The Shadow Patrol

A warning first, this is a series with a lead character who is developed more in each novel. John Wells is flawed, complicated and you need to start from the beginning. The author does not waste pages and pages (hours and hours as you listen) repeating his character development and the events that have shaped who he is now.

That said, I downloaded this book the day it was released. I started reading Peterson's books as a result of a recommendation from other authors I had read -- Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, Brad Thor. I haven't stopped since. The stories are well-written. The characters are not cookie cutter Good Guys and Bad Guys. You root for Wells and his mission, but you understand why his life is so full of shades of grey.

In this most recent novel, Wells is tasked to finding the source and purpose of drug dealers within the American military in Afghanistan. Are these men just acting for profit? Is there a mole in the CIA (for whom Wells privately works on occasion)? Is there more to these dealings than just greed? The story flows beautifully and Wells continues to work on his own growth as an individual. Great way to escape for a few hours.

John Wells returns to roots in "The Shadow patrol" doing what he does best which is to out-man and out-gun his adversaries. The plot begins in a straightforward fashion: events in Afghanistan suggest the possibility of a CIA mole. Wells is sent to investigate in his typical poking around strategy. Eventually he stumbles into a military heroin smuggling ring. Along the way, Wells employs every trick in his tradecraft. Ellis Scheaffer is also involved stateside and displays a flair for acting and exploiting social media in creative ways.

The pacing is tight and the action is continual and well timed. There's a sense of urgency that adds to the dramatic tension. Of particular note is that Berenson recognizes and appreciates that the various sets of players are not always using the same playbook and have sets of non-identical priorities that makes for legitimate conflict. While the introspective aspects of his personality are downplayed, Wells appears to be accepting his lot in life and displays a sense of ownership and resignation for what he must do.

The narration is superb. Guidall is perfectly suited for a cloak and dagger delivery that involves messy resolutions. John Wells is a national asset and this installment further cements his standing.

This book doesn't live up to the Faithful Spy as far as intrigue and in dept believable story content. It was just alright for me. John Wells, is the Dirty Harry solider that can blend in with the insurgents and take out the bad guys even if they are Americans. The narration by George Guidall is always worth the credit. If you have read any of the other Wells saga's than you may agree with me... if you have not.... I still recommend this book if you can get it on sale.

First the only saving grace it the reading of George Guidall, which as usual is superb. The plot is slow and boring, in that it has so many minutias, that I could not keep focus. Most of the time it did not matter, as these small details were not necessary in the whole picture. When you are listening, the minutia only detract from the plot.

This is John Wells #6. If you haven't read #1-5 (your loss) you are ok. Interesting to see social media used in the spy game.

This is a great story with a lot of suspense. Goerge Guidall is awesome as always. Great Listen!! I highly recommend not only this book but the series as a whole. You will not be disappointed.

Yes - strong, relateable story line.

Alex Berenson demonstrated knowledge of the politican climate of the time and also described the cultures clearly and beautifully.

I think this might be the first time, I am not sure. But I liked it.

Yep.

Another great story. I was bummed when I finished this one. Hope the author is coming up with more John Wells adventures.

Yes, as long as Guidall is Narrating it!

Yes, Kept me interested through out

Everything! One of the best. A good narrator can make or break a book!!!

Berenson is a wonderful writer, and Guidall is a gifted storyteller. A great combination.