Cross My Heart & Hope To Die
In the thrilling third installment of the Greg Newsome series, former tech blogger turned corporate troubleshooter Greg Newsome finds his world shattered when a brutal attack leaves him injured. His girlfriend, Nina, is determined to protect herself and her son by severing all ties with him.
As Greg struggles to recover from his physical and emotional wounds, notorious mob boss Benny Santini approaches him with a business proposition: help turn his son’s revolutionary software program into a successful business. Greg agrees but soon finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, espionage, and shifting alliances.
With Russian spies, federal agents, and ruthless criminals closing in, Greg must use all his wits and skills to survive and protect those he cares about. Along the way, he rekindles a relationship with Sharon, a CIA operative, and forms an unlikely alliance with a mysterious woman named Isabella.
As the stakes rise and the danger intensifies, Greg is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the true cost of loyalty. With his life and the lives of those he loves hanging in the balance, Greg must navigate a treacherous path where trust is a luxury and betrayal is always lurking around the corner.
$14.99
Glen Hellman’s Cross My Heart & Hope to Die is a riveting blend of corporate intrigue, personal vengeance, and high-stakes espionage, marking the third installment in the Greg Newsome series. In this gripping narrative, Greg, a former tech blogger turned corporate troubleshooter, faces life-threatening attacks from a Russian mobster hell-bent on revenge. Set against a backdrop of hostile takeovers and clandestine alliances, Greg’s personal life becomes entwined with his dangerous missions, threatening not just his safety but the lives of those he loves. As he navigates this precarious landscape, the novel explores themes of loyalty, loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Hellman’s prose, rich with authenticity drawn from his corporate and FBI experiences, recalls the intricate plots of John Grisham’s The Firm, while the personal stakes and action sequences evoke the tension of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity. Much like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, Greg Newsome is a flawed but determined protagonist whose moral compass guides him through a murky world of corporate and criminal corruption. His dealings with the enigmatic Benny “The Knife” Santini and the high-tech espionage stakes bear a modern resemblance to Frederick Forsyth’s detailed thrillers.
Cross My Heart & Hope to Die seamlessly weaves elements of suspense and character depth, positioning it as a standout in the genre. Hellman’s unique blend of real-world corporate warfare and personal vendettas creates a narrative as engaging as it is thought-provoking, inviting comparisons to the works of Lee Child and Brad Thor. Yet, its deeply personal undertones and layered relationships set it apart, offering a fresh and compelling take on the modern thriller.
1. Plot Complexity – 9/10 The story intricately weaves corporate intrigue, personal vendettas, and espionage, maintaining tension and surprise. The plot features multiple subplots, from Greg’s entanglements with Russian mobsters to his business dealings with Benny Santini, ensuring a rich and layered narrative.
2. Character Development – 8/10 Greg Newsome’s transformation from tech blogger to reluctant hero is compelling, with his inner struggles and evolving relationships adding depth. Supporting characters like Nina, Benny, and Frank are well-defined.
3. Pacing – 7/10 The novel balances action-packed sequences with slower, introspective moments.
4. Suspense and Tension – 9/10 The narrative keeps readers on edge, from sniper attacks to covert alley confrontations. The looming threats and Greg’s constant need to outsmart his enemies create a palpable sense of danger.
5. Dialogue – 8/10 The dialogue feels natural, often reflecting the characters’ personalities and backgrounds. Benny’s colorful mob-speak and Greg’s sharp wit stand out.
6. Setting and Atmosphere – 8/10 From high-tech boardrooms to gritty alleyways, the settings are vivid and immersive. The novel captures the essence of both corporate and criminal worlds.
7. Theme Exploration – 7/10 Themes of loyalty, redemption, and the cost of living a double life are explored, though they occasionally take a backseat to the action.
8. Action Sequences – 9/10 The action is intense and well-described, whether it’s a sniper attack in a suburban garage or a physical altercation in a New York alley. The sequences are cinematic and engaging.
9. Romantic Subplot – 6/10 The romance between Greg and Nina is pivotal but sometimes overshadowed by the main plot. The rekindling of tension with Sharon and the potential new dynamic with Isabella are intriguing.
10. Originality – 8/10 While drawing on familiar tropes from spy and thriller genres, the blend of corporate espionage and organized crime gives the story a fresh twist. Greg’s unique background as a business coach turned operative adds a distinct flavor.
Overall Rating: 8/10 Cross My Heart & Hope to Die delivers a well-rounded thriller with strong characters, engaging action, and intricate plotting. Some elements could benefit from deeper exploration, but the novel remains a compelling read.