Brian Drake's Skills to Kill is a cool thriller that leans towards the elegance and sophisticated world of spying reminiscent of a Mission Impossible or James Bond film.

The scene is Italy and a spy couple who have a lot of fun with their tongue and check humor are on holidays. But of course that can't last, and soon they are involved in foiling a kidnapping. Then an deal with the Mafia to settle an old score.

The action soon shifts to a more nefarious plot involving an intriguing arms dealer known only as the Duchess, and a weapon of mass destruction up for sale. The novel features a nice balance of action, dialogue and colorful characters. A thriller that the author certainly had a lot of fun writing, and this comes across.1 Glen5,415 63

An episodic, yet entertaining adventure as Steve Dane and Nina, his significant other, stumble into various plots by arms dealer, The Duchess. They travel across the world, and have various adventures.

I was swept up in events and entertained the whole way through!men-s-adventure neo-pulp1 Donadee's Corner2,086 53

Brian Drake – Steve Dane Series Bk 1 – Skills to Kill – Reviewed 8/21/21 – Read 8/11-12/21

How did kidnapping turn into the possible destruction of the world? When the clock started ticking!

Working for the CIA, Ex-Marine Steve Dane was on a mission in Central America when the helicopter he was in crashed. He managed to get himself and a friend, Len Lukavina out, but when it exploded, fuel went everywhere and some soaked into their fatigues, catching them on fire. He was able to roll in the dirt and only one side was burned but his friend was not so lucky. Even though he keeps the burns covered at all times wearing long-sleeved shirts, he uses it as a motto: “You’ve survived the worst. Everything else is easy.” But it also tells him that he is vulnerable! After recovery he left the CIA, forming a mercenary team called the 30-30 Battalion. A job in South Africa that went south, set him up with a diamond mine that will take care of him for life. Then his father committed suicide after being accused of treason, but no matter what he did he could not prove that he was not guilty. So, he left that world behind and ran. Sometime later he met the love of his life, Nina Talikova. They were both after some jewels that turned out to be fake. Now, life is bearable working together.

They had arrived in Italy for some much-needed rest. The next morning, they had just finished breakfast, ready to start the day, but while they were waiting at the curb for their jag, they witnessed an eye-catching young woman roughly being forced into a black vehicle. She struck her head on the roof cutting off her scream while being shoved in by the big man, then the door slammed shut. Being a sucker for the underdog, Steve leaped into action, he tackled the man, immediately Steve knew this guy was a professional with brutal power behind each fist as they struck him. Breaking free of Steve, he entered the car, then it raced away. Steve knew he had to help so he jumped into his car and followed in pursuit. This was a professional kidnapping, and they were prepared. They had another vehicle tailing them, which immediately slammed into the back of Steve’s causing severe damage to his jag. then both cars took off leaving him stranded. Later the father of the kidnapped young woman contacted him and hired them to retrieve her.

Join Steve and Nina as the kidnapping turns into a high stake’s gambit, with an ultimate weapon that could end the world for all…

What did I ? When you read books by an author with a bio that reads a man of action, you could only expect the best from his storylines, Brian certainly did not let me down. Steve Dane is a man of the world, rich, handsome, but looking for his lost world without ever admitting it. Nina is the answer to his search and together they can face anything, both damaged but with an air of invincibility surrounding them.

What will you ? Believable action, intense intrigue and mystery, humor a gift from heaven, and living life large as can be. Brian breathes life into his storyline with intricate descriptions, details that leap off the pages, and characters that will blow your socks off. When you read, you become so involved in the action that laying the book down becomes sinning. Don’t miss this opening book to the Steve Dane Series, and get ready for action that will not quit, “Skills to Kill” is available now!!!

• ASIN: B095CTNVC1
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 6/23/2021
• File Size: 2419 KB
• Print Length: 228 pages
• Genre: Heist Crime, Hard-Boiled Mysteries, Noir Crime
Cbyarling160 2

Steve Dane and former Russian FSB (previously known as the KGB) agent Nina Talikova are two dangerous people but otherwise known to many as former spies and now lovers.

They take on assignments for people cannot seem to get the justice they deserve; correct those who have been aggrieved; but there present always seem to launch them in search of adventure.

For example, in book 1, "The Private Vendetta". the two are hired by a known mafia figurehead to find his missing daughter.

Not too surprisingly, this story adds CIA agents, an Irish hitman, terrorists having obtained a small backpack nuclear weapon, and various trips around the world while solving the problems they encounter.

Book #1 is just a taste of the other three books. It's an exciting foursome that you shouldn't miss!
Mrs N J Bradbury61

Partners

A Russian and an American partners in every sense. The pursuit of those who hurt others, not ecxlding friends or family ,take this couple all over. They have personal demons but struggle through to do the right thing. I really d the connectivity of the thrillers and the characters, really good read. Ev309 4

Skills to Kill

I enjoyed the entire series of stories, but I really would have d to be able to review each story when I finished that story and not wait till the end of the series. Steve and Nina are interesting characters and the stories were always moving along!
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