Live Fast, Spy Hard: A Spy Thriller (John Sand Book 2)

The second of the three John Sand novels (so far…fingers crossed that there will be more) opens in a nice flash-back that takes place in 1959 where John Sand’s mission is to investigate an oil tycoon named Noah Boldt in Texas. During that mission he meets the man’s daughter, Stacey, who we all know from the first book, "Come Spy With Me". The sequence sets up the main story and bulk of the novel, taking place in 1962, after the events chronicled in the book one.Once again Max Allan Collins and Matthew Clemens have provided a rip-roaring spy adventure story. As the real-life model upon which James Bond was fashioned, the character of John Sand is intriguing to be sure. Paired up with his lovely and capable wife Stacey, the pair make for a formidable couple in any setting. The bulk of the novel centers around Stacey’s disappearance during a business meeting and potential kidnapping to Mexico. Sand may be a retired spy, but his skills remain razor sharp and he brings them all to bear during his hunt for whoever may be behind the disappearance. It may be mafia kingpin “Fat Tony” from their previous adventure in book one or it may be Stacey’s deceased father’s traitorous business partner who might not be as dead as Sand thought. Or it may be something entirely different, related perhaps to a warning Sand received regarding “The Dutchman”.Sand’s adventures include being potentially recruited to a new international spy ring, visits to Houston, Las Vegas, Acapulco, Caracas and more, and captivating meetings with John F. Kennedy, John Wayne, as well as a certain author who has purloined John Sand's life of espionage into a set of best-selling spy novels. The action is exciting to be sure and often bloody with one memorable scene where John Sand really brings out his inner Mack Bolan.I really hope there are more John Sand novels to come. Three of them hardly scratch the surface of what this series could be.

I very much enjoyed the first John Sand novel Come Spy With Me and was very excited about the release of this follow up. My excitement was rewarded in a big way. If enjoy the writings of Ian Fleming and his Bond novels and/or the long running film franchise adapted from those, you cannot but enjoy the John Sand novels immensely. These books pay homage to the Fleming Bond novels and the films, especially the early Bond's with Sean Connery and George Lazenby, and the Sand series does so while doing its own thing and creating new memorable plots, characters, locations, and adventures, all of which leave you turning the pages rapidly and looking forward to the next installment once you have finished it. I absolutely loved this book, especially the nice quasi-prequel prologue that is the first 60 or so pages; a nice call back to how John and Stacey met, fell in love and ran afoul of the villain and his henchmen, which sets up the tremendous adventure in Live Fast, Spy Hard. I think of it as an extended opening sequence in a Bond film, with much more detail and character building. I cannot recommend this book enough, and I am so looking forward to its sequel, To Live and Spy in Berlin. I can't wait. A thank you to Max Allan Collins and Matthew V. Clemens for a great read and a wonderful new series.

Agent triple 7 has a choice, he can save the world from a megalomaniac genius, who may want to build an atomic bomb, or look for his missing wife, who is probably kidnapped. Don't worry. Sand, like the other triple agent that appears in books "written by Sand's former colleague in M16", the body count might rise, but civilization and wife will survive. Collins and Clemens take the best parts of the best books and movies featuring the "fictional" spy, and create a loving, but original homage to the fictional spy. (Too bad I can't keep the James Bond theme out of my head while reading certain scenes in this book)

The story has the characteristic of a spy tale from the 1960's or 1970's. The personnel are appealing but not complex.

The grandmaster Max Allan Collins and Matt Clemens have given us book two in the adventures of John and Stacey Sand. If you are or were a fan of Ian Fleming’s James Bond, then you’re in for a treat as this series is on par with the Bond books. Great story about how the Sands met that lead the reader on a journey across the globe with sex, intrigue, action galore and more importantly nice twists and turns. A totally fun read and when you are done it leaves you wanting more. Can’t say enough so check it out. Look forward to the next one.

John Sand is back and looking for his wife, Stacey who has turned up missing.Enlisted in his retirement to another organization he puts that off, until hefinds his wife. When an old nemesis, thought dead, raises his head, can Johnextract his vengenance?Great sequel and am glad this series will continue! Max Allan Collins is stillat the top of his game, as the action keeps you turning the pages wonderingwhat is going to happen next. Can't wait until the next installement.

While this isn't the greatest novel I've ever read it is great at what it tries to be - a really fun 1960's era spy story with a James Bond like character. If you're looking for the next great literary novel this isn't it. However if you looking to spend a few hours reading a really fun spy story this is a book to read. I also recommend the first book in the series.

The second John Sand thriller is even better than the first! I sincerely hope this series continues for years to come

its a great read loved it

The John Sands thrillers are pulp espionage thrillers at there best. The plot line and dialogue is entertaining and light read and whilst I have given it a 3 star review it’s because compared to the literary heavy weight’s of Silva, Clancy and beyond it is an amusing and entertaining read. Five stars for the pulp genre. Really entertaining series.

Another very enjoyable story! Lots of action with interesting storyline and characters. The inclusion of historical characters is well done and peaks the reader's interest. Thank you!💥😁💥