NATIONAL BESTSELLER“Bob Lee Swagger is a true American literary icon.”–Mark Greaney, New York Times Bestselling Author of Mission CriticalIn this blazing new thriller from Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Hunter, master sniper Bob Lee Swagger takes on his biggest job to date…and confronts an assassin with skills that match his own. When Bob Lee Swagger is approached by a woman who lost a son to … own.
When Bob Lee Swagger is approached by a woman who lost a son to war and has spent the years since risking all that she has to find the sniper who pulled the trigger, he knows right away he’ll do everything in his power to help her. But what begins as a favor becomes an obsession, and soon Swagger is back in the action, teaming up with the Mossad, the FBI, and local American law enforcement as he tracks a sniper who is his own equal…and attempts to decipher that assassin’s ultimate target before it’s too late.
With all-too-real threats and a twisty, masterful storytelling, Game of Snipers is another gripping addition to a bestselling Bob Lee Swagger series.
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Game of Snipers is a wonderfully written and plotted thriller that I could not put down! Bob Lee Swagger is a true American literary icon and Stephen Hunter somehow continues to bang out one action-packed masterpiece after the next. If you haven’t checked in with Bob Lee in awhile, read this book, and you’ll see that he’s still the man.
Game of Snipers is Stephen Hunter at his best! As someone who has spent time behind the glass, Hunter gets it right! A true master at the pinnacle of his craft. No one does it better!
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is an exciting, but thoughtful thrill ride into the world of seventy-two year old Bob Lee Swagger. Bob is getting into his twilight years and likes to sit in his porch at his home in Idaho and contemplate life. When unexpectedly a woman walks into his life.
Her son was killed by a sniper while serving in the military overseas. She has spent years, a great deal of money and at a terrific personal sacrifice to track down the man who killed her son. She has him in her sights, knows where he is and would like Swagger’s help in bringing him down.
He wants to help, but not by tracking the sniper himself; he feels he is too old – and perhaps too slow – to take on that kind of mission any longer. He enlists the assistance of friends in Mossad. The operation takes on a life of its own as the agents involved learn that the man is wanted – and badly – for several killings around the world. In come the FBI and some local police officers to assist in capturing the man. (They believe that they can capture him! Hmmm…)
The book contains some detailed information about sniper rifles and ammunition (like all Swagger novels), and I found this interesting. My husband is a gunsmith (and nut), and I kept asking him, “Is that right?” There are twists and turns in the plot that kept this reader interested and very much engaged in the story.
Stephen Hunter is a superb writer and I could find no flaws in the book regarding typos and grammatical errors. The plot moves along smoothly and the book reads quickly. The transitions are flawless. In addition to Swagger’s heroism, this reader takes her hat off to the woman in the story. She was a picture of determination (obsession?), and strength. I like the way the story illustrated this as well. I’ve always enjoyed Mr. Hunters’s writing and this book is no exception.
I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I never read the author bio until after I’ve finished the book. I don’t want it to cloud my judgment of the writing or the quality of the story. I’m glad I waited.
When I began reading Game of Snipers, I immediately thought, “Yawn. Another retiree goes on a revenge sniper spree.” But when a woman drives up to “Bob the Nailer,” aka retired Marine, Lee Swagger’s, Idaho ranch, and starts asking for help, I start feeling immersed in the story and characters. And when Swagger agrees to contact a “friend” in Mossad, to help Betty McDowell find the murderer of her son, a fallen lance corporal, I am hooked.
The sniper who murdered Mrs. McDowell’s son is Juba, a follower of Allah on a mission to take down a high value U.S. target and cripple the West (no spoiler alerts are needed, and none will be given). But Juba is singular in his approach, and he makes Jack Ryan look like milquetoast in his level of indifference and brutality toward anyone posing an obstacle. I will admit that, at times, he almost seems likable, but in the end i am glad when he is united with the . . . oh, darn, I forgot: no spoilers . You’ll have to read “Game of Snipers” to find out what happens to Juba.
What makes this novel unbelievably fascinating, even more so than the story itself, is the way the author, Stephan Hunter, handles the details, consistently and with superb technical accuracy. I couldn’t wait to find out who had written in such convincing detail about the sniper’s passion for his weaponry. I was convinced Hunter was a former sniper himself, until I finished the novel and learned he is a retired film critic for The Washington Post. Yet it’s how technically adept Hunter is with the details that had me convinced, kept me reading, and just kept ratcheting up the suspense.
Speaking of details, “Game of Snipers” is well plotted, and Hunter doesn’t leave one plot thread dangling. Does Swagger get Juba in the end? Is God smiling on Mrs. McDowell, whose single minded mission is to avenge her son’s murder? All questions, all plot threads, get tied up.
I’d give “Game of Snipers” five stars, but a few small details, which no one but pedants might notice, didn’t escape my notice. I loved “Game of Snipers” so much, though, that I will not discuss them. If you love assassination novels, and you’re into sniper lore, then this is a five-star read. Mary McFarland Game of Snipers
Bob Lee is getting old, on his third hip replacement, but he still has it.
Bob Lee agrees to help a mother find the sniper who killed her son a decade ago in Iraq. As always, it gets complicated. The sniper has a new target.
Really good read.
Every time I pick up a Bob Lee Swagger book I remember how much I enjoy his world! This one was no exception! I fall into his professionalism, his outlooks and his gun loving mind! Love me some Swagger!
I’ve always been a fan of Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger. He really is a great character, especially for us older guys. I’ve seen some people comparing this title to DAY OF THE JACKAL and, no, it’s not that good, but it is a solid entry in the series. Recommended.
Good, easy read.
I have enjoyed every one of the Bob Lee Swagger novels.
Have read all of Stephen Hunter’s books – Bob Lee Swaggert is a great character.
Not the typical exciting Hunter sniper story, But a good read anyway
Having read every book I’m aware of in the Bob Lee Swagger series, I was eager to read this book when I saw it. I was very impressed with Mr. Hunter’s continuing saga with Gunny Swagger. The story line is well developed and intriguing. The characters are very believable and in keeping with the other books. There are some very unexpected twists in there and a great ending. I do hope there are more in the series.
Typical Bob Swagger-Stephen Hunter book, great.
Living in Wyoming, the geographical errors are somewhat hard to stomach, in spite of Hunter’s disclaimer. However, I am filled with Bob-love and enjoyed this book.
Great story line well developed with strong believable characters. Fun learning the finer points of sniper shooting.
Too long winded but good bob lee is always good
Great story
I started reading Stephen Hunter novels in 1996. He only gets better and better. Bob Lee Swagger is the epitome of crusty of Marine and Hunter knows how to put Swagger through his paces. High entertaining, action-packed, and fun to read.
This book like all Hunters books was great, you feel the tension and emotion as you follow along with the story.
A great book bu one of my favorite authors. This one is packed with informative sections on long range shooting and the Bob Lee Swagger character keeps ongoing. I have read all Stephen Hunter’;s books.