When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty. When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a … link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there’s a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.
With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there’s a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.
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I really enjoyed End Game by Rachel Dylan. It is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series and definitely worth reading if you love inspirational suspense romance stories.
This is actually the first book that I’ve read by Rachel Dylan and I will definitely be reading more by her in the future.
FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini team up to find a possible serial killer in the Washington DC area where most of the evidence is pointing to a Navy SEAL sniper who Bailey is refusing to believe is guilty.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
I loved the books in Rachel Dylan’s Atlanta Justice series because they revealed her knowledge of the law and they also had a core group of characters that were featured in the three books of the series. Dylan now has a new series and this first book is a doozy! End Game is set in Washington, DC and it is filled with intrigue and an inside look at our US government. There are agents from the FBI, NCIS, and several other government agencies who become involved in the murders of several members of the military and the race begins to stop the deadly agenda of the killer (or killers)! Who is behind these murders and is government corruption involved?
FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini are the main focus in End Game but they are supported by several friends and it’s obvious that future stories in the Capital Intrigue series will focus on some of these friends. This is one reason that I love Dylan’s books….they allow us to build relationships with the characters as we continue to read the series. Second reason: Intrigue, action, and suspense. Just when I thought I knew who was behind these deadly acts, another clue would surface. Third reason: Dylan’s books are always rich in faith and the act of prayer is always incorporated into the plot. Bailey has a deep faith in God and she talks to Him constantly and it is the Christian witness that she shares that helps to bolster Marco’s own belief. And did I mention romance? Bailey and Marco’s working relationship deepens into attraction and then into something more; their chemistry is intense but I can always count on Dylan to keep the romance exciting but unobjectionable.
I thoroughly enjoyed End Game and I am eager for the next book in the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense and Christian fiction, you definitely want to read this book. It’s a keeper!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts and opinion.
Rachel Dylan is a master at her craft. If you’re looking for a believable and exciting legal thriller, go ahead and buy all of her books RIGHT NOW. Marked by exciting plots and strong female leads, Dylan takes you into a world you’d never know without her legal expertise.
FBI Agent Bailey is thrown together with NCIS agent Marco to help solve the mysterious deaths of high-profile military members. While all roads point back to an accomplished Navy SEAL sniper, Bailey and Marco believe he is innocent and set out to prove it. Unfortunately, that makes them a target as they fight their way up the food chain.
Bailey and Marco have a playful, intense, and believable relationship; a feat that is hard convey in a story like this. I enjoyed how each of them grew throughout the story, but it didn’t overpower the action-packed plot that kept me turning the pages.
This is probably my favorite book from Dylan, yet! It’s fast paced, has tons of twists and turns, and will keep you on your toes for the entire book. The characters are intriguing (no pun intended!), and I look forward to finding out more about all of them in books to come.
Great beginning for a new series by Rachel Dylan! New characters, new agencies, suspense and some romance thrown in!
I really enjoyed The Atlanta Justice Series by Rachel Dylan, so I was looking forward to this new series by her. The other series centered on lawyers and the justice side of things, but this series is going to revolve around law enforcement.
End Game was a great suspenseful read that had everything I liked in a suspense novel. This book had something not featured in many books I read: NCIS agents, or Naval Criminal Investigative Service, if you are not familiar with the initials. This law enforcement agency doesn’t make many appearances in Christian suspense novels, so I thought it was pretty cool that the author teamed them up with the FBI to work the case.
Characters are important, and both main characters, Marco and Bailey, were great characters easy to cheer on and like.
The plot was a really great and complicated one, yet easy to follow. I like a suspense novel where it isn’t easy to figure out what is going on right away, and the author did a great job of spinning a plot that had me clueless to who killed the victims and why. I found it fascinating to learn more about government contractors and the workings of law enforcement.
As with all of these books, there is a romantic angle, but it took a back seat to the suspense, drama, and action. Faith also played a part, something I always appreciate authors including.
This was what I label “read in one sitting book”. I started it at work on my lunch break, read more on my second break, and then finished it at home. It is not a book one would find easy to let lie around for a week, reading once in a while. It demands your attention and you won’t want to put it down. Awesome start to this new series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Web of Intrigue!
Three seemingly unrelated men die, but all in the same unusual way. One is a Navy SEAL, the other an Army Ranger, the third, a civilian. The mystery grows as another military man is targeted as the guilty one, but it is evident to many that he is being framed—or is he? Who is the real killer?
Agents Baily Ryan, FBI, and Marco Agostini, NCIS, have teamed up to solve this. Before their work is complete, it is obvious Baily has also been targeted. The web of people involved is so large, it might involve the government itself. As more attempts on lives are made, who can be trusted? The longer they take to figure it out, the bigger the body count becomes.
This clean tale is full of action, thrills and many puzzling crimes with lots of twists and turns—with the one behind it difficult to figure out. Characters rely on their faith to get them through dangerous situations, along with life itself. Besides being interesting, the side stories may increase the number on the suspect list. This 5-star book will be enjoyed by fans of adventurous mysteries and suspense.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, End Game, for the purpose of review.
Each New Clue…Every Crime Scene…
Elite members of the military – a Navy SEAL and an Army Ranger – along with a civilian construction worker are killed. A possible serial killer in Washington, DC brings FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini together, leading a team to bring the perpetrator to justice. Convenient evidence, a single hair at the site of the civilian and Seal’s death points to a Navy SEAL sniper. Bailey refuses to believe it.
As Bailey and Marco, along with their team, connect the dots suspect a deep cover-up, Bailey is targeted making it evident someone is willing to kill to protect the truth. Throw in CID and suspects within the DOD, the CIA, as well as private contractors, the suspense deepens.
A edge of the chair suspense novel, this is the perfect start of Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series.
I received an ARC for a honest review. I loved the book and purchased a copy for my reader so it would be handy for reading again.
“I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.”
End Game is Rachel Dylan’s first novel in the Capital Intrigue series set in the Washington, DC area. This series seems to be a departure from Dylan’s earlier legal thrillers, but is a worthwhile read nonetheless.
The main characters Bailey Ryan and Marco Agostini are not lawyers, but special agents – one with the FBI and one with NCIS. When a Navy SEAL is found murdered with ties to an earlier murder, the two are called in to solve the case.
As in Dylan’s other books, everyone is a suspect! I was kept guessing to the very end of the book. In addition, the action was intense and fast-moving. The romance takes a second seat to the action, but is satisfying.
I will point out that there are numerous characters introduced in this novel, some of which will appear in later books, I presume. If you have a problem reading stories with a large number of characters, this may not be for you. Other than that, I would highly recommend this novel to readers of Rachel Dylan’s other books or readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense read.
End Game- Book 1 in a new series By Ms. Dylan called The Capital Intrigue. You don’t want to miss it…
When NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini is teamed up with FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan things get interesting because he thinks his office is taking over the case. He was prepared for this. The case is of the outmost importance.
The current victim was a Navy SEAL.
So now they have two victims. However both are similar one wasn’t a civilian. When Bailey is attacked things are high alert.
The more they dig the more things get dicey.
See what happens because there’s so much more. Twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down.’
Buy now!
End Game
Capital Intrigue #1
By Rachel Dylan
When FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan gets a late-night call she never expected that she would be working a case in partnership with NCIS. But the murder of a civilian and a Navy SEAL with the same apparent MO has them working against the clock in case they have a serial or spree killer operating in the DC area.
NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini isn’t keen on the idea of having to work with the FBI but Bailey Ryan seems more than willing to play nice in the joint investigation. And with her legal background, she brings more attention to the paper detail than his fieldwork tendencies normally allow.
As evidence becomes available it seemingly points to another Navy SEAL as the murderer. But his JAG lawyer isn’t convinced by the evidence. Bailey and Marco aren’t willing to close the case just yet but the evidence is damaging.
When more people begin dying and someone targets the joint investigative team, Bailey, Marco and the rest of the team suspect something bigger is going on. But without the evidence to point them where to look next, they are running out of time and potential suspects.
End Game is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series and it continually adds layers to the story as each clue, piece of evidence and attack brings the danger closer to home. If you love suspense that doesn’t give away its secrets early on in the book this is one you will want to pick up. There are plenty of potential traitors or people hiding something but does it have any bearing on their case? These are the questions that they have to figure out.
This book is definitely in the stay-up-all-night page-turner category so give yourself plenty of time because you won’t want to put this one down once you pick it up. The characters are a good blend and work well together and have an on-page presence that doesn’t feel forced or thrown together. These are people that you could meet in your day-to-day life and connect with. The pacing is good with no dragging. I would most definitely want to revisit any of these characters in future books. This is a good series debut that doesn’t leave you hanging as the story is complete in itself.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
End Game is a great start to Rachel Dylan’s new Capital Intrigue series. A page turner that leaves the reader guessing until the end. I loved the interaction between the FBI, NCIS and JAG. And then throw in other branches of the military, the Pentagon and the CIA, wow! Most of the book featured Bailey (FBI) and Marco (NCIS). They had to learn to be partners even though they represent different agencies. It was quite interesting to see how they worked together and learned to trust each other. I also enjoyed the side story of a young rookie NCIS agent as she grappled with self-confidence amid past pain she endured. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, and am curious who it will focus on.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
As the first book in a new seriesI thought End Game moved a little slow. The characters are great, their personalities are great and the faith angle is good. The romance blooms slowly and blossoms at the end. The last third of the book picked up and you definitely wanted to see how it ends. For me it was not my favorite Rachel Dylan book, but it was okay. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Dylan has done it again. Her newest book, Endgame was suspenseful and took unexpected turns. She did not disappoint!
Dylan opens the book introducing us to FBI Bailey Ryan and her two other friends. Their friendship was forged in law school, with Viv and Layla both working for the State Department. I’m already excited about the books that will follow this initial storyline! I imagine, we’ll learn more about Viv and Layla and their careers in the fast pace city of Washington DC.
In Endgame, a murdered construction worker a Navy SEAL is murdered, Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini are thrown together to determine what happened. Initially the crime appears to be easily solved. All the evidence points to another SEAL Team member who claims his innocence. However, as Bailey and Marco uncover more evidence, it becomes very clear that there is much more going on than is on the surface.
Dylan has done an excellent job of introducing characters and building their histories and personalities as she weaves their responses to situations into the stories. I appreciated understanding Bailey and Marco’s personal histories more, as well as the characters willingness to be transparent about their faith.
I also appreciate the relationships that Bailey had with her friends from law school as well as her desire to be kind to the rookie NCIS agent, Izzy. Izzy was so unaccustomed to someone attempting to genuinely befriend her, that she was initially suspicious. Since Bailey professes to be a Christian, I would hope that her behavior would be just that – one that was kind and desiring to build others up while still doing her job with excellence!
In short, Rachel Dylan did an excellent job in her first book of the Capital Intrigue series and I cannot wait for the next installment!
Suspense. Intriguing. Thrilling. A touch of romance. You get it all when you read this series. First book of the Capital Intrigue Series by Rachel Dylan. She knows her stuff and you won’t be disappointed.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I love Christian suspense and have enjoyed some of Rachel Dylan’s books, but this was missing a few pieces for my full enjoyment.
But first… I did like the actual mystery. I couldn’t exactly untangle it myself, so I liked that. Also, the author didn’t end it like she has concluded several of her other books, so I enjoyed the variance there. The different layers of who-did-what were very intriguing and I liked watching everything unravel.
The Christian thread about trusting God rather than circumstance was nicely woven in the story and I think people who have lost loved ones and struggle to open their hearts again could benefit from this theme.
Overall, the writing was rather wooden to me, which is sad, because the actual plot had a lot of depth and potential. I felt like I was told everything rather than being able to experience it for myself. Even in the romance, I didn’t feel the chemistry between characters—they just always said they were falling quickly.
I really don’t intend to be harsh in reviewing this, but I primarily read it to see “whodunit” in the end rather than soaking in the story as it was happening, and I dislike reading in that fashion.
*I received this book from the author and provided my honest review*
This is my first Rachel Dylan book. I have been wanting to read her for awhile now, so I was excited to see that End Game is the beginning of a new series. I really wanted to love this story, but sadly, I had a lot of issues with it.
I never really felt immersed in this story. I felt more like a spectator. There is a lot of telling instead of showing- especially when it came to Marco and Bailey’s growing feelings for each other, which made it harder to be invested in their relationship. I also felt like some things that should’ve been obvious to those investigating the crimes weren’t. The secondary story about Izzy felt unneeded and was kind of distracting and the negative way she talked about Marco – her superior- made me kind of dislike both of them. Finally, I felt like the ending a was bit anticlimactic. All that being said, I do seem to be in the minority about how people are liking this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Wow! This fast-paced, intriguing thriller keeps the action going and the guesses coming. Who is really guilty of the murders, and what is the connection to the US military or government? FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini join others in trying to stop the crimes, uncover the connections, and solve the mystery. Will they survive the challenge? Not only did this novel hold my riveted attention, but I learned more about the agencies involved and how things work in the crazy DC world. The story seems quite realistic, but I hope things like this don’t actually happen (although it sounds like it could be front page news). Pick up this book for an exciting getaway where you can infiltrate the investigation but not get hurt. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
This is not the first book I have read from Ms. Dylan. The plotline was full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, cover-ups, and a possible budding romance–the story had it all! I loved the characters’ faith in the Lord and the unabashed prayers–it was all expertly woven into the story making it very genuine. This roller coaster ride with clues left along the way to figure out who was guilty was an enjoyable one! Curl up with some coffee for an intriguing read!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
If you’re looking for a great crime mystery, then you’ll love End Game, the newest novel from author Rachel Dylan. When elite members of the military are found murdered, a team of investigators join forces to uncover a sinister and twisted plot. As an avid reader of romantic suspense, the premise to the story was not only creative, but genius! I loved how the clues uncovered lead to the ultimate exposure of a deadly plan.
I enjoyed the aspect that this novel read like a favorite crime based television show with a cast of unique professionals from various areas of expertise including the NCIS, FBI, CIA, CID and even a defense attorney. I was excited to see how the case would be solved as Dylan kept me guessing with each turn of events, right up to the very end. The suspense of the story continues to build as clues are uncovered with a couple of very brief points of action and drama.
Dylan’s writing style is very forthcoming and simple, making this an easy-to-read novel. She’s clearly quite knowledgeable and that shows well in her stories.
As a romantic suspense novel, I personally expected a little bit more from this story. The characters, their emotions and the romance, unfortunately, felt only surface deep to me. Being a reader who craves depth and dimensions of well rounded characters, their struggles and faith, I wasn’t able to connect on a personal level with the main characters, Bailey and Marco, or their budding romance. I was hoping for some tension, deep discussions and connecting dialogue between them to make their personas and romance more believable. In addition, I struggled with some portions of the story that felt repetitive, especially when it came to Bailey and her connection with her friends, Viv and Layla. However, I did enjoy Izzy and her story. I do hope she will be a main character of another book in this series! What was revealed about her character was heartbreaking, and deep. Her friendship with Jay as he steps in as a father figure/mentor is a strong bond and one that is important. I also think Lexi was a strong, powerful character and I enjoyed her immensely. Lastly, since there were a lot of people being introduced in the story, it was necessary for me to slow down and process each person’s position as the dialogue moved quickly and was sometimes brief, especially towards the end.
Overall, I recommend this book! I liked it for it’s plot, it’s intrigue and the mystery itself. Also, the faith elements in the book are solid and while not overly discussed, they’re noted and provide a source of inner peace for the characters. I believe End Game is a novel that other readers should take a chance on to judge for themselves as it has many 5 star reviews on Goodreads. I recommend it to mature teens and those who enjoy romantic suspense, mysteries and Christian fiction.