Quiet War

The Hitter, Book 1

By: Shawn Chesser

Narrated by: Adam Paul

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

“Through a combination of tight, well-structured plots and fully realized characters, Chesser has emerged as one of the top indie writers in the business.” (Joe McKinney, two-time Bram Stoker Award winner and best-selling author of the Dead World series)

After nearly 20 years of direct involvement in the seemingly nonstop combat operations in the Middle East—first as a sniper in the 75th Ranger Regiment 2nd Battalion, then as the youngest member of the Army’s storied Delta Force—Cade Grayson is back home in Portland, Oregon, trying his best to reintegrate into civilian life.

Everything changes when a pair of Pelican cases are deposited on Cade’s porch by a stranger driving an unmarked panel van. Knowing in his gut that the unannounced delivery has a connection to his old life and that whatever is contained within the hard cases must have something to do with the recent lightning-fast fall of Kabul, Afghanistan, and the total capitulation of the remaining US forces to the Taliban, he cracks the seals reluctantly.

Sent by his former Delta commander, the cases contain proof that Al-Simoom, a terrorist organization whose leaders Cade’s Pale Riders team had captured and put away for life in Kabul’s Pul-e-Charkhi prison, are claiming responsibility for the suicide bombing at Abbey Gate—a despicable act that killed 13 US service members and scores of innocent Afghanis.

But that’s not all. Intel suggests that in the aftermath of the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport, dozens of Al-Simoom members melted into the agitated crowds escaping the carnage and stole their way aboard airplanes bound for the United States.

Though the number of Al-Simoom cells and their whereabouts in CONUS are unknown, one thing is clear: With the 20-year anniversary of 9/11 fast approaching, America is a target-rich environment—and Cade Grayson and his fellow former Pale Riders are at the top of the list.

With no time to waste, Cade sends an overture to former teammates requesting they put life on hold and convene at the Grayson home.

Cade and his reconstituted team learn the whereabouts of one cell leader, verified through facial recognition software. With little more than the city and the terrorist’s last known location to work with, the Pale Riders go on the offensive. Assisted by allies still hardwired into the special operations community and with the unsolicited financial backing of a billionaire benefactor, the Pale Riders set out to find the one thread that, when pulled, will lead to the unraveling of Al-Simoom’s deadly plans.

©2022 Shawn Chesser (P)2022 Shawn Chesser

Captivating

The narration was great. I can't really say that I enjoyed this book, but it is well worth the listen. The content is well researched, but my gut was clenched and I was on edge through the entire book. the story is fantastic and I can't wait for book 2.

Great start to a new series

A great start to a new series, but did you have to involve BIRD!!!!! Now how long do I have to wait to find out what happens next??????

I Can't Wait For The Next Book!

Excellent story of what it takes to keep the US safe. We don't know what happens behind the scenes. I hope Shawn Chesser's next book in the series comes out soon!

Great story too true for comfort

Let’s go Brandon let these people just walk right in. Hopefully never becomes reality. But thanks to those who are in the silent night taking care of these animals

Great as always

I love that we are seeing Cade and and boys again but in a different timeline. Love it as much as I loved the other 2 series. Listener for life

Shawn keeps the hits a coming!

Shawn's new Cade spinoff is outstanding. Shawn, Thank you for another gem that never disappoints.

Wow! Really good.

Ive been a big Chesser fan in the zombie genre for many years. This new genre that Chesser has entered did not disappoint me. Shawn, please continue the zombie works too though. You’ve got a lot more joy to spread in those stories as well.

S Kaye

I’m glad you’re not through writing! This was lighting, sometimes confusing, but always exciting!
Adam Paul was great!

best one yet.

loved this book. the stories just get better and better with every book. Can't wait for the next one.

Alternate Reality

Shawn shows us what life would be for Cade and his crew if zombies never entered the picture. I enjoy his other series STZA and Rikers Promise so I know this one will be right up there with them. Adam Paul does a fine job of bringing this story to life. I sonly hope that one of my favorite characters didn't just lose it.