ja_hopkins's review against another edition
4.0
We start with Sydney in Mexico, following up a lead a lead related to the Alpha, the shadowy figure behind the threats to her life, and numerous deaths of people close to her. She and the Alpha are looking for Malik, the young Iraqi boy Parnell was close to whilst on a tour in Iraq with the Marines – his secrets are a threat to both, but only the Alpha wants to kill him.
Parnell’s short time in the dangerous streets of Mexico City end with her being assaulted, but on her return to Denver, she becomes involved in the case of a murdered former marine, linked to the Alpha. With Clyde, her dog/partner, Parnell gradually gets closer to the Alpha, and it becomes clear they will stop at nothing to ensure the information Malik has never sees the light of day.
This is another good outing for Parnell. As ever, Nickless writes the lead character with sympathy and depth. She is not flawless, nor is she impregnable or a superhero capable of everything, although of course we know no matter how dire the situation, Parnell must survive, but that is true of any thriller-lead character. The story is more familiar than previous outings (Iraq War conspiracy theory), but that isn’t a problem when it is as well written as this. My only quibble is one or two stylistic things I could do without, but I already have book 4 on my kindle.
Parnell’s short time in the dangerous streets of Mexico City end with her being assaulted, but on her return to Denver, she becomes involved in the case of a murdered former marine, linked to the Alpha. With Clyde, her dog/partner, Parnell gradually gets closer to the Alpha, and it becomes clear they will stop at nothing to ensure the information Malik has never sees the light of day.
This is another good outing for Parnell. As ever, Nickless writes the lead character with sympathy and depth. She is not flawless, nor is she impregnable or a superhero capable of everything, although of course we know no matter how dire the situation, Parnell must survive, but that is true of any thriller-lead character. The story is more familiar than previous outings (Iraq War conspiracy theory), but that isn’t a problem when it is as well written as this. My only quibble is one or two stylistic things I could do without, but I already have book 4 on my kindle.
sarahlisbeth84's review
3.0
Well-written as always but this plotline was a little too much of a military mystery for me.
lexiedm14's review
5.0
5/5.
I enjoyed this so much. I loved being back with these characters and how this book dealt with the aftermath of what went down in Iraq. This book was so fast-paced and there were so many plot twists. Sydney is such an amazing character and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next.
I enjoyed this so much. I loved being back with these characters and how this book dealt with the aftermath of what went down in Iraq. This book was so fast-paced and there were so many plot twists. Sydney is such an amazing character and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next.
jubilou's review
4.0
I really have enjoyed all three books in this series - many scenes have my heart racing. I wish this one had a little more emotional depth - I feel like it barely scratches the surface of what should be between some of the characters. Overall, it was wonderful, and I can't wait until the 4th book comes out!
barbi312's review
5.0
This third book in a promising series featuring Sydney Rose Parnell was the author’s best so far!
laurenjodi's review
3.0
Ambush
3 Stars
Railway detective Sydney Rose Parnell and her K-9 partner, Clyde, join in the investigation into the murder of a railway security guard by a homeless man. Sydney soon realizes that the case is connected to the conspiracy revolving around the deaths of a Marine and interpreter in Iraq as well as the actions of the mysterious Alpha who is determined to keep the events secret.
While it is good to finally have an explanation and closure surrounding Sydney's past in Iraq during the 2nd Gulf War, the plot feels more like a Cold War thriller than a murder investigation. This shift in tone is disappointing as the conspiracy elements seem cobbled together rather than a natural development based on the hints provided in previous books.
The pacing is also rather slow at first, but the twists soon start coming and the tension increases as the story progresses. There are some very surprising and interesting revelations along the way although one or two developments require more than a little suspension of disbelief. Thankfully, Nickless avoids the annoying, and Sydney makes the right choices for herself.
Overall, this is not the best installment in the series, and I hope that the next book returns to the more appealing police procedural style of the first couple of books.
3 Stars
Railway detective Sydney Rose Parnell and her K-9 partner, Clyde, join in the investigation into the murder of a railway security guard by a homeless man. Sydney soon realizes that the case is connected to the conspiracy revolving around the deaths of a Marine and interpreter in Iraq as well as the actions of the mysterious Alpha who is determined to keep the events secret.
While it is good to finally have an explanation and closure surrounding Sydney's past in Iraq during the 2nd Gulf War, the plot feels more like a Cold War thriller than a murder investigation. This shift in tone is disappointing as the conspiracy elements seem cobbled together rather than a natural development based on the hints provided in previous books.
The pacing is also rather slow at first, but the twists soon start coming and the tension increases as the story progresses. There are some very surprising and interesting revelations along the way although one or two developments require more than a little suspension of disbelief. Thankfully, Nickless avoids the annoying
Spoiler
love triangle when Sydney's love interest, Doug Ayres is resurrectedOverall, this is not the best installment in the series, and I hope that the next book returns to the more appealing police procedural style of the first couple of books.
clp412's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed all 3 books in the Sydney Rose Parnell series. I would recommend reading the books in order. The bond that her police dog Clyde has with her is amazing. These books are a departure from the typical books I read, but I enjoyed the mystery, the role of a railroad police officer and the information about their prior military life. Ambush was a great 3rd book that answered lots of questions and still had its own suspenseful plot. I wanted to know who the Alpha was and how much destruction would take place before Sydney and Clyde could feel safe. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer publishing for the opportunity to read this 3rd book in the series! I'll look for future books from Barbara Nickless!
meera01's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't looking forward to this one because I knew that it dealt with the conspiracy over Iraq. I am not a fan of long running conspiracies. But it was better than I expected it to be and had a fast pace. There was a twist in this that wasn't much of a surprise if you had been paying close attention. I had been expecting it and was at least satisfied with how it was resolved. This one was the hardest to put down. I'm glad I finally read this series and am looking forward to the next book later this year.
pjdksmith's review against another edition
5.0
Great 3rd edition of this story line. Love the character Sydney and her K9 Clyde. Love the intermingling of relationships. Her fears are palpable, the writing is extraordinarily visual. I’ve fallen in love with the characters and take an effort to read all of her work.