goes by when gunfire doesn’t erupt. There is so much action, actually, that I felt as if I was reading a Steven Seagal or Dolph Lundgren action movie. If you’re a fan of that type of flick, then you’ll probably enjoy reading this book.

There were quite a few typos which I found to be distracting in places, but I’m a writer, so I do tend to notice and be distracted by misspellings. The author would have done well to engage the services of a professional copy editor (or one with a keener eye!) Sentences like “A thin show more moustache line matched perfectly his hair color” and “The colonel’s handshake was firm for a man of his built” are distracting to the reader – and easily prevented. Even worse was a scene involving a devout Muslim sipping “vintage Dom Perignon Rose,” as well Justin having bacon for breakfast in Egypt. I had the sense that the author had very little knowledge about the religion that he was writing about. Some scenes stretched the credibility index a bit, as well, but to say more would be a spoiler.

Yes, there is a lot of action, fairly good character development and a somewhat coherent plot, so the book is worthy of a three-star rating. But given the negatives, it certainly doesn’t rate as above average to my way of thinking.

For those who give me a negative vote on my review please comment and let me know why. I'd like to improve my reviews so they can be helpful to those who read them.

I was given a free copy of this book to read in exchange for agreeing to provide a fair an honest review. show less

Tripoli's Target
by Ethan Jones

Ethan Jones in his second book of the Justin Hall series, Tripoli's Target, brings us another spy thriller featuring Justin Hall and Carrie O'Conner, Canadian Intelligence Service Agents. This time our adventure is in North Africa as the CIA experts attempt to spoil an assassination attempt in Tripoli, Libya's capital. Jones starts us off with a bang as we have a group of terrorist in separate vehicles communicating via radio, each with a target to destroy. All but one is a suicide bomber. Jones tells us this part of the story through the thoughts of this one. We see the fears as well as loyalty of these terrorists as this first time activist move in the direction of the bombings. The book begins fast pace show more and hooks the reader. Justin and Carrie are called in and given assignments. Soon however the story gets a bit bogged down not exemplary of Jones' writing. Perhaps too many changes and too few clarifying details. Simply lost my interest for awhile. As we come to the ending chapter Jones picks up his trade skill and gives us a great ending.
I wish he had expanded on the issue with Johnson and her less than ethical handling of Justin and Carrie's assignments and safety. Was a perfect opportunity to build a suspenseful 2nd layer in the CIS team. Also think we could have seen a bit more of the parental skills and desires of both Justin and Carrie had they been given more time or responsibility with child (not being specific her to avoid spoiler)
As is often the case with a good spy thriller, things are often not as they seem. I really enjoyed the twist Jones gave us with the event bring the Prince into our plot. The personal touch with Justin's and his dad's relationship gave us a view of the character that Jones sometimes forgets we need. I look forward to seeing more of that. The difference Jones penned among different countries' protective/investigative agencies gave insight and made this story more interesting.
As always, I enjoyed Ethan Jones' writing and find his character, Justin Hall, to not only be entertaining but also easy to identify with in that he is written as a skin and bones type guy and not a red cape and tights character. show less

It’s time to travel with our Special Agent in the Canadian Intelligence Service, Justin Hall again. First, we froze with him while he was saving the world in the arctic in “Arctic Wargame”. Now, in a cruel twist of fate, or maybe his boss, Claire Johnson, just has a sad sense of humor, we now travel to the heat of the desert in Tripoli.

Justin Hall and his partner Carrie O’Connor have been sent to Tripoli. As in any good spy thriller, you never know who you can trust or what to believe. Ever since 9/11, the world has known suicide bombers and the devastation they cause. What was the mission this time? More land rights, control over oil, assassination of a world leader? Why does Justin always seem to be in the middle of the show more action, or the cause of it? Justin reminds me of a James Bond character, always trying to do the good thing, but always seems to take the worst in a fight.

Every turn Justin and Carrie take is met with difficulties, from every side possible, including their own organization. Who to trust, what to do, in an effort to keep the world leaders safe in their meeting, even if it means disobeying direct orders and taking on the enemy by themselves.

Will Justin save the day again? Travel along with Justin and Carrie and you’ll imagine yourself sweating along with them as the author does a great time of the descriptions of the areas they travel. You’ll have to read for yourself and see if Justin survives the heat of the desert, and the heat of the enemy. show less

This is the second novel featuring agent Justin Hall. I found it well written and most exciting. The storyline flows well with plenty of action and all the characters come alive to the reader as the plot moves quickly along. There are some predictable outcomes and a few surprises, especially one in the penultimate chapter. Ethan has proved that he can write an exciting and fast paced thriller. I enjoyed it and cannot wait to read the third novel in the series

Ethan Jones has followed up his fine debut novel, Arctic Wargames, with this sequel. He has crafted a more concise action packed thriller. In this sequel, the primary characters demonstrate an internationally adept investigation service embroiled in turmoil in the middle east.

The storyline is well developed, interesting, flows well from scene to scene, and does not bog down. I was intrigued at every level while I read this novel. It was really difficult to put it down when life's responsibilities got in the way of reading this book.

I don't offer a synopsis of the novel in my reviews. Others will feel that need. I feel it is more important to discuss the writing style, character development, skill of the author, etc. To that end, Mr. show more Jones has shown himself to be a first rate author. Remember that this is only his second novel when you read it. I hope that you will be as impressed as I am.

I don't know how a married lawyer has the time to run a very active blog, write short stories, and novels and have time to breathe. Support this fine author and buy this novel. show less

Ethan Jones enlightens and entertains with this second novel in the Justin Hall series, the follow-up to Arctic Wargames. Mr. Jones' knowledge and research into the Middle East makes this spy thriller a rewarding read. Justin Hall is a Canadian intelligence operative and capable of quick decisions and deadly accuracy but he's up against difficult odds in this story as he finds himself betrayed again and again.
I did find some typos in the e-version of the book but, unfortunately, didn't note them in order to honor Mr. Jones' end-of-book request to notify him of such issues. If you find any problems as you enjoy this novel, please note them and forward the information to Mr. Jones and help out a promising writer. He seems willing to read show more and respond to your emails. show less

Received as a Members Giveaway, this spy thriller had all the hallmarks of the genre - action, intrigue, attractive women, the double cross and even the car chase!

I found it a little hard to read at times as the language seemed a touch stilted and/or contrived. Couldn't quite put my finger on why it jarred.

I found the "yearning" by both our spies for the normal things of life to be a trifle irritating. It didn't sound believable and it certainly didn't make either character more endearing.