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Inside Threat
In this electrifying thriller from the author of Red Warning and The Night Agent, an attack on the White House sends the President and his top aides to take shelter in a top secret government facility buried deep underground—but they soon discover the threat is locked inside with them.
Assume the worst. Code Black.
The day that every secret service agent trains for has arrived. The White House has been breached; the President forced to flee to a massive doomsday bunker outside DC to defend against whatever comes next. Only the most trusted agents and officials are allowed in with him—those dedicated to keeping the government intact at all costs.
Among these is Erik Hill, who has given his life to the Secret Service. They are his purpose and his family, and his impressive record has made him a hero among them. Despite his growing disillusionment from seeing Washington corruption up close, Erik can’t ignore years of instincts honed on the job. The government is under attack, and no one is better equipped to face down the threat than he is.
The evidence leads him to a conspiracy at the highest levels of power, with the attack orchestrated by some of the very individuals now locked in with him. As the killers strike inside the bunker, it will take everything Erik Hill has to save his people, himself, and his country.
Assume the worst. Code Black.
The day that every secret service agent trains for has arrived. The White House has been breached; the President forced to flee to a massive doomsday bunker outside DC to defend against whatever comes next. Only the most trusted agents and officials are allowed in with him—those dedicated to keeping the government intact at all costs.
Among these is Erik Hill, who has given his life to the Secret Service. They are his purpose and his family, and his impressive record has made him a hero among them. Despite his growing disillusionment from seeing Washington corruption up close, Erik can’t ignore years of instincts honed on the job. The government is under attack, and no one is better equipped to face down the threat than he is.
The evidence leads him to a conspiracy at the highest levels of power, with the attack orchestrated by some of the very individuals now locked in with him. As the killers strike inside the bunker, it will take everything Erik Hill has to save his people, himself, and his country.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2023
About the author
Matthew Quirk
11 books889 followersMatthew Quirk studied history and literature at Harvard College. After graduation, he spent five years at The Atlantic reporting on crime, private military contractors, terrorism prosecutions, and international gangs. He lives in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
October 1, 2023
With President Kline’s life at risk after a breach on the White House, he and his wife are rushed to a rural nuclear bunker, Raven Rock, along with trusted agents and aides. It’s almost impossible to penetrate, but with insurrectionists amongst his personal aides and agents, it’s actually the worst move ever for the President. Here he is, sealed deep under a mountainside, where it quickly becomes clear that he’s in serious danger from an enemy within, not knowing who to trust, and it proves impossible to escape!
Secret Service Agent Erik Hill and his newly acquired partner Amber Cody have an impossible task deciding the bad guys from the good, and that makes for an exciting story when you’re deep under a mountainside, with no means of escape!
A really good storyline which would transfer perfectly to the big screen, but could have been shorter without the storyline suffering in any way.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Secret Service Agent Erik Hill and his newly acquired partner Amber Cody have an impossible task deciding the bad guys from the good, and that makes for an exciting story when you’re deep under a mountainside, with no means of escape!
A really good storyline which would transfer perfectly to the big screen, but could have been shorter without the storyline suffering in any way.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
July 19, 2023
I expected to be entertained more than I actually was. The premise was like a recipe where the ingredients should make for a thrilling read. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but somehow this cookie didn’t taste right despite not missing any central ingredients. My mind was drifting while listening far more than usual, and I wasn’t concerned enough about what would happen next to actually feel annoyed by having to pay attention to the book again.
February 2, 2024
For anyone unfamiliar with this author, try watching “The Night Agent” on Netflix. That series is based on his book of the same title.
This story provides a similar feel of action, political intrigue and suspense…
With…
An inside view of the world of Secret Service agents and how they operate in the White House…
Especially…
When the President is put in danger.
Now…
Enclosed in a secret hideaway, what will it take to keep the President alive, when the enemy might be amongst those present and responsible for keeping him safe?
This is an…
Imperfect, suspend disbelief, locked room mystery page-turner that keeps readers on their toes guessing.
And…
Chernin Entertainment has landed the rights of this novel to be adapted into a movie. I have a feeling it will work well as a movie.
This story provides a similar feel of action, political intrigue and suspense…
With…
An inside view of the world of Secret Service agents and how they operate in the White House…
Especially…
When the President is put in danger.
Now…
Enclosed in a secret hideaway, what will it take to keep the President alive, when the enemy might be amongst those present and responsible for keeping him safe?
This is an…
Imperfect, suspend disbelief, locked room mystery page-turner that keeps readers on their toes guessing.
And…
Chernin Entertainment has landed the rights of this novel to be adapted into a movie. I have a feeling it will work well as a movie.
August 15, 2023
I think this one is going to be better as a movie. Glad the rights were sold. I think they were just too many characters to keep ones head on.
Read
August 21, 2023Not far into the book, it struck me that the book’s underlying theme of distrust exhibited by the presidential security team, and their overriding distrust in government institutions would not have played well had the book been published in the 1960s when trust in government was as high as eighty percent. Today, polling reports that eighty percent of Americans distrust the government and aren’t so sure of their fellow man. Quirk is on target with today’s culture.
Quirk’s insurrection plot is perfect for today’s reader, and the plot is a wild ride from a president under attack at the White House to a rural nuclear bunker that is not only hard to penetrate, getting out with the insurrectionists flouting their every move to escape, is even harder.
Eric Hill and sidekick Amber Cody must navigate trust issues with their own presidential protection detail, staff at the bunker, and even the President.
As insurrections go, this one is well-planned and executed, so Cody and Hill have their work cut out for them. Inside Treat is a great ride and a fun read.
-Tom L.
Quirk’s insurrection plot is perfect for today’s reader, and the plot is a wild ride from a president under attack at the White House to a rural nuclear bunker that is not only hard to penetrate, getting out with the insurrectionists flouting their every move to escape, is even harder.
Eric Hill and sidekick Amber Cody must navigate trust issues with their own presidential protection detail, staff at the bunker, and even the President.
As insurrections go, this one is well-planned and executed, so Cody and Hill have their work cut out for them. Inside Treat is a great ride and a fun read.
-Tom L.
February 14, 2024
If you loved The Night Agent, you will love this wild, action-packed page turner of a book. The same author wrote this one and it is clear he knows his stuff on the secret service and all things POTUS. I couldn’t get through this one fast enough.
The White House has been breached, and the President and trusted members of the secret service vacate to the maximum-security Raven Rock Mountain Complex. It might be a safe place to be, but when the threat is coming from inside their own ranks, nobody is safe.
This book is intense and will have you on the edge of your seat. Who can be trusted? Why is one of their own trying to take down the most powerful man in the world?
Thanks so much to Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley, for my advanced copy to read. Published on April 11th.
The White House has been breached, and the President and trusted members of the secret service vacate to the maximum-security Raven Rock Mountain Complex. It might be a safe place to be, but when the threat is coming from inside their own ranks, nobody is safe.
This book is intense and will have you on the edge of your seat. Who can be trusted? Why is one of their own trying to take down the most powerful man in the world?
Thanks so much to Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley, for my advanced copy to read. Published on April 11th.
September 20, 2023
Exciting at the beginning, but loses its steam when everyone is trapped in the Raven Rock location and just ends up being chapters about what group did, then what the other group did. Could definitely have been 100 pages shorter.
July 11, 2023
Matthew Quirk sure can write some good thrillers. Inside Threat is no exception. This book has some new twists I haveen't seen before and it is an interesting story. Great characters and some unusual solutions, I had a good time reading it and can recommend it to all thriller fans out there. If you don't know where to start I will however recommend Hour of the Assassin and the John Hayes books, I found them much better. Also The Night Agent, great book.
March 31, 2023
wow, I am happy I received this copy as an ARC. Inside Threat is a captivating thriller, that sends the president and his top aides underground. Only to locked inside with them. I am a devoted reader, particularly of this genre. I must say Inside Threat was well written and moved along at a great pace.
March 10, 2024
Inside Threat is a super sonic roller coaster ride of political espionage! WOW! The doomsday scenario of a political conspiracy and coup is enthralling! The plot had my rapt attention from the beginning and it was nonstop pulse-pounding thrills and chills until the very end. I read it in a day; I could not put it down! The action never stops, culminating in an electrifying climax! The denouement is extremely satisfying. The characters are well developed and engaging to this reader. No doubt, the plot is over the top unrealistic, but it sure made for a fun and exhilarating read!
March 10, 2023
An interesting political thriller that is The Hunger Games meets Jack Ryan.
Thank you William Morrow for the digital review copy.
Thank you William Morrow for the digital review copy.
April 21, 2023
I received this copy from a Goodreads contest and wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, I started it this morning and finished it in the early evening. It was a great thriller about a security breach at the White House that results in the President being moved to another secure location. Except it isn’t secure. Lots of plot twists and edge of your seat tension. I’m definitely going to read Mr. Quirk’s other books and highly recommend this one.
June 27, 2023
I normally love political thrillers, but this was over the top with chase scenes, ambushes in tunnels that were hard to follow, and predictable outcomes. I skimmed much of it due to the multiple fight scenes described. Disappointing.
July 31, 2023
A good story but too much detail about happenings in the presidential bunker. Could have told the same story with 25% fewer pages.
June 19, 2023
This one really kept me guessing until the end. You really weren't sure who the good guys were and who the bad guys were and the potential damage was high. The book was aptly titled too, because the threat did come from inside, which made it hard for people to know who to trust, even those who they had worked side by side with for years.
June 6, 2024
Nonstop action with great characters and reader. A 5-star, nail-biting gem.
July 27, 2023
This was a NO for me. I like books in this genre but not this one. First I'll say that I thought the story line had merit so I added an extra star for that.
When I think of the what went wrong, I'm not entirely sure I can put my finger on just one thing. The writing was not my favorite. It felt stiff and lifeless. Everyone said their lines with the utmost importance. It felt like there were double exclamation marks at the end of each sentence. It was predictable and boring. I have a hard time believing that people in their shoes talk like that.
Everyone was also on their best behavior all choosing the best scenario. No humor. No friendships. No realistic emotion. I wanted all those things and disappointed I didn't get them. So 2 stars.
When I think of the what went wrong, I'm not entirely sure I can put my finger on just one thing. The writing was not my favorite. It felt stiff and lifeless. Everyone said their lines with the utmost importance. It felt like there were double exclamation marks at the end of each sentence. It was predictable and boring. I have a hard time believing that people in their shoes talk like that.
Everyone was also on their best behavior all choosing the best scenario. No humor. No friendships. No realistic emotion. I wanted all those things and disappointed I didn't get them. So 2 stars.
May 31, 2023
This was a solid read, a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that reminded me of the later seasons of 24 where Jack Bauer had grown tired and cynical, but still knew where his duty lay. Personally, I found the first half of the book, where there were so many questions and doubts, where we couldn't tell good from bad, far more entertaining. I liked not knowing if the President was a good guy or a bad guy, not knowing which of the conspiracy theories were true. That doubt had me reading closer, looking for clues to the truth.
The second half is still solid, but it's more of a standard popcorn action thriller. The twists started to telegraph themselves, suspension of disbelief became a little strained with all the things that could possibly go wrong, and characters actions started to become a little questionable. With that said, I did appreciate how the ending is left somewhat vague, denying us the ultimate answer as to whether it was all a paranoid conspiracy or a carefully calculated insider plot.
Finally, kudos to Matthew Quirk for writing a whole novel about the President, the White House, and American politics without actually getting into politics. There's very little talk of parties or philosophies, and no allusions or references to recent political figures. Who you see as heroes or villains may be colored by your own affiliations, but they're deliberately soft and vague upon the page.
The second half is still solid, but it's more of a standard popcorn action thriller. The twists started to telegraph themselves, suspension of disbelief became a little strained with all the things that could possibly go wrong, and characters actions started to become a little questionable. With that said, I did appreciate how the ending is left somewhat vague, denying us the ultimate answer as to whether it was all a paranoid conspiracy or a carefully calculated insider plot.
Finally, kudos to Matthew Quirk for writing a whole novel about the President, the White House, and American politics without actually getting into politics. There's very little talk of parties or philosophies, and no allusions or references to recent political figures. Who you see as heroes or villains may be colored by your own affiliations, but they're deliberately soft and vague upon the page.
August 2, 2023
4 1/2 !
October 26, 2023
This is different from Quirks other novel The Night Agent, but no less thrilling. I enjoyed the Night Agent, both the novel and tv show. I think Insider Threat will make for an interesting tv show, if that happens. Be warned there are a lot of parallels to today's political climate and I fear some of what is described in this book has some elements of truth to what could happen in this country. I sincerely hope it does not happen.
This is a full-on thriller novel, and I had no idea who to trust, not even the President of First Lady. I was hedging my bets and just saying everyone was guilty. :D
A very intense story about a coup and taking the President hostage. What. A. Ride. If you read The Night Agent, then you should like this too because while the stories are very different, and completely separate plots, it is the same genre and Quirk executed it very well. I'm surprised his novels haven't received more reviews/attention. He's a very good writer and I hope to read many more in the future.
I can't say more about the story without giving things away because you have to read this without knowing anything. I was glued to the audio and hated to stop (darn sleep, lol!). The narration was perfect - I don't know what else to say. The narrator was the best choice for this story and these characters. He put his all into it and I could not ask for more.
Read it, you won't be disappointed (if you like political thrillers), and go with the audio if you can.
4.5 stars because I was confused at the beginning of the story and it took me a while to get into the rhythm and understand what the MC Erik was going through after an "event" and being put on basically desk duty. I didn't understand all of that, and I still don't really. I think I'll have to go back and read this over now that I'm not so tense by the rest of the novel. :)
This is a full-on thriller novel, and I had no idea who to trust, not even the President of First Lady. I was hedging my bets and just saying everyone was guilty. :D
A very intense story about a coup and taking the President hostage. What. A. Ride. If you read The Night Agent, then you should like this too because while the stories are very different, and completely separate plots, it is the same genre and Quirk executed it very well. I'm surprised his novels haven't received more reviews/attention. He's a very good writer and I hope to read many more in the future.
I can't say more about the story without giving things away because you have to read this without knowing anything. I was glued to the audio and hated to stop (darn sleep, lol!). The narration was perfect - I don't know what else to say. The narrator was the best choice for this story and these characters. He put his all into it and I could not ask for more.
Read it, you won't be disappointed (if you like political thrillers), and go with the audio if you can.
4.5 stars because I was confused at the beginning of the story and it took me a while to get into the rhythm and understand what the MC Erik was going through after an "event" and being put on basically desk duty. I didn't understand all of that, and I still don't really. I think I'll have to go back and read this over now that I'm not so tense by the rest of the novel. :)
March 25, 2024
An easy review really
If you liked the author’s previous book and Netflix series ‘The Night Agent’ and if you love espionage within a supposed safer than safe Dept of the Government and the Whitehouse then this book is for you
Also if you like to read of deep safe havens for Presidents, this time Raven Rock, and the workings, in detail, that make it so safe…..and then it is breached again it is for you
Finally if you like claustrophobic escape rooms while the occupants are being hunted alongside unstoppable men and women who will do anything for their Country whilst via a whodunit style rooting out the other unstoppables,intent on causing WW3 then this book is a must
If none of the above appeals then its not for you
I loved it and hope this follows into a Netflix series too
If you liked the author’s previous book and Netflix series ‘The Night Agent’ and if you love espionage within a supposed safer than safe Dept of the Government and the Whitehouse then this book is for you
Also if you like to read of deep safe havens for Presidents, this time Raven Rock, and the workings, in detail, that make it so safe…..and then it is breached again it is for you
Finally if you like claustrophobic escape rooms while the occupants are being hunted alongside unstoppable men and women who will do anything for their Country whilst via a whodunit style rooting out the other unstoppables,intent on causing WW3 then this book is a must
If none of the above appeals then its not for you
I loved it and hope this follows into a Netflix series too
Read
June 21, 2023Thank you to BiblioLifestyle and William Morrow Books for a free copy of this title.
INSIDE THREAT was about exactly what you'd expect from the cover and synopsis. I enjoyed not knowing whether the president was part of the attack against the government, or someone who needed protecting. Personally, I'd have liked a bit more politics and less violence, though I understand not everyone feels this way! I also think it could have been faster-paced at times, but overall this one's certainly a page-turner. Grab it if the synopsis draws you in and/or you're a fan of Air Force One (the movie).
INSIDE THREAT was about exactly what you'd expect from the cover and synopsis. I enjoyed not knowing whether the president was part of the attack against the government, or someone who needed protecting. Personally, I'd have liked a bit more politics and less violence, though I understand not everyone feels this way! I also think it could have been faster-paced at times, but overall this one's certainly a page-turner. Grab it if the synopsis draws you in and/or you're a fan of Air Force One (the movie).
May 16, 2024
I didn't feel like it was much of a thriller and went on about 75 pages too long.
September 7, 2023
Fresh off watching The Night Agent, I jumped at the chance to get in line to read this thriller. I also picked up The Night Agent in paperback and will get to it one of these days.
Turns out I read another Matthew Quirk thriller a few years ago: Cold Barrel Zero.
I liked it and will come back to read several of his other thrillers and will be first in line for his new titles.
Great DC type action. Die Hard in a cave? Who cares? Lots of action, traitors, shots blazing, intrigue and so on. If you love a thrill a minute book, this one is for you.
Turns out I read another Matthew Quirk thriller a few years ago: Cold Barrel Zero.
I liked it and will come back to read several of his other thrillers and will be first in line for his new titles.
Great DC type action. Die Hard in a cave? Who cares? Lots of action, traitors, shots blazing, intrigue and so on. If you love a thrill a minute book, this one is for you.
July 17, 2023
3/5
U.S. Secret Service agent Eric Hill has been relegated to a desk job when the U.S. government comes under attack and the President and his wife are whisked to a Cold War bunker for safety in this fast-paced thriller. But is the President under attack, or is there an elaborate ruse that will provide a reason for the President to assume new powers? That’s the question Hill keeps asking as his protection team is trapped in the bunker and everyone, including the President, is a suspect.
This book gets solid reviews and while it had moments, I found it a bit of a slog. Hill’s world-weary ‘nobody really understands me but I can’t tell people the truth about a bunch of things I’ve done in the past’ worldview gets really old really fast. For such a great agent, Hill seems a bit thick sometimes, and I’m not sure how he fails to notice that the President wears body armour under his shirt. I’m also dumbfounded that when the President is shot, nobody prioritizes finding out if he’s dead or just wounded. But maybe that’s just me, nit-picking. When revealed, the main bad guy's motivations also felt a little over-the-top, as does his seething hate for the President (perhaps that's just the current state of American politics).
One of the characters, Cody, is a bright spot in the book. Trust is a significant component of this book, and we may have been better served to have her as the main character.
U.S. Secret Service agent Eric Hill has been relegated to a desk job when the U.S. government comes under attack and the President and his wife are whisked to a Cold War bunker for safety in this fast-paced thriller. But is the President under attack, or is there an elaborate ruse that will provide a reason for the President to assume new powers? That’s the question Hill keeps asking as his protection team is trapped in the bunker and everyone, including the President, is a suspect.
This book gets solid reviews and while it had moments, I found it a bit of a slog. Hill’s world-weary ‘nobody really understands me but I can’t tell people the truth about a bunch of things I’ve done in the past’ worldview gets really old really fast. For such a great agent, Hill seems a bit thick sometimes, and I’m not sure how he fails to notice that the President wears body armour under his shirt. I’m also dumbfounded that when the President is shot, nobody prioritizes finding out if he’s dead or just wounded. But maybe that’s just me, nit-picking. When revealed, the main bad guy's motivations also felt a little over-the-top, as does his seething hate for the President (perhaps that's just the current state of American politics).
One of the characters, Cody, is a bright spot in the book. Trust is a significant component of this book, and we may have been better served to have her as the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
Not far into the book, it struck me that the underlying theme of distrust White House employees exhibited and the overriding distrust in government institutions would not have played well had the book been published in the 1960s when trust in government was as high as eighty percent. Today, polling reports that eighty percent of Americans distrust the government and aren’t so sure of their fellow man.
Quirk’s insurrection plot is perfect for today’s reader, and the plot is a wild ride from a president under attack at the White House to a rural nuclear bunker that is not only hard to penetrate, getting out with the insurrectionists flouting their every move to escape, is even harder.
Eric Hill and sidekick Amber Cody must navigate trust issues with their own presidential protection detail, staff at the bunker, and even the President.
As insurrections go, this one is well-planned and executed, so Cody and Hill have their work cut out for them. Inside Treat is a great ride and a fun read.
Quirk’s insurrection plot is perfect for today’s reader, and the plot is a wild ride from a president under attack at the White House to a rural nuclear bunker that is not only hard to penetrate, getting out with the insurrectionists flouting their every move to escape, is even harder.
Eric Hill and sidekick Amber Cody must navigate trust issues with their own presidential protection detail, staff at the bunker, and even the President.
As insurrections go, this one is well-planned and executed, so Cody and Hill have their work cut out for them. Inside Treat is a great ride and a fun read.
October 9, 2023
“Trust no one”
The president is under attack and Eric Hill is hellbent on stopping them. An inside job, Hill has no idea who he can trust. But can he keep the president alive?
An action packed book, full of drama and suspense. I think it would be more suited to screen though, the scenes at Raven Rock got a little confusing at times with all the talk of the tunnels and buildings. It got a little repetitive.
I did enjoy the action and the storyline though, and Cody made a good accomplice to Hill. I really didn’t guess who was on which side and didn’t trust anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for my advanced copy.
The president is under attack and Eric Hill is hellbent on stopping them. An inside job, Hill has no idea who he can trust. But can he keep the president alive?
An action packed book, full of drama and suspense. I think it would be more suited to screen though, the scenes at Raven Rock got a little confusing at times with all the talk of the tunnels and buildings. It got a little repetitive.
I did enjoy the action and the storyline though, and Cody made a good accomplice to Hill. I really didn’t guess who was on which side and didn’t trust anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for my advanced copy.
August 9, 2023
Awesome thriller full of action and plot twists.
October 29, 2023
This was much too long…..interesting plot and characters but waaaaaay too much.
Read
May 9, 2024Secret Service agent Erik Hill’s growing disillusionment with institutional corruption has led him to the brink of resignation. But then rumors start to circulate about Operation V, and shortly after there is an assassination attempt on the president. Erik Hill and his rookie partner Amber Cody foil the attempt, and then the president and his agents escape to an isolated doomsday bunker, Raven Rock.
This is an action-packed thriller with a breakneck pace and an explosive finale. The tension escalates from start to finish, because as the title of the book implies, the true threat emerges from within their own ranks. Agents Hill and Cody exemplify the balance between duty and cynicism as they struggle to uncover the truth behind this political coup. They don’t know who to trust, they can’t escape, and they’ll do whatever is necessary to unravel this cinematic conspiracy.
Click here to place a hold: Inside Threat .
For more political suspense with national security at risk, try Deep State by Chris Hauty.
This is an action-packed thriller with a breakneck pace and an explosive finale. The tension escalates from start to finish, because as the title of the book implies, the true threat emerges from within their own ranks. Agents Hill and Cody exemplify the balance between duty and cynicism as they struggle to uncover the truth behind this political coup. They don’t know who to trust, they can’t escape, and they’ll do whatever is necessary to unravel this cinematic conspiracy.
Click here to place a hold: Inside Threat .
For more political suspense with national security at risk, try Deep State by Chris Hauty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews