Hour of the Assassin

A Novel

By: Matthew Quirk

Narrated by: Will Damron

“Quirk has earned his spot in the front ranks of thriller writers. Opens with a bang and keeps exploding for three hundred pages."" —David Baldacci, New York Times bestselling author of A Minute to Midnight

Framed and on the run for his life, a former Secret Service agent discovers how far some men will go to grasp the highest office in the land in this electrifying tale from the author of The Night Agent—a propulsive political thriller reminiscent of the best early Baldacci and Grisham novels.

As a Secret Service agent, Nick Averose spent a decade protecting the most powerful men and women in America and developed a unique gift: the ability to think like an assassin. Now, he uses that skill in a little-known but crucial job. As a “red teamer,” he poses as a threat, testing the security around our highest officials to find vulnerabilities—before our enemies can. He is a mock killer, capable of slipping past even the best defenses.

His latest assignment is to assess the security surrounding the former CIA director at his DC area home. But soon after he breaches the man’s study, the home’s inner sanctum, Nick finds himself entangled in a vicious crime that will shake Washington to its foundations—as all the evidence points to Nick.

Nick knows he’s the perfect scapegoat. But who is framing him, and why? To clear his name, he must find the truth—a search that leads to a dark conspiracy whose roots stretch back decades. The prize is the most powerful position in the world: the Oval Office.

To save himself and the people he loves, Nick must stop the men who rule Washington before they bury him along with their secrets.

“This one is a gritty, intense political thriller, filled with nuance and dire exploits. Totally entertaining. A treat from start to finish. —Steve Berry, author of The Malta Exchange

Too much preaching

This would have been a very exciting, satisfying story if the author had cut out half of the preaching. After the reader grasped his views on crooked politics he just kept on and on - reiterating his views ad nauseam.

Disappointing

I expected much more out of the main character who was introduced as someone that was very capable but really disappointed. The story did not progress well and the ending was very disappointing.

Wrapped up at the very end

Great thriller and kept you guessing the entire time. I wish the author didn’t wait till the very end to answer all the questions.

Good but a bit draggy

Good story but dragged a bit. I love most of this authors work though, will definitely read the next.

Not particularly imaginative

The story was very predictable. This was my first experience with this author. Not terrible. but not sure he is worth another.

Ok Story

I thought the story was ok but it didn't consistently keep my interest. the main character was a little wooden. The intrigue was not sustainable. The performance of the narrator was what kept me listening hoping for a better ending.

Lone man against many

Enjoyed the overall set up of the story, From how things began to why the ended on the note they did. Story had some dull spots but overall well presented in action and details.

plenty of action and planning to take action.

I like being in the head of the protagonist as he made decisions and handled new problems in a decisive manner. Quite a few number of twists and turns occurred in this story that kept it interesting.

Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

A hard listen in the USA on 11/06/2024. I wish it was all fantasy. UGH

Great paced story

I love a story that I can’t wait to get back to listen to! The narrator did a great job differentiating between characters.