You can see how this would lend itself to a brand new series. Fast paced and exciting, it follows Rob Tacoma, an ex-Navy Seal who is brought in to work with the CIA to deal with the Russian mafia.

Fun for those who enjoy spy/Jason Bourne type books.

Thanks to Netgalley for ARC without obligation.

Rob Tacoma an ex-Navy Seal is brought in to take over for a CIA project after two high ranking officials are killed on the same night by who the government thinks is the Russian mafia. The person who also is supposed to work with Tacoma is also killed that his first night and with the thought that no one knows of Tacoma’s involvement he should be able to find out something. Which he does. Once you get past all of the opening parts the story takes off and you are left with an entertaining book. Taken maybe from part cold war and part mafia stories the action will keep you going and Tacoma’s character is for the most part like other books with this type of lead character, so it was a fairly quick read and the ending leaves you wanting for more which I am sure will be in the next book. Overall a good story.

My first novel by this author. It's a good action novel, but lacks in characterization and the premise it is a bit over the top. Some good insights into the Russian mob, though.

An exciting and topical political thriller written by an author new to me.

He certainly knows the inner workings of the political scene in Washington and has come up with a new all-action hero.

Short staccato sentences ensure that the thrills and spills are ever ending.

A bit short on characterisation but an exciting read nevertheless

I received a free copy of this book from Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review.
Ben Coes is a master of writing action books
He is the Clint Eastwood Of novelists.
After the Soviet Union broke up, many vicious criminals came to the US.
Bo Call is brought in to find the big mob boss.
This book is non stop action.
A great book

Ben Coes has developed a superb reputation as an author of espionage, and counter terrorism novels with his creation of Dewey Andreas who is a hero in fighting against enemies of the United States. Dewey was taken from his first appearance as a roustabout on an off shore oil rig to his role as the come to guy when the country is in danger. Mr Coes has made the decision to introduce Rob Tacoma as another protagonist involved in fighting against terrorists and protecting the United States against any enemy that dares to show their face.
The enemy in this case is the Russian Mafia which consists of various groups that gained criminal leadership when the USSR fell several years ago. These criminals are pictured as totally committed to gaining control of criminal activity wherever they can and are considerably more violent than any criminal group that has preceded them. The president of the United States is facing the murders of two high placed elected officials coupled with the audacity of their killers. He reaches the conclusion that normal activities of the police departments including the FBI will not do the job of bringing these Russian Mafiosos to justice. He arrives at the decision to form a small assassination force to begin the job of finding and killing these criminals operating in the United States. The CIA is the logical force to use but their rules prohibit them from operating within the limits of the U.S. With no other options available the president decides to form the assassination force with two men. These are both Rob Tacoma and Billy Cosgrove both agents of the CIA. Based on a leak from high up in the American government the Russian mob learns of the group almost instantly and manages to kill Cosgrove.
The remainder of the story describes Rob's moving forward alone, fleshing him out and creating the first scenario in which he is operating. Similar to the novels featuring Dewey Andreas there is enough action to satisfy the reader and create a desire to see more of Rob in future books. Dewey makes a short appearance in the novel, but the bulk of the story revolves around Rob including showcasing the fact that he speaks Russian. An interesting new character making his debut and moving forward in the fight against international terrorism.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I haven’t read any of Ben Coes books before reading The Russian. I thought it got off to a good, thrilling start with the murder of two senior politicians and the introduction of the main character Rob Tacoma who had to find out who was behind the murders and who within the Russian mafia was involved. I felt the book was very fast paced, and there were lots of twists and turns in the plot which I really enjoyed. An unexpected reveal at the end that (I hope) sets book 2 up and has the potential to make things very personal for Rob. I would definitely read a 2nd book featuring Rob and will look at Ben Coes other series. Would recommend this.

The Russian is the first book I have read by author Ben Coes. I was thoroughly entertained by the exploits of Rob Tacoma and his compatriots. Were there some outlandish sequences? Yes, but that's one of the reasons I like action thrillers. The characters in The Russian are a little less layered than I would have liked, but I chalk that up to it being the first in a series, and the balance being more toward setting the scene and introducing the players. I hope to see the characters become more complex as the series grows. All in all, I found The Russian fast paced and enjoyable. I will likely continue the series.
3.5
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

This is a great new series that builds on Ben Coes earlier work with Dewey Andreas, this series is with Rob Tacoma which some already now from the other books. Several characters from the books about Dewey appear in this one also. I really enjoyed it and will ofcourse continue and follow these adventures. I must thank #Netgalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me read #TheRussian