Dead Man's Hand

A Pike Logan Novel

By: Brad Taylor

Narrated by: Rich Orlow

New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor is back with a propulsive and topical edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring Pike Logan as he goes head-to-head with Putin’s henchmen.

To finally end the war between their nations, a rogue band of Ukrainian partisans known as the Wolves teams up with members of Russia’s military intelligence to assassinate Vladimir Putin.

But Putin is aware of the traitors in his midst and assigns the loyal commander of the Russian National Guard to root them out. It’s a mission Victor Petrov is expected to undertake after he prevents Sweden from joining NATO—by assassinating a deputy minister of foreign affairs.

After receiving intelligence about the threat in Sweden, the United States sends Pike Logan to identify Petrov’s target—only for him to get caught in the crossfire between Putin’s agents and the Wolves. When the smoke clears, Pike makes no effort to stop the Wolves on their ultimate mission, believing it just, until he discovers that their operation has unimaginable consequences.

For Putin is preparing a devastating endgame: activating the Dead Man’s Hand nuclear response that will launch Russia’s missiles in the event of his death. . .

©2024 Brad Taylor (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

4.5 Stars

4.5 Stars 🌟

As always, I was so excited to see the latest Pike Logan story. The events are taken from today's headlines with events that are actually occurring in our present day. There is a really interesting Author's Note at the end of the book where Mr. Taylor actually discusses his concerns regarding certain situations and how things were going to play out - both in his book and in real life. I found that extremely interesting.

The story itself was good. I really like the world and the characters that have been built during the last 18 books. The entire team dynamic is something that is so enjoyable to read, especially the way that Jennifer and Pike manage both their personal relationship with that of the Team's. I have found that I actually really like when Shoshanna is included in any story. She adds a bit of intrigue with her supposed "powers" that Pike can't seem to determine if they truly exist or not. She's definitely a one of a kind character and she added a bit of the "woo-woo' without it being over the top.

I will admit to being a little confused at times. I listened to this on audio (and let me do a shout out to Rich Orlow. He did his normally fantastic job at narration) but there were times when I was confused with who was who. There are two teams at work in this plot - in addition to Pike's team - and there were times when I wasn't sure which team was doing what. Maybe that's just me.

While this wasn't my favorite book of all, it still kept me entertained and interested until the end.

Now the wait begins for book 19 :)

lots of twists

had to relisten to some areas as it was complicated but loved that kept me involved

Kid at home

Thwre is no way did rhey not called their daughter at least once. That was unbelievable.

One of my favorites from Taylor

The last audiobook to which I listened that involved Ukraine was Brad Thor's Dead Fall. This is so much better than that simplistic novel. There is a lot of action, but also an interesting moral dilemma. This one was very enjoyable.

Amazing story telling

Pike is the best!! Brad Taylor has out on himself once again, I highly recommend this book and the series


Another great thriller from BT.

Unlike previous books, the task force is in the middle of a potentially geopolitical mess. The author provides some amazing descriptions of locations in Sweden and Amsterdam that I now want to visit. The narrator does a great job of voicing each character.

The ending

I found it impossible to follow for the first quarter of the book - the myriad of names on various factions I found bewildering to keep straight. But after a few of them were disposed of, it became a lot less confusing and wound up being an excellent read.

Another Kick A$$ Pike Logan story!

I really do look forward to the Audio versions over the written versions.....
I can listen to them while I'm at work.

Action/Adventure & unforeseen plot twists

Great character cast and I love the crazy Israeli character, Carrie. The review title says the rest.

Enjoyed

Thanks for writing
Would make a great movie or tv series
Appreciate the dedication of our service personnel