After the end (ebook) by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois

After the end is the sequel to The end and I highly recommend you read the first book in the series first because this review contains ***SPOILERS*** and because this series is best enjoyed in order.

Having served his country Owen Taylor was looking forward to his well earned retirement and had visions of a quiet life by the lake - because he was betrayed on his last mission his retirement wasn't exactly by the book, and his new neighbours seemed to have a problem with him.  His quiet contemplation of the solution to both problems is interrupted by a blast from the past who wants him to do a favour for a woman whose husband was wounded in an operation that should never have happened.

The mission seems simple enough, track down a reporter who was somewhere he shouldn't have been - but the reporter seems to be pretty determined to avoid Owen.  To make matters worse it seems that there are other parties who are also interested in stopping Owen from reaching the reporter - and answers to what is really going on.  Luckily Owen doesn't have to rely on just his wits and training, because an old acquaintance is along for the ride and she is very good at what she does.

It has been a slightly torturous wait for this next book in the Owen Taylor series - because I knew it was out there and had to wait for my reserve to come in!  Patterson and DuBois have a good rhythm and style together, and have carved a niche in the thriller/adventure genre here with a series that blends together believable action sequences with a main character that has a wicked sense of humour (black like most people who end up in armed service or emergency services) and a strong sense of justice. 

I sincerely hope there are more to come in the series, and it would be interesting to see Owen's world expanded into a full length novel of his own in the future - although these short punchy missions seem more authentic for the world of black ops and conspiracies.

If you like this book then try:

• The end by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois
• The witnesses (ebook) by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois
• The shut-in by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski
• The house husband by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski
• Private Royals by James Patterson and Rees Jones
• Heist by James Patterson and Rees Jones
• Black and Blue by James Patterson and Candice Fox
• Let's play make-believe by James Patterson and James O. Born
• Chase by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Airport code red by James Patterson and Michael White

Reviewed by Brilla