Retired from the FBI through a set-up, Agent Matt Christopher became a contractor who plies his trade outside the United States. With training from the FBI, CIA, MOSSAD, M15, M16, and more, he was the ultimate export–an asset to the intelligence agency and government of the United States of America. If a case was dangerous or messed up, Matt was the man for the job. Out of the blue, his aunt died in her home, and then he was gagged, bound, and almost drowned upside down in the river. His trusted friend, Charlie, had also gone missing. Were these cases isolated or linked to his business with the Sinclairs, Wilkersons, or even his childhood friend, Sam? Will Matt survive the drowning with his aquaphobia? The hunt for the culprits begins in The Export by J. K. Kelly.

The Export by J. K. Kelly is an interesting and highly cerebral novel. It will appeal to lovers of investigation, conspiracy, and politically themed books. In this novel, there is a power play at its best, from politics to business and personal lives. Everyone was a pawn in another’s game. The plot was unique, and the development of the storyline was consistent. Matt’s character was a powerful one. He had a sharp wit, besting adversaries at their games. What he did with Billy at the condo and Allan in the interrogation room had me clapping. He knew how to read the room and apply the best approach. It takes a creative mind like Kelly’s in crafting such unpredictable and knee-jerking scenes. The dialogues flowed effortlessly, making the book an easy-to-follow masterpiece! Kelly must write more novels.

The Export is another satisfying read from J.K. Kelly, a prequel to The Export’s Revenge and a gorgeous thriller featuring the protagonist that I already am addicted to. On Everest, a man is found murdered in his tent, a climbing ax driven into his forehead. Matt Christopher is only happy that an investigator who happens to be in the area provides insights into the crime. But when he is found over a dead body, he knows the stakes are high for him. Given a choice between serving jail and moving elsewhere, Matt takes a surprising option — he becomes The Export. Follow him on a pulsating race as he helps MI5 stop a serial killer, rescues a father and son in Moscow, and other dangerous activities in between being confronted with the murder of the one woman who has done a lot for him. But what she leaves behind will blow his mind.

J.K. Kelly puts so much into the plot and the reader wonders if he can pull it off, but this author’s storytelling skills leave no gaps. The plot is tight and twisty and the story reminds me of why I fell in love with the likes of Lee Child and James Patterson. The suspense is exacting as the protagonist follows a trail of crime across countries and continents. The Export follows the tortuous journey of a man trained to fight crime, but who seems to be followed by a cunning and powerful enemy. The expert handling of characters makes this story hypnotic, and I enjoyed them. The story features robust characters, including powerful people in government and interesting operatives from intelligence organizations like the FBI and the CIA. This is a rip-roaring ride for anyone who enjoys action-packed thrillers with memorable characters and an exquisitely written international setting