Oct 29, 2026
Excellent
I read the first in this series a couple of years back. I had picked up the other two but they got lost in my ‘to be read’ pile. When this new complete edition released I jumped in and devoured all three stories. I could hardly put it down! Wow, this was an excellent story! Written large across three volumes and here in a collection together. It is an absolutely stunning trilogy. This is the 43th volume from the pen of Paolinelli That I have read in the last 5 years, not counting his contributions to anthologies. As mentioned I had previously read and loved book 1, Reservations, and picked up both book 2 and 3. Before I got around to reading them, a this new Omnibus edition was released. I am hooked on Paolinelli’s writings and am slowing working my way through his entire back catalogue, and staying up to date on new releases. This is a masterfully crafted crime thriller series. The description of this volume states: “All three books of the Jack Del Rio political mystery/thriller series in one volume. Follow Jack Del Rio's adventures from England to D.C. and out to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico. In Book 1, Reservations, Del Rio battles a seemingly supernatural foe bent on murdering the entire Tribal Council of the Navajo Reservation. In Book 2, Betrayals, Del Rio uncovers an age-old plot hatched in the post-WW2 Soviet Union to plant a Russian in the Oval Office and overthrow the government of the United States. The FBI's star agent has just seven days to stop the plot and uncover the traitor before Inauguration Day. In Book 3, Endgames, the remnants of the conspiracy Del Rio has battled have followed him back to Arizona, leading to a series of confrontations across the world and a journey to an explosive conclusion that no one will see coming.” This all in one edition of crime mystery novels with FBI Agent Jack Del Rio as the main character, is an excellent read. The first volume was a case involving some brutal murders on a reservation. That cause cost Jack a lot, emotionally and physically. The second was a plot to overthrow the government, and transform the global political landscape. This third was a new plot against the government and revenge on Jack. These stories are full of action, mystery, and a good man doing what must be done. Reservations: This is the first in a trilogy of crime mystery novels with FBI Agent Jack Del Rio as the main character. Fresh off from time in the UK, including an extraordinary intervention with terrorist, Jack is back home in Washington and planning to spend some time with his brother on leave from the Navy. When he gets a call and has to travel that day with just his go bag. The case involves some brutal murders on a reservation. And the Leader calls in a favour from the FBI immediately. Jack is a rising star and is tasked with figuring out what is happening, and to do it quickly. Jack is paired with Navajo officer Lucy Chee. And Given full control. The case centres on the Navajo, but borders land owned by the Zuni and Hopi. Three murders take place before his arrive and they is a pause because if this new factor. But things quickly escalate again. Can Jack and Chee get to the bottom of the crimes before too many others end up dead? There is also some foreshadowing earlier with Jack’s boss and mentor. Prior to this. Jack has been groomed and trained for a lot. Expectations are high, but he is about the head into something he never expected, at least that is the feeling I am left with from these hits of what is to come. Betrayal: This is the second in a trilogy of crime mystery novels with FBI Agent Jack Del Rio as the main character. The previous volume was a case involving some brutal murders on a reservation. That cause cost Jack a lot, emotionally and physically. This one picks up a few months later. This one takes the action to a whole new level. Jack becomes aware of a plot to take over the US and change it forever. And this time he has no idea who he can trust. So he is back working as a lone wolf. He is tipped off by his brother, and family ties will play a major role in this story. A plot decades in the making is about to be triggered, but can Del Rio stop it on his own? To find out read. Endgames: This one amps the action up even more. Jack had been living a quiet life under an assumed name. But when things start to go pear shaped, boy oh boy do they go sideways. After the action in the previous story, the assumption was most of those behind the plot had been dealt with. Assumptions kill! And in this case there is still someone very powerful pulling strings. But she has become focused on the destruction of Jack Del Rio, no matter the collateral damage. Those who took something very meaningful from Jack will need to pay a price and Jack has the skills, talent, and ability to see it through. This is an excellent trilogy from Richard’s masterful. It would be great for those who love crime fiction, it would also be prefect for fans of Clancy, Ludlum, Grisham and others. The characters are well written. The plot exceedingly well crafted and very fast paced. And my only regret is that the series appears to have stood at 3 volumes for a long time. I cannot but home that at some point we might get another Del Rio story. A great read, now in this complete trilogy edition. I can easily recommend this book and everything I have read from Paolinelli.
