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THREE SISTERS. WHO WILL SURVIVE?
Time is running out for Chandler, the elite assassin whose mission to rescue her sister from a notorious black ops prison landed her at the top of the nation's Most Wanted list. Burned by her handlers and forced to work with her mortal enemy in a race to preserve the very government that wants her dead, the living weapon has become a ticking time bomb.
In saving her sister, Chandler unleashed a power-mad American president dead set on controlling the world--no matter how many millions of innocent people he must kill to do it. To stop him, Chandler will go deeper than she's ever gone before, pushing her body and mind to their absolute limits. All the while she is hunted by the one man who knows her every secret, her every hiding place--and her every weakness.
Infiltrating the White House, crashing a bullfight in Mexico City, hijacking a blimp in Toronto...these are just the beginning of the end, as the Codename: Chandler trilogy races towards its stunning conclusion.
THREE by Peterson and Konrath
The only thing more dangerous than being her enemy, is being her ally...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
Bad Language - 6
Scary - 4
Violent - 8
Funny - 4
Sexy - 7
Crossovers - The Codename: Chandler series features characters from Peterson's Val Ryker series, and Konrath's Jack Daniels series.
Time is running out for Chandler, the elite assassin whose mission to rescue her sister from a notorious black ops prison landed her at the top of the nation's Most Wanted list. Burned by her handlers and forced to work with her mortal enemy in a race to preserve the very government that wants her dead, the living weapon has become a ticking time bomb.
In saving her sister, Chandler unleashed a power-mad American president dead set on controlling the world--no matter how many millions of innocent people he must kill to do it. To stop him, Chandler will go deeper than she's ever gone before, pushing her body and mind to their absolute limits. All the while she is hunted by the one man who knows her every secret, her every hiding place--and her every weakness.
Infiltrating the White House, crashing a bullfight in Mexico City, hijacking a blimp in Toronto...these are just the beginning of the end, as the Codename: Chandler trilogy races towards its stunning conclusion.
THREE by Peterson and Konrath
The only thing more dangerous than being her enemy, is being her ally...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
Bad Language - 6
Scary - 4
Violent - 8
Funny - 4
Sexy - 7
Crossovers - The Codename: Chandler series features characters from Peterson's Val Ryker series, and Konrath's Jack Daniels series.
500 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
135 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,014 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 12, 2015
Third in the Codename: Chandler horror action suspense series revolving around the remaining three septuplets and their rush to save the world.
I received this as a story ARC from the publisher.
My Take
Jesus, Konrath and Peterson have the most horrific imaginations! Their characters are nightmares! If you like reading about psychopaths and total brutality, this one's for you. And yeah, it is a great non-stop, roller coaster, action ride of a story—you'll just need a strong stomach and leave the compassion at home!
Konrath/Peterson switch POVs among the girls; it's easy enough to follow along as they let you know at the start of a chapter who's talking.
I gotta hand it to the girls. They are inventive survivors—to the max! And Konrath/Peterson have a great hook to start this story. I couldn't read fast enough to find out the why of Hammett's initial, um, state of undress as well as Chandler's attitude toward her sister! There was so much drama and tension—yeah, the attitudes of most of the spies are pretty over-the-top—but you can't possibly be bored. I know my heart was in my mouth for most of the story!
The authors do manage to throw in humor, just to cut the tension a bit:
The talk about Fleming's pimped-out wheelchair—wait'll you read what she does to the chair at the motorcycle shop! Although my imagination absolutely fails me on the "He can do a handstand while doing a split."
Part of what I saw as the horror in this is the constant wondering by the sisters as to when they should kill each other. Not that they're prejudiced or anything. They'll kill anyone they need to. But I gotta tell ya, these three girls are a step up from the rest. The others'll kill, and do it horrifically, just for the fun of it.
Speaking of characters, a few of the characters in this story come from other stories in the authors' repertoires (see "The Characters").
Shockingly, in spite of being a trilogy (I'm being snide—I was slammed in the comments over on Amazon for daring to review a book in a series and not have read every book, short story, and novella previous to it—so I would know what was going on and be able to do a proper review…*eye roll*...), you don't need to have read the previous story in Konrath/Peterson's series; I suspect your "appreciation of this one would be richer for it, but it's not essential. I certainly didn't feel lost. I do get the impression that the start of this one picks up immediately after Spree , 2.
A few hiccups for me: why wouldn't someone as smart as Fleming think of a GPS in the van, especially when the salesman tells her it has antitheft? There wasn't much finesse in the Bradley-Fleming hook-up, although it did work well.
Oh, wow, we learn about Fleming's accident, and what caused it. I'm curious to read the others in this series, and I'd like to find out who the man is who adopted Chandler. He sounds like he was The Instructor at one point, but then I get the impression they aren't the same man. I'm confused.
Ooh, a bit preachy...although I do agree with the sentiment (the quote may not be exact as this is an uncorrected proof, but I really liked this):
Uh-huh, right. Just substitute "themselves" for "country" and it's about right…
It took a bit before I got comfy with Harry mouthing off. Lordy, he's so gross and sex-obsessed...you can't help but laugh.
If you're planning to travel to Mexico at all, you might want to read it just to put you on your guard! Between the cartonero selling Chandler, and the taxi driver who tried to rob her...oh, boy…
Be warned...you will cry at the end.
The Story
Chandler was forced to assassinate the President of the United States, and her blackmailer has it on tape. But he's taken it too far, and all three sisters are determined to take him down! Um, right after they save the world.
The Characters
Chandler, Hammett, and Fleming are what's left of seven identical sisters—Chandler has killed the others. They are well-trained U.S. spies who are manipulated, used, and abused (and that is such an understatement!) in the service of The Instructor, who heads up both Hydra and Hydra Deux, top-secret, über-vicious assassin programs. He's someone I'd love to stake out on an anthill in the hot sun—and occasionally sprinkle with water to keep him alive and hurtin' for as long as possible. Chandler is hiding Julie (see Exposed , 0.2) on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Kirk is her dog.
Chandler and Hammett, once known as Betsy, are still field operatives; Chandler is discovering she has a heart while Hammett is a psychopath with no morals who prefers dogs. Fleming was damaged in an "accident" and now works from a wheelchair behind a desk as Chandler's handler and exercising her particular genius. Bradley Milton is a robotics expert who lives and works in Baltimore.
Jack Daniels does the girls a favor. A really BIG favor. Harry McGlade has a much bigger part to play—and if you stick around, Harry'd be glad to show you just how big. What a crack up he is! Tequila Abernathy is semiretired from his Enforcer job and does favors for friends. David Lund is a regular guy, a firefighter, whom Chandler loves, but he's horrified by her casual approach to killing. Elise was her social worker.
President J. Phillip Ratzenberger is appropriately named; he is a rat, one with some nasty plans. Chaz is the cat Ratzenberger fantasizes about killing.
Hydra Deux spies
Heathcliff (he and Chandler first hook up in Hit , 0.1) is partnered with the intimidating Earnshaw—think of a shaved gorilla in drag. There's a bit where Heath says kissing Earnshaw destroyed his pretending it was Chandler...who doesn't have razor stubble on her face. You want to like Heath, especially when you learn that he likes killing when "justice was dealt and innocents spared", but then he continues with "...when innocents refused to cooperate…" ick Scarlett hates men and is partnered up with Rhett who keeps trying on his cowboy charm. Isolde is, oh my god, the most nightmarish of this bunch with a love to hurt and be hurt; she's partnered up with Tristan, who loves to accommodate her.
Manuel Diaz is the arenero in Mexico City. Dr. Derek Fossen is forced to help if he wants to save his sister. Maria Elena Castellano was Heathcliff's mother; Filena is his half-sister. Murray Kaufmann, Chandler's parole officer, forgave her as he died. Lyle Gerard works on greens maintenance at the Oakdale Gold and Country Club, and he gets the shock of his life when Isolde rises up, holding her guts.
Los Zetas are an enforcement arm for the Gulf cartel; El Cártel de Sinaloa are rivals.
The Cover
The cover is blue, all sorts of shades of blue with grids of all kinds and red snaky things twisting up into words shapes and what looks like chromosomes, and a sexy Chandler holding a smoking gun.
The title short and to the point; they're Three sisters, all that's left.
I received this as a story ARC from the publisher.
My Take
Jesus, Konrath and Peterson have the most horrific imaginations! Their characters are nightmares! If you like reading about psychopaths and total brutality, this one's for you. And yeah, it is a great non-stop, roller coaster, action ride of a story—you'll just need a strong stomach and leave the compassion at home!
Konrath/Peterson switch POVs among the girls; it's easy enough to follow along as they let you know at the start of a chapter who's talking.
I gotta hand it to the girls. They are inventive survivors—to the max! And Konrath/Peterson have a great hook to start this story. I couldn't read fast enough to find out the why of Hammett's initial, um, state of undress as well as Chandler's attitude toward her sister! There was so much drama and tension—yeah, the attitudes of most of the spies are pretty over-the-top—but you can't possibly be bored. I know my heart was in my mouth for most of the story!
The authors do manage to throw in humor, just to cut the tension a bit:
"I'm going to kill you with this cheese?
It is sharp cheddar."
The talk about Fleming's pimped-out wheelchair—wait'll you read what she does to the chair at the motorcycle shop! Although my imagination absolutely fails me on the "He can do a handstand while doing a split."
Part of what I saw as the horror in this is the constant wondering by the sisters as to when they should kill each other. Not that they're prejudiced or anything. They'll kill anyone they need to. But I gotta tell ya, these three girls are a step up from the rest. The others'll kill, and do it horrifically, just for the fun of it.
Speaking of characters, a few of the characters in this story come from other stories in the authors' repertoires (see "The Characters").
Shockingly, in spite of being a trilogy (I'm being snide—I was slammed in the comments over on Amazon for daring to review a book in a series and not have read every book, short story, and novella previous to it—so I would know what was going on and be able to do a proper review…*eye roll*...), you don't need to have read the previous story in Konrath/Peterson's series; I suspect your "appreciation of this one would be richer for it, but it's not essential. I certainly didn't feel lost. I do get the impression that the start of this one picks up immediately after Spree , 2.
A few hiccups for me: why wouldn't someone as smart as Fleming think of a GPS in the van, especially when the salesman tells her it has antitheft? There wasn't much finesse in the Bradley-Fleming hook-up, although it did work well.
Oh, wow, we learn about Fleming's accident, and what caused it. I'm curious to read the others in this series, and I'd like to find out who the man is who adopted Chandler. He sounds like he was The Instructor at one point, but then I get the impression they aren't the same man. I'm confused.
Ooh, a bit preachy...although I do agree with the sentiment (the quote may not be exact as this is an uncorrected proof, but I really liked this):
That's the whole point of Homeland Security, isn't it? Personal safety at the expense of personal freedoms. Who cares if our government kills our enemies without a trial or even evidence, as long as we're protected? Who cares if we kill our own citizens? We trust those in power to do what's right for the country…"
Uh-huh, right. Just substitute "themselves" for "country" and it's about right…
It took a bit before I got comfy with Harry mouthing off. Lordy, he's so gross and sex-obsessed...you can't help but laugh.
If you're planning to travel to Mexico at all, you might want to read it just to put you on your guard! Between the cartonero selling Chandler, and the taxi driver who tried to rob her...oh, boy…
Be warned...you will cry at the end.
The Story
Chandler was forced to assassinate the President of the United States, and her blackmailer has it on tape. But he's taken it too far, and all three sisters are determined to take him down! Um, right after they save the world.
The Characters
Chandler, Hammett, and Fleming are what's left of seven identical sisters—Chandler has killed the others. They are well-trained U.S. spies who are manipulated, used, and abused (and that is such an understatement!) in the service of The Instructor, who heads up both Hydra and Hydra Deux, top-secret, über-vicious assassin programs. He's someone I'd love to stake out on an anthill in the hot sun—and occasionally sprinkle with water to keep him alive and hurtin' for as long as possible. Chandler is hiding Julie (see Exposed , 0.2) on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Kirk is her dog.
Chandler and Hammett, once known as Betsy, are still field operatives; Chandler is discovering she has a heart while Hammett is a psychopath with no morals who prefers dogs. Fleming was damaged in an "accident" and now works from a wheelchair behind a desk as Chandler's handler and exercising her particular genius. Bradley Milton is a robotics expert who lives and works in Baltimore.
Jack Daniels does the girls a favor. A really BIG favor. Harry McGlade has a much bigger part to play—and if you stick around, Harry'd be glad to show you just how big. What a crack up he is! Tequila Abernathy is semiretired from his Enforcer job and does favors for friends. David Lund is a regular guy, a firefighter, whom Chandler loves, but he's horrified by her casual approach to killing. Elise was her social worker.
President J. Phillip Ratzenberger is appropriately named; he is a rat, one with some nasty plans. Chaz is the cat Ratzenberger fantasizes about killing.
Hydra Deux spies
Heathcliff (he and Chandler first hook up in Hit , 0.1) is partnered with the intimidating Earnshaw—think of a shaved gorilla in drag. There's a bit where Heath says kissing Earnshaw destroyed his pretending it was Chandler...who doesn't have razor stubble on her face. You want to like Heath, especially when you learn that he likes killing when "justice was dealt and innocents spared", but then he continues with "...when innocents refused to cooperate…" ick Scarlett hates men and is partnered up with Rhett who keeps trying on his cowboy charm. Isolde is, oh my god, the most nightmarish of this bunch with a love to hurt and be hurt; she's partnered up with Tristan, who loves to accommodate her.
Manuel Diaz is the arenero in Mexico City. Dr. Derek Fossen is forced to help if he wants to save his sister. Maria Elena Castellano was Heathcliff's mother; Filena is his half-sister. Murray Kaufmann, Chandler's parole officer, forgave her as he died. Lyle Gerard works on greens maintenance at the Oakdale Gold and Country Club, and he gets the shock of his life when Isolde rises up, holding her guts.
Los Zetas are an enforcement arm for the Gulf cartel; El Cártel de Sinaloa are rivals.
The Cover
The cover is blue, all sorts of shades of blue with grids of all kinds and red snaky things twisting up into words shapes and what looks like chromosomes, and a sexy Chandler holding a smoking gun.
The title short and to the point; they're Three sisters, all that's left.
May 19, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Thriller
Reading Level: Adult—explicit sex scenes, sexual language
Recommended for: Those who like their books fast-paced and high-octane and don't care much for little silly details
Book Available: June 25, 2013 in Kindle and Paperback editions
Trigger Warnings: child abuse, incest, murder, carjacking, tasteless handicap jokes (made by a disabled woman)
Animal Abuse: a dog is hit with a gun and then shot (he survives); the president repeatedly threatens his wife's cat; a rattlesnake is stomped
My Thoughts: After reading the first two books over the course of slightly less than 12 hours, I sort of ran out of gas and this one went much more slowly. Part of it is that it involved so many people. Not only are there the three sisters and the Instructor, but there are also seven members of another Hydra team (Hydra Deux), Julie, and the new president, and sections alternate between all of them. Some of it felt a little padded, and much of the character development done in the previous books is done over again so that this book can be read as a standalone if you want.
There were a few inconsistencies I noted. Fleming had her legs rebroken by Malcolm, and her fingers broken by one of Hammett's people, but in this book this doesn't seem to slow her down in the least. Chandler dislocated her shoulder twice over the course of the previous two books (which in total took place over maybe three days all told), but in this book is complaining more about the pain in her leg, which I think was just a graze by a bullet. All three sisters had removed their tracking beacons, which were implanted in their duodenum, yet again this is not slowing them down. I've had “minor” abdominal surgery several times, and it definitely slows you down. Admittedly they are all trained to overcome pain, but I just don't see how they aren't being slowed down at all by things like broken bones, especially Fleming, whose legs were already held together by pins.
Don't misunderstand, this is another fast-paced, high-octane book that is so full of twists and turns and subplots that many people won't even be bothered by these things, but this is also a very long book and some of this stuff seems to just be completely ignored or understated just to keep things moving. I did really like Heathcliff and Bradley. Heath and Chandler had a real Spike/Buffy thing going on, and being a huge Spuffy fan, I really liked that. Bradley was kind of Too Stupid to Live, but he was an appealing character nonetheless.
Overall, this book was okay. It didn't blow me away, but it was entertaining enough. I think it was a little overwritten and probably about a third of it could have been cut, but for people who enjoy thrillers, who have read the series and want to finish it, it will be entertaining. It will be available June 25.
Note: Due to miscommunications, this was removed from my Vine queue, so this review cannot be posted on Amazon with the other Vine reviewers. However, it was provided to me by Vine.
Series Information: Three is the third book in the Codename: Chandler series.
Book 1: Flee read and reviewed 5/17/13, review linked here where formatting allowed
Exposed is a novella featuring Chandler, and may be read after Flee; I will not be reading it right now
Book 2: Spree, read and reviewed 5/17/13, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Note: Many of Konrath's books have characters that show up throughout his several series, and that includes characters in this series that show up in other books and series. It's very complicated, but I imagine he has a list somewhere on his site that outlines the best order in which to read them all to catch all the interconnected plots.
Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Time is running out for Chandler, the elite assassin whose mission to rescue her sister from a notorious black ops prison landed her at the top of the nation’s Most Wanted list. Burned by her handlers and forced to work with her mortal enemy in a race to preserve the very government that wants her dead, the living weapon has become a ticking time bomb.
In saving her sister, Chandler unleashed a power-mad American president dead set on controlling the world—no matter how many millions of innocent people he must kill to do it. To stop him, Chandler will go deeper than she’s ever gone before, pushing her body and mind to their absolute limits. All the while she is hunted by the one man who knows her every secret, her every hiding place—and her every weakness. Infiltrating the White House, crashing a bullfight in Mexico City, hijacking a blimp in Toronto… these are just the beginning of the end, as the Codename: Chandler trilogy races towards its stunning conclusion.
Reading Level: Adult—explicit sex scenes, sexual language
Recommended for: Those who like their books fast-paced and high-octane and don't care much for little silly details
Book Available: June 25, 2013 in Kindle and Paperback editions
Trigger Warnings: child abuse, incest, murder, carjacking, tasteless handicap jokes (made by a disabled woman)
Animal Abuse: a dog is hit with a gun and then shot (he survives); the president repeatedly threatens his wife's cat; a rattlesnake is stomped
My Thoughts: After reading the first two books over the course of slightly less than 12 hours, I sort of ran out of gas and this one went much more slowly. Part of it is that it involved so many people. Not only are there the three sisters and the Instructor, but there are also seven members of another Hydra team (Hydra Deux), Julie, and the new president, and sections alternate between all of them. Some of it felt a little padded, and much of the character development done in the previous books is done over again so that this book can be read as a standalone if you want.
There were a few inconsistencies I noted. Fleming had her legs rebroken by Malcolm, and her fingers broken by one of Hammett's people, but in this book this doesn't seem to slow her down in the least. Chandler dislocated her shoulder twice over the course of the previous two books (which in total took place over maybe three days all told), but in this book is complaining more about the pain in her leg, which I think was just a graze by a bullet. All three sisters had removed their tracking beacons, which were implanted in their duodenum, yet again this is not slowing them down. I've had “minor” abdominal surgery several times, and it definitely slows you down. Admittedly they are all trained to overcome pain, but I just don't see how they aren't being slowed down at all by things like broken bones, especially Fleming, whose legs were already held together by pins.
Don't misunderstand, this is another fast-paced, high-octane book that is so full of twists and turns and subplots that many people won't even be bothered by these things, but this is also a very long book and some of this stuff seems to just be completely ignored or understated just to keep things moving. I did really like Heathcliff and Bradley. Heath and Chandler had a real Spike/Buffy thing going on, and being a huge Spuffy fan, I really liked that. Bradley was kind of Too Stupid to Live, but he was an appealing character nonetheless.
Overall, this book was okay. It didn't blow me away, but it was entertaining enough. I think it was a little overwritten and probably about a third of it could have been cut, but for people who enjoy thrillers, who have read the series and want to finish it, it will be entertaining. It will be available June 25.
Note: Due to miscommunications, this was removed from my Vine queue, so this review cannot be posted on Amazon with the other Vine reviewers. However, it was provided to me by Vine.
Series Information: Three is the third book in the Codename: Chandler series.
Book 1: Flee read and reviewed 5/17/13, review linked here where formatting allowed
Exposed is a novella featuring Chandler, and may be read after Flee; I will not be reading it right now
Book 2: Spree, read and reviewed 5/17/13, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Note: Many of Konrath's books have characters that show up throughout his several series, and that includes characters in this series that show up in other books and series. It's very complicated, but I imagine he has a list somewhere on his site that outlines the best order in which to read them all to catch all the interconnected plots.
Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Time is running out for Chandler, the elite assassin whose mission to rescue her sister from a notorious black ops prison landed her at the top of the nation’s Most Wanted list. Burned by her handlers and forced to work with her mortal enemy in a race to preserve the very government that wants her dead, the living weapon has become a ticking time bomb.
In saving her sister, Chandler unleashed a power-mad American president dead set on controlling the world—no matter how many millions of innocent people he must kill to do it. To stop him, Chandler will go deeper than she’s ever gone before, pushing her body and mind to their absolute limits. All the while she is hunted by the one man who knows her every secret, her every hiding place—and her every weakness. Infiltrating the White House, crashing a bullfight in Mexico City, hijacking a blimp in Toronto… these are just the beginning of the end, as the Codename: Chandler trilogy races towards its stunning conclusion.
March 26, 2020
As the series continues the writing improves. At first I was a bit nervous, it was an annoying start to the book (have you been in the car with three bickering sisters? I have and that is how the start of the book felt). The story smoothed out after that and had very interesting fight scenes, the kind you would expect Dirt Pitt to be involved in.
November 1, 2025
Genetically created to be the ultimate assassin Chandler now finds herself on the run from the very government she wants to preserve.
The new president has delusions of world domination and he doesn't care how many innocents die in his plot. Coming up against a team with the same training, Chandler will have to put faith in people she's sworn to kill, make impossible decisions and lose what she holds most dear. The tension is high. Life as we know it is on the line and Chandler with her sisters must fight the battle of her life.
There is a fine line between evil and good intentions and the gray in between. Chandler must face her demons and reconcile her actions in the name of good before it destroys her.
I loved this book. I was plastered to the pages and white knuckling my kindle during the entire adventure! I ravenously enjoyed the various points of view, especially discovering the insight of both the heroines as well as the other characters. Sex, action, heroes/heroines, diabolical evil intentions for the “greater good”, this book had it all.
Three is the ultimate high octane, combat filled, adult action thriller. With a multiple point of view writing style, Three is a nail biting plot from start to finish. Excellent book! Brilliant writing! Emotion provoking work of art!
The new president has delusions of world domination and he doesn't care how many innocents die in his plot. Coming up against a team with the same training, Chandler will have to put faith in people she's sworn to kill, make impossible decisions and lose what she holds most dear. The tension is high. Life as we know it is on the line and Chandler with her sisters must fight the battle of her life.
There is a fine line between evil and good intentions and the gray in between. Chandler must face her demons and reconcile her actions in the name of good before it destroys her.
I loved this book. I was plastered to the pages and white knuckling my kindle during the entire adventure! I ravenously enjoyed the various points of view, especially discovering the insight of both the heroines as well as the other characters. Sex, action, heroes/heroines, diabolical evil intentions for the “greater good”, this book had it all.
Three is the ultimate high octane, combat filled, adult action thriller. With a multiple point of view writing style, Three is a nail biting plot from start to finish. Excellent book! Brilliant writing! Emotion provoking work of art!
May 13, 2013
Three is the best so far in the Chandler series. It starts off right where Spree ended. While Spree was an all out action packed running for your life from one scene to the next this was more methodical and had more story.
I really don't want to give anything away that happened in this or the two previous books. This had a little bit of everything. Action, gore, sex, evilness, heroes. It had so much. Chandler finds herself in another situation where she has to make tough decisions. For her though, decisions are life or death. She has to save Canada and Mexico from a crazy POTUS.
The twists and turns were unpredictable and completely had me going "Oh, well that makes sense." Or "No way!"
I love, love, love this series! Chandler is such a favorite. She's superhuman. I hope to read more and more. Not to mention I love that we bring in characters from other series. Jack and Harry their banter is too much.
Ok, now I have to admit at the end I was tearing up and couldn't even see the words in front of me. Amazing, how one minute we can go from action packed crazy to practically bawling. So many emotions.
I really don't want to give anything away that happened in this or the two previous books. This had a little bit of everything. Action, gore, sex, evilness, heroes. It had so much. Chandler finds herself in another situation where she has to make tough decisions. For her though, decisions are life or death. She has to save Canada and Mexico from a crazy POTUS.
The twists and turns were unpredictable and completely had me going "Oh, well that makes sense." Or "No way!"
I love, love, love this series! Chandler is such a favorite. She's superhuman. I hope to read more and more. Not to mention I love that we bring in characters from other series. Jack and Harry their banter is too much.
Ok, now I have to admit at the end I was tearing up and couldn't even see the words in front of me. Amazing, how one minute we can go from action packed crazy to practically bawling. So many emotions.
September 5, 2021
Without offering any spoilers, I will say that the plot of this book wasn't bad, but the story seriously dragged. This book is roughly twice the length of the previous two installments in the Codename Chandler series, and I felt it. Getting to the final chapters was a chore, and it shouldn't have been.
All the elements of a good story were there, but the plot kept getting interrupted by unnecessary diversions and gratuitous sex scenes. I don't know if an abridged version of this book exists, but this might be the one and only time I would recommend taking that route.
I think it's also important to know that I'm not a person who minds a lengthy novel. In fact, two of my three favorite books are quite a time investment – The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and 11/22/63 by Stephen King – but I didn't find the length of this book nearly as enjoyable or necessary.
While I liked some of the things that transpired in Three, it is currently my least favorite entry into the Codename Chandler universe. I think I may be through with this series, at least for now.
All the elements of a good story were there, but the plot kept getting interrupted by unnecessary diversions and gratuitous sex scenes. I don't know if an abridged version of this book exists, but this might be the one and only time I would recommend taking that route.
I think it's also important to know that I'm not a person who minds a lengthy novel. In fact, two of my three favorite books are quite a time investment – The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and 11/22/63 by Stephen King – but I didn't find the length of this book nearly as enjoyable or necessary.
While I liked some of the things that transpired in Three, it is currently my least favorite entry into the Codename Chandler universe. I think I may be through with this series, at least for now.
July 8, 2020
One of the best spy thriller series I have ever read. In all three books of the Code name Chandler trilogy there was non stop action from the beginning to the end of the book. In fact the whole action of the trilogy happened in a week or so.
This is my assessments of this book Three by J. A. Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 5 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. Not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 4 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 5 stars
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4.42 stars
This is my assessments of this book Three by J. A. Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 5 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. Not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 4 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 5 stars
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4.42 stars
November 3, 2018
I'm copying the same review into both book #2 and #3, as they are really one long story.
The first book was an exciting thriller pitting our heroine against a large and hidden opponent. The book ends after Chandler saves the world.
Books #2 and #3 are a non-stop roller-coaster ride as Chandler and her teammates try to figure out how and why the events from the first book happened, why do so many people want to kill them, and what are the bad guys going to do next.
These are exciting, gasp-inducing, and exhausting. There is no challenge too daunting, no injury that can't be overcome, and even death can be cheated. There is so much happening that I became immune to the thrills.
But wow what a ride.
The first book was an exciting thriller pitting our heroine against a large and hidden opponent. The book ends after Chandler saves the world.
Books #2 and #3 are a non-stop roller-coaster ride as Chandler and her teammates try to figure out how and why the events from the first book happened, why do so many people want to kill them, and what are the bad guys going to do next.
These are exciting, gasp-inducing, and exhausting. There is no challenge too daunting, no injury that can't be overcome, and even death can be cheated. There is so much happening that I became immune to the thrills.
But wow what a ride.
December 2, 2017
the final installment of the series is quite a bit different than what we have become accustomed to. the sisters are now fighting to save the world. quite literally throughout most of the chapters you get Blow by blow fights. I love a good action thing and I don't mind an action book, if it makes sense. The author spend so much time giving us all the technical names that let's face it none of us know you spend so much time trying to Envision what these moves are that you get lost. they use 30 different kinds of martial arts and all these funky techniques. I really like this series but wish they had may be focused a little more on the plot line.
October 20, 2025
Fast and easy read. I thought this was going to be long, but it just flew by. There's a formula, so the major plot flow is the interesting bit here, and the implementation details are more familiar (action, cliff-hanger, heroine escapes, repeat). There are 3 1/2 heroines working in parallel, though, which makes it more interesting, since each has her own goals and relationships with the others. I'm not bored with the formula yet, and we have cliffhangers and loose threads to follow into book 4, Hit, so I'm still in.
April 15, 2019
Just when you think things cannot get more insane, well, I'm proven wrong. I don't actually think this will be the last Chandler book, not with the way this ended, but it is definitely another wild and crazy ride.
To save her friends and sister, Chandler kills the president and is filmed doing it. The Instructor has betrayed them all, and plans to blackmail them into continuing to do what he wants when he wants. Chandler and Fleming now find themselves with an unlikely and unwelcome ally, Hammett. Needing a place to hide, they go where they think the Instructor is unlikely to look. When the second assassin group appear and make off with Julie, a carrier of the Ebola virus, they realize that there is more at stake than just surviving, they now need to save the world and work / trust each other to complete the most important mission. With the help of my favorite police office, Jack Daniels, and her sleazy ex-partner, Harry, they tackle the instructor, his secondary assassin team, and the newly appointed president from the craziest plan ever to take over the world.
Definitely one of the stories where you hope this kind of stuff NEVER happens, but if it does, someone is capable to defusing the situation. However, at the same time know that it all seems too fantastical to ever be true.
To save her friends and sister, Chandler kills the president and is filmed doing it. The Instructor has betrayed them all, and plans to blackmail them into continuing to do what he wants when he wants. Chandler and Fleming now find themselves with an unlikely and unwelcome ally, Hammett. Needing a place to hide, they go where they think the Instructor is unlikely to look. When the second assassin group appear and make off with Julie, a carrier of the Ebola virus, they realize that there is more at stake than just surviving, they now need to save the world and work / trust each other to complete the most important mission. With the help of my favorite police office, Jack Daniels, and her sleazy ex-partner, Harry, they tackle the instructor, his secondary assassin team, and the newly appointed president from the craziest plan ever to take over the world.
Definitely one of the stories where you hope this kind of stuff NEVER happens, but if it does, someone is capable to defusing the situation. However, at the same time know that it all seems too fantastical to ever be true.
July 12, 2025
This installment leans more toward a three-star book in terms of execution. The story arc feels overly stretched and, at times, strains plausibility—even for a Konrath loose standards. The scene descriptions are sparse, lacking the vivid detail that usually brings the world to life.
But… I adore this series, and that love carries it to a full five stars for me. Plus, Harry’s presence is an absolute highlight. Again. He is still a dick but a loveable dick. If you’re a fan, you’ll likely forgive its shortcomings just as I did.
But… I adore this series, and that love carries it to a full five stars for me. Plus, Harry’s presence is an absolute highlight. Again. He is still a dick but a loveable dick. If you’re a fan, you’ll likely forgive its shortcomings just as I did.
April 29, 2021
Another non stop speed ride of murder and madness...
Three sisters left....identical in looks and so totally different in personalities.... all that is left of a group of identical sisters trained as the ultimate assassins. The puppet master behind their training and killings they were tasked with has now been disposed of by the remaining threesome. The world can take a weary breath and relax for a moment or can it? There is one more act to play out.... Never a still moment!
Three sisters left....identical in looks and so totally different in personalities.... all that is left of a group of identical sisters trained as the ultimate assassins. The puppet master behind their training and killings they were tasked with has now been disposed of by the remaining threesome. The world can take a weary breath and relax for a moment or can it? There is one more act to play out.... Never a still moment!
November 28, 2022
I've enjoyed the Chandler/Fleming/Hammett books so far. It's an interesting character study with women in a traditional male role as assassins. I did get a little bored with the constant need to describe every blow in the fight scenes. We get it. They are fighting. The author knows fighting. Enough already. I was disappointed in the end. I felt that one character was off to a different life than the one hinted at in the end. I've always liked Konrath and will keep reading to see what happens.
February 20, 2024
This book was just excellent. It felt like a combination James Bond/Die Hard spy/action movie with video game story elements. It was just so well written I just could not stop reading it.
This is by far the longest book this far in the Chandler series, about twice as long as most of them, and I'm so glad there was so much to read.
Fantastic story that I can't recommend enough if you like thrillers (start with the first book, though!).
This is by far the longest book this far in the Chandler series, about twice as long as most of them, and I'm so glad there was so much to read.
Fantastic story that I can't recommend enough if you like thrillers (start with the first book, though!).
September 8, 2017
Kick ass
Even though the Instructor went out with barely a whimper,
these Hydra girls are the most kick pass characters I have ever
come across. Five stars, off the charts, best of the series hands
down.
Even though the Instructor went out with barely a whimper,
these Hydra girls are the most kick pass characters I have ever
come across. Five stars, off the charts, best of the series hands
down.
August 23, 2021
Interesting read and gripping to the end
I would have preferred a more complete ending. But the story, characters, events and the style is fresh and captivating. A very satisfying read
I would have preferred a more complete ending. But the story, characters, events and the style is fresh and captivating. A very satisfying read
November 3, 2021
Nonstop Action
Loved the workings of the three sisters who were so different yet similar. Enjoyed the humor of Harry and his one track mind, yet he seems to always deliver. What an adventure
Loved the workings of the three sisters who were so different yet similar. Enjoyed the humor of Harry and his one track mind, yet he seems to always deliver. What an adventure
December 15, 2025
Excellent (conclusion?) to the trilogy!
(Yes, I know the series continues, but the first three books are one great story!)
I’m starting the 4th in the series tonight; I can’t get enough of these characters.
(Yes, I know the series continues, but the first three books are one great story!)
I’m starting the 4th in the series tonight; I can’t get enough of these characters.
December 27, 2017
2-3
it was too much
it was too much
May 11, 2021
A title with A simple me like THREE and you cannot locate it via title I had to go by author and still through his Hundreds of books!
You are losing it GOODREADS!! Get better IF people!
You are losing it GOODREADS!! Get better IF people!
August 4, 2021
This should have been 2 books. One should focus on the backgrounds of the hydra assassins and the next should focus on the three sisters. Having all of that in one book is a bit much.
March 3, 2022
Mehhhhhhhhhhh!
Way too long and way too over the top. Glad it's over.
Way too long and way too over the top. Glad it's over.
January 25, 2024
Three Sisters
Fantastic series about three sisters and their abilities to take on the world. Two authors, working in tandem, amazing books.
Fantastic series about three sisters and their abilities to take on the world. Two authors, working in tandem, amazing books.
January 23, 2025
Would have given 4 stars but too many graphic sex scenes.
September 8, 2025
This third of a series is just as great a read as the first two.
April 10, 2025
A wonderful ending for a great action packed thriller.
Will definitely read more books with this characters
Will definitely read more books with this characters
September 23, 2020
This is a satisfying conclusion (or is it?) to the Codename: Chandler trilogy. I'm questioning the conclusion part because I wonder whether there will be a sequel. I don't know anything for sure, so I'll continue with my review of Three. The story picks up where Spree left off. Chandler is really burning the candle at both ends, and she's facing her most difficult mission yet. After her failed relationship at the end of book 2, Chandler finds herself struggling to avoid crumbling down. She's wondering whether she has any humanity left inside her, after all the people she's killed.
Meanwhile, The Instructor has done a Ra's Al Ghul and turned on his former students. He used Chandler to get rid of the former President and aid the new one in a heinous plot. To stop him, Chandler and her twin/former handler Fleming will have to ally with their old enemy, Hammett. She happens to be their identical sister. Hammett's not thrilled that The Instructor's plan to discredit her siblings also affects her. They have the exact same face.
The feisty trio go to a secluded island whose only resident is a young woman named Julie. Just when Chandler thinks they've found safe refuge, a team of trained killers attacks them. Chandler, Fleming, and Hammett are easily overwhelmed and the attackers kidnap Julie. Chandler deduces that The Instructor is behind the kidnapping, and forms a plan to stop him. Since Julie carries a deadly and contagious virus, rescuing her is imperative. Old allies return, including detective Jack Daniels and obnoxious PI Harry McGlade. (Anyway, have you noticed something about the detective's name? You'll laugh once you get it.)
Surprisingly, Chandler and Fleming warm up to Hammett during their mission together. They still don't trust her, though. One thing I found funny is that Hammett has a soft spot for dogs. A merciless, psychopathic, trained killer who loves pooches. That was quite a surprise. It's not every day you meet a woman who believes dogs are more important than her own race.
Fleming returns...and more badass than ever. This woman practically steals the spotlight in the last two books. One of the coolest scenes is Fleming riding a mini-tank to engage a few guards. Yes, I did say mini-tank. The things Fleming builds! Chandler almost tops that feat by taking out a horde of drug cartel thugs in her b-day suit. Also, Fleming manages to do what Chandler seems afraid of: stop thinking of her training like a religion and actually be a human. Fleming does this by forming a relationship with a civilian, Bradley (who helps her build something). She comes to his rescue when he's in danger, without hesitation. That's something The Instructor warned her not to do.
With such odds against them, Chandler, Fleming, and Hammett must work quickly before an epic catastrophe begins. This is the most thrilling installment in the Codename: Chandler series yet. I enjoyed reading it very much. These books have awesome characters and pulse-pounding action. They're definitely must-read thrillers.
My rating: ★★★★★
5 stars - Absolutely must-read. It's outstanding!!!
Meanwhile, The Instructor has done a Ra's Al Ghul and turned on his former students. He used Chandler to get rid of the former President and aid the new one in a heinous plot. To stop him, Chandler and her twin/former handler Fleming will have to ally with their old enemy, Hammett. She happens to be their identical sister. Hammett's not thrilled that The Instructor's plan to discredit her siblings also affects her. They have the exact same face.
The feisty trio go to a secluded island whose only resident is a young woman named Julie. Just when Chandler thinks they've found safe refuge, a team of trained killers attacks them. Chandler, Fleming, and Hammett are easily overwhelmed and the attackers kidnap Julie. Chandler deduces that The Instructor is behind the kidnapping, and forms a plan to stop him. Since Julie carries a deadly and contagious virus, rescuing her is imperative. Old allies return, including detective Jack Daniels and obnoxious PI Harry McGlade. (Anyway, have you noticed something about the detective's name? You'll laugh once you get it.)
Surprisingly, Chandler and Fleming warm up to Hammett during their mission together. They still don't trust her, though. One thing I found funny is that Hammett has a soft spot for dogs. A merciless, psychopathic, trained killer who loves pooches. That was quite a surprise. It's not every day you meet a woman who believes dogs are more important than her own race.
Fleming returns...and more badass than ever. This woman practically steals the spotlight in the last two books. One of the coolest scenes is Fleming riding a mini-tank to engage a few guards. Yes, I did say mini-tank. The things Fleming builds! Chandler almost tops that feat by taking out a horde of drug cartel thugs in her b-day suit. Also, Fleming manages to do what Chandler seems afraid of: stop thinking of her training like a religion and actually be a human. Fleming does this by forming a relationship with a civilian, Bradley (who helps her build something). She comes to his rescue when he's in danger, without hesitation. That's something The Instructor warned her not to do.
With such odds against them, Chandler, Fleming, and Hammett must work quickly before an epic catastrophe begins. This is the most thrilling installment in the Codename: Chandler series yet. I enjoyed reading it very much. These books have awesome characters and pulse-pounding action. They're definitely must-read thrillers.
My rating: ★★★★★
5 stars - Absolutely must-read. It's outstanding!!!
August 26, 2016
Started February 27th, 2014
Just wanted to see how the series played out.
And this is on a level with the second book of the series Spree, maybe a little better.
Again a few nice sex-scenes (just as a warning for those who shy away from that), but not too graphic or long.
In a contrast to the first book Flee, this one has chapters, some too short and due to the pov-swapping at each chapter, too much. And I think it is too long, but than it is not all action, there are times where the heroines reflect on their doings and their future and that gives a good flow, alternating action with thinking - again, my main gripe with the first book, too much non-stop-action.
The action itself is again over the top, and a lot of scenes are unbelievable but fun to read.
A few nice switches I did not see coming, and few I did.
One scene to cry over, so sad, and well written, a good choice but sad nonetheless.
And at the end a surprise I did not see coming. Not to spoil anything, but the ending gives room for more books. There are still people to kill.
As a whole series I rate it 3.5 stars and a recommendation, if you can switch off your thinking and just mindlessly enjoy the books. It would be more stars if the books where shorter or some scenes not quite as unbelievable. But the characters are all well developed and the scenery is also very good (sometimes too long) described.
Just wanted to see how the series played out.
And this is on a level with the second book of the series Spree, maybe a little better.
Again a few nice sex-scenes (just as a warning for those who shy away from that), but not too graphic or long.
In a contrast to the first book Flee, this one has chapters, some too short and due to the pov-swapping at each chapter, too much. And I think it is too long, but than it is not all action, there are times where the heroines reflect on their doings and their future and that gives a good flow, alternating action with thinking - again, my main gripe with the first book, too much non-stop-action.
The action itself is again over the top, and a lot of scenes are unbelievable but fun to read.
A few nice switches I did not see coming, and few I did.
One scene to cry over, so sad, and well written, a good choice but sad nonetheless.
And at the end a surprise I did not see coming. Not to spoil anything, but the ending gives room for more books. There are still people to kill.
As a whole series I rate it 3.5 stars and a recommendation, if you can switch off your thinking and just mindlessly enjoy the books. It would be more stars if the books where shorter or some scenes not quite as unbelievable. But the characters are all well developed and the scenery is also very good (sometimes too long) described.
July 8, 2015
Three by J.A. Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson is the third book in the Codename: Chandler series. As such, it carries on the action about a week after the events of the previous novel, Spree.
In this instalment, the three remaining sisters, Chandler, Fleming and Hammett must work together to avoid being captured or killed by government agents, avoid assassins sent by The Instructor, avoid killing each other, and depose a power mad President, set on controlling the world at any cost!
Now, while all of that sounds pretty far fetched, there’s no denying that it makes for a damn good action packed roller coaster of a thriller.
While the action came fast and furious in the previous two novels, for the most part, everything seems to happen at a more sedate pace in this book.
There are lots of characters, and, like the other books in the series, each chapter focuses on one of them to progress the story. This is a neat approach as it keeps the story fresh, and offers different perspectives.
Despite this being the third book in a series, the authors have included enough information for it to be read as a standalone book. This may be quite frustrating to a fan of the series, as it not only makes the book longer than necessary, but also goes over old ground. I didn’t find it too annoying, although some chapters did seem superfluous, and it did slow down the pace.
Overall, despite being over the top, a bit too long, and a tad repetitive, I enjoyed Three. I hope Konrath and Peterson continue their collaboration in the future, although, to be honest, I think the Codename:Chandler series has probably run its course...
In this instalment, the three remaining sisters, Chandler, Fleming and Hammett must work together to avoid being captured or killed by government agents, avoid assassins sent by The Instructor, avoid killing each other, and depose a power mad President, set on controlling the world at any cost!
Now, while all of that sounds pretty far fetched, there’s no denying that it makes for a damn good action packed roller coaster of a thriller.
While the action came fast and furious in the previous two novels, for the most part, everything seems to happen at a more sedate pace in this book.
There are lots of characters, and, like the other books in the series, each chapter focuses on one of them to progress the story. This is a neat approach as it keeps the story fresh, and offers different perspectives.
Despite this being the third book in a series, the authors have included enough information for it to be read as a standalone book. This may be quite frustrating to a fan of the series, as it not only makes the book longer than necessary, but also goes over old ground. I didn’t find it too annoying, although some chapters did seem superfluous, and it did slow down the pace.
Overall, despite being over the top, a bit too long, and a tad repetitive, I enjoyed Three. I hope Konrath and Peterson continue their collaboration in the future, although, to be honest, I think the Codename:Chandler series has probably run its course...
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