Hidden Steel (John Steel, #2) (The John Steel Thrillers, #2)

by Stuart Field

[zooloo1983]

Now I have a confession! I have read the first book in this series but it has been so long I must admit I couldn’t remember a lot about it! However, you can read this as a stand-alone, of course, there are thong slides to and mentioned that I haven’t remembered and some I did. So it proves my point but also makes me want to re-read it again! (It’s just my old fuddled brain!)

If this was a film, man this would be, in my opinion, a high octane Mission Impossible esq type of film! It was intense! You have John Steel, the hero of the book, on a cruise ship where you know things are going to explode figuratively and literally! We follow Steel like a lovesick puppy on the ship trying to figure out what is going on, watching women swoon and Steel take on Bond persona and become someone else. To be honest, if Steel looks anything like he does in my head I would probably swoon too lol.

Sam McCall, meanwhile back on NY, missing our Bond man and is asked with her team to close down some cases. All seeming to be suicides, accidental deaths…or are they a part of something bigger?

At times, I had to re-read a couple of passages because the point of views does change rapidly. I didn’t always instantly know who was talking. So I was confused at times but I did find it easier to pick out the different voices once I got into the book. The problem with this book, once it has a grip on you it pulls you in hook, line and….wait for it…….sinker LOL.

There is a LOT of action, which I loved! Think Mission Impossible and classic 80s action film, especially with a fight in the gym! I did sit and think Arnie could pull this off in his hay day! Failing that analogy, think Under Siege instead!!! As I said pure adrenaline pumping, high octane thrilling book! There is always something going on, you feel on edge because you know it is time sensitive and you are left wondering who will make it out alive!

Now if you like nice and tidy endings, this is NOT the book for you! I have SO many questions still and the ending here just created more! I can’t believe it was the ending, I mean What!!! It is so not clean-cut but then when you become invested in a series why would you want it to be? You want something that is going to tease you and leave you wanting the next blinking book right now!!! I am looking forward to seeing John for sure and hoping more with Sam!

My second foray with Mr Field and I loved it! We see more of Steel and learn more about this is linked to his past. We see McCall and her team and how she is determined to get to the truth no matter what! I, for one, will be here for the long haul! Roll on book 3!!