Buy A Bullet
Orphan X Book 1.5
eISBN 9781250141286
ASIN B01LXW2NEI
This series was recommended to be by a co-worker, and after reading the first story Ophan X I decided I was going to read them all. He was surprised with how much I read that I had not read anything by Hurwitz, And specifically this series. I thought so glad I gave them a try.
The description of this volume states:
“The Nowhere Man is a figure shrouded in secrecy—a near legendary figure who helps those lucky few who are given the means to reach out to him.
Before he was the Nowhere Man, Evan Smoak was a highly trained government operative known to a few as Orphan X. This is the story of Smoak's first outing as the Nowhere Man, where after completing a mission in Northern California, he happens to spot a young woman at a coffee shop. Brutalized and under the control of a very powerful, unscrupulous man, her life is in danger if she doesn't escape. And the only person that can help her do that is a man with the background and skills of the Nowhere Man.”
About the author we are informed:
“Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous thrillers, including You’re Next and Orphan X. Critically acclaimed, Hurwitz is a two-time finalist for ITW’s Best Novel prize and a finalist for CWA’s Steel Dagger. In addition to his novels, Hurwitz is a screenwriter, TV producer, and comic book author. The first book in the Evan Smoak series, Orphan X, has been sold in twenty-one countries. Hurwitz, who lives in Los Angeles, is writing the screenplay adaption of Orphan X for Warner Bros. and Bradley Cooper.”
While researching the previous review I discover that Hurwitz has also written extensively for comics, both for DC and Marvel. And that fits well with how this story and series. I have described it as a mashup of Person of Interest with The Equalizer (the TV Show) and Jack Reacher.
Evan Smoak has been trained from a young age. He has a specific skill set. He began to question his missions and the people running them. So he has decided to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Doing so one case at a time, by word of mouth. But this time Evan spots the person in need of help. A young woman in a coffee Show, clearly in fear, clearly controlled. The story begins with these words:
“She takes the pain, takes it so well. This is evident the moment she enters the upscale coffee shop in downtown Palo Alto. She is on the arm of a trim man with artfully tousled hair, two-day growth, and Bono sunglasses. Or rather, he is on her arm, his fist wrapped around her slender biceps, steering her, conveying ownership. She winces against the pressure of his grip, allowing a slight crimp of the right eye, but her grin doesn’t so much as flicker. Experience has taught her.
Bringing up the rear is a head-taller, broad-chested specimen of a bodyguard, ex-military judging by hair and posture. His deferential bearing suggests that when tasked, he also performs the services of a personal assistant, as do most employees in the orbit of the very rich. He is youthful. His body fat is single digit; muscles sheathe him like armor.
In the corner of the shop, a man notes this little retinue over a lifted cup of espresso. He is around thirty years old, not too handsome, unobtrusive. Just an average guy. At his feet sits a bag bulky with night-vision gear handed to him hours ago through the rear door of a Sand Hill office in exchange for a banded stack of bills. He is not a regular in the Bay Area; having collected what he came for, he has pit-stopped for a quick cup before the five-hour haul back to Los Angeles. But now his interest is piqued by this woman and the man clamped to her.”
And a little later:
“The watcher at the corner table knows this expression. He knows it well.
He has spent a lifetime in the vicinity of trauma, usually inflicting it. He is known by some as Evan Smoak. To a few, he is known as Orphan X. But generally he is not known at all.
He decides to extend his visit.”
This is an intense little story. It was released between books 1 and 2 in the series. It definitely grabs your attention and keeps it. This story is high octane action adventure! It is a story that sinks its teeth and does not let go. Again it has the meticulous planning and high tech of Person of Interest, it has the skills and mastery of both Reacher and the Equalizer. And Evan could not walk away from this person in need.
It was hard to put down, I read it in a single sitting over 2 large mugs of coffee. And with 12 novels and 6 published short stories there is a lot to read. It is an excellent little volume that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately there is a lot already available and one more announced.
A great read, short and to the point!
Books by Gregg Hurwitz:
The Tower
Minutes to Burn
Do No Harm
The Crime Writer (aka I See You)
Trust No One (aka We Know)
You're Next
They're Watching (aka Or She Dies)
The Survivor
Tell No Lies
Don't Look Back
The Delivery
…
Evan Smoak Orphan X Series:
1.0 Orphan X
1.5 Buy a Bullet
2.0 The Nowhere Man
3.0 Hellbent
3.5 The Intern
4.0 Out of the Dark
5.0 Into the Fire
5.5 The List
6.0 Prodigal Son
7.0 Dark Horse
8.0 The Last Orphan
8.5 The Recital
9.0 Lone Wolf
10.0 Nemesis
10.5 The Code
11.0 Antihero
11.5 The Damage Man
12.0 Last Man Standing
…
The Rains Brothers Series:
1.0 The Rains
2.0 Last Chance
…
Tim Rackley Series:
1.0 The Kill Clause
2.0 The Program
3.0 Troubleshooter
4.0 Last Shot
…
