Shadow Shepherd (Sam Callahan, 2)

Chad Zunker is an excellent storyteller. I have read several titles of his so far, and just finished three “Sam Callahan” books. The first, “The Tracker”, lays the groundwork of Sam’s life and takes the reader on a thrilling ride. The second, “Shadow Shepherd” (THIS BOOK) continues Sam’s adventures but on a higher and more danger-ridden level. The third, and what I assume is the final tale, “Hunt the Lion” brings all the mayhem, bullets-flying, dangerous-living events to a satisfying ending. These books are not for those whose blood pressure can be adversely affected by seemingly never-ending chases, derring-do, and betrayals (both real and imagined). Set against a background of governmental plotting and planning, including misleading our intrepid hero in several ways, the books each pack a good punch.

Mexico City, Mexico. Samuel Weldon Callahan, (Benoltz & Ass., lawyer, Georgetown; JD), had jumped out the Four Seasons Hotel window & luckily landed in the courtyard. Nothing broken, nothing hurt. The assassin was nowhere in sight.

Natalie Foster (Sam’s wife, PowerPlay reporter, DC political blog, U of Missouri, Lady Tigers SB) was out/about getting the next scoop. Tom Hawkins (55+, lawyer, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Sam Houston State BA, Texas Tech JD) had been murdered. Rich Hebbard (Sam’s biological father, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Tulane; BA, U of Mississippi; JD) had been found dead also. Would Francisco Zapata (Chamber of Deputies, Mexico’s congress, Lázaro Cárdenas city, Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales Special Forces) know anything about the 2 killings? Dr. Edgars did not have good news for Sam.

What does Senator Mark Liddell (AL.) about Lex Hester (US) & Francisco Zapata (Mexico)? What will become of Alger Gerlach?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Thomas & Mercer; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

I like the character a lot. I would like to see the ending develop more information abut the consequences to the " bad guys " All along the way you want to see them get theirs and it seems Sam puts everything in motion to cause them serious problems and the book just ends. There is a litttle hook set to lead Sam into the next novel . It did seem to strech the imagination that his real father on behalf of the CIA vetting process would hire the number one assassin just to test Sam. I do like that he uses his wits and common person things to escape each peril instead of just " blasting away with the miracle gun that never misses " Overall it was very entertaining reading and I will definitely move on to book 3

Because I didn't know this was a "series" read, I started out with book 3, learned there were 2 previous books and decided to read them all. Well written. Will look for this author again. Really liked books 1 & 3 but the ending of this one was... implausible, unpredictable (because really, it was too dumb). If I'd read the series in order, I'd have skipped book 3, which turned out to be my favorite in the series. I could see them being made into a movie (skipping book 2, of course). Think mission impossible. Very clever, interesting, different. Liked the characters (except the father, a real piece, that guy!)

Sam Callahan is an incredible character who possesses unique skills while still having a heart and a conscience. The book is well written and well plotted. So much so that the reader isn't let in on "it" until late in the game. The trouble is, the situations that Sam escapes are a bit too unbelievable. Like stories with other unique characters, the reader is willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story. This one takes the reader beyond that just a bit too far.