Operator [Kindle Edition]

David Vinjamuri (Author), Rebecca Heyman (Editor), Jothan Cashero (Illustrator)

Book Description

When Michael Herne's high school girlfriend Melissa commits suicide, he makes the fateful decision to return home for her funeral. Michael hasn't stepped foot in his Catskills hometown for more than a dozen years since he left it and a college football scholarship behind to join the Army.

Michael quickly learns that his hometown has changed as he is pulled into the web of mystery and corruption surrounding Melissa's death. He will soon confront the abusive ex-boyfriend, a town sheriff with mixed motives and the ruthless Russian gang at the heart of it all.

Michael will be forced to choose between two paths - that of the desk-working, college-educated intelligence analyst he has become or the Tier I Army Operator he once was. Only one of these identities will survive as Michael is relentlessly hunted by a series of ruthless men.

This meticulously researched, seamlessly plotted thriller is the first in a new series by David Vinjamuri.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 "Vinjamuri's elaborate plot moves smoothly through all the intricacies with powerful and persuasive details that hold the reader captive in this riveting thriller."  - Indie Reader: indiereader.com/2012/10/operator/

"While many novels have dealt with elite military training, spy games and cover ups, Vinjamuri's work brings a fresh look at all three genres.  Tight pacing offers plenty of suspense and surprise, and while the protagonist occasionally seems more superhero than mortal, it's also clear why his superiors chose him for his line of work.  The operator is not a blank slate, and Michael provides a satisfyingly complex character struggling with shades of gray even as he knows exactly what to do.  Though Michael Herne laments his return to the life of an operator, readers may hail a new breed of hero."  - Kirkus Indie Reviews

From the Author

Operator is written in the tradition of the great spy novels of the sixties and seventies.  These stories feature heros with extraordinary physical abilities but very real problems and character flaws.  Michael Herne, the protagonist of this story is an Army veteran with a very special set of skills and a very difficult family.  If you love The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum, the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker, the Matt Helm series by Donald Hamilton and The Destroyer series by Richard Sapir and Warren Murphy, you may like Operator.  NOTE: This book features detailed descriptions of weapons and graphic depictions of violence.  Your results would vary.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 420 KB
• Print Length: 178 pages
• Publisher: ThirdWay (August 21, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0090VGBG2
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,985 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding and Engrossing Thriller September 3, 2012

By Hans G. Schantz

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Returning to the home town from which he escaped years ago, Special Operations veteran, Michael Hearnes, must solve a friend's mysterious "suicide," and thwart a vicious criminal syndicate before he and his friends and family are marked for execution.

David Vinjamuri's "Operator" vividly tells the story of a moralistic yet reluctant hero drawn into a web of mystery in a small town that is no longer what it appears. "Operator" weaves engaging characterization and an intriguing multi-layered mystery with breathtaking action to create an engrossing tale. Vinjamuri's powerful debut leaves the reader eagerly anticipating sequels.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut September 10, 2012

By Art Keller

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Operator is a remarkably strong showing for a first novel. The writing has a clean simplicity that quickly moves the narrative along to a surprising conclusion. Although the Mike Herne character is clearly a formidable person, the reader doesn't come away with the impression of a cookie-cutter super-soldier, but rather an extraordinary person all the more genuine for his flaws. The book also includes a wealth of fine details that will ring true to members of the special operations and intelligence communities. Altogether a fine read and I definitely look forward to Mike Herne's next adventure. Write fast, Mr. Vinjamuri!

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Herne, a northern Travis McGee August 28, 2012

By W. D. Harris

Format:Kindle Edition

David Vinjamuri's Michael Herne isn't a self described beach bum like John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee, but he shares a shadowy Army history and a strong moral compass. Both have "retired" from the service, and have a rather laconic view of the world. Both former football stars are deadly at close range, too, though they prefer not to prove it.

"Operator" draws us into different worlds, however, than MacDonald's older series. Vinjamuri's is one of gritty northern towns and young women with pearls just passing through, of hunters turned sharpshooters, and a girlfriend left behind. Herne knows his tools, too, from cars though weaponry, and we are treated to a show.

In keeping with the finest of the genre, Herne is at his best (and we are engrossed) when he is reluctantly challenged. Read "Operator" and look for the big, calm Samoan bouncer who moves unexpectedly fast. Prepare for a quick dive over a hedge and the snarl of a 120 lb Rottweiler. Oh yes, and the crack of a 9mm... be careful.

The opponents get stronger and the action even more tightly woven from chapter to chapter. Hopefully, the end of this story won't be the last we hear of Michael Herne and from this author.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing, but not my cup of tea September 29, 2012

By J&KN in NC

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was not a venue I usually pick, but I like mystery thrillers and decided to try it. It was like watching someone skilled playing a violent video game. The avatar, Michael Herne, had to work through lots of levels to reach his final qualification as a killing machine. Then he gets caught up in a lot of fast-moving and suspenseful action as the killing begins. Why did I keep reading this book when I knew I wouldn't like all the killing? I'm not sure, but I guess I was mesmerized by the book the same way I would be watching someone playing a video game. I am fascinated watching players who can play a game that would have eliminated me at Level 1! If violence doesn't bother you, you will probably rate this book at 5 stars.

I believe the book was fairly well-researched. Every weapon - gun, knife - was identified by brand and model number, and its particular usefulness was explained in detail. I was fascinated that anyone would value all that information. At times, Michael Herne did things that seemed more super-heroic than human (like climbing a two story wall using fingertips and feet).

A book with lots of excitement and lots of killing. Also, it was fairly well-edited, often a Kindle plus.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great research and detail October 5, 2012

By George M. Kiebler

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The writing style is a bit dfferent with the first-person narrative, but I fell into the story line quickly. The research in this one gets an A+. Right down to the clinkers in the abandoned cement plant. The story line is different than most novels and the main character is believable if somewhat in the super-hero category. Following some of the narrative on hand-to-hand combat scenes was a bit hard at times, but this is minor. I couldn't figure out where each scene would go while it is unfolding. I don't like predictable events when I am reading this type of novel. Good twists right down to the end. Could make a great movie. I want to encourage the author to write more and I will buy them.
Bud Kiebler
Colorado

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BYOO (Bring Your Own Oxygen) September 9, 2012

By Brad Hurley

Format:Paperback

What a treat! I was drawn in by the first paragraph, and didn't come up for air until it was all over.

Vinjamuri crafts a meticulously researched world full of suspense, filled with vividly nuanced characters that smack of authenticity, and a gratifyingly unexpected ending. Protagonist Michael Herne delivers top-notch fighting abilities and split-second analytical skills that are reminiscent of Jason Bourne, thanks to elite military training that elevate him beyond Seal Team Six (featured in current best-seller "No Easy Day"). At the same time, I found that his strained relationship with his family gives him a relatable human side.

I'm eager for more by this author.

More About the Author

After a brief stint as an intelligence analyst, David spent nearly 20 years working with corporate brands. He writes for Forbes, teaches at New York University and loves reading and the outdoors.