Hard Power by J. B. Turner is Book 12 in A Jon Reznick Thriller Series.
When Jon gets a panicked phone call from his cyber-specialist friend, he learns that Trevelle's girlfriend (Amy Chang) has been killed in a gruesome subway death. While there have been several recent reported deaths of people being pushed onto the tracks in front of subways, the conclusion to Amy's death is suicide. Trevelle knows it was not, but there is no camera evidence of her being pushed. Amy had told him she feared for her life, that she was being followed but couldn't prove it, and that lately she had been terrified that the Chinese government apparatus was after her. She and her brother Kevin escaped to America acquiring Green Cards after being considered dissidents. Trevelle begs for Jon's help in finding out exactly what happened to his beloved Amy and what to do with her traumatized brother.
When Jon joins Trevelle to go to Kevin's apartment, danger is already in action and Jon must take emergency measures to rescue Kevin. The three of them find a way to hit the road and Trevelle secures a friend's place to stay while they sort out their next steps. Trevelle's friend is an accomplished journalist well-versed on the current China operations of police-stations in America, particularly in New York where this has taken place, having done serious research for the documentary she's writing. When she learns what Jon had to do to rescue Kevin - Jon making sure she realizes the severity of the situation - she agrees to help, her only request being to interview him off the record once everything is resolved.
Jon approaches the only person he trusts in the FBI, Martha Meyerstein, hoping to secure Kevin's safety. It doesn't turn out well.
Reznick has done every kind of covert activity in his long career, including assisting Martha on several ops. Not one for adhering to laws when in extreme circumstances, Jon always finds a way to do what must be done to get the bad guys. It's what he does and how he does it which has made some of the FBI higher-ups get squeamish, cringe, and shudder.
The Dexedrine-popping, sharp shooting, anti-hero is a man with a mission. Although often rough around the edges, he's a man of honor and will do the right thing instead of the convenient thing no matter what. If he gives you his word, it's golden.
Hard Power is a convoluted, spy/espionage thriller with despicable characters selling out America and terror-inducing CCP members/diplomats trying to neutralize those who've run away from China. J.B. Turner does an excellent job of creatively revealing the truth about the "occupation" and activities of these lawless members moving about areas of America without repercussions from any law enforcement agencies. The straightforward approach to this subject is why I gave this novel 5 stars - and you know how stingy I am with the stars.
As with most thrillers, this story has its "No way!" moments, but it's a good story, well-told. I do recommend the Jon Reznick Thrillers because he's a unique character, somewhat broken as are most of the thriller heroes, with mad skills.
(Profanity present.)
Father, please continue to bless JB's life and provide the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.