Chasing the White Lion

Author: James R. Hannibal
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Release Date: March 3, 2020

In Talia's world everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed

CIA officer Talia Inger may have reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn't mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she's trying to put behind her. Still, she'll need him--and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie--if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.

But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she'll run right up against the ragged edge of her family's dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it's win . . . or die. And in times like that, it's always good to have someone watching your back.​

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Think of it this way. The desire to protect you has brought a band of thieves into a church to meet Jesus. God is at work."

Really? . . but of course, CIA case officer Talia Inger is determined to meet one very important deadline with a semblance of normalcy; her baptism, a public profession of her newfound faith. How unfortunate that someone, possibly a fellow agent, is trying to kill her; a hard piece of evidence to ignore, . . . thus Talia's own team of "bodyguards" have reassembled to expose the killer, while keeping her relatively safe. However, this unlikely grouping of "commandos" have a much more difficult task ahead of them than merely attending a church service, they are about to penetrate the lair of one very "white lion", an elusive international figure who prowls atop a "crowdsourced crime syndicate"; always anticipating his next meal.

"Chasing the White Lion" is complicated within its simplicity, of sorts. Even though the missions span the globe, the relationships among characters remain tight and develop nicely within a mass of continual spirals. The technical language is often difficult to imagine, much less understand, but the author manages to pull the reader through to what counts; learning to lean, "this life you've found is not solitary. The children of God have each other, and most of all we have him. "

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Martha Robinson

If you like novels packed with CIA agents on fast-paced global adventures, run to your nearest bookstore and grab a copy of Chasing the White Lion, by James R. Hannibal. Cue up the theme music for “Mission Impossible.” Imagine a female “James Bond.”

Talia Inger, CIA Officer, is in a dingy bar in the Volgograd, Russia, hoping to recruit a forger to the American side. When her cover is blown, she is forced to fight her way out. However, among the Russians in the bar are two friendlies—Tyler and Finn—who have helped Talia before. After they make it outside, the forger is killed by Russians, and she encounters Mac and Darcy, two other members of Tyler’s team. 

Tyler convinces Talia that someone within the CIA wants her dead. Her boss orders her to go on vacation. But first, Talia is baptized. Yes, this is Christian fiction, and Talia’s Christian faith supports her throughout the novel.

Jenni, Talia’s sister, informs her that some refugee children are missing from their camp. Can Talia do something to find them?

The plot moves quickly to other parts of the world: From Russia to Washington, DC, to a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Myanmar (Burma); to Prague; to Greece; and finally to beautiful Bangkok (pictured on the book cover.)

What mind-blowing adventures! 

Chasing the White Lion is a fast, suspenseful read. Will the good guys—and female agents win? Just who is the enemy? Will the children be found in time?

Oh, while you are in the bookstore, you may also want to grab The Gryphon Heist, by James R. Hannibal. This adventure is mentioned several times in Chasing the White Lion. And, I, for one, plan to read it too!

Chasing the White Lion was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through “Interviews & Reviews.”

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Reviewer: Cortney Donelson

James R. Hannibal's Chasing the White Lion is a fast-paced, intense, and smart story built upon three-dimensional characters you will love, fear, or relate to. This is one of those books that I didn't want to finish because it meant the excitement was over, but at the same time, I wanted to put down only halfway through so I could write this 5-star review. (No worries, I waited until the end!) And, what an ending! 

If you enjoyed the movies Ocean's 11 and Bourne Identity, you'll love Chasing the White Lion, which tells the tale of Talia, a CIA case officer, and a misfit crew of heroes who use subterfuge, wit, and intelligence to take down a crime syndicate aided by a traitor in the CIA. In a Robin Hood kind of way, the author has woven a story that makes you love the thief and hate the businessman, all while pushing you to have faith. I can't wait for more books by James R. Hannibal.

The book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

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