Mark Greaney is one of the best thriller writers out there today. He is so consistent, with his Gray man series. What is tremendous is watching the evolution of Court Gentry from book 1 until now. The action scenes are well thought out and believable and the plot lines are just great.

Not what I usually read but I am so glad I went for it. It was a gripping story that had me flying through the pages!

Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Agent in Place. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Court Gentry, trained by the CIA as a lethal assassin, with deadly abilities and expertise that are top notch, has a moral code that he is loathe to ignore. Allowed to freelance as long as his side activities do not interfere with CIA operations, Court takes what should have been an easy snatch and grab. When problems arise from the beginning, will the complicated and intricate op have international implications involving a brutal dictator?

Agent in Place is the seventh book featuring Court Gentry, a man whose reputation has proceeded itself in a monumental way. The novel is packed full of action sequences and thrilling moments, which gives the book an "on the edge of your seat" appeal. Court Gentry is such an established character so not much character development is offered, which might be a problem for readers that are new to the series. Despite some of the plot being totally unrealistic, I liked the fast paced suspense and enjoyed the novel tremendously. I would recommend Agent in Place to readers who are fans of Court Gentry and, although the previous novels are not strictly necessary in order to enjoy the book, I would counsel new readers to start with book 1.

I wavered on my rating for this book. I went with 4 stars because in the end, I was entertained by the book, and I am still a series fan. The Agent in Place is a Gray Man action thriller, but it, as the others in the series, stands alone as well. I have read the series in the past due to Mark Greaney's ability to combine weapons and tactics information in the storyline in a way that is both interesting and informative. This book doesn't have as much of the technical as I would have wished, in fact the situations seem a bit of a reach at times. The characters are fairly complex, even the secondary characters are interesting. I might not suggest Agent in Place as your first read in the series, but it is definitely worth the read.

Another (#7) in the Gray Man series and, yet again, a book that can pretty much stand alone. Seems as though this book had even less connection to previous books. Very long, very filled with action, many unnecessary diversions involving graphic violence.....all of the same comments I have made on earlier books in this series. The Gray Man's moral compass may have slipped a little in this book. I hope he doesn't start killing just to kill. I knew what I was getting into when I started the book and I don't know why I keep reading but I do. Pretty solid 3 stars.

Agent in Place is the next installment in the ever entertaining and intriguing story of Courtland “Court” Gentry who is better known in the world of espionage as The Gray Man. This time, Court is hired to kidnap a Spanish model who is the mistress of the Syrian president. However, this mission quickly turns into an attempt to assassinate the Syrian President as well as kidnap his illegitimate child. There is seriously a lot that goes on in this book. And, Agent in Place is a very long book. It has never taken me this long to finish any book. I am generally a very fast reader. The cast of characters is long and the action happens on multiple fronts.

I have only read one other book in this series but I am definitely a fan. The Gray Man’s reputation most definitely precedes him. He is resilient, fearless, and nothing short of amazing. As his mission becomes more difficult, he adapts. Somehow, he also manages to make being the boogie man fun. He never loses his cool and always gets the job done. Besides Court, Mark Greaney did a great job of developing several of the other secondary characters. Bianca Medina, the mistress/model had a lot of depth to her. Initially, I thought that she was shallow but she ended up being a strong woman who was just caught up in a bad situation. Then there were the Halabys, who were the reluctant leaders of the resistance who hired Court in the first place. They were doctors and didn’t have a clue as to what they were doing in this dangerous situation. All of these things played a role in showing us a different side of Court. He isn’t just a hired gun. He actually cares, and he makes it a point to make a difference if possible.

There isn’t anything negative that I can say about Agent in Place. It was everything that I expected. There was a lot of action, suspense, and political themes that kept the pace fast and furious. The Gray Man lives up to his hype like no one I have ever seen. It’s even more amazing that those who have heard of him, quake in their boots when they finally meet him face to face. If there is another book in this series, I’m going to have to read it.

Agent In Place was my first Grey Man novel. I’ll be picking up additional books to read more about Court Gentry. Agent In place is a fast-paced and action thrilling war adventure, however not in the first couple of chapters. It took me a twinge of pushing through to thoroughly enjoy the story. I do wish I had read the other 6 books beforehand just to get a little more backstory on Court Gentry

What a creative story that builds on the reputation of the Gray Man. I thoroughly enjoyed how everything came full circle back to Syria and the ongoing war, death, and destruction caused by ISIS. Certainly relevant to events in today’s Middle East. A great read which I finished in just over a day. Keep them coming.

Don't start reading this book just before bed on a weeknight. You will still be reading at 3am and you will keep reading until your eyes get too scratchy to focus. I devoured this book in a long wintry weekend. The plot moves quickly from Paris Fashion Week (seriously!) to secret Russian-backed training camps in Syria. In short, Gray Man is hired to kidnap the mistress (a former fashion model) of the brutal Syrian dictator by Syrian rebel-expats (ordinary, well-meaning Syrians) who are desperately wanting to reclaim their fractured, war-torn country. The action is continuous. And, as always, the Gray Man is at his best when the situation seems hopeless--when failure is looming, when death seems inevitable. It is not a spoiler alert to say that you know how it all turns out (hey...this is a series). But Mark Greaney takes us on an amazing adventure before the ending is revealed. This is his best Gray Man book yet.

4.5 stars, not a perfect read (drags in the middle?) but pretty darn close. What's not to enjoy in an ever-evolving series, featuring a hero with a clear sense of right and wrong?

Add to that a hero who never loses a fight and manages to save all the other good guys -- and take out the bad! This is a fun read, engaging, though perhaps slower in the middle of the story.

If you haven't read the Gray Man series, get started. You do want to read the books in order as the overarching character development and plot line are part of the power in Greaney's books. Excellent read.

I’m one of those people that really really really loves government thrillers, military operatives, spy novels, and conspiracy stories. Admittedly I haven’t read a lot of classic ‘spy novels’ but secretly my dream job would be international spy master or CIA operative.

Travel the world with unlimited resources and loose rules with no one to report to….it all sounds horribly romantic to me, which I am sure in real life it is anything but. However a girl can dream.

In addition to my rose colored view of the world, I also have all the latest spy movies queued up ready to watch at any time. I love espionage and seeing how the darker side of government and politics works. It’s my guilty pleasure.

I don’t really know why I haven’t read more spy novels, it’s a genre that I think I would love but I just haven’t committed to really diving in and reading more than one or two here and there. Which is why when this book came along I was in a mood to read something that would be fast paced, get me hooked, and take me someplace other than Regency era England….check, check, and check.

Court Gentry is back in action. This time he’s working on behalf of a well-connected group of Syrian expats to secure the Syrian president’s mistress so they can use her to bring down the president’s regime. But the expats’ plan goes awry when it’s discovered the mistress has a baby–the Syrian president’s only male heir–hidden away in a Damascus safe house.

Court goes after the baby, a decision that comes at the price of the mistress’s life. The expat organization deems the boy now useless to their cause and refuses to protect him against the Syrian first lady and the notorious Swiss assassin in her employ. With no support on the way, Court realizes he’ll have to take down the Syrian president himself if he and the boy are going to make it out alive (summary from Goodreads).

Obviously I am coming into this series six books too late. When you are that far into a series, it’s evident that there are a number of different things you might be missing as a new reader. Sometimes that matters and other times it doesn’t. I would say with this book it was a mixed bag.

On the whole I didn’t feel so lost that I couldn’t enjoy the book as a stand alone….in fact I enjoyed it as a stand alone very much, but on the other hand there were clearly things that I had missed. I will let you decide if that’s going to bother you or not. I knew when I picked up this book that I would have to just go on faith and not read too much into things I was so clearly not privy to.

This book comes in at just over 500 pages, so it’s long. But there is A LOT going on in the action department so those 500 pages go quick. This book is a modern day thrill ride and it had all the bells and whistles. I found myself reading later and later just to see what was going to happen next. It is realistic and the plot believable which was one of the things I loved so much.

To reiterate, this book is unapologetically action. There really is nothing else to appeal to a wider audience so if you are looking for something more inclusive of other genres, this isn’t it. It was refreshing and an escape for me. I’ve been spending a lot of my reading time engulfed in historical romances or historical mysteries and this was so far from things I have been reading that it was a welcome distraction.

As for Court himself, I liked him. He is a genuine guy with ‘a heart of gold’….a fact which we are reminded a little too much about throughout the novel. He was easy to like and his intentions were honorable but again, I didn’t like being told that on a regular basis.

Since I haven’t read too many modern day spy novels or thrillers such as this, I can’t be sure how it compares to other authors within the genre. In my opinion this was a fabulous book that would be a welcome distraction on vacation, on a sick day or on a cold rainy afternoon.

It was a fast paced read…..perhaps not ‘quick’ based on the actual page length, but it felt like it went quick because there was a lot of action. I have read a few other reviews on this book by people who read a lot in this genre and it sounds like this author and series is setting the bar pretty high and I would agree. I felt like I was reading something special and original rather than a formulary, run of the mill spy novel. I would gladly read more books in this series or by this author!

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: Agent in Place (Gray Man #7) by Mark Greaney

Kindle Edition, 512 pages
Expected publication: February 20th 2018 by Berkley
ASIN B071HZSHVS
Review copy provided by: Author/Publisher in exchange for an honest review
This book counts toward: NA

Hosted by: NA
Books for Challenge Completed: NA
Recommendation: 4 out of 5

Genre: Suspense, thriller, spy novel

Memorable lines/quotes: NA

4.5 Stars - discounted due to excessive length
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I think what I love the most about spy thrillers is the continuous action. There is never a dull moment. Never a time where you say to yourself, “Is it over yet?”

This book kicks off with an amazing story and an intricate plot that leaves you breathless. The author keeps ramping up the suspense and the twists to the story every time you turn the page.

From Europe to Syria and points in-between, many players come into this thrilling read. I thought I would have a hard time keeping track of everyone, but the amazing talents of this author weaves a story so captivating and detailed that you think you are right there with the characters each step of the way. In fact, the story is so believable that you have to wonder if this story is fiction or yanked from the pages of current events.

There is a reason the Gray Man is a highly sought after contract professional killer. He is a brilliant, top notch operative that is simply a fabulously developed character. Never a dull moment, you will always be guessing about what he will do next.

In fact, never mind that last statement. There is not enough time to think about what he will be doing. You just have to read as fast as possible. This book is huge so make sure to plan your reading!

Mark Greaney has made an impact with this series and Agent in Place. Imaginative and so very knowledgeable in the game of espionage, you will be come addicted to his writing, just like me!

I'm sure there's a wide readership for this thriller with a recurring character and a topical story line. It wasn't for me, however, and I DNF.

First I hate serial novels because in the age of digital books generally the first one is good and the rest are an after thought.

NOT SO HERE, this is #7 and yet still almost 500 pages of Bourne -like action with a definite GRAY flavor! Read them all I have and I have enjoyed them to the max.

If like me you’re a fan of thrillers that involve a stand-up character more intent on getting the job done by any means possible, a character as we’ve seen with Mitch Rapp or Jack Bauer, then you’ll definitely enjoy the Gray Man novels. The latest is this one and once again features hero Court Gentry. As we’ve learned in the past, Gentry is not a character of rippling biceps that struggle with the stitching in his clothes nor an imposing figure that simply looks threatening. As the description provides his appearance is such that he blends in and is unrecognizable, a forgettable face in the crowd, in essence the gray man.

This time around Gentry is more inclined to slightly become that heroic figure that he’s avoided in the past. Driven by his own sense of justice and moral code, Gentry has finally come to an agreement with the CIA where they no longer track him down and he does the occasional assassination for them. In the meantime he works his own contracts, taking offers to assassinate various individuals, none of which he would consider worth saving.

Gentry has been hired by a group of Syrian expatriates to kidnap a beautiful model visiting Paris. Well protected by an armed escort crew, she is the mistress of the Syrian dictator. Of course things don’t go as planned due to faulty intel delivered to Gentry. He still accomplishes his mission and delivers the woman. The plan is to convince her to come out in public against the man whose atrocities she now learns of. But there’s a problem.

She and the dictator had a child together, a potential heir to the throne. The dictator’s wife knows of this and is intent on killing both the model and the child. The only way to convince her to help is the rescue of her child. Knowing that it could turn into a suicide mission, depending on rebels whose intelligence is not always the best, Gentry’s moral code forces him to take on this new mission, to enter Syria undercover and to rescue the child before he is found and killed.

Like the other books in the series this one is well written and easy to read. The flow from one location to another, from one set of characters to the next, moves along smoothly with each chapter and change adding to the story rather than diverting from the main objective. It’s a book that has you reading along and then later realizing that time has passed but still not wanting to stop reading.

Gentry is a character I’ve come to enjoy reading about. When I saw the new book was on the way I anticipated it with excitement. I wasn’t disappointed. This left only one problem: waiting for the next Court Gentry book to come out.

I didn't want to put this book down. I could not figure out how Vivian was going to get out of trouble and kept hoping that it wasn't going to turn out to just be a terrible nightmare. It wasn't.

The Gray Man, now a freelance mercenary, takes on a mission that places him in the middle of war in Syria. He agrees to work for a anti-regime group that asks him to kidnap the mistress of the Syrian dictator - Al Azzam - in order to enlist her help in toppling the oppressive regime. However, things become complicated - as you’d expect - when it’s revealed that the mistress has a son that is still in Syria.

If you have read any of the other books in the series you can predict that Gentry will inevitably do what he can to make things right and rescue the baby from Damascus while carrying out his primary mission. He does this by posing in a group of mercenaries that support Al Azzam. As different missions, that are out of Gentry’s control, are compromised, he takes it upon himself to singlehandedly go after Al Azzam.

The Gray Man’s 7th installment does not disappoint. It is engaging and suspenseful, packed with action and clearly showcasing Greaney's talent as a writer. One takeaway is Greaney continues to develop as an author - a promising attribute for fans. The long arc of the Gray Man’s story continues to evolve and it already has you looking forward to next year’s release.

It appears that others are bothered with the length of the book and that it takes too long to read. I’m of the opinion that if you can develop a story that keeps the readers engaged, I am indifferent if it takes me 1 or 10 nights to finish. The story maintains a good ice, although there are some sections that could have been cut (but that’s the author’s/editor’s ultimate call). I will say there’s a bar fight scene that definitely could have used some curtailing. That being said, it's definitely one of those novels that keeps you up late because you want to know what’s right around the next corner. An excellent entry in the series.

This book is fantastic. I highly recommend it.
Court Gentry aka The Gray Man is back.
When the book begins we flash forward to events in Syria, whereby Court is about to be executed at the hands of ISIS jihadists. We then find ourselves back at the beginning of the story in Paris, to discover how Court became involved in his “fool’s errand.” Instead of leaving well enough alone, a mother’s desperate plea wanting her child sets the Gray Man’s “how hard could it be” suicide mission into motion. He needs to get to Syria, kidnap the child and the nanny and then get them all to safety.
The book is full of twists and turns, with danger lurking around every dark corner. Unsure of who is friend or foe, this latest mission will by no means be a piece of cake even for the deadly Gray Man.
Along the way, Court teams up with fighters from the Free Syria Army to take down The President of the Syrian Arab Republic, his evil wife and their merry band of cronies. Court will also find himself in the crosshairs of ISIS jihadists and double crossing mercs for hire. If The Gray Man has any chance of surviving this suicide mission from hell, he is going to need every arsenal in his deadly repertoire.
Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you very much to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Mark Greaney blows the reader away with an awesome thriller in the Gray Man series. The Gray Man is simply one of the coolest operators in the genre, because Greaney allows him to be both humble and brilliant, and this - combined with a well-tuned moral compass - makes him a very interesting protagonist in my book.
This time, Greaney brings us mostly to Syria and France with a combination of fictional and real events on the world scene, and while Greaney obviously does thorough research (probably more in Paris than in Syria, though), he is never showing off his research in the manner that many other writers in the genre can't resist the temptation to do.
Summing up, I still love Greaney's Gray Man series, and I can't wait for the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If it takes 10 days to read a thriller, that’s about 8-9 days too long. And, therein lies the problem. The storyline’s meat in the middle got dry and overdone. The beginning offered a superb appetizer and equally and the climax and denouement were delectable desserts. However, the protracted plot dulled it for me; I lost my appetite for it over and over, so I can not give it the extra star. The author educated me a bit on the Syrian conflict, which was exceptionally enlightening! Still love the Gray man!