Between The Lines

Author: Russell Blake

Published: Janda Management and released June 2013 on Audible.

Category: Crime/Thriller

Twenty-eight-year-old Jet was once the Mossad’s most lethal operative before faking her own death and burying that identity forever. But the past doesn’t give up on its secrets easily. 

When her new life on a tranquil island is shattered by a brutal attack, Jet must return to a clandestine existence of savagery and deception to save herself and those she loves. A gritty, unflinching roller-coaster of high-stakes twists and shocking turns, JET features a new breed of protagonist that breaks the mold.

Jet is a protagonist with a difference, a deadly but complex personality who has suffered one of the worst experiences. She has intellect and depth of character and, as a trained operative is adept with all manner of weaponry, not to mention hand to hand combat. In her past as a covert special agent for Mossad she fought terrorism and corruption and, after faking her own death, hoped that part of her life could be laid to rest. But someone knows she is still alive. Someone who has very close and personal links to a past assassination and wants revenge at any cost.

As she shouldered through the hanging beads that separated the back from the storefront, a garrote looped over her head and she barely got her left hand up in time to keep it from closing around her throat…….Ignoring the pain from the garrote she stabbed behind her head with the jagged edge of the broken bottle, again and again, then heard a muted exclamation as a warm gush sprayed against her upper back.

The story opens with an assassination attempt that draws Jet back into her old life and there is really only one person who can help her. Her former lover, David. Travelling to various exotic, and not so exotic, locales in several countries, they try to work out who wants Jet dead, and why, whilst trying to stay ahead of the villains. Plenty of action, clear and colourful depictions of weapons and fighting scenes which paint a vivid picture of operatives in combat, living on the edge and never quite knowing where, or when, the next attack will occur.

Jet’s backstory is filled in with flashback chapters which add to the overall picture and the connection to the character. Russell Blake’s excellent and very descriptive writing is fascinating, solid and flows seemingly effortlessly, dropping the reader (or listener) right in the middle of the story, which is completely over the top and sheer escapism but that’s what makes it such a fun and enjoyable experience. A surprise twist at the end means I have to get Jet #2!

Braden Wright has a nice narrative style and good characterisation.