The Devil's Hand: James Reece, Book 4

I enjoyed the earlier books in Carr's series but as I progressed through them I found myself Kindle-flicking through dozens of pages at a time to dispatch tedious back story and the author's extremely thinly-veiled political points.But the earlier books held a premise of a good story, which is totally lost in this edition.There is so much wrong here, from an editorial perspective, that it starts to read like a self-published political statement.Basically, anyone who has served in the armed forces is worthy, anyone who has not is a fool. There is clearly some southern African tension that is unclear but drives the narrative in a way that is totally opaque.The biggest problem, though, is one of agenda. Every page feels like you are being forced to listen to a diatribe that the author feels very strongly about. These include political views (ok - to a point), a *massive* amount of product placement, to the extent that you can feel the camera behind your shoulder, and a general feeling that the story is secondary to getting you bought into Carr's beliefs.From a reader's perspective, the book suffers hugely from a lack of bold editing. Constant referral to previous novels, dirge-filled retrospection on the protagonist's concerns, and pointless dozens of pages wasted on backstory of soon-to-be-killed bit-part-actors shows a lack of bravery on the part of the editor.Overall, a half decent story buried beneath an editorial team that seem terrified of upsetting their author.

Just finished reading the fourth in the series, all four were a brilliant read. However, where I found the first three a very easy read and action from virtually page one, I found the fourth slightly confusing at the beginning, as there was so many characters to try and remember and what positions they held in life. Please don’t get me wrong, this book was much longer than the others, so after 55-60% of the book everything started to fall back into place, saying that, I still had to spend a bit of time trying to remember each characters purpose.This is still a great read, and the final third is truly action packed. I think as this was a much longer book, where as the previous 3 were shorter and faster, I assumed book 4, would be of of a similar pace, it is and even faster and smarter, but only at the final third, and it doest read the same as the others.Read all four of these books, if you’re into smart and clever action books, you’ll love Reece/James, although I completely respect other reviewers.Thank you and truly looking forward to the last in the series ( hopefully Mr Carr will further this series, but from what I’ve seen, it’ll be capped at 5.)EddieNorth Norfolk

The fit three books were excellent, which was why I had no concerns about buying the Devil’s Hand. What a disappointment. Jack Carr has joined the Clancy Coincidence school of writing.To make the plot work Reece had to be outside the house at the exact minute the bad guy exited. Then again at the lab/ house at exactly the same time the villain of the piece gets there. Then he has to be travelling with the one person who knows which drug to give the bad guy to stop him dying prematurely and ... I can’t go on. Too disappointed for wordsNigelt

I really should trust my instincts! I've read the previous three books by this author and its been a hit and miss experience. Based on my previous experience I decided to download the sample, the sample consisted of recapping the first three books and this story didn't 'start' until AFTER the sample which, defeated the whole purpose of a 'sample'. If I was reading a tangible book I would have thrown it at the wall, its like the character is suffering from PTSD or even Schizophrenia, the author can't seem to stay in a scene without 'flashing back' to previous books or scenes (even if the scene only happened 30 pages before) or 'previous lived experience', its both disconcerting and irritating and feels like the author is trying to 'pad out' the book. Perhaps, the author hasn't spent enough time formulating his 'ideas' before writing the book? It feels like the books are being written for the upcoming TV series rather than the TV series following a great book series. I was really cheering this author on because I liked his story ( who doesn't cheer on a former SEAL?). Sadly, I feel like I'm paying money to be irritated. Caveat Emptor!

Nothing like the first two books that I couldn't put down. I only persevered because the 1st two were so good, it didn't start until about 40% of the way through, you can basically miss this all out, bogged down in details that mean nothing, it felt like it was written just to write a book. Overall pretty poor, it looks like another one will come out, if it's like this I won't bother, a real shame considering the others were so good.

Excellent multi levelled book based on our good friend James Reece.The watchers watching the watchers, while being watched themselves sees an interesting take rather than just reading about one person.Excellent political spin and contemporary issues like Covid work really well.Unbelievable book for 99p.Highly recommended.

Another cracking story which started slowly and then got going although some of the information was technical you eventually started to see the wood from the trees. Mr Reece delivered another trailblazer with the help of the CIA and the President. We will all look forward to continuing the saga in the next exciting book in the series.

At first i thought would i ever get through all this jargon at the beginning however after a slowish start i then thought i needd to read the kadt page as the tension racked up to a sizzler of a story. Phew. All's good. Awesome read & what a roller coaster ride it has been with James Reeece. Watch this space!!!!