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Bullet Catch
Bullet Catch is the first novel in the Smoke & Dagger series where the worlds of espionage and illusion collide.
� A Russian killing machine escapes his handlers in Dubai.
� CIA operatives are targeted in Berlin.
� A horrifying murder in a quiet suburb.
How are they connected?
Steve Watson, son of famous television magicians Mike and Nora Watson, accompanies his parents on a trip to Berlin for one last show. But Mike and Nora’s secret past of working with the CIA comes back to haunt them, and they vanish into thin air when a hit squad attacks.
Now CIA operative Dana Fox and the Berlin Police think Steve’s the key to unraveling the killings. Unfortunately for him, he is. And Steve’s greatest trick will be to figure out the connection before it’s too late...
� A Russian killing machine escapes his handlers in Dubai.
� CIA operatives are targeted in Berlin.
� A horrifying murder in a quiet suburb.
How are they connected?
Steve Watson, son of famous television magicians Mike and Nora Watson, accompanies his parents on a trip to Berlin for one last show. But Mike and Nora’s secret past of working with the CIA comes back to haunt them, and they vanish into thin air when a hit squad attacks.
Now CIA operative Dana Fox and the Berlin Police think Steve’s the key to unraveling the killings. Unfortunately for him, he is. And Steve’s greatest trick will be to figure out the connection before it’s too late...
362 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2013
8 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Scott Jenkins
27Ìýbooks12ÌýfollowersScott Jenkins began his writing career in the games industry, creating 'worlds' for popular games like Dungeons & Dragons, BattleTech, and DC Heroes Roleplaying game. During his time in Hollywood he worked as a computer animator and wrote technical books and screenplays.
Fascinated with creating illusions, the progression into the world of magic was a natural step. He learned the art of 'close-up magic,' and his skills earned him a magician membership at the world famous Magic Castle, Hollywood's premier magic venue.
Inspired by the true life story of John Mulholland, one of the greatest magicians of his time, who was hired by the CIA to teach their agents slight-of-hand and misdirection for covert ops during the Cold War, Scott began to research the era and spy tactics.
From there, the story of the Smoke & Dagger series was born. The first book, Bullet Catch, is a high-stakes thriller based in Berlin. The next book in the series, Mismade Madam will be out in 2014.
Fascinated with creating illusions, the progression into the world of magic was a natural step. He learned the art of 'close-up magic,' and his skills earned him a magician membership at the world famous Magic Castle, Hollywood's premier magic venue.
Inspired by the true life story of John Mulholland, one of the greatest magicians of his time, who was hired by the CIA to teach their agents slight-of-hand and misdirection for covert ops during the Cold War, Scott began to research the era and spy tactics.
From there, the story of the Smoke & Dagger series was born. The first book, Bullet Catch, is a high-stakes thriller based in Berlin. The next book in the series, Mismade Madam will be out in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 5, 2013
This was a great first book! I really enjoyed the mix of magic and espionage. The action grabbed me from the very first
page and it never stopped. Loved the characters and story line. This book kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. Very much looking forward to the next book. Look out Patterson , Thor, and Baldacci. There's a new writer on my list!
page and it never stopped. Loved the characters and story line. This book kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. Very much looking forward to the next book. Look out Patterson , Thor, and Baldacci. There's a new writer on my list!
November 5, 2013
Bullet Cathch is a genre-bending magical spy thriller, fast paced and fun to read.
November 10, 2013
The ‘Krokodil� is an efficient killing machine. When activated, he kills without feeling or mercy. But, on his final mission things go badly wrong when he encounters a small boy with a cape and wand and then the boy is killed by one of the agents with whom he’s working. Suddenly, the ‘Krokodil� is ‘Adam,� and he’s confused. He has to find his mother, Lena, to end the confusion.
It is with this chilling scene in Scott Jenkins� Bullet Catch: Smoke & Dagger Book 1 that we’re plunged into the murky world of rival intelligence agencies and spies, intermixed with the world of magic performed by Nora and Mike Watson, the famous Watson Family, who also happen to be spies for the CIA.
Bodies start turning up in Berlin, and all indications point to the Watsons, until it looks like they, too, are targets of a mysterious group of assassins. But then, other killings occur which appear to be the work of a mad man, and the Berlin criminal police, especially Inspector Wilhelm Eberhardt, are challenged as they’ve never been challenged before.
This is a nail-biting thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page, and will have your mouth dry and your heart pounding with excitement. From back alley to backstage, the excitement is non-stop. A five-star offering that will have you salivating for the sequel.
It is with this chilling scene in Scott Jenkins� Bullet Catch: Smoke & Dagger Book 1 that we’re plunged into the murky world of rival intelligence agencies and spies, intermixed with the world of magic performed by Nora and Mike Watson, the famous Watson Family, who also happen to be spies for the CIA.
Bodies start turning up in Berlin, and all indications point to the Watsons, until it looks like they, too, are targets of a mysterious group of assassins. But then, other killings occur which appear to be the work of a mad man, and the Berlin criminal police, especially Inspector Wilhelm Eberhardt, are challenged as they’ve never been challenged before.
This is a nail-biting thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page, and will have your mouth dry and your heart pounding with excitement. From back alley to backstage, the excitement is non-stop. A five-star offering that will have you salivating for the sequel.
November 2, 2013
I could read this book over and over and still be entertained. That's saying a lot for someone like me who doesn't enjoy reading fiction on a regular basis. However, the fresh concept of a traditional spy thriller (Cloak & Dagger) mixed in with stage magic (Smoke & Mirrors) was something that really intrigued me. The author blended the two together very well and kept me fascinated with his story telling. The behind-the-scenes views into the Watsons' magic shows gave me a whole new appreciation for magic without ruining the illusions. It made me wish I could see the show in person.
I also liked how the author made me feel like I was in the middle of CIA operations, riding along with the characters, racing through the streets of Berlin while being chased by assassins. The keeps-you-guessing transition between chapters and scenes reminds me of Dan Brown's writing style which is something I truly appreciate. It keeps me from getting bored. The characters are well-developed and the dialog is direct, clever, and frequently funny without being cheesy.
I was very impressed and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The ending was a surprise and left me wanting more. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I also liked how the author made me feel like I was in the middle of CIA operations, riding along with the characters, racing through the streets of Berlin while being chased by assassins. The keeps-you-guessing transition between chapters and scenes reminds me of Dan Brown's writing style which is something I truly appreciate. It keeps me from getting bored. The characters are well-developed and the dialog is direct, clever, and frequently funny without being cheesy.
I was very impressed and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The ending was a surprise and left me wanting more. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 14, 2013
You won't want to pass this one up! Well written, full of excitement, action, fantastic characters, and a great story line, this book has it all! It pulled me in from the start, and wouldn't let go until the end. I loved the way the author mixed magic and spies together, to make a truly memorable story. I can hardly wait for the sequel to come out! Scott Jenkins is definitely an author to watch, and I hope he doesn't tire of writing any time soon!
I was given a copy of this through Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this through Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2013
Who doesn’t love a good spy story? Who doesn’t love a good caper? Well, despite my affinity for the movies, I’ve not read any of the Bond or Bourne books, but after reading BULLET CATCH, I kind of feel like I have. This is a terrifically gripping tale from page one. For fans of intriguing spies and deadly missions, there’s Krokodil, a trained killing machine modeled after the methodology of a cold-blooded crocodile. And then there are the famous, travelling magicians, Mike and Nora Watson, who have more than tricks up their sleeves.
When something pierces the callous heart of the Krokodil, the story is driven by his ruthless and determined search to rediscover his past, his mother, and his identity as “Adam.� He believes the answers lie in Berlin, which just happens to be the location of the Watsons� farewell performance. Then, a body count begins to accumulate and the real mysteries begin.
This is a very well-paced novel and it offers an engrossing balance of character, intrigue, and action. Perhaps best of all, this debut self-published novel features better formatting and editing than many popular novels on the market. I can’t even recall a moment in the book where I was taken out of the story by a silly typo or grammatical blunder. Kudos for that and kudos for launching what is sure to be a franchise to watch in the future.
By the way, I received a complimentary digital edition of this book from Story Cartel because I promised to write an honest review. I really did like it, honestly. (You should see what I wrote about those other books... )
When something pierces the callous heart of the Krokodil, the story is driven by his ruthless and determined search to rediscover his past, his mother, and his identity as “Adam.� He believes the answers lie in Berlin, which just happens to be the location of the Watsons� farewell performance. Then, a body count begins to accumulate and the real mysteries begin.
This is a very well-paced novel and it offers an engrossing balance of character, intrigue, and action. Perhaps best of all, this debut self-published novel features better formatting and editing than many popular novels on the market. I can’t even recall a moment in the book where I was taken out of the story by a silly typo or grammatical blunder. Kudos for that and kudos for launching what is sure to be a franchise to watch in the future.
By the way, I received a complimentary digital edition of this book from Story Cartel because I promised to write an honest review. I really did like it, honestly. (You should see what I wrote about those other books... )
November 24, 2013
I wasn't sure how the elements of stage magic and espionage would fit together to make to a great spy novel, but from page one I was impressed! If I wasn't drawn in by the magic side of things I was on the edge of my seat with all the fast paced action and suspense. There are so many great moments in this book, I'm trying hard to hold back from posting spoilers. So I'll sum up review with this. Bullet Catch is a real page turner that was hard to put down. I was hooked by the great story, all the elements worked amazingly well. I was really entertained, and most importantly the characters are great! Even though there are quite a few of them to follow, they are so well done and likable in their own way, especially Steve and Dana. I hope they all come back for book 2!
November 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book. The further I read, the more intriguing it became. Not wanting to stop reading but to find out what was going to happen next. I did find the first few chapters a bit annoying. I knew that they would all come together eventually but, in the beginning it felt like there were numerous stories and then when it finally "settled down" a bit, it would still change directions. Overall, good book.
August 3, 2018
I loved this book. I have always enjoyed any book with prestidigitation in the book, since Clayton Rawson's Merlini stories. This was well-written and easy to read and follow the twists and turns in the plot. Several magical effects are mentioned, but no stage magic secrets are disclosed.
November 15, 2013
I got this book free from Story Cartel. It was a really good book. I loved the murder mystery with a little bit of magic thrown in. The story kept me guessing.
December 31, 2014
This story really kept me engaged from start to finish! I loved the premise of using magicians as spies during the Cold War.
August 5, 2015
I loved it! Nice mix of dialogue, action, deception and humor. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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