Black Flag

A Jake Keller Thriller, Book 3

By: David Ricciardi

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

CIA officer Jake Keller faces stakes that are very high and very personal in the latest electrifying thriller from the author of Rogue Strike.

After years of relative calm, piracy has returned to the high sea. 

But the days of AK-47s and outboard engines are over. The new pirates hit like a SEAL team. Highly trained, and using cutting-edge technology, they make sure their victims are never heard from again. 

Ships and crews are vanishing at a staggering rate. 

As the threat to international shipping grows, US authorities become determined to find the source of this new danger. 

Jake Keller has a plan - to lure the pirate mastermind out of hiding by infiltrating his organization - but it’s a dangerous gambit, made more so by Jake's personal involvement with the beautiful heiress to a Greek shipping fortune and an ulterior agenda coming out of CIA headquarters. 

As the threats close in from all sides, Jake finds himself faced with a familiar choice: back off, or go on the offensive. 

His fate, and the fate of a nation, hang on his decision.

©2020 David Ricciardi (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Jake Keller - A One Man Army!!!!

Somalia. An oppressive country whose citizens live in deplorable conditions. Where parents will abandon their own children for their own self preservation. There is nothing to stand in the way of power hungry, greedy men. And they come. The new age of pirates come, bringing with them mercenaries. They hold the country in fear and buy off the government. These men board ships and kill everyone, stealing what the ships are carrying.
Enter Jake Keller. He and his new partner identify two major warlords. There are some bloody battles and gruesome hijackings. There’s interference from Jake’s boss in DC who can’t bring himself to believe what Jake has uncovered. Jake is actually told to work with one of the warlords. This wasn’t a good idea, with Jake’s analytical skills he’s able see things others are trying to keep hidden. There are a couple of unexpected surprises in the end.
This is a fast paced book with plenty of action and a well thought out plot. Definitely kept my interest and left me wanting more.

Jonathan Davis’s narration is just perfect.
This book has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
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Somalia: not the ideal vacation destination!

BLACK FLAG is the third novel in David Ricciardi's Jake Keller espionage thriller series and the author's third novel.. It is set in the lawless badlands of Somalia. Black flag is a fast moving novel with intense suspense. David Ricciardi deserves lots more attention from readers/listeners. Jonathan Davis, one of the best, narrates the Jake Keller series. Be sure to read the outstanding review by Audible listener Shelley.

Just too much ugly violence

I have tried to read through this book, but gave up. Just too much gratuitous violence and ugliness.

Good story

Interesting listen. Reasonable character development and descriptions. New, to me settling, and interesting in that.

Good Golley. Please dont buy this book

Every now and then I buy a suggested book. Usually they are entertaining and sometimes they are great. Black Flag was horrendous. One of dullest books every. Nothing happened and I didn’t care about the characters Save your time and money. Do not buy this book

Excellent

Excellent work. Really enjoyed it. Narration, characters, story, action, details (especially technology). It had it all.

Escapism novel

Set in Somalia, Jake gets into a lot of skirmishes. New friends are made and some are lost. CIA boss Ted Graves remains a punch worthy character. This is one of those books that you tell yourself, ‘He’d never get through all that in real life,’ but for escapism, it’s a decent book.

The story is about intrigue, double dealing and

unscrupulous agendas. interwoven with loyalties and deceit. Challeng the purpose of what really one can do.

Good not Great

The story was interesting, well paced, plenty of action and a few surprises but it lacked strong character development. I didn't feel I was all that invested in Jake. He was clearly a good guy but lacked depth. Enjoyable listen, just not in the top listens.

GOOD TEAM OF WRITER & NARRATOR

Love the narrator, who always keeps a story well-paced and has a great voice to listen to. The plot itself was not unique but was certainly entertaining. This audiobook is well worth the time and credit spent.