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Deadline: A Domestic Conspiracy Political Crime Thriller: (Patriotic Fiction) (Phantom Force Tactical Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jessica James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 539 ratings
See all formats and editions
"Very engaging. Hard to put down." - Billy Allmon, U.S. Navy SEAL (Retired)

Nobody writes Patriotic Suspense like Jessica James.

DEADLINE introduces the men behind Phantom Force Tactical, a domestic private security firm made up of former Navy SEALs and other covert operators who perform black ops no one else will take.

All books in this series are award-winning suspense/thrillers that can stand alone.

He’s a relentless homicide detective. She’s an uncompromising journalist. Neither desires to work together—but they’ll never uncover the truth alone.

Landing a front page headline isn’t why reporter Caitlin Sparks is investigating a string of suspicious deaths connected to the U.S. State Department. She has a personal stake in finding the killer.

Detective Blake Madison has a connection to the murders too, and will risk anything to uncover the truth. But a journalist is the last type of person he’d rely on to help him solve a crime—especially one whose trail of evidence leads back to him.

Joining forces becomes essential as the body count continues to grow. Someone powerful doesn't want the truth to come out—and will stop at nothing to make sure no one talks.

On the run with nowhere to turn, the couple devises a plan to expose the killer. The risk is great and the chance of success small, but the ultimate outcome is something neither one of them envisioned.

Readers who enjoy political suspense, conspiracies, vigilante justice, and assassination plots will enjoy this series.

If you enjoy L.T. Ryan’s Jack Soble, Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, or Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, this book will keep you up at night turning the pages.

What Readers Are Saying:

"Exciting and fast moving. Loved it."

"Deadline is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time."

"Great story kept me interested and a page turner for sure."

"WOW! I was blown away."

"Intriguing plot line keeps you guessing."
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Phantom Force Tactical
  2. Print length
    332 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    April 9, 2016
  6. File size
    3272 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"James is a skilled storyteller [who] maintains both romantic and dramatic tension throughout."
The BookLife Prize, Publishers Weekly

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01A8T74AG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 1st edition (April 9, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 9, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3272 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 539 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jessica James

Jessica James

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Jessica James’ award-winning novels are inspired by her love of the land, her belief in everlasting love, and her curiosity about the past. She enjoys transporting readers back in time with complex characters and stories that stir deep emotion.

By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, and dedication into each book, James attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military—both past and present. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and has won more than a dozen other literary awards, including a Readers' Favorite International Book Award and a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America.

If you love History and Travel, check out Jessica's blog at https://www.pastlanetravels.com. Tag along as she explores the backroads of America and uncovers long forgotten stories about our nation's history.

Get your choice of one of two books when you sign up for her newsletter (or get them both, if you can't decide). The first one is From the Heart: Love Stories and Letters from the Civil War. The other is a bestselling romantic suspense novel Protecting Ashley. Sign up today here: https://www.subscribepage.com/jessicajamesnews.

Jessica James Awards

2021 RONE Best Cover Award Finalist

2020 N.N. Light Book Heaven Awards Finalist

2020 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction

2020 InD’tale Magazine Rone Award nomination

2020 Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award Finaslit

2020 HOLT Medallion Award Finalist

2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award

2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction

2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense

2017 RONE Award for Best Cover (Deadline)

2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner

2016 Gold Medal Military Writers Society of America

2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense

2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest

2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award

2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist

2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction

2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist

2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious

2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious

2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance

2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction

2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction

2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction

2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance

2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction

2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction

2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme

2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction

2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction

2008 IPPY Award for Best Regional Fiction

2008 ForeWord Magazine Finalist for Book of the Year in Romance category

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
539 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Ellen Oceanside
5.0 out of 5 stars WARNING TO STAY OUT OF INVESTIGATION
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
It was tough, to be a reporter, or a detective, when you dealt, and wanted the true facts. She happened by a double homicide, those at the news office wonder how she was so lucky. She is not a team player, she does honest, fact based reporting. Has a large number in the community that respect her for this. Then comes a warning for her and the detective, to stay out of this investigation, leave it to the F B I . When they join together, to find the evidence, and save their lives. Intriguing, fact based story, I enjoyed. The characters were dedicated, and that came thru for what they were doing. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
3 people found this helpful
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Honeybee
4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing plot line keeps you guessing
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2021
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I read this book aloud on a cross country road trip. It was well-written and definitely kept us interested for a few days along hundreds of miles of interstate highways. At some parts of the story, it was hard to set aside!

The first chapter introduces the principle characters: veteran newspaper reporter Caitlin Sparks and the unflappable former naval-officer-turned-police-detective, Blake Madison. Although the reasons aren’t clear until well into the story, both of these characters have a personal stake in the case that brings them together. And their determination to uncover the truth about this and related cases almost costs them their lives.

The author presents most of the story from Cait’s point of view, but occasionally interjects thoughts from Blake’s perspective. The action is also pretty much linear. This keeps the novel fairly easy to follow. The back story is unfolded naturally as you go. Although I did guess a lot of what happened, the ending included some unexpected elements.

The more intense the action got, the more Cait and Blake learned to trust and rely on each other. I especially appreciated that they both exercised restraint when they started to develop romantic feelings for one another. The only reason I didn’t give this novel a five star rating was because of the profanity sprinkled throughout the book.
2 people found this helpful
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Necklace
5.0 out of 5 stars Deadline - Phantom Force Tactical Book #1
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
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Caitlin Sparks is a reporter investigating some deaths connected to the U.S. State Department. Detective Blake Madison who isn’t too keen on journalists but realizes that Caitlin is determined to find the truth. Together Caitlin and Blake join forces to uncover a political conspiracy that will keep both of them on their toes. I really enjoyed this political thriller novel.
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rlptwo
5.0 out of 5 stars My First Jessica James Book Rocks
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
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Jessica James is a new author for me and I was a bit concerned that it might be a bit too "girlie" for me. Thankfully I was wrong. The characters are real, like friends I have and the storyline is well written. Deadline flowed smoothly and kept my interest and focus. There was some predictability in the story but so much so that it seemed contrived and the quirks and turns kept things interesting. I'm very much intending to read the next (few) books down the road a bit. Very deserving of 5 stars all the way through!
2 people found this helpful
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Rusti
5.0 out of 5 stars Deadline is the perfect name for this Book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2019
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Deadline is the perfect name for this book, media of all forms deal with deadlines and a thriller with dead in the first word sucks you in. Then the wonder of who, the thrill of the events the bravery and the suspense keep you turning the page. The media of today seems to focus on the sell and to keep you wanting more and they are depicted very accurately through the story. You’ll really love the characters in this story, the strong healthy values and honesty of Blake and the get at the truth for justice attitude of Caitlin is truly refreshing. I also loved all the details of the locations, you could see it, be there in your mind. Awesome book! I’m ordering number 2!
2 people found this helpful
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Bill Swann
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017
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This book was good but it had all the necessary elements to be great,but it never got there. I suspect that part of my disappointment is this author is a woman, and I have long found that men and women tend to address thrillers differently. The only exception for me is J. A. Jance. I'm not saying women can't be or aren't great authors, just their vision of violence tends to be described differently, and that affects my pleasure at reading their efforts. Since I have this opinion, I won't purchase any more of the books in this series saving myself time and the author having to put up with another one of my reviews.
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Patricia B.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fine book <3
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2016
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As is sometimes the case, this book's rating benefits from a comparison with the last book (by a different author) I read, and this one stands head and shoulders above that one. The writing in this story did not snag my reading eyes with awkward phrasing or stilted conversation. Ms. James wrote so flowingly and compellingly that this was a joy to read. Also, I did not have to pause to roll my eyes in this one, either. No illogical or ill-conceived bits in Deadline. This was well thought out, interesting, convincing, and compelling.

I cannot wait for book 2. I know it does not say on Amazon or Goodreads that this is book one in a series (at least not today) but in an afternote, the author said one would be forthcoming this summer (2016). I am really looking forward to that one (with fairly high expectations).
5 people found this helpful
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Mary Enck
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and fast moving. Loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2019
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This novel is an exceptional Thriller. I was kept reading without any downtime at all. It really moves with a lot of energy. I love that about this kind of story. The characters are exciting, especially Detective Madison. He is a fascinating man and easy to enjoy his personality.

The storyline is evocative of today's issues in Washington D. C. and the author has put some spot-on insight into attitudes, and the workings of today's politics.

I discovered the next volume in this series, Fineline was already in my library so I could go right into it without pause. I am eager to continue the story.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good Thriller.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Jinx
5.0 out of 5 stars Third Book
Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2019
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This is the third book that I have read by Jessica James and for sure it won't be the last. I practically read it in one sitting and in fact only stopping for food and washroom breaks. You won't want to miss this stand alone book.
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Regency Belle
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read - kept me enthralled to the end
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2016
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Please note, I only review books I have paid for and READ.

This is another of my bookbub recommended reads, which has introduced me to a new author, who I am now looking forward, to reading more work by. Cait and Blake's story is faced paced and full of thrills and political intrigue.

I particularly enjoyed the political setting, the insight into Washington and how corrupt the system can be. The romantic element of the book was well written and credible. Their romance was a slow burner and the book was a good mixture of intrigue and how their relationship develops into love.

I enjoyed every twist and turn and have now downloaded the next book in the series.
One person found this helpful
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Gary Bourget
5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps one on the edge
Reviewed in Canada on February 24, 2017
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Story builds and builds, adding new characters and twists and just when you think you have a grasp on what's going on, Boom you can't put this down....
2 people found this helpful
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