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lindz's review
5.0
Are you a Crime Fan or even a dective Fan? Well you may be missing out on another amazing book. This book is called “The Fourth Courier” by Timothy Jay Smith. I enjoyed this book once I got into it.
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
amysbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
The Fourth Courier is a thriller novel set in the 1990s in Warsaw, Poland. From the first page, Smith throws the reader into the midst of an investigation into some grisly murders (whose victims turn out to have been smuggling nuclear materials) taking place in the area. Jay Porter, an FBI agent who has been asked to help with the investigation begins to discover the details of the crimes, and when a physicist who has designed a portable atomic bomb goes missing, Porter and the police investigating have a race against time to find him. But will they find him and the bomb before the wrong people get hold of it and potential detonate it, killing hoards of innocent people?
Right from the beginning, this book was gripping; Smith’s writing, and his clear level of research and detail made this book so plausible and thrilling. I loved how much Polish and Russian he included in the book which added to the authenticity and, although I did struggle to keep up a little, I do appreciate how realistic it made the novel. I also think there was a good level of cultural/historical references which kept it entrenched in the Soviet era, while not bogging down the reader with too much information.
I liked that there were a lot of characters, but I have to admit, it did become a little jarring, just because I was having to remind myself about who everyone was. I liked how the array of characters kept the pace, but I found it difficult to keep track of them all, especially when a lot of them were secondary and not too relevant to the overall plot. However, maybe I’m just not the right person to enjoy it, and I’m sure there are people who like novels that busy! I also particularly enjoyed the characters Jay and Sergej – Jay was likeable which made me like the book more and Sergej was clearly intelligent, but also conflicted which made him interesting. The head of the Yugoslavia Secret Services, Drako Mladic, was also an intriguing character; seemingly just a megalomanic, as the plot progressed it became clearer that he had his weaknesses, and it was interesting to see him succumb to them.
All in all there were thirty six chapters in this relatively short book which I thought was great because it broke up the plot and helped keep pace. The number of chapters also helped the narrative jump around a lot which also helped keep the pace throughout, which again made this thriller gripping from beginning to end. I do think that some of the writing was a little politically charged which not everyone might enjoy, but again, it added to the authenticity of the location and time.
As thriller plots go, I thought this one was original enough while also keeping a comfortable and familiar thriller-plot-arc. There were a good few unexpected moments, and enough killings/mysteries/trysts to keep it interesting. Smith’s writing was succinct, refreshing, and daring in the way that he wasn’t willing to sugar coat any of the more gruesome or seductive parts of the plot. Overall, this was a great thriller, with a good plot, and some gripping writing – would definitely recommend.
Right from the beginning, this book was gripping; Smith’s writing, and his clear level of research and detail made this book so plausible and thrilling. I loved how much Polish and Russian he included in the book which added to the authenticity and, although I did struggle to keep up a little, I do appreciate how realistic it made the novel. I also think there was a good level of cultural/historical references which kept it entrenched in the Soviet era, while not bogging down the reader with too much information.
I liked that there were a lot of characters, but I have to admit, it did become a little jarring, just because I was having to remind myself about who everyone was. I liked how the array of characters kept the pace, but I found it difficult to keep track of them all, especially when a lot of them were secondary and not too relevant to the overall plot. However, maybe I’m just not the right person to enjoy it, and I’m sure there are people who like novels that busy! I also particularly enjoyed the characters Jay and Sergej – Jay was likeable which made me like the book more and Sergej was clearly intelligent, but also conflicted which made him interesting. The head of the Yugoslavia Secret Services, Drako Mladic, was also an intriguing character; seemingly just a megalomanic, as the plot progressed it became clearer that he had his weaknesses, and it was interesting to see him succumb to them.
All in all there were thirty six chapters in this relatively short book which I thought was great because it broke up the plot and helped keep pace. The number of chapters also helped the narrative jump around a lot which also helped keep the pace throughout, which again made this thriller gripping from beginning to end. I do think that some of the writing was a little politically charged which not everyone might enjoy, but again, it added to the authenticity of the location and time.
As thriller plots go, I thought this one was original enough while also keeping a comfortable and familiar thriller-plot-arc. There were a good few unexpected moments, and enough killings/mysteries/trysts to keep it interesting. Smith’s writing was succinct, refreshing, and daring in the way that he wasn’t willing to sugar coat any of the more gruesome or seductive parts of the plot. Overall, this was a great thriller, with a good plot, and some gripping writing – would definitely recommend.
canada_matt's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Jay Smith, and Skyhorse Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After having been asked to read this book by the author, I could not wait to see just what Timothy Jay Smith had in store for his readers. This thriller, set in 1992 Poland, has all the elements of a Cold War classic without the Iron Curtain. However, remnants of the Soviet-era dominance remain, both in the story’s setting and its narrative delivery. The story focuses on a group of recently slain individuals who appear to have been smuggling nuclear material from the former USSR out of the country to help build weapons. While this would seem to be a local matter, FBI Agent Jay Porter arrives when the fourth victim is discovered, killed in much the same matter as the others. These victims or ‘couriers’ seem to have been contracted to help smuggle items out and deliver them to a physicist. Unfortunately, the scientist has also disappeared, making it all the more important to locate him and learn of the intended destination of the nuclear material. General Drako Mladic of the Yugoslav Secret Police soon hits Porter’s radar. Mladic is sadistic and ready to kill anyone who stands in his way, as well as residing in one of Europe’s most unstable regions. Porter will have to work alongside the most unlikely of partners to end the courier route and stop what could be a new international disaster. In a story that mixes thrills, espionage, and the darkest of characters, Smith offers the reader a glimpse into something terrifying, had it actually come to pass. Well-written and captivating, anyone with an interest in Cold War spy thrillers will likely want to add this to their reading list.
I will be the first to admit that I had troubles connecting to the book at times. While Smith is a great writer and keeps the reader enthralled, I found myself weaving in and out of complete comprehension, though the gist did come to me and by the end. FBI Agent Jay Porter proves to be an interesting addition to the story, offering some interesting ‘American flavour’ to the newly freed Polish setting. His attention to detail as he struggles to get his feet under him proves to be highly entertaining to the attentive reader, not to mention the odd pairing he has when investigating. This is a case that challenges traditional police work and being in a foreign country only adds further hurdles. But, Porter pushes onwards and uses some odd connections to help reveal clues to point him in the right direction, even if it will take a miracle to close this case swiftly. Other characters help to shape an already interesting plot, adding conflicting personalities to a dark tale, which can muddy the waters unless the reader is able to focus their attention throughout. A decent premise keeps the story moving forward and the intrigue high. I was never a Cold War thriller reader, but I can see the allure, as there are so many layers to comprehend and many pieces to fit together. Smith does this well and keeps the reader wondering what is to come, as well as seeking to keep an eye peeled for anyone lurking in the shadows. I’ll surely keep an eye open for more by the author and may return to try this book again down the road to see if it leaves more of an impact.
Kudos, Mr. Smith, for a well-paced piece that kept my attention throughout. I hope many discover some of the nuances I missed this time around.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
After having been asked to read this book by the author, I could not wait to see just what Timothy Jay Smith had in store for his readers. This thriller, set in 1992 Poland, has all the elements of a Cold War classic without the Iron Curtain. However, remnants of the Soviet-era dominance remain, both in the story’s setting and its narrative delivery. The story focuses on a group of recently slain individuals who appear to have been smuggling nuclear material from the former USSR out of the country to help build weapons. While this would seem to be a local matter, FBI Agent Jay Porter arrives when the fourth victim is discovered, killed in much the same matter as the others. These victims or ‘couriers’ seem to have been contracted to help smuggle items out and deliver them to a physicist. Unfortunately, the scientist has also disappeared, making it all the more important to locate him and learn of the intended destination of the nuclear material. General Drako Mladic of the Yugoslav Secret Police soon hits Porter’s radar. Mladic is sadistic and ready to kill anyone who stands in his way, as well as residing in one of Europe’s most unstable regions. Porter will have to work alongside the most unlikely of partners to end the courier route and stop what could be a new international disaster. In a story that mixes thrills, espionage, and the darkest of characters, Smith offers the reader a glimpse into something terrifying, had it actually come to pass. Well-written and captivating, anyone with an interest in Cold War spy thrillers will likely want to add this to their reading list.
I will be the first to admit that I had troubles connecting to the book at times. While Smith is a great writer and keeps the reader enthralled, I found myself weaving in and out of complete comprehension, though the gist did come to me and by the end. FBI Agent Jay Porter proves to be an interesting addition to the story, offering some interesting ‘American flavour’ to the newly freed Polish setting. His attention to detail as he struggles to get his feet under him proves to be highly entertaining to the attentive reader, not to mention the odd pairing he has when investigating. This is a case that challenges traditional police work and being in a foreign country only adds further hurdles. But, Porter pushes onwards and uses some odd connections to help reveal clues to point him in the right direction, even if it will take a miracle to close this case swiftly. Other characters help to shape an already interesting plot, adding conflicting personalities to a dark tale, which can muddy the waters unless the reader is able to focus their attention throughout. A decent premise keeps the story moving forward and the intrigue high. I was never a Cold War thriller reader, but I can see the allure, as there are so many layers to comprehend and many pieces to fit together. Smith does this well and keeps the reader wondering what is to come, as well as seeking to keep an eye peeled for anyone lurking in the shadows. I’ll surely keep an eye open for more by the author and may return to try this book again down the road to see if it leaves more of an impact.
Kudos, Mr. Smith, for a well-paced piece that kept my attention throughout. I hope many discover some of the nuances I missed this time around.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
bract4813mypacksnet's review against another edition
5.0
Set shortly after the Soviet Union imploded, this international intrigue takes FBI agent Jay Porter into Poland. There he’s quickly involved in a case where three men have been found dead on a riverbank. All have a minor genetic deformity: the stub of a sixth finger. The more pressing concern, however, is that they all have radioactive hands.
Porter and CIA agent Kurt Crawford along with their Polish counterparts are concerned about the security of nuclear material stockpiled by the USSR during the Cold War. Power in the Communist countries now lies in the hands of a Mafia-esque cohort composed of former intelligence and military men.
The cast is interesting. First, General Drako Mladic, the head of Yugoslavia Secret Services. He dreams of being the next leader of his country and plans to consolidate his power by buying the most dangerous weapon imaginable. Dr. Sergej Ustinov is a Russian scientist who has developed a portable nuclear bomb and thus can answer Mladic’s prayers. The Director of Organized Crime, Basia Husarska, is a femme fatale well-worthy of such a name. She beds Mladic and anyone else necessary to achieve her personal goal of escaping Poland. CIA agent Kurt Crawford is the gay black male version of Husarska who doesn’t hesitate to use his sexuality or his coloring to gain information. The protagonist, Jay Porter, handles his current case while, in the background, dealing his divorce and custody battle and looking toward a new love.
The Fourth Courier is well-plotted with murders, crosses, and double-crosses enough to snag any reader’s interest. Smith captures the late-winter gloom of Poland as well as the edgy nervousness of the post-Cold War uncertainty in the Communist bloc. As someone who grew up with parents who considered putting in a bomb shelter, The Fourth Courier played upon those uncertainties. Though at times the writing was a bit superficial, it was action-packed from start to finish and kept me turning pages.
Porter and CIA agent Kurt Crawford along with their Polish counterparts are concerned about the security of nuclear material stockpiled by the USSR during the Cold War. Power in the Communist countries now lies in the hands of a Mafia-esque cohort composed of former intelligence and military men.
The cast is interesting. First, General Drako Mladic, the head of Yugoslavia Secret Services. He dreams of being the next leader of his country and plans to consolidate his power by buying the most dangerous weapon imaginable. Dr. Sergej Ustinov is a Russian scientist who has developed a portable nuclear bomb and thus can answer Mladic’s prayers. The Director of Organized Crime, Basia Husarska, is a femme fatale well-worthy of such a name. She beds Mladic and anyone else necessary to achieve her personal goal of escaping Poland. CIA agent Kurt Crawford is the gay black male version of Husarska who doesn’t hesitate to use his sexuality or his coloring to gain information. The protagonist, Jay Porter, handles his current case while, in the background, dealing his divorce and custody battle and looking toward a new love.
The Fourth Courier is well-plotted with murders, crosses, and double-crosses enough to snag any reader’s interest. Smith captures the late-winter gloom of Poland as well as the edgy nervousness of the post-Cold War uncertainty in the Communist bloc. As someone who grew up with parents who considered putting in a bomb shelter, The Fourth Courier played upon those uncertainties. Though at times the writing was a bit superficial, it was action-packed from start to finish and kept me turning pages.
lindz's review against another edition
5.0
Are you a Crime Fan or even a dective Fan? Well you may be missing out on another amazing book. This book is called “The Fourth Courier” by Timothy Jay Smith. I enjoyed this book once I got into it.
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
thecaffeinatedreader's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.0
Despite having a very intriguing premise, espionage, and an amazing political timeline and location (Warsaw Poland, 1990s) this book did not hit the mark for me.
I did not care for Jay (the protagonist not the author lol) at all. All the characters were shallow which can happen in a plot-driven novel but the problem was that this was NOT a plot-driven novel as much as I thought it would be. There were also so many explicit scenes which just seemed like not useful to the book. It just felt so weird...
There is some LGBTQIA representation but not exactly in the best of lights. You have a suppressed soldier who feels guilty about his desire for men, a CIA man who uses his own sexuality on the job because he says 'being gay is a tool' and the women are just pure stereotypes.
I'm not saying there wasn't anything enjoyable about the book, because it was to a degree, I just would hope for more. Such a neat idea, just not executed to my tastes I would have liked to see more about the actual plot.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
thevoraciousbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The plot is amazing. I'll admit that I stuggled to keep up with the book at times, but I understood the the gist of it and it really is brilliant.
Dr. Sergej Ustinov is a highly valued Russian physicist, who lives in a controlled environment at a remote nuclear facility in Kosmonovo. He claims to have developed a portable atomic bomb for which there will be several buyers in the dangerous, flourishing black market.
General Dravko Mladic, the Head of Yugoslavian Secret Services and a Serbian nationalist has spine-chilling dreams. Dreams of a new Serbia, which is ruled by him. Dreams which include an atomic bomb that he is willing to pay a million dollars for.
Basia Husarska is the Director of the Bureau for Organised Crime in Warsaw. She has dreams of a future and will do anything to achieve them.
Joining Detective Kulski, FBI agent Jay Porter is sent to Poland to investigate a series of crimes committed by what seems to be a serial killer. But what is common between all the victims? Why were they killed? And who is the last victim, the fourth courier?
Jay is very good at his job. From the time that he appears on the scene, he sniffs clues out and comes to eerily correct conclusions based on the leads. He's able to make connections between what he sees and what others see and hear, which is what allows him to be in the right place at the right time, along with his partner, black and gay CIA agent Kurt Crawford.
A web of lies and deceit is expertly spun in this novel and just makes you want to read more. This tale, with it's twists and turns will keep you hooked until the very end.
Click here to read the full review.
Dr. Sergej Ustinov is a highly valued Russian physicist, who lives in a controlled environment at a remote nuclear facility in Kosmonovo. He claims to have developed a portable atomic bomb for which there will be several buyers in the dangerous, flourishing black market.
General Dravko Mladic, the Head of Yugoslavian Secret Services and a Serbian nationalist has spine-chilling dreams. Dreams of a new Serbia, which is ruled by him. Dreams which include an atomic bomb that he is willing to pay a million dollars for.
Basia Husarska is the Director of the Bureau for Organised Crime in Warsaw. She has dreams of a future and will do anything to achieve them.
Joining Detective Kulski, FBI agent Jay Porter is sent to Poland to investigate a series of crimes committed by what seems to be a serial killer. But what is common between all the victims? Why were they killed? And who is the last victim, the fourth courier?
Jay is very good at his job. From the time that he appears on the scene, he sniffs clues out and comes to eerily correct conclusions based on the leads. He's able to make connections between what he sees and what others see and hear, which is what allows him to be in the right place at the right time, along with his partner, black and gay CIA agent Kurt Crawford.
A web of lies and deceit is expertly spun in this novel and just makes you want to read more. This tale, with it's twists and turns will keep you hooked until the very end.
Click here to read the full review.
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