Rated of 5
by Mary D. (Claremont, CA) Agent X
A very exciting read, always fast-paced and moving. The protagonists are complicated people but very likable. What I particularly enjoy with these characters is that the friendships ring true, the personal commitments are honored and the sense of right vs. wrong is strong. The intrigue within the government is exciting and the good guy/bad guy lines are not always clearly drawn. A good, exciting read from beginning to end!
Rated of 5
by Patricia D. (Woodland Hills, CA) My hero - the Bricklayer aka Steve Vail
In Boyd's first book Steve Vail, the bricklayer, was established as a real-life super hero. In Agent X, Steve again performs all the impossible spy and counter-conspiracy theory dances like he was born into the job. He's a little shy in the romance department, but that makes his character seem even more sincere and realistic. Steven Vail is again cornered in this book by the FBI, CIA, police, detectives and any one else who can't figure out a problem. Give it to Steve and he has the problem solved in no time. The reader is sent through a whirl-wind of government and terrorist plots which keeps the pages turning. The action is superb and the story line is one to keep you awake until the book is done. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time because you won't want to put this book down. Does he get the girl this time? Your turn to find out!
Rated of 5
by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ) Agent X
An above average espionage thriller. The reader may sometimes have to suspend belief about how fast the Bricklayer, Steve Vail, and his colleagues can make meaning from the most hidden of clues that no one else can decipher. And while the banter between them sometimes is a bit too much, overall it is a solid read that will have you turning the pages. I will go back and read the first in the series, "The Bricklayer", which I have on the shelf but had not read. US counterterrorism agencies could use a few dozen Steve Vails with his analytical abilities and street sense.
Rated of 5
by Ruth O. (Downingtown, PA) Fast-paced thriller!
‘Agent X’ was a fast-paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. This was the second book in a series, and I would have had a slightly easier read if I knew more of the backstory, but it was ok as a stand-alone book. The action never stopped—I’d think it was over with the villains identified, but some other twist in the story would occur to keep the book moving along. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with all of the characters! Most of the book took place in one locale, the Washington, DC area, which made it easier to follow than some thrillers which hop around the globe. The author writes in a concise manner with little embellishment, so there was not full character development but it served the story well. I think I’ll have to go back and read the first book in the series now!
Rated of 5
by Jane W. (Lansing, MI) I really wanted to enjoy reading this book
As a former police officer, I was delighted in obtaining this book to read and review. Alas, it is moderately a book you might want to borrow from the library. It is an easy read. The first few pages started with such promise. Then the the plot became disconnected, characters were not developed, and the power of Steve Vail were appropriate for someone like maybe a James Bond. I believe the author could be much better than this, given his vast knowledge and experience. Come on...there surely is some hope at times in his writing.
Rated of 5
by Kris Agent X
I really enjoyed this book. It is one of the better FBI-CIA intrigue books that I've read over the past couple of years. I found the book to be similar to Nelson DeMille's - John Corry character. In fact, I had to remind myself a couple of times that it was not indeed the same character. I enjoyed the constant turns and could not put the book down once I hit the second half of the book.
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by Mary D. (Claremont, CA) 
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by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ) 
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by Jane W. (Lansing, MI) 
