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Joe Klingler
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RATS (NomaD Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Joe Klingler (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,193 ratings
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“A nuanced techno-thriller with both brains and brawn.”—Kirkus Reviews

One man on a decades old mission. A woman who hunts him. And the bullet they share.

Joe Klingler’s acclaimed debut novel explodes from the remnants of a war long past to headlines of Washington secrets masquerading as corporate incompetence when two modern-day warriors face off. Both skilled at violence. And deception. Both accustomed to winning.

Summer greets the land of the midnight sun as a lone rider races across the last American wilderness, delivering on a promise he made long ago. He has many names, but the world only knows a shadow called the Demon.

Claire Ferreti, an Army sniper soon to be drawn into a black-ops mission, sips sake in Washington D.C. with her lover, a young, ambitious General whose geosecurity specialty remains classified. When a boy finds a small machine, Claire and the Demon embark on a collision course that leads to a test of skill, a clash of ideologies, and Claire’s unconscious body lying in a typhoon-ravaged jungle. In that instant she becomes the hunted, the Demon’s tool for survival, and an unforeseen threat. As the General pursues them into a labyrinth of cyber-secrets, political necessity and financial reality collide like a fireball piercing steel pipe.

“Klingler’s debut offers a deep logistical jungle sure to entertain buffs and newcomers to the techno-thriller genre. Throughout, he displays fierce writing chops. Short chapters balance action and subterfuge with political thought targeted keenly at modern drone warfare.”—Kirkus Reviews

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    NomaD Thriller Series
  2. Print length
    376 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    January 18, 2014
  6. File size
    1042 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

Rats by Joe Klingler. Photo of the capital building.

One man. The woman who hunts him. And the bullet they share.

International thriller from award-winning suspense author Joe Klingler

Praise for Joe Klingler

American flag flying.

Pillars of capitol building.

Corner of porch of Capitol building.

An orphan skilled at deception.

A nomad traverses the Alaskan wilderness to deliver on a vow taken long ago.

An Army sniper with perfect aim.

A General, a black-ops mission, and a lover lead a woman to leap from an airplane over desolate terrain.

Both accustomed to winning.

A test of skill. A clash of ideologies in a typhoon ravaged jungle. A fireball. In an instant, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Rats and Flee book covers in front of the London Eye

The NomaD Thrillers

The first two books of the NomaD thrillers take the reader onto foreign soil where a man of many talents seeks to address decades-old wrongs. He finds allies where he least expects them. Faces remnants of a war long past. Finally, his personal demons guide him to a unique opportunity with a female assassin—who just might be his salvation.

Profile photo of author in blue and red helmet

Meet Joe Klingler

Joe Klingler is the author of seven novels from the international thrillers that feature the nomad Damon, to police procedurals with Qigiq and Kandy Dreeson, and the accidental private eye Tommy Cuda. Engaging, realistic dialogue, strong characters, and socially impactful plots keep readers turning pages deep into the night. When not writing at his home in California, he chases the sun on his motorcycle and hunts for the perfect ski run.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Awards for RATS
2015 International Rubery Book Award - Fiction Short List
2015 International Book Awards - Finalist Thriller/Adventure
2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards - Finalist Political Thriller

Praise for RATS
"A nuanced techno-thriller with both brains and brawn." -- Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Recommended List)

"Joe Klingler's novel is an intelligent, non-stop page turner. Klinglerknows his technology, but also knows how to bring out depth incharacters, major or not." -- Manhattan Book Review (5 stars)

"As a thriller, mystery, and military-industrial adventure story, RATS succeeds thoroughly." -- San Francisco Book Review (4 of 5 stars)

"High-tech gadgets and a thrilling motorcycle rescue highlight this explosive plot." -- Foreward Clarion Review (4 of 5 stars)

"Klingler's debut offers a deep logistical jungle sure to entertain buffs and newcomers to the techno-thriller genre...targeted keenly at modern drone warfare." -- Kirkus Reviews (Feature of the Month 2014)

"[Klingler's] characters are fully fleshed out and the backdrop the novel takes place in is completely tangible... and not once does it lose any of that kinetic energy so artfully harnessed in the first chapter." -- Literature Typeface

[RATS] is a fun romp-and-motorcycle-ride through intrigue, explosions, action, betrayal, politics, and victory. Non-military readers will thoroughly enjoy it, and military readers will too. -- San Francisco Book Review (4 of 5 stars)

"Even during the summertime in Alaska, the sparseness of the environment is detailed, as opposed to the lush jungle scenes in Vietnam. This gives the book a well-rounded feel as the intensity ratchets up...Fans of international thrillers and espionage books will enjoy this novel." -- Foreword Clarion Reviews (4 of 5 stars)

About the Author

Joe Klingler spent a decade in medical imaging research after completing an engineering PhD, during which he met his first computer. Another decade developing software for editing and special effects drew him to Silicon Valley and the art of storytelling. Along the way he became intrigued with the intricate interplay of people and the technology they choose to allow into their lives. RATS, his first novel, was inspired by the story of a young boy injured by leftover war ordnance. He currently resides in California.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CAUSSZM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cartosi LLC; 1st edition (January 18, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1042 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 376 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,193 ratings

About the author

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Joe Klingler

Joe Klingler

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JOE KLINGLER is the author of the award-winning NomaD Thrillers: RATS and FLEE; the Qigiq Detective series: Mash Up, Tune Up, Burn Up, and Lock Up; and the noir mystery Missing Mona, introducing budding private eye Tommy Cuda. Interested in words on paper since reading The God Machine as a kid, Joe went on to study music and computer science. His background forms the foundation of action-packed novels centered on real-world issues of technology, ownership, privacy, and computer-augmented human power.

With a talent for engaging, realistic dialogue, strong characters, and socially impactful plots, Klingler creates exciting mysteries and thrillers that keep readers thinking about What happens next? Why did that happen? and OMG—That could really happen! deep, deep into the night.

When not writing at his home in California or his native Ohio, Joe plays guitar and rides motorcycles wherever the road takes him.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
2,193 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

JASock
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is not the type of book I usually read but once I started I couldn’t put it down. Lots of action and surprises. Great characters. Believable plot. I will definitely read other books by this author.
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Don Kidwell
4.0 out of 5 stars "Rotating Axial Traction System" or (R)ather (A)musing (T)hriller (S)ubjectively
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2014
Verified Purchase
"I believe we are seeing the shadow of a systematic attack on companies that support our military, Mr. President." Book took me several days to complete given it's length but I'm glad I stuck with it. Interesting characters are what I found to be the best part of the story, storyline (as incredible as it was sometimes) being secondary. My favorite passage from the book was "She wished for a weapon; not having one felt like someone had stolen her comfort blanket." Ultimately, the book revolved around a struggle regarding one party willing to do anything to keep a mission secret and another party to either stay invisible or eliminate that individual first. Overall, a gratifying read with enough plot twists and humorous moments to make for an engaging read.
4 people found this helpful
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Rikles
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Story but too many logistical errors
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023
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The author should have researched Army protocol and wrote this book with that in mind. For example; A female special ops sniper would not be a corporal living with a General and doing nothing as far as active military. A corporal would not be put in charge as the commander of a special ops mission. Just too many procedural mistakes to make this a believable story. The plot and story idea were good, it just was not researched and put together with any believable reality or continuity.
2 people found this helpful
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LAWRENCE LINTNER
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
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Good action and tech. Moved along nicely and entertaining.Good guys won in the end with a nice twist involving getting the U.S. to do something good and sensible for a change.
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ST
4.0 out of 5 stars Kept me entertained--no mean feat
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2015
Verified Purchase
I've come to the conclusion there are trends in writing the same as anything else; otherwise, why would old books seem dated? At any rate, the current trend seems to be to touch lightly on believability and do whatever works for the story. What can be especially annoying and is rampant in current writing is the characters' inability to see what's patently obvious to everyone else--especially when the characters should be at least as smart as the average reader (not going there.) If you can put all that aside, which I was able to do (pretty much), it's an interesting read. The two things that saved it for me were the refreshing lack of errors (going against the trend, for sure) and the undeniably admirable message. Also, it may have been a little absurd at times but is actually well-written (unlike this review) and keeps you interested. It did me anyway. I'm actually a very stern critic on just about every level but I would recommend it. It's certainly not boring.
6 people found this helpful
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Tod with 1 D
5.0 out of 5 stars A great story
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Of particular interest were his detailed descriptions of the absolute inhumanity of the mess we left on the ground and in the water from our wretched war in Vietnam, and how future generations are still affected by toxins and unexploded mines, etc.

The characters were extraordinarily painted and the plot moved smoothly. I highly recommend this novel.
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Ku Ha
4.0 out of 5 stars Books
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2022
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Books are good this particular one, as much as I can remember, was pretty out there, strangely satisfied! Amazon is great.
One person found this helpful
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Sugar
5.0 out of 5 stars wow….well written…interesting plot…..I’m sure more than modicum of truth in association with a fictionally drama……hard to put down…..
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
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I recommend this book ….. drama…love/affection….action…..betrayal….Washington political two step
…..I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys being taken to another arena when reading or anyone who reads and through the truths evidenced developed a pattern of seeking to.widening their learning backround
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This book should have a better title.
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
International Espionage and Intrigue with action and mystery. Humans with extraordinary talents doing extraordinary things. The plot thickens and twists and makes for a fun read. Brings in many "hot topics" but doesn't get preachy, just lays out the situation, shows you the heroes and anti-heroes reactions and lets you decide. The pacing could have been quicker but the back story laid a good foundation for the fast paced conclusion.
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Tracey Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars Dont be put off by the title
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2014
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I really enjoyed this book, got it as a freebie, but it is worth paying for, good story, characters and very well written, highly recomend this book. Also dont worry this book isnt about rats
2 people found this helpful
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Webley Silvernail
4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, though it does perhaps require slightly more of ...
Reviewed in Canada on September 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
Not bad, though it does perhaps require slightly more of the usual willing suspension of disbelief than these kind of novels usually do. The trick is to keep the action moving fast enough so the reader doesn't have time to think about the things that are too farfetched, you know, like the evil genius with the secret underground lair. This one mostly does that, but there were times.....
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Jim Trick
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but somewhat unsatisfying
Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Interesting plot. Unrealised potential. Some typos detract from quality. Important details glossed over or ignored to support an unrealistic timeline.
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john walsh
3.0 out of 5 stars mixed up
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
not sure about this, certainly a good idea. For me it jumped around all over the place and lacked continuity.
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