I have been a huge fan of Stephen Hunter’s Swagger Series from the moment I first read Point of Impact, which was the book that introduced us to Master Sniper, Bob Lee Swagger; or as he is known, Bob the Nailer. In fact, I have read all of the books that Mr. Hunter has written about the Swagger Clan. From Bob Lee’s lawman Father, Earl, his Grandfather Charles (FBI G-man) and all of the adventures that Bob Lee has been in over the years. So when I was given the chance to read Targeted, I jumped at the chance.
This book starts out in the aftermath of last year’s Game of Snipers. Bob Lee is recuperating, on his ranch, from injuries he sustained while taking out a would-be assassin, when he receives a Congressional summons to appear before a House Judiciary Committee. Bob believes that they are just buttoning up his side of the shooting, but soon finds out that there are ulterior motives to get him in front of the Committee. When an anti-gun, Senior Senator, who is looking more for the exposure, than finding the truth, the whole thing turns into a circus. Halfway through the proceedings, the auditorium where the Committee is taking place, is attacked. When Bob Lee, the Senator, audience members, along with members of the media, are taken hostage, things go from bad to worse. Bob Lee goes from being accused of reckless endangerment to being the one everyone wants to save the situation. This is when we get to see “Bob the Nailer” do what he does best.
The one thing that I like about the Bob Lee Swagger character, is that Stephen Hunter has aged him from book to book. He may not bounce back, as he did in previous books, he has slowed down quite a bit, but though he is getting “long in the tooth”, there is still a lot of bite in the old dog.
Stephen Hunter has a gift for not only telling great stories, but he has that rare ability to bring you into the action. There is a saying that goes, “A good book makes you want to live in the story, but a great book gives you no choice”. Stephen Hunter has been taking away my choice for years. This is a great addition to the Swagger saga, and one that should be read by anyone that likes great action, great characters and really good storytelling.
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Purchase Targeted
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Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
