The Operative
Written by Andrew Britton
Narrated by Christopher Lane
4/5
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About this audiobook
An ex-CIA agent hunts down a terrorist conspiracy in a thriller by the New York Times bestselling author who "may well give Tom Clancy a run for the money" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).
After more than a decade on the front lines of the war on terror, Ryan Kealey is finally putting danger behind him. But his calm is shattered by a merciless attack during a charity gala in downtown Baltimore. Among the dozens of casualties is the wife of CIA Deputy Director John Harper. With normal channels of investigation obstructed, Harper turns to Kealey, the one man with the resources, expertise—and freedom from government interference—to pursue the awful truth.
Following a string of secrets and violence, Kealey blazes a trail from the innermost chambers of government to the dimmest reaches of the human psyche, forced to match wits with a new nemesis aided by new allies, each with a unique agenda. Slowly, Kealey unspools an unimaginable conspiracy that suggests America may truly be its own worst enemy.
Andrew Britton
Born in England, Andrew Britton moved with his family to the United States when he was seven, settling in Michigan, then North Carolina. After serving in the Army as a combat engineer, Andrew entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received his degree just before his death in 2008, at the age of 27.
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Reviews for The Operative
67 ratings9 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was another well-written, fast paced Ryan Kealey book. There is a terrorist attack in the Baltimore Convention Center involving several suicide bombers and gunmen--a very sophisticated plot that kills hundreds and injures many more, one of them being the wife of the CIA director. Ryan Kealey, a former CIA agent, happens to be on his way to the Baltimore event and enters the fray to end the attack. From there, things move forward quickly with a crazy, scary plot and a race against time to find the bad guys. This wasn't quite as good as some of his other books but an interesting read with a plausible plot and complex characters. I'm sad to hear that the author passed away a few years ago--I would definitely read more from him. Fortunately, this one ends well if it is Kealey's last mission.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5It took me a while to get through this book. I'm really not sure why, but it just didn't keep my interest. The story was mediocre. The characters were somewhat entertaining. However, the idea that just a few homegrown bad guys could possess the necessary power and influence to partake on their plan was a little over the top. I would recommend this book to friends with the disclaimer just don't expect too much.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This review is based on an uncorrected proof for Early Reviewers and, as such, may not represent the final published product.This was my first Kealey novel by Britton and I now look forward to catching up with earlier installments. Britton's writing is fast-paced, well-developed, and enjoyable. While "The Operative" certainly isn't groundbreaking in the thriller genre, it is a more than capable entry into the field.Britton's Kealey is a welcome relief from most protagonists in the genre. He is not a superman never missing with a shot and always thinking two steps ahead of his enemies. His flaws are developed and integrated into the story adding depth and context.Unlike so many of today's thrillers, Britton's action sequences are neither gratuitous nor farcical. They are well paced and show a great understanding of not only the technical aspects, but the interpersonal side of conflict as well."The Operative" is an enjoyable and engaging read, representing the best of the thriller genre available in today's market. Four out of five stars.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was the first Ryan Kealey book I have read, and I was highly impressed. Britton writes a very Clancy-esque thriller with lots of twists and turns. I gave the book four out of five stars simply because the plot wasn't necessarily anything unique, although it was well written and the characters are personable. This book was good enough to convince me to purchase the first book in the Ryan Kealey series and read them all.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Andrew Britton's The Operative is a fast moving action thriller. I enjoyed the character development and story. The story ended with a few twists and turns and was a very enjoyable read. I will look for more books by Andrew.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Operative is a fast paced, hard charging must read for all of those that enjoy an action thriller. The author, Andrew Britton, captures the sense that we have all felt since 9-11. What next and who will do it. The difference here is that the twist at the end is mostly unexpected. The foreshowing does give you an early feel but you may not be so sure.Great reading for enjoyment.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5A terrorist attack interrupts a medical convention in Baltimore. Ex CIA agent Ryan Kealy finds himself ordered by the President of the United States along with another agent to track down the person or people responsible for the attack. A wave of shootings in NYC cause chaos for police and other law enforcement officials while behind the scenes, a more sinister operation is unfolding.A man who views himself as a patriot, devises a plot to bring America to her knees.Kealy and Bishop must stop this attack from happening. If they fail....the loss of life, would be unimaginable.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Exciting thriller. Recently retired CIA agent Ryan Kealey along with company psychiatrist Allison Dearborn are involved in a terrorist situation which kills a number of people with bombs and guns. Allison's nephew is one of the hostages. Unfortunately FBI agent Reed Bishop's daughter is not as fortunate.The two agents are recruited by the President (POTUS) to help solve the problems since they are considered to be true to the country. A rogue FBI agent is suspected with possible allies.More people are slaughtered but resolution is attained in tense moments.Would recommend the story to those with interests in thrillers and mystery.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5For not being a super original story, "The Operative" was too complicated for it's own good. While I don't think Britton was a bad writer, there were many passages I had to read several times. He also struggled with that fine line between making the dialogue realistic (in terms of jargon and acronyms) and making it confusing. Crichton was brilliant at it. But here, often, I'd read the dialogue, read the next couple of paragraphs that explain what was said, then have to read the dialogue again with the new found knowledge."The Operative" is about an American "patriot" who decides to force a final conflict between the US and Islamic nations. If you want to read a similar--but much better done--book, read Nelson DeMille's "Wild Fire."