No Mercy [Paperback]

John Gilstrap (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2009

No names. No Feds. No trace evidence. That's how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done - especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan's meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood - and they're not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...Someone rich and powerful...Someone willing to capture, torture, an kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestseller Gilstrap (Nathan's Run) launches a thriller series following PI Jonathan Grave. Much like Bruce Wayne, Grave is single and rich, uses expensive gadgets and has a vigilante alter ego. Hokey dialogue (I respect anyone willing to die for a cause.... My goal is to help [terrorists] die for their cause. But I still respect them) hampers an otherwise entertaining read as Grave investigates the disappearance of investigative reporter Tibor Rothman, husband of Grave's ex-wife, Ellen. Sheriff Gail Bonneville of Samson, Ind., is chasing Grave in turn, since a hostage rescue mission he fronted turned into a shootout. Thriller fans may not mind the cheesiness or flat characters like brutish pilot Boxers and sassy computer specialist Venice (pronounced Ven-EE-chay, by the way), as this fast-paced tale of violence and revenge is all about plot, of which there is plenty. (July)
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Review

"In the tradition of Lee Child and Stephen Hunter, New York Times best selling author John Gilstrap delivers a page-turning, action-packed thriller filled with "rocket-paced suspense." - (Jeffery Deaver)"

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle; 1 Original edition (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786020873
• ISBN-13: 978-0786020874
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Gilstrap is the New York Times bestselling author of Threat Warning (July, 2011), Hostage Zero, No Mercy, Nathan's Run, At All Costs, Even Steven, Scott Free and Six Minutes to Freedom. In addition, John has written four screenplays for Hollywood, adapting the works of Nelson DeMille, Norman McLean and Thomas Harris. Most recently, he has signed two movie deals for his books. He will write and co-produce the film adaptation of his book, Six Minutes to Freedom, and executive produce the film adaptation of Scott Free.

A frequent speaker at literary events, John also teaches seminars on suspense writing techniques at a wide variety of venues, from local libraries to The Smithsonian Institution. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. He currently works as the director of safety for a large trade association in Washington, DC. John lives in Fairfax, VA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting Thriller, July 9, 2009

By 

Sharon Kennedy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No Mercy (Paperback)

Gilstrap's newest thriller "No Mercy" grabs the reader from page one, and holds tightly right to the finish. Cleverly written, with engaging twists and turns, along with a smattering of humor, this is a novel you won't want to put down. The story begins quite simply with the kidnapping of a college student. But quickly, it turns into a good guy, bad guy intrigue. You'll be on the edge of your seat, and perhaps a little queasy at times, as you follow Jonathan Grave, along with his friend and employee "Big Guy" as they work through the murk that comes from pure greed. As the story develops, one looming question is who are the good guys. Is it Grave who's job can force him to kill? Or is it, Irene Rivers, the FBI Director who wants the "incident" to disappear? Perhaps it's Gail Bonneville, the Sheriff of Samson, Indiana. When she took office, she promised to fulfill her duties without fail. Can she ignore the fact that she knows who saved the college student from his kidnappers, and who now has blood on his hands? At first, it appears that the kidnapped boy's parents, Stephenson and Julie Hughes are good guys. As the story unravels, however, not only are they responsible for something terrible, but their actions endanger their lives and many others. As in real life, it's not always easy to discern good from evil, but by this book's end, the good guys will leave an indelible mark on the reader's mind.

Gilstrap did a masterful job with "No Mercy". Not only did he weave a story with amazing character development to capture, and hold, the reader's attention, but he also provided an ending to be applauded. Too often, reader's enjoy the journey of a story only to be disappointed by a sappy, or poorly written, conclusion. Not so with Gilstrap. The ending leaves the reader wanting more suspense, more intrigue, and more Jonathan Grave.

36 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This rating pains me, December 26, 2009

By 

BeachReader (Delaware) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Mercy (Paperback)

Like Nancy Martin, I first "met" John Gilstrap on the AOL message boards and loved all of his books, especially Nathan's Run, which I recommended to so many people.

I just finished No Mercy and wish I could recommend it too. But poor editing and a story full of holes has left me scratching my head and so disappointed. I expected better of John. This was a riveting and fast-paced story, but there were so many errors and omissions that the book was spoiled for me. Twenty hours of good editing could have tightened up the book and eliminated the holes.

I know that publishing money is tight, but I bet John could find five or ten faithful readers who would read his manuscript and make suggestions.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gilstrap once again delivers a thrilling ride, July 7, 2009

By 

John R. Miller "Inkdog" (Concord, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No Mercy (Paperback)

Few authors deliver a great read ...out of the gate ...every time. John is one of the rare ones. Jonathan Graves is one of the meatiest protagonists in years. Ex-Delta Force and Gilstrap is more familiar with Delta than most since he wrote the only book the secret force has ever cooperated with, and endorsed, "Six Minutes To Freedom." NO MERCY is one of those books where the words "joy ride" and "train wreck" threaten to become interchangeable at every turn. This is one exciting read, guaranteed. Don't pick it up unless you have enough time to finish it. Congrats, Gilstrap and congrats Gilstrap fans. I'm waiting for the next Graves offering.