Blood Vendetta

by Roberto de Haro

264 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2025

About the author

Roberto Haro, a retired professor/university executive, taught at California, Maryland and New York universities. He received the B.A., and two graduate degrees from UC, Berkeley. His doctorate is in Higher Education. Haro wrote five scholarly monographs, and 80+ articles/chapters.

Haro writes under the pen name Roberto de Haro, and has published seven novels. His new novel, Murder at the Villa Museum, will be published in late 2010.

Reviews

[Kimberly Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like being handed a folder stamped Top Secret—the kind you weren’t supposed to see but can’t stop leafing through once it’s in your hands. It draws you into a world where every move is calculated and every silence means something.

The most gripping moment for me came during the Silent Mediterranean Pursuit, when Lipinski shadows a sleek luxury yacht suspected of ferrying Skryty’s leadership. There’s no radio chatter, no dramatic shootouts—just encrypted bursts of communication, like whispers slipping under a locked door, each one a lifeline in a game of shadows. The stillness of the sea becomes its own kind of suspense, the yacht gliding ahead like a ghost while danger hums just below the surface.

What struck me most is how the author makes this tension feel lived-in and real, as if I were on that deck myself, tasting salt in the air, feeling the weight of each decision. It’s a masterclass in restraint—proving that the most nail-biting moments don’t need noise, only precision and purpose. This isn’t just a spy story; it’s an experience, and I’m grateful to have been pulled into it.

[Debra Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every moment in this book is crafted with the precision of a minimalist’s shelf—nothing extra, nothing wasted, every scene serving a purpose. The moment that hit me hardest was when Rick Coulter, Kansas City’s untouchable crime boss, finally buckles under waterboarding. He’d already stared down electric shocks and resisted chemical injections, but the suffocating torture finally pried loose the truth—Angie Carpenter’s kidnappers and the explosive connection between a cartel and a pharmaceutical company. It’s a moment that shifts the ground under the whole story.

From there, the pace never lets up. The author blends gritty realism with razor-sharp plotting, moving seamlessly from shadowy interrogations to covert maneuvers that feel like they could be ripped from tomorrow’s headlines. I found myself savoring the precision—how every conversation, every action had a purpose—and yet still turning pages at breakneck speed. If you crave high-stakes espionage where nothing is accidental and every move matters, this one’s a knockout.

[Kyle Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Vendetta is a rare treasure that absolutely deserves a place on your bookshelf, taking the theme of global intrigue to an entirely new level. Roberto De Haro crafts a tense, globe-spanning thriller as Dale Lipinski—armed with allies like hacker Katla Oesterhalle, NSA analyst Corinne Nevers, and Mossad operative Ari Isakov—uncovers a web of corruption stretching from Kansas City and Chicago to Albania and beyond. His investigation exposes ties between powerful drug cartels, international arms smugglers, and high-level espionage operations. Lipinski’s methods are as ruthless as his enemies—he and his team abduct, interrogate, and eliminate syndicate operatives, extracting deadly secrets along the way. These revelations lead to shocking meetings between pharmaceutical cabals and drug cartels in luxurious, exotic locales. Packed with danger, covert operations, and explosive confrontations, this novel keeps readers hooked from first page to last.

[Ava Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa—just… whoa! Blood Vendetta left me breathless, my heart pounding with every twist. Roberto De Haro raises the stakes sky-high as Dale Lipinski faces a conspiracy that spans continents and criminal empires. When FBI agent Kemena Xeveria is recalled from her Interpol post in France—warned by her ex–Russian intelligence father about the Albanian group Skryty—the danger becomes even more personal. The plot thickens with ties to “Pink Cocaine” distribution, global arms trafficking, and market manipulation. On top of that, Lipinski is tasked with investigating cyberattacks on a defense contractor developing a next-generation hypersonic missile. As the tension builds, Lipinski crafts a daring, multi-pronged counterstrike to crush both the Kansas City network and its powerful international allies, while avenging those he’s lost. This is a razor-sharp, adrenaline-charged thriller you’ll be thinking about long after the last page.

[Sophia Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, Blood Vendetta drags you into a pulse-pounding world so immersive, you’ll lose track of everything else. Roberto De Haro crafts a dark, tense, and relentlessly fast-paced thriller that blends espionage intrigue with gritty, boots-on-the-ground action. The novel’s authenticity stands out—every surveillance maneuver, every interrogation, and every combat exchange feels meticulously researched and vividly real. De Haro alternates between sharp, dialogue-driven briefings and explosive field operations, giving readers both the cerebral planning and the visceral execution of spycraft at its highest level. The result is a narrative that feels both intimate and cinematic, pulling you into Dale Lipinski’s dangerous mission with relentless momentum. It’s an expertly crafted mix of brains and brawn, perfect for readers who crave thrillers with intelligence, intensity, and unflinching realism.

[Lily Coltrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story races forward with an unyielding momentum, keeping me gripped from the first page to the last. From its explosive opening—where FBI trainer Angie Carpenter is abducted and brutally tortured—the novel sets a chilling, high-stakes tone that never lets up. This isn’t just action for spectacle’s sake; the brutality of that first chapter ripples through the rest of the plot, heightening the urgency and danger at every turn. While the adrenaline never falters, there are moments where I wished the narrative dug a little deeper beneath the surface. Still, the blend of relentless pacing, visceral confrontations, and the undercurrent of Lipinski’s personal vendetta makes this a pulse-pounding ride. Corinne Nevers, the razor-sharp NSA cybersecurity analyst, adds a cerebral edge to the chaos, balancing raw force with calculated intelligence. Blood Vendetta delivers a thriller where danger feels both immediate and personal—and that’s what keeps you turning the pages.

[Dennis Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel delivers a razor-sharp storyline that unravels with chilling precision, drawing you into a world where every move feels deliberate—and deadly. From the very start, the narrative grips you with its intensity, hinting at deep personal stakes and an unyielding quest for justice. The pacing never falters, keeping the tension high and the reader hooked.

What makes the story so compelling is how seamlessly the action, mystery, and emotional undercurrents intertwine. The lead character’s drive is palpable, fueled by an unshakable determination that makes every chapter feel urgent. Alongside the physical danger, the book deftly weaves in psychological tension, creating an atmosphere where trust is scarce, and every choice could be fatal.

The author crafts a world that feels both authentic and perilous, populated by characters whose motives keep you guessing. The result is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that stays in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

[Frank Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the jaw-dropping opening scene to the final calculated strike, the novel never eases its grip. Even when the endgame felt certain, the road there was a white-knuckle rush—every twist loaded with danger, sharp wit, and impossible choices. At the center is Lipinski, an unflinching protagonist whose grit matches the scale of the threats he faces. But the real surprise lies in the powerhouse allies who stand beside him: hacker Katla Oesterhalle, bending digital landscapes to her will; NSA analyst Corinne Nevers, threading vital intel through layers of secrecy; and FBI agent Kemena Xeveria, whose relentless instincts keep the mission alive.

These women aren’t background players—they are the engine of the operation, injecting the story with brains, brawn, and unpredictable energy. Together, they transform each mission into more than a fight for survival; it’s a showcase of trust, precision, and explosive teamwork that keeps the adrenaline pumping long after the last shot is fired.

[Heather Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first pulse of action to the final, razor-sharp twist, this novel fires on all cylinders. The buzz was loud, and it more than lived up to the hype—each scene a calculated hit of tension, cunning, and explosive payoff. The cast feels almost unnervingly real: each player razor-honed for the clandestine battleground they inhabit, moving with the ruthless efficiency of predators in the dark.

At the heart of its magnetic pull is the high-tech espionage—a dazzling, high-stakes chess game of cyber intrusions, encrypted back-channels, and surgical surveillance. Every keystroke, every decoded string, every silent camera feed feels like prying open a locked door to the enemy’s mind. These sequences don’t just advance the plot—they immerse you in the pulse-quickening thrill of a war fought in the shadows, where a single data leak can topple empires and trust is as volatile as a live grenade.

[Rachel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan, and other high-stakes espionage adventures will find themselves instantly hooked by this razor-edged thriller. It opens with an unforgettable scene in a quiet Lyon bistro, where Kemena Xeveria’s father—once a Russian intelligence officer—delivers a cryptic yet urgent warning about a looming threat from the shadowy figure known as Skryty. With nothing more than a discreetly passed contact number, he vanishes, leaving her—and the reader—on edge.

From there, the novel launches into a relentless blend of covert missions, intelligence rivalries, and international danger. Every chapter pulses with the taut tension of espionage politics and the personal cost of living in a world where trust is a luxury. The pacing is pitch-perfect, the action precise without being overindulgent, and the dialogue sharp enough to cut glass.

This is espionage fiction done right—gripping, layered, and utterly addictive.

[Scott Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension in this book seeps in slow and stubborn, like trying to work a dull knife through frozen butter—every inch takes effort, and every pass builds the pressure. That steady burn hits its peak in the unforgettable “Silent Surveillance War,” when Lipinski’s tech crew manages the impossible: planting invisible eyes and ears in a Kansas City office run by one of the most paranoid criminal networks alive. The devices hum quietly in the shadows, streaming voice and video without so much as a whisper to the syndicate’s elite anti-probe defenses. It’s a high-wire act of patience, precision, and pure nerve.

From there, the story spirals into a world of razor-edge espionage, where every move is calculated and every conversation is a potential trap. The author’s control of pacing is masterful—balancing moments of hushed tension with bursts of adrenaline that hit like a shockwave. If you thrive on thrillers that make you lean in and hold your breath, this one will own your night.

[Larry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dialogue in this novel slices through the page with the sting of a sudden paper cut—quick, precise, and impossible to forget. Nowhere is this more evident than during the high-stakes side mission, where Lipinski enlists the cunning Katla to investigate a suspected cyber breach at a defense contractor. The stakes couldn’t be higher: if the hackers have succeeded, a hypersonic missile project could be fatally compromised. Every exchange between the two brims with tension—part chess match, part razor duel—making it one of the most electrifying sequences in the book. The author’s mastery of pacing ensures that each conversation feels like a calculated move, and the stakes are underscored by settings so real you could almost hear the hum of the servers and the click of encrypted keyboards. The blend of biting dialogue, urgent intrigue, and palpable danger makes this scene—and the novel as a whole—unshakably memorable.

[Ryan Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Vendetta delivers espionage on a global scale without losing its emotional center. The murder of Lipinski’s partner sets off a chain reaction that leads through Kansas City criminal cells, Chicago syndicates, and Albanian assassins. Along the way, we see luxury yachts tracked in the Mediterranean, dead drops in Prague, and covert meetings in Casablanca. Roberto de Haro doesn’t just rely on shootouts and explosions—he builds suspense with cyber sleuthing, high-level politics, and cross-agency mistrust. The tension is constant, but there’s room for human moments, especially in Lipinski’s interactions with his allies. Katla’s hacking brilliance, Kemena’s resourcefulness, and Corinne’s decoding skills make this as much a team effort as a lone-wolf mission. If you enjoy smart, globe-trotting thrillers with layered conspiracies, you’ll find Blood Vendetta almost impossible to put down.

[Emily Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Vendetta by Roberto De Haro is a pulse-pounding thriller that wastes no time throwing readers into the action. Dale Lipinski is the kind of hero you don’t forget—a former Black Ops soldier, ex-LA County Sheriff’s detective, and now a senior agent with a premier U.S. security firm. He’s the man called in when others walk away. With allies as formidable as a Mossad insider and one of the world’s most elusive hackers, Lipinski moves effortlessly from Los Angeles back alleys to shadowy missions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. De Haro blends gritty realism with high-stakes intrigue, making each chapter a rush of adrenaline. Trust is scarce, danger is constant, and Lipinski’s code of justice is the only thing standing between global powerbrokers and chaos. A gripping, globe-spanning read for fans of smart, relentless thrillers.

[Olivia Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re drawn to stories that seize your emotions from the first page and refuse to let go, Blood Vendetta by Roberto De Haro should be on your shelf. This gripping thriller follows Dale Lipinski, a lethal and resourceful operative for an elite, clandestine security firm. When an assassination attempt aimed at him takes the life of his partner and lover, Lei Ling, Lipinski’s world shatters. His quest for justice quickly spirals into an international chase involving organized crime, espionage, and the dangerous world of global drug trafficking. From the dark corners of major cities to high-stakes encounters with multiple intelligence agencies, Lipinski confronts a sprawling syndicate that will stop at nothing to protect its empire. De Haro delivers a taut, emotionally charged narrative where vengeance fuels every move and danger lurks on every continent.

[Walter Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, fellow book lovers! You have to pick up Blood Vendetta by Roberto De Haro—this thriller is unlike anything I’ve read before. The story opens with a gut punch: FBI agent Angie Carpenter is kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by operatives working for Max Stover, a corrupt Chicago lawyer with deep syndicate ties. Under pressure, Angie gives up one name—Dale Lipinski. Moments later, assassins come for him but instead take the life of his partner and lover, Lei Ling. Overcome by grief and driven by vengeance, Lipinski sets out to dismantle the network behind the attack. His investigation unravels a deadly trail from a Kansas City proxy organization to Stover’s Chicago crime syndicate, Pentago, and the ruthless Albanian group known as Skryty. Gritty, fast-paced, and relentlessly tense, this is a high-stakes ride you won’t forget.

[Ethan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not just recommending Blood Vendetta—I’m telling you, you must read it. It’s that good. Roberto De Haro delivers a riveting mix of personal vengeance, global intrigue, and high-octane action. Dale Lipinski’s quest to avenge the murders of Lei Ling and FBI agent Angie Carpenter becomes something much larger—a relentless mission to dismantle a sprawling transnational criminal empire. Along the way, he’s forced to shield allies like Kemena Xeveria from assassination attempts, navigate the political minefields of DOJ, FBI, CIA, NSA, and foreign intelligence agencies, and walk a dangerous tightrope between his ruthless, off-the-books tactics and the law. As if that weren’t enough, the specter of cutting-edge weapons technology slipping into enemy hands looms over every move. This is a taut, high-stakes thriller that grips you from page one and refuses to let go.

[Peter Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that hits every emotional note—that’s exactly what Blood Vendetta delivers. Roberto De Haro introduces us to Dale Lipinski, a formidable ex-military operative now working for a shadowy private security firm. Lipinski isn’t just another action hero—he’s a man shaped by combat, loss, and an unshakable sense of justice, making every decision feel urgent and deeply personal. Through his eyes, we’re pulled into a world where morality blurs, trust is a luxury, and every mission could be his last. De Haro’s portrayal of Lipinski combines raw toughness with flashes of vulnerability, grounding the high-stakes action in genuine emotion. You’re not just watching him take down enemies—you’re feeling the cost of every move, every sacrifice. This is more than a thriller; it’s a gripping character study wrapped in adrenaline and danger.

[Mia Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened Blood Vendetta expecting a straightforward action thriller and found something far more intense and emotionally charged. Roberto De Haro sets the story in motion with a devastating blow—a car bombing intended for Dale Lipinski takes the life of his partner and lover, Lei Ling. What could have been just another revenge plot transforms into a deeply personal journey, where grief fuels determination and every lead pulls Lipinski deeper into a dangerous web of conspiracies. The emotional weight of his loss adds a raw, human edge to the high-octane action, making each confrontation feel urgent and personal. De Haro blends explosive set pieces with moments of reflection, creating a story that resonates beyond the bullets and chases. This isn’t just about vengeance—it’s about the lengths we go to protect the memory of those we love.

[Jose Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Vendetta is like stepping into an entirely different world—its sharp storytelling and unforgettable characters make it impossible to ignore. At the heart of the danger is the Pentago syndicate, a powerful Chicago-based criminal network with its hands deep in drugs, arms trafficking, and money laundering. The syndicate’s reach is wide, and its influence is as dangerous as it is insidious. Through the story, the sheer scope of Pentago’s operations becomes clear, setting the stage for high-stakes confrontations and intense suspense. Every chapter reveals more of this network’s corruption and ruthlessness, pulling the reader further into its shadowy underworld. Roberto De Haro’s portrayal of Pentago gives the novel a strong sense of realism and urgency, making it easy to feel the weight of the threat hanging over the characters.

[Abigail Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a book that will keep you up all night? Blood Vendetta is an emotional rollercoaster you simply can’t put down. One of its most chilling elements is Skryty, an Albanian criminal organization with deep ties to the Chicago-based Pentago syndicate. Skryty’s operations are as ruthless as they are varied—ranging from targeted assassinations to large-scale drug distribution and high-level espionage. Their presence in the story raises the stakes dramatically, adding another layer of danger to an already volatile conflict. Every encounter with this group pulses with tension, reminding the reader that Lipinski is up against adversaries with no boundaries and no mercy. Roberto De Haro uses Skryty to heighten both the suspense and the scope of the novel, making it clear that the battle is not just local—it’s global.

[Aaron King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page, pulling me straight into a high-stakes world of espionage and danger. In Blood Vendetta, Dale Lipinski begins unraveling the larger conspiracy through intel gathered in tense interrogations of captured Kansas City gang members. These sessions reveal a dangerous truth—the local operation is directly linked to the powerful Pentago syndicate in Chicago and the ruthless Albanian group Skryty. This breakthrough shifts the investigation from a contained threat to a sprawling, international criminal web. Each revelation builds the tension, showing just how deep the corruption runs and how far Lipinski will have to go to bring it all down. Roberto De Haro keeps the pace tight and the stakes high, making every discovery feel like a crucial, hard-won victory in a fight that’s far from over.

[Tyler Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adrenaline-pumping ride from beginning to end, Blood Vendetta delivers suspense at every turn. One standout character is Katla Oesterhalle, a brilliant hacker and Dale Lipinski’s former lover. Katla plays a crucial role in the investigation, using her skills to uncover and trace the hidden digital connections linking various criminal groups. Her expertise opens pathways to information that would otherwise remain buried, making her an indispensable ally in exposing the web of corruption and crime. The dynamic between Katla and Lipinski adds another layer of depth to the story, blending personal history with high-stakes collaboration. Roberto De Haro uses her presence to highlight the importance of cyber intelligence in modern crime-fighting, keeping the tension high while revealing just how dangerous—and far-reaching—the conspiracy truly is.

[Ella Chesterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adrenaline-pumping ride from start to finish, Blood Vendetta pulls you into a world where danger crosses borders and no one is truly safe. Among its most compelling characters is Kemena Xeveria, a skilled FBI agent whose unique background places her in the path of a relentless criminal syndicate. While stationed overseas, she becomes entangled in a threat that forces urgent decisions and dangerous moves from those determined to protect her. The tension around her situation builds into one of the novel’s most gripping threads, weaving personal stakes with the larger conspiracy Dale Lipinski is fighting to uncover. Roberto De Haro balances the intensity of covert maneuvers with the emotional weight of protecting lives, making every chapter feel urgent. It’s a masterclass in suspense where the threat is constant, and the cost of failure is unthinkable.

[Jerry Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the adrenaline never lets up, there were moments where I wished the plot had a bit more depth beneath all the chaos. Still, Blood Vendetta packs a visceral punch, anchored by a deeply personal motivation that fuels Lipinski’s every move. That emotional undercurrent—hinted at through flashes of grief and relentless determination—becomes the book’s most compelling force, giving weight to the explosions and chase scenes. Roberto De Haro balances the raw energy of intense action with the shadow of a past loss, creating tension that’s as emotional as it is physical. Adding to the intrigue is Corinne Nevers, a sharp NSA cybersecurity analyst whose quiet brilliance adds an edge to the investigation. It’s a high-octane read that keeps you wondering how far Lipinski will go when the mission becomes personal.

[Patrick Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What truly gripped me was how the plot’s unexpected shifts were handled with such precision, each one ratcheting up the tension until it all exploded in a jaw-dropping finale. At the heart of it is Lipinski, a protagonist who doesn’t hesitate to cross moral boundaries—wielding interrogation tactics and deadly force with chilling efficiency. His approach blurs the line between justice and vengeance, forcing readers to question whether his ends justify his means.

The pacing is relentless yet deliberate, giving just enough breathing room between the bursts of high-voltage action to let the suspense sink in. Layered over this is a darkly compelling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the personal cost of living in the shadows. For those who crave crime thrillers with a protagonist who refuses to play by the rules, this one leaves an unforgettable mark.

[Maria Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is raw and unflinching, with every shot fired and every blow landed hitting the reader as vividly as if they were there. The story plunges deep into the perilous underbelly of covert operations, where the stakes are measured in lives and the rules are written in blood. Interrogations are not just tense—they’re a harrowing blend of psychological warfare and physical endurance, each one a battle for critical intel that could make or break the mission.

Through it all, the pacing never falters, carrying the reader through a dangerous web of deceit, shifting loyalties, and unrelenting pressure. The atmosphere crackles with danger, and every scene feels steeped in the grit and gravity of high-stakes espionage. This is a thriller that doesn’t just tell you about the darkness—it makes you feel it.

[Alexander Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laced with razor-sharp dialogue and an ever-present undercurrent of dread, this thriller traps the reader in a world where no one can be trusted. At its core lies a jaw-dropping revelation: clandestine meetings between high-ranking pharmaceutical executives and ruthless international drug cartels. The deeper the truth is dug up, the more it hints at corruption so vast it seeps into boardrooms, back alleys, and even the corridors of power.

The tension never lets up—every conversation feels like it could be the last, every shadow hides a potential enemy. The mix of corporate intrigue and cartel ruthlessness creates a chillingly believable web of greed, power, and moral decay. By the final page, you’re left questioning not just the fate of the characters, but the real-world forces that might not be so fictional after all.

[Samuel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the year’s standout covert ops thrillers, this novel delivers a rush of adrenaline that action fans won’t want to miss. The most jaw-dropping moment? Watching Simona—an undercover extraction expert with nerves of steel—slip seamlessly into a heavily guarded penthouse, her disguise so perfect it could fool anyone. With precision and calm, she plants a tracker on Kansas City crime boss Rick Coulter’s car, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

From that heart-pounding sequence onward, the story never lets up. Every chapter pulses with danger, deception, and razor-sharp tactical maneuvers, immersing readers in the high-wire world of covert missions. It’s not just about action—it’s about watching brilliant operatives push themselves to the limit, where one misstep means disaster. This is a sleek, high-intensity ride from start to finish.

[Emma Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world-building in this novel is so vivid and authentic it’s like stumbling onto a movie set and realizing you’ve become part of the scene—every sight, sound, and shadow pulls you in without warning. One of the most haunting moments is at Sunset View Cemetery, where Lipinski stands motionless as Lei Ling’s ashes are laid to rest, silently promising a slow and merciless end for those responsible. From there, the story coils into a tense, relentless pursuit of justice and revenge, blending high-stakes espionage with deeply personal vendettas. The author’s knack for crafting believable environments makes each scene feel almost tangible, from dimly lit backrooms to high-security conference halls. The pacing keeps you tethered to every page, and the balance of emotional gravity with pulse-pounding action ensures the narrative stays gripping until the very end.