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The Trigger Man #1
The Trigger Man
Honor has a price. Mark Pierce is ready to pay.CIA operative Mark Pierce is a trained killer with a strict moral code - he only targets those who truly deserve to die. So he has no qualms about taking out Victor Vautrin, an international arms dealer supplying fanatical terrorists in West Africa who may soon trigger a brutal civil war.But when he is tasked with other objectives – rescue kidnapped tourists, recover eleven million dollars of stolen CIA money - it quickly becomes clear to Pierce that someone doesn’t want him to succeed in his primary mission.Pierce makes a decision – if the game is rigged, he won’t play by the rules. He goes rogue, crossing the hellish Sahara in relentless pursuit of his target, Vautrin.And comes face to face with a terrifying conspiracy - not to stop the war, but to start it. Powerful players are behind this chilling plan which will cost thousands of lives – and now only Pierce can stop them.Unless they kill him first.The Trigger Man – the first in the stunning Trigger Man action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Jason Kasper, Mark Greaney, and Vince Flynn.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2024
1320 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Aiden Bailey
18 books80 followersAiden Bailey is an international bestselling thriller author from Australia. Formerly an engineer, he built a career marketing multi-national technology, engineering, and construction companies. His various roles have included corporate communications with the Australian Submarine Corporation, technical writing for several defence contractors, engineering on an outback petroleum pipeline, a magazine editor and art director, and engineering proposal writer for the Royal Australian Air Force’s surveillance and intelligence gathering aircraft and drone enabling works. Aiden has travelled widely in six continents and his experiences are the basis of many of his stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 1, 2024
“..if you want to ‘trigger’ a volatile situation, shake things up, he was the man to do it.”
Wow! What a start to a new series. I loved it! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action packed doesn’t begin to describe it. The story is fast paced, believable, exciting and extremely violent. It’s a densely plotted and riveting thriller, with a perfect fast paced and adrenaline-inducing novel!
It is packed to the brim with mystery and intrigue. The twists are really well placed and do a great job to ramp up the tension...it kept grabbing me around the throat and wouldn’t let me breathe! It’s a truly on the edge of your seat, nail-biting, exciting read!
“..how a few power-hungry warlords and terrorists could create so much unnecessary suffering for hundreds of thousands of people.”
The Trigger Man #1 is a riveting and enthralling thriller from start to finish with an intense and emotionally-charged plot, and endlessly twisty narrative that totally gripped me.
There's drama, credible characters and liberal dashes of violence throughout, and it left me saddened, angry, desperate, feeling the suffering of the innocent civilians, even of the guerrilla fighters; the pain and instinct for survival of the so called rebels, just to have a plate of food and a bottle of water to live day by day. Perhaps some really believed in their ideology and were fierce in their beliefs but many joined the guerrillas just to provide protection and food for themselves or for their families. A heart wrenching existence. It hurt just to read the experience, I wouldn’t be able to assimilate if I saw it with my own eyes. It would break my soul, reading already broke my heart, the cruelty, violence, tortures, the sickening pleasure they derive from the morbid cruelty. In a way it was a hard read, the crude reality of life in Western Afrika.
Aiden Bailey has excelled himself with this book, with his heart in his hand. His writing style is perfect for this book, and contributes to making this a speed-of-light read.
Superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings, making Mark Pierce a principled and likeable protagonist. The villains are perfectly described, their backgrounds harsh and violent. True psychopaths!
“The war-torn West African nation of Mali did that with strangers, defeated them with random acts of brutality.”
A terrifying scenario and crude view of present day reality.
The Trigger Man #1 is an extraordinary nail-biting brilliant thriller that packs a punch. ... full of suspense and action that kept taking my breath away. I look forward to reading the rest of the series with delight! I highly recommend this new premise.
Wow! What a start to a new series. I loved it! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action packed doesn’t begin to describe it. The story is fast paced, believable, exciting and extremely violent. It’s a densely plotted and riveting thriller, with a perfect fast paced and adrenaline-inducing novel!
It is packed to the brim with mystery and intrigue. The twists are really well placed and do a great job to ramp up the tension...it kept grabbing me around the throat and wouldn’t let me breathe! It’s a truly on the edge of your seat, nail-biting, exciting read!
“..how a few power-hungry warlords and terrorists could create so much unnecessary suffering for hundreds of thousands of people.”
The Trigger Man #1 is a riveting and enthralling thriller from start to finish with an intense and emotionally-charged plot, and endlessly twisty narrative that totally gripped me.
There's drama, credible characters and liberal dashes of violence throughout, and it left me saddened, angry, desperate, feeling the suffering of the innocent civilians, even of the guerrilla fighters; the pain and instinct for survival of the so called rebels, just to have a plate of food and a bottle of water to live day by day. Perhaps some really believed in their ideology and were fierce in their beliefs but many joined the guerrillas just to provide protection and food for themselves or for their families. A heart wrenching existence. It hurt just to read the experience, I wouldn’t be able to assimilate if I saw it with my own eyes. It would break my soul, reading already broke my heart, the cruelty, violence, tortures, the sickening pleasure they derive from the morbid cruelty. In a way it was a hard read, the crude reality of life in Western Afrika.
Aiden Bailey has excelled himself with this book, with his heart in his hand. His writing style is perfect for this book, and contributes to making this a speed-of-light read.
Superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings, making Mark Pierce a principled and likeable protagonist. The villains are perfectly described, their backgrounds harsh and violent. True psychopaths!
“The war-torn West African nation of Mali did that with strangers, defeated them with random acts of brutality.”
A terrifying scenario and crude view of present day reality.
The Trigger Man #1 is an extraordinary nail-biting brilliant thriller that packs a punch. ... full of suspense and action that kept taking my breath away. I look forward to reading the rest of the series with delight! I highly recommend this new premise.
January 3, 2024
This is a perfect introduction to a new series that will be ideal for any reader of espionage, terrorism, conspiracy, and international action thrillers. One of the highlights of the book is how Aiden Bailey brings the unique setting of Mali to life, where his new protagonist Mark Pierce must navigate an often violent web of CIA traitors, French spies, arms dealers, mercenaries, and terrorists. The research is evident, with accurate, up-to-date political, geographical, and technical details. There's a large cast of extended characters, most of whom have their own conflicting loyalties, sketchy pasts, and hidden agendas. The stand-out is by far Mark Pierce. The author drops a few hints about Pierce's mysterious background and plants other seeds to suggest that this story is just the beginning of a larger arc, and it's clear that Aiden Bailey has bigger plans for these characters going forward.
May 1, 2024
First in a new series of books, and my first book by this author.
He’s a good guy who kills bad guys for a living.
Mark Pierce is a CIA paramilitary operative tasked with cleaning up the mess made by the CIA in the Sahel, Mali, while being supplied with dodgy information from actors on both sides of the conflict. Awa Sissoko and a handful of French people have been taken hostage by members of a terrorist group and taken into the Sahara, within Mali at least to begin with.
CIA operative Mark Pierce is a trained killer with a strict moral code - he only targets those who truly deserve to die. So he has no qualms about taking out Victor Vautrin, an international arms dealer supplying fanatical terrorists in West Africa who may soon trigger a brutal civil war.
But when he is tasked with other objectives – rescue kidnapped tourists, recover eleven million dollars of stolen CIA money - it quickly becomes clear to Pierce that someone doesn’t want him to succeed in his primary mission.
Pierce makes a decision – if the game is rigged, he won’t play by the rules. He goes rogue, crossing the hellish Sahara in relentless pursuit of his target, Vautrin.
And comes face to face with a terrifying conspiracy - not to stop the war, but to start it. Powerful players are behind this chilling plan which will cost thousands of lives – and now only Pierce can stop them.
Unless they kill him first.
A wide variety of characters, some good, some bad, although also hard to keep up with the story with so many personalities.
The last couple of chapters lifted this book into a four star review, where it finishes on a high action suspense ending
He’s a good guy who kills bad guys for a living.
Mark Pierce is a CIA paramilitary operative tasked with cleaning up the mess made by the CIA in the Sahel, Mali, while being supplied with dodgy information from actors on both sides of the conflict. Awa Sissoko and a handful of French people have been taken hostage by members of a terrorist group and taken into the Sahara, within Mali at least to begin with.
CIA operative Mark Pierce is a trained killer with a strict moral code - he only targets those who truly deserve to die. So he has no qualms about taking out Victor Vautrin, an international arms dealer supplying fanatical terrorists in West Africa who may soon trigger a brutal civil war.
But when he is tasked with other objectives – rescue kidnapped tourists, recover eleven million dollars of stolen CIA money - it quickly becomes clear to Pierce that someone doesn’t want him to succeed in his primary mission.
Pierce makes a decision – if the game is rigged, he won’t play by the rules. He goes rogue, crossing the hellish Sahara in relentless pursuit of his target, Vautrin.
And comes face to face with a terrifying conspiracy - not to stop the war, but to start it. Powerful players are behind this chilling plan which will cost thousands of lives – and now only Pierce can stop them.
Unless they kill him first.
A wide variety of characters, some good, some bad, although also hard to keep up with the story with so many personalities.
The last couple of chapters lifted this book into a four star review, where it finishes on a high action suspense ending
December 23, 2023
If this is the first in a series, some work will need to be done to develop the characters. The story seems very stereotypical, with two dimensional good guys and bad guys and a few duplicitous characters thrown in for good measure. Promising, but promise unfulfilled. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
January 2, 2024
Another excellent suspense thriller by an outstanding author. The Trigger Man is the first book in the series, which to date will be three books.
Great plot. Plenty of action. Smooth reading, and hard to put down.
I highly recommend this book.
Great plot. Plenty of action. Smooth reading, and hard to put down.
I highly recommend this book.
December 30, 2023
I rarely give 5 stars. The novel has to be exceptional and this one earns every single one of them.
The writing style, incredible depth of research that must have gone into it and the clever, well thought out plot make this an outstanding book.
Now, admittedly this is probably my favourite genre and there are several accounts of a highly trained, somewhat maverick heros that have already been covered. However, in some ways, that must make me even more choosy.
I fell a little in love with the main character and found myself thoroughly behind him all the way.
Loved it and can't wait for more.
Thank you to Mr Bailey for filling my Christmas break with something other than chocolate and turkey leftovers that also turned out to be far more satisfying.
Superb.
The writing style, incredible depth of research that must have gone into it and the clever, well thought out plot make this an outstanding book.
Now, admittedly this is probably my favourite genre and there are several accounts of a highly trained, somewhat maverick heros that have already been covered. However, in some ways, that must make me even more choosy.
I fell a little in love with the main character and found myself thoroughly behind him all the way.
Loved it and can't wait for more.
Thank you to Mr Bailey for filling my Christmas break with something other than chocolate and turkey leftovers that also turned out to be far more satisfying.
Superb.
March 1, 2024
I've been savoring reading this novel, I'm a sucker for a hero with a complex and mysterious back story, and this series has all that and so much more. I appreciate that we're thrown into the midst of Pierce's story, and much like him, we have to decide for ourselves who to trust or determine who is telling the truth. Pierce is a man made hard by life, circumstances which we hopefully will discover more about as we progress. In the harsh environment of the desert, does Mark trust his new boss or his trusted handler, the nomads he's fought beside or the kidnapper with no hands? This is an intricate web that's being weaved by Bailey. He dishes out a glimpse of the past as Pierce fights here and now. I'm hoping to read much more about what made Pierce the man he is today and how he deals with the people he sets himself against. This book should rest proudly alongside others in this genre, Bailey is a skilled author who has taken great pains to create a memorable and vibrant antagonist, just tough enough to save the world but not superhuman, bruised and bleeding but with a steel spine. This is definitely one book you should not miss.
March 28, 2024
The Trigger Man is a dream come true for spy thriller fans!
Disclaimer: I received in Advanced Readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine a spy novel that has everything you love about this genre, yet it combines those ingredients In completely new, unpredictable ways, while also adding fresh ideas into the mix.
Well that is The Trigger Man in a nutshell. A thriller which has cinematic action sequences, but a plot, whose twists you won’t see coming. The protagonist - Mark Pierce - is both compassionate and highly competent, avoiding the occasional stupid mistakes of his literal peers and rest assured: you won’t have him figured out during the first chapters.
But it is not only the protagonist who gets his chance to shine. In fact, together with the impressive plotting, the characters are the true stand-outs of this novel. They are not just chess pieces, moved about the board by the author, but real people. Each with their own fair share of baggage, which makes it all the more easy for the reader to connect with them. Mali also makes for an intense setting, which feels fresh, since it has rarely - if ever - been used in the genre before. The story, while self-contained, starts a new series, so be prepared the unconquerable need to start the next one right away.
The Trigger Man is already a hot contender for the best read of 2024. So... don’t miss out!
Disclaimer: I received in Advanced Readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine a spy novel that has everything you love about this genre, yet it combines those ingredients In completely new, unpredictable ways, while also adding fresh ideas into the mix.
Well that is The Trigger Man in a nutshell. A thriller which has cinematic action sequences, but a plot, whose twists you won’t see coming. The protagonist - Mark Pierce - is both compassionate and highly competent, avoiding the occasional stupid mistakes of his literal peers and rest assured: you won’t have him figured out during the first chapters.
But it is not only the protagonist who gets his chance to shine. In fact, together with the impressive plotting, the characters are the true stand-outs of this novel. They are not just chess pieces, moved about the board by the author, but real people. Each with their own fair share of baggage, which makes it all the more easy for the reader to connect with them. Mali also makes for an intense setting, which feels fresh, since it has rarely - if ever - been used in the genre before. The story, while self-contained, starts a new series, so be prepared the unconquerable need to start the next one right away.
The Trigger Man is already a hot contender for the best read of 2024. So... don’t miss out!
February 26, 2025
"The Trigger Man," is the explosive debut of Aiden Bailey’s series of the same name, published in 2024 and narrated by Jonathan Beville. This 1st book introduces us to Mark Pierce, a CIA operative with a razor-sharp moral code, and sets the stage for a high-octane journey through the deserts of West Africa.
The story kicks off with Pierce tasked to eliminate Victor Vautrin, a French arms dealer fueling fanatical terrorists in Mali, threatening to ignite a civil war. But what starts as a straightforward hit spirals into a labyrinth of deception when Pierce is saddled with secondary objectives: rescuing kidnapped tourists and recovering $11 million in stolen CIA funds. The Sahara becomes his battleground, a relentless expanse of heat and sand where every step forward reveals a deeper conspiracy. Bailey’s plotting is tight, weaving a narrative that’s equal parts gritty realism and pulse-pounding action, with Pierce emerging as a compelling figure—ruthless yet principled, a lone wolf who bends rules to serve justice.
What sets this apart is the vivid setting. Mali’s rarely-trodden landscape feels alive, its harsh beauty and instability pulsing through the story. Bailey, drawing from his globetrotting past, paints a visceral picture—you can almost taste the dust and feel the tension of a region on the brink. Pierce’s pursuit of Vautrin is fraught with betrayal, as shadowy players manipulate the chaos for their own ends. The supporting cast, from cagey mercenaries to desperate locals, adds texture, though it’s Pierce’s internal struggle—balancing duty with his own ethical compass—that anchors the tale.
Jonathan Beville’s narration is a standout, his gravelly, measured delivery perfectly suiting Pierce’s stoic intensity. He captures the operative’s cool-headed resolve while infusing urgency into the action sequences—think car chases and firefights that crackle with energy. Beville’s versatility shines in the diverse accents, from French-tinged villains to weary Saharan voices, making each character distinct and the audiobook a cinematic experience. His pacing keeps you hooked, amplifying the story’s escalating stakes without ever rushing the quieter, introspective beats.
Highlights include a nerve-wracking desert ambush that showcases Pierce’s tactical brilliance and a chilling revelation about the true forces at play, both delivered with Beville’s deft touch. The moral ambiguity—Pierce questioning who the real enemy is—adds depth, hinting at layers to unfold in future installments. If there’s a quibble, it’s that some secondary threads feel unresolved, a deliberate hook for the series that might leave you impatient for more.
It’s a stellar launch—fast-paced, atmospheric, and anchored by a protagonist who’s both lethal and human. Bailey and Beville have crafted a thriller that lingers, leaving you eager for Pierce’s next mission without wrapping everything up too neatly. Fans of espionage and action will want this book
The story kicks off with Pierce tasked to eliminate Victor Vautrin, a French arms dealer fueling fanatical terrorists in Mali, threatening to ignite a civil war. But what starts as a straightforward hit spirals into a labyrinth of deception when Pierce is saddled with secondary objectives: rescuing kidnapped tourists and recovering $11 million in stolen CIA funds. The Sahara becomes his battleground, a relentless expanse of heat and sand where every step forward reveals a deeper conspiracy. Bailey’s plotting is tight, weaving a narrative that’s equal parts gritty realism and pulse-pounding action, with Pierce emerging as a compelling figure—ruthless yet principled, a lone wolf who bends rules to serve justice.
What sets this apart is the vivid setting. Mali’s rarely-trodden landscape feels alive, its harsh beauty and instability pulsing through the story. Bailey, drawing from his globetrotting past, paints a visceral picture—you can almost taste the dust and feel the tension of a region on the brink. Pierce’s pursuit of Vautrin is fraught with betrayal, as shadowy players manipulate the chaos for their own ends. The supporting cast, from cagey mercenaries to desperate locals, adds texture, though it’s Pierce’s internal struggle—balancing duty with his own ethical compass—that anchors the tale.
Jonathan Beville’s narration is a standout, his gravelly, measured delivery perfectly suiting Pierce’s stoic intensity. He captures the operative’s cool-headed resolve while infusing urgency into the action sequences—think car chases and firefights that crackle with energy. Beville’s versatility shines in the diverse accents, from French-tinged villains to weary Saharan voices, making each character distinct and the audiobook a cinematic experience. His pacing keeps you hooked, amplifying the story’s escalating stakes without ever rushing the quieter, introspective beats.
Highlights include a nerve-wracking desert ambush that showcases Pierce’s tactical brilliance and a chilling revelation about the true forces at play, both delivered with Beville’s deft touch. The moral ambiguity—Pierce questioning who the real enemy is—adds depth, hinting at layers to unfold in future installments. If there’s a quibble, it’s that some secondary threads feel unresolved, a deliberate hook for the series that might leave you impatient for more.
It’s a stellar launch—fast-paced, atmospheric, and anchored by a protagonist who’s both lethal and human. Bailey and Beville have crafted a thriller that lingers, leaving you eager for Pierce’s next mission without wrapping everything up too neatly. Fans of espionage and action will want this book
February 10, 2024
The Trigger Man is the start of a new action thriller and it certainly begins with a bang. I have over the past few years started getting into the thrillers and I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I particularly liked that Mark Pierce, our hero as it were, is at a stage in his career where he does not blindly follow orders and while he may get in a bit of trouble he tends to get away with it…sort of but no spoilers.
If you are looking for a new action thriller this might be the one for you. I loved the characters, particularly Pierce. I do think occasionally it did fall a bit too easily into ‘good guy’ and ‘bad guy’ settings but I think that did also work for the novel in terms of pace and plot. Remembering this is the first of a series I think it was a good way to get us into the story and learn about the characters and their allegiances.
Speaking of plot and pace, this packs a punch. It was hard to put this one down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! As you would expect with an action thriller the pace is fast. It fits the genre and style. Bailey also manages to weave this break-neck pace into brilliant story telling and character building which isn’t always easy when you have a lot happening and quickly. He also deals with some tougher topics which are handled with care given the context which is always a bonus point for me.
Now I don’t do spoilers in reviews but I can safely say this is a brilliant introduction to Pierce and his world and I cannot wait to read more. If you love action thrillers you need to give The Trigger Man a go.
If you are looking for a new action thriller this might be the one for you. I loved the characters, particularly Pierce. I do think occasionally it did fall a bit too easily into ‘good guy’ and ‘bad guy’ settings but I think that did also work for the novel in terms of pace and plot. Remembering this is the first of a series I think it was a good way to get us into the story and learn about the characters and their allegiances.
Speaking of plot and pace, this packs a punch. It was hard to put this one down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! As you would expect with an action thriller the pace is fast. It fits the genre and style. Bailey also manages to weave this break-neck pace into brilliant story telling and character building which isn’t always easy when you have a lot happening and quickly. He also deals with some tougher topics which are handled with care given the context which is always a bonus point for me.
Now I don’t do spoilers in reviews but I can safely say this is a brilliant introduction to Pierce and his world and I cannot wait to read more. If you love action thrillers you need to give The Trigger Man a go.
February 9, 2024
Brilliant Book!
This book is a great Military Thriller and is a fantastic start time Aiden's series. It's evident Aiden has done lots of research!
It follows lone wolf, Mark Pierce, a CIA Operative in Africa facing radical t3rrorists.
This book has the right tone and action for a TV series and mirrors the tone and action speed of any of the greats in this field. Aiden's style actually reminded me a bit of Tom Clancy!
I loved Mark as a character. He is quick-witted, extremely intelligent, and does his own thing, much to the annoyance of the agency.
While the book offers lots of different perspectives from the protagonist and also the antagonists, it really wasn't hard to follow and in fact, actually gave real depth to the overall story so was a great tool.
Towards the end, things really picked up, and it resulted in a fantastic ending and also a cheeky little cliffhanger...
I now can't wait for Book 2!
This book is everything that I love in a Military Thriller, and I highly recommend it to all!
This book is a great Military Thriller and is a fantastic start time Aiden's series. It's evident Aiden has done lots of research!
It follows lone wolf, Mark Pierce, a CIA Operative in Africa facing radical t3rrorists.
This book has the right tone and action for a TV series and mirrors the tone and action speed of any of the greats in this field. Aiden's style actually reminded me a bit of Tom Clancy!
I loved Mark as a character. He is quick-witted, extremely intelligent, and does his own thing, much to the annoyance of the agency.
While the book offers lots of different perspectives from the protagonist and also the antagonists, it really wasn't hard to follow and in fact, actually gave real depth to the overall story so was a great tool.
Towards the end, things really picked up, and it resulted in a fantastic ending and also a cheeky little cliffhanger...
I now can't wait for Book 2!
This book is everything that I love in a Military Thriller, and I highly recommend it to all!
February 11, 2024
I don't often read books in this genre, but this is the second that I've read this year already and I've really enjoyed both of them!
This is actually the first book in The Trigger Man series and we meet our main character at a point in his career that he's questioning the motives of those setting his missions.
As a trained killer for the CIA, Mark Pierce has no issue with the killing of bad people - but this mission includes other objectives which make it clear that he just can't succeed in his task.
With the risk of civil war and many other lives in danger, Pierce goes rogue to pursue his target.
Having said I don't read much of this genre, I do tend to watch a fair few films in this genre with my boys and this book really gave me Jason Bourne vibes.
Having the main character actually not being just a mindless killing machine with no feelings or emotions, it really helped me to connect with Pierce due to his likeability and humanity. I was completely hooked and rooting for him the whole way through.
The writing was full of action and the descriptive nature really transported us on Pierce's journey.
This was fast-paced and held some intriguing hints at what might be to come, along with leaving me with more questions about Pierce's past too.
I hate to say it....but I just might have to grab book 2 to find out....
This is actually the first book in The Trigger Man series and we meet our main character at a point in his career that he's questioning the motives of those setting his missions.
As a trained killer for the CIA, Mark Pierce has no issue with the killing of bad people - but this mission includes other objectives which make it clear that he just can't succeed in his task.
With the risk of civil war and many other lives in danger, Pierce goes rogue to pursue his target.
Having said I don't read much of this genre, I do tend to watch a fair few films in this genre with my boys and this book really gave me Jason Bourne vibes.
Having the main character actually not being just a mindless killing machine with no feelings or emotions, it really helped me to connect with Pierce due to his likeability and humanity. I was completely hooked and rooting for him the whole way through.
The writing was full of action and the descriptive nature really transported us on Pierce's journey.
This was fast-paced and held some intriguing hints at what might be to come, along with leaving me with more questions about Pierce's past too.
I hate to say it....but I just might have to grab book 2 to find out....
Read
January 2, 2024Brilliant read, story grips you from the start, and is hard to put down .Book us a real page turner of a story.
Readers won't be disappointed with this book. Hope their are more to come and becomes a series.
Readers won't be disappointed with this book. Hope their are more to come and becomes a series.
January 1, 2024
A fun read. Lots of action from the very start and good plot and character development. New series by the author and first time reading him.
Look forward to more books in the series.
Look forward to more books in the series.
February 5, 2024
If I could describe The Trigger Man in one word, it would be kaboom!
The Trigger Man is a well-paced action thriller packed full of shocks, surprises and a fair bit of violence.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of espionage in thrillers as I think it gets a bit overly complicated or over the top, but this wasn't the case with the trigger man. While it was a complex and multifaceted story, I could still follow along with ease.
Mark Pierce was a bit of a mystery in himself. He has superior survival skills and a secret past (who doesn't love a secret past?) but he was loyal to those who deserved it.
Another standout character was Awa, a nurse caught up in a kidnapping scheme but with a determination to survive.
Sometimes with these types of books, the characters tend to be a bit one dimensional, especially the 'villain' types, but the author did a great job of making each one fully round and individual.
The book is very well researched, but occasionally through the book; I felt it got a bit bogged down in detail, especially when it came to weaponry, etc.
Overall, a brilliant action thriller with depth and character that you can care about.
The Trigger Man is a well-paced action thriller packed full of shocks, surprises and a fair bit of violence.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of espionage in thrillers as I think it gets a bit overly complicated or over the top, but this wasn't the case with the trigger man. While it was a complex and multifaceted story, I could still follow along with ease.
Mark Pierce was a bit of a mystery in himself. He has superior survival skills and a secret past (who doesn't love a secret past?) but he was loyal to those who deserved it.
Another standout character was Awa, a nurse caught up in a kidnapping scheme but with a determination to survive.
Sometimes with these types of books, the characters tend to be a bit one dimensional, especially the 'villain' types, but the author did a great job of making each one fully round and individual.
The book is very well researched, but occasionally through the book; I felt it got a bit bogged down in detail, especially when it came to weaponry, etc.
Overall, a brilliant action thriller with depth and character that you can care about.
January 26, 2025
of..of..so much propaganda and woke
January 24, 2024
This was a very enjoyable thriller. It is clear the author has done a lot of research and the locations throughout were quite vivid in description and I feel like I have lived through every scene.
There is a hint of a shady past for Mark Pierce but I enjoyed how, despite the numerous twists, he managed to get out of the different situations and ultimately figure out what was going on. The ending is intriguing, leaving us waiting for what comes next for both Pierce and Summerfield. I hope to catch up with both characters soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a hint of a shady past for Mark Pierce but I enjoyed how, despite the numerous twists, he managed to get out of the different situations and ultimately figure out what was going on. The ending is intriguing, leaving us waiting for what comes next for both Pierce and Summerfield. I hope to catch up with both characters soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
Mark Pierce is an enigma. He "officially" joined the CIA as an operative three years ago but he has a vast array of skills no newbie should have. He has orders to assassinate Victor Vautrin, an arms dealer, who is deeply entrenched in the terrorist and political organizations in Africa. But even as a sanctioned assassin Mark has a set of rules he does not break and everything about this job has his spidey senses tingling.
Pierce has to avoid Vautrin, the Ansar Dine, Al Qaeda links and possibly his new boss! He is then asked to find a group of western tourists and a large ransom that has been taken. Eleven million dollars would be a huge boon to these terrorists.
There are plenty of twists and turns and there are several layers of storyline that interact. I really enjoyed getting to meet the colleagues that Mark calls on along the way. Learning their backstory certainly helped to flesh out Mark as a character too.
Strong story, well researched and great characters. There was a bit of a cliff-hanger but I'm definitely on the hook waiting for the next book.
Pierce has to avoid Vautrin, the Ansar Dine, Al Qaeda links and possibly his new boss! He is then asked to find a group of western tourists and a large ransom that has been taken. Eleven million dollars would be a huge boon to these terrorists.
There are plenty of twists and turns and there are several layers of storyline that interact. I really enjoyed getting to meet the colleagues that Mark calls on along the way. Learning their backstory certainly helped to flesh out Mark as a character too.
Strong story, well researched and great characters. There was a bit of a cliff-hanger but I'm definitely on the hook waiting for the next book.
January 8, 2024
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced read. I found some of the macho stuff a little silly--"the men shook hands, then hugged in a manly embrace." Hugged in a manly embrace? This is just this side of "no homo," but whatever. It made me smile more than cringe.
Also, the character development could use a bit more work, since it's hard to get as into this as one might when there's not much depth to these people. Granted, Pierce is one of the superman-type, special operations killing machines very common in this genre, so depth isn't always expected there, but it would make the plot more gripping if we had more development of these people.
Still, for this type of espionage/anti-terrorist type of book, this was pretty good. From the ending, it's clear there will be a sequel (or sequels), and I'm likely to keep reading, since this is a fun, page-turner and that's the point. For deeper thought, I pick up some quality non-fiction, so this will do for the fun of it.
Also, the character development could use a bit more work, since it's hard to get as into this as one might when there's not much depth to these people. Granted, Pierce is one of the superman-type, special operations killing machines very common in this genre, so depth isn't always expected there, but it would make the plot more gripping if we had more development of these people.
Still, for this type of espionage/anti-terrorist type of book, this was pretty good. From the ending, it's clear there will be a sequel (or sequels), and I'm likely to keep reading, since this is a fun, page-turner and that's the point. For deeper thought, I pick up some quality non-fiction, so this will do for the fun of it.
January 6, 2024
WOW! This book was one wild ride. Lots of action, mystery, and espionage made this an awesome read. Trigger Man and his handler, Mackenzie, find themselves in the middle of the dessert, trying to put the pieces together of why they are actually there, who killed all the operates previously sent, and where is the US's missing 11 million dollars. The answers come to them in pieces, but may be too late to save them. A must read for those looking for a thriller. Can't wait for the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2024
I received this book from the author, the publisher Inkubator Books and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The story is about a CIA/SAC operative, by the name of Mark Pierce, who is on a mission to assassinate a French national (Victor Vautrin) who is supplying advanced weapons to both terrorist and national organizations across Africa (and in particular Mali) to start a civil war in Western Africa (with the end goal of increasing their profits). Pierce serves as a paradox in morality - in that he a trained killer with a strict moral code (only targeting those who truly deserve to die).
Pierce is on a mission in West Africa, taking on an insurgent group operating in Mali, called Ansar Dine with Al Qaeda links. His mission to attempt to track down and apprehend Vautrin is further complicated when he is further tasked with other ancillary missions including attempting to rescue a group of western tourists that had been kidnapped by a faction of the terrorist group, Ansar Dine. and he is also tasked with a mission to rescue a small group of paramilitary operatives when they are tragically killed and the eleven million dollars that they are carrying with them to rescue
Both CIA and French DGSE officials began to muddle the puddle with their own agendas which complicate the Pierce’s mission further. Whether Pierce completed his mission or not forms the crux of the story.
A casual glimpse at this book may provide the reader with the idea that the story is unoriginal and stereotypical as it appears to be a two-dimensional good guy committing unadulterated acts of violence. It is upon closer inspection that the more serious reader will draw comparisons with authors such as Jason Kasper, Mark Greaney and Vince Flynn.
This story is a brillant read and definitely keeps one turning the pages and would definitely be enjoyed by action fans. As such I would give this story a solid four stars out of five and definitely ends in quite the cliffhanger as the antagonists are in the position to skew the worldview of the protgonist..
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I just reviewed The Trigger Man by Aiden Bailey. #TheTriggerMan #NetGalley
The story is about a CIA/SAC operative, by the name of Mark Pierce, who is on a mission to assassinate a French national (Victor Vautrin) who is supplying advanced weapons to both terrorist and national organizations across Africa (and in particular Mali) to start a civil war in Western Africa (with the end goal of increasing their profits). Pierce serves as a paradox in morality - in that he a trained killer with a strict moral code (only targeting those who truly deserve to die).
Pierce is on a mission in West Africa, taking on an insurgent group operating in Mali, called Ansar Dine with Al Qaeda links. His mission to attempt to track down and apprehend Vautrin is further complicated when he is further tasked with other ancillary missions including attempting to rescue a group of western tourists that had been kidnapped by a faction of the terrorist group, Ansar Dine. and he is also tasked with a mission to rescue a small group of paramilitary operatives when they are tragically killed and the eleven million dollars that they are carrying with them to rescue
Both CIA and French DGSE officials began to muddle the puddle with their own agendas which complicate the Pierce’s mission further. Whether Pierce completed his mission or not forms the crux of the story.
A casual glimpse at this book may provide the reader with the idea that the story is unoriginal and stereotypical as it appears to be a two-dimensional good guy committing unadulterated acts of violence. It is upon closer inspection that the more serious reader will draw comparisons with authors such as Jason Kasper, Mark Greaney and Vince Flynn.
This story is a brillant read and definitely keeps one turning the pages and would definitely be enjoyed by action fans. As such I would give this story a solid four stars out of five and definitely ends in quite the cliffhanger as the antagonists are in the position to skew the worldview of the protgonist..
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I just reviewed The Trigger Man by Aiden Bailey. #TheTriggerMan #NetGalley
March 20, 2024
Another never ending story
I hate books that ate purposely written to become a series. Too many things were left in the air only to hopefully be answered if you by the next book in the series. Too many things the were done without explanations. Sorry - I will not be suckered in to buy the next book.
I hate books that ate purposely written to become a series. Too many things were left in the air only to hopefully be answered if you by the next book in the series. Too many things the were done without explanations. Sorry - I will not be suckered in to buy the next book.
February 13, 2024
This thriller proved to be an immensely satisfying read. It's evident that the author undertook extensive research, as the vivid descriptions of various locations brought each scene to life, immersing me completely in the narrative.
I appreciated the multitude of twists woven throughout the story and how the protagonist adeptly navigated each challenging situation, ultimately unraveling the mysteries at hand. The ending left me intrigued, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the lives of Pierce and Summerfield. I eagerly await the opportunity to reconnect with these characters in future installments.
From the very outset, this book delivered an abundance of action, accompanied by solid plot and character development. As a newcomer to the author's work, I found myself thoroughly impressed by the strength of the story, the meticulous research, and the compelling characters. While the cliff-hanger ending left me dangling, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where the journey takes us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I appreciated the multitude of twists woven throughout the story and how the protagonist adeptly navigated each challenging situation, ultimately unraveling the mysteries at hand. The ending left me intrigued, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the lives of Pierce and Summerfield. I eagerly await the opportunity to reconnect with these characters in future installments.
From the very outset, this book delivered an abundance of action, accompanied by solid plot and character development. As a newcomer to the author's work, I found myself thoroughly impressed by the strength of the story, the meticulous research, and the compelling characters. While the cliff-hanger ending left me dangling, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where the journey takes us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2024
Excellent
Fast paced well constructed storyline. More twists than a spiral staircase! A all done thriller that anyone would enjoy to read..
Fast paced well constructed storyline. More twists than a spiral staircase! A all done thriller that anyone would enjoy to read..
February 10, 2024
Thriller with a cliffhanger.
Great story with interesting characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. The settings were described so well I almost thought I was there.
The only downside is that it was left unfinished in that the final outcome wasn't fully revealed so I guess I'll have to wait for the next book and hope it gets resolved in that one.
Great story with interesting characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. The settings were described so well I almost thought I was there.
The only downside is that it was left unfinished in that the final outcome wasn't fully revealed so I guess I'll have to wait for the next book and hope it gets resolved in that one.
May 31, 2024
4 Stars But
The writing, plotting and dialogue here are very good - better than average for many action thrillers. Right near the end, some way-too convenient developments take you out of the story. But not enough to knock it down, so 4 stars it is.
The writing, plotting and dialogue here are very good - better than average for many action thrillers. Right near the end, some way-too convenient developments take you out of the story. But not enough to knock it down, so 4 stars it is.
February 8, 2024
Do you like mystery and thrillers? Follow Mark as he tries to figure out what is really going on. He is trained to kill, but what happens if hey want him dead? Can he figure it all out? Will he stop the war?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
A very good action oriented read. Some inaccuracies should be addressed in future versions of the book such as:
1. Ghana is a former British colony and is anglophone not francophone.
2. The Indian Ocean is on the East coast of Africa, not the West. The Atlantic is on the West for Ghana and Nigeria et al.
I enjoyed the reading as I am an action fan and I have already purchased book 2 and shall read the entire series. Cheers.
1. Ghana is a former British colony and is anglophone not francophone.
2. The Indian Ocean is on the East coast of Africa, not the West. The Atlantic is on the West for Ghana and Nigeria et al.
I enjoyed the reading as I am an action fan and I have already purchased book 2 and shall read the entire series. Cheers.
March 15, 2024
Spies everywhere
Great action and suspense. The author can really spin some tales. Hard to tell who's going to win. Great read.
Great action and suspense. The author can really spin some tales. Hard to tell who's going to win. Great read.
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