"Nerve Attack is a gripping page-turner filled with vivid characters and unexpected plot twists. S. Lee Manning is a rising new star in the world of spy thrillers."
-Steven J. Ross, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist, Hitler in Los Angeles: How Jews Foiled Nazi Plots Against Hollywood and America"Manning writes with such authority about the shady world and shifting loyalties of the intelligence community, it's a wonder her novels aren't riddled with redactions. At once terrifying, unpredictable, and all too believable, Nerve Attack will leave you breathless."
-Chris Holm, Anthony Award-winning author of The Killing Kind"Suspense propels Manning's espionage tale... the colorful cast fuels the momentum. A reluctant spy leads this taut, effective thriller."
-Kirkus Reviews on Nerve Attack"An engrossing story of intrigue filled not just with suspense, but psychological insights into how a loner ex-agent is drawn back into past habits."
-Midwest Book Review on Nerve Attack"Bristling with suspense, Trojan Horse by S. Lee Manning hurls the reader into the dark underbelly of international crime, espionage, and politics. The dialog is sharp, the characters memorable, and the insider details are fascinating. This is an exciting new talent. May Manning's novels be many and frequent. You won't want to miss this, Manning's outstanding debut."
-Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins"Authentic settings, non-stop action, backstabbing villains, and rough justice lace every page of this high-octane thriller. Settle into your favorite spot, take a deep breath, and enjoy."
-Steve Berry, New York Times and internationally #1 bestselling author, on Trojan Horse"A remarkable tale that makes espionage rousing, demanding, and occasionally terrifying."
-Kirkus Reviews on Trojan Horse"Thriller readers looking for powerful plots replete with strong characterization and international intrigue are in for a treat with Trojan Horse, a fast-paced action story of American operative Kolya Petrov, who is charged with tracking an evil descendent of Vlad the Impaler."
-Diane Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review / Bookwatch
2022-09-01
A U.S. agent takes on a dangerous undercover assignment to dismantle a neo-Nazi group in this third installment of a thriller series.
Kolya Petrov suffers from PTSD after the torture he endured just a year ago. But he’s more than ready when the Executive Covert Agency hands him his latest mission. Kolya, a Russian Jewish immigrant, may even have a personal reason to take down German-based white supremacists. He heads overseas and cozies up to their apparent leader, Frederick Bauer, who’s got his sights set on the Jewish director of an organization outing local Nazis. Kolya, struggling to maintain his covert identity, also faces an unforeseen threat. Bauer’s girlfriend, Lisette Vogel, has her own lethal agenda. She’s secretly hunting the wolf-tattooed neo-Nazi who killed her beloved father. She’s dispatched murderous men along the way, and as she suspects Kolya to be another killer Nazi, he may soon wind up on her hit list. But with Bauer suspecting a traitor to the “cause,” neither Kolya nor Lisette is safe, and both are determined to expose the diabolical plan Bauer’s group has brewing in Manning’s (Nerve Attack, 2021, etc.) tale in which the action rarely lets up. Kolya and Lisette face relentless peril, as naturally distrustful Bauer questions any number of things they do or say. While the neo-Nazis are indisputable villains, other characters have layered personalities; Lisette has flashes of guilt, even when knocking off killers, and Kolya’s cherished fiancee takes up residence in his mind. The author sets an impressive pace, driving the plot forward while slyly reminding readers of Kolya’s rotating identities and dropping subtle nods to earlier series events. In the end, this narrative makes it clear that Nazis, not Germans, are evil. Certain members of that hateful batch, for one, hail from other countries, while Manning showcases the beauty of Germany by often lingering on its historically rich cities and towns.
A riveting, energetic sequel with lead characters worth rooting for.
