"Highly sensitive material purloined from National Security Agency computers keeps making its way into the news, much to the embarrassment of the nations targeted. American intelligence agencies are at a loss to uncover any clues and dub the perpetrator "The Executive," since the kinds of secrets he pilfers are generally restricted to a high level of security clearance. Professor Kate Adams is asked to help the CIA find the cyberthief responsible, which leads her to clandestinely infiltrate the radical group Programmers for Peace and Freedom. She feigns interest in the development of technology for covertly maintaining financial accounts overseas and isninvited to reside and work at a commune the organization maintains for its members. The group is an offshoot of another that has its origins in communist agitation during the 1960s but developed into radical anarchists, funded by the illicit trade of drugs and sex on the dark web. Meanwhile, an intramural agency battle over the case brews, pitting the NSA director, Adm. Doug Reynolds, against rival investigative departments, a tug of war that only intensifies after a computer expert reporting directly to Reynolds is murdered. As Adams closes in on the Executive, she is forced to painfully relive her traumatic past working for the CIA, memories that visit her in fits of panic. Bell(Trading Salvos, 2016) weaves an intricate tapestry of intrigue, intelligently plumbing the bleak depths of international espionage. Furthermore, this sequel is a timely meditation on the morality of large-scale whistleblowing on government, an unpardonable act of treason to some and a courageous show of heroism to others. What keeps readers immersed in the story, though, is the emotional depth of the protagonist; following the attack on the World Trade Center, she was inspired to join the military and became the only female soldier attached to a Delta Force Unit. Readers are slowly, tantalizingly issued details about her painful past--they learn she was kidnapped and tortured, that her husband died, that she was betrayed, and that she was reluctantly drawn into intelligence work and seems resentful of her permanent status as a pliable pawn. In addition,Bell paints a disturbing picture of the competitive dysfunctionality of American intelligence agencies as well as the murky amorality of the internet's shadiest corners." --Kirkus Reviews" Bell writes a timely and tense thriller concerning the machinations of the Dark Web."

Whistleblowers: Kate Adams Series, Book 2 by Holly Bell is the story of Kate Adams, who has barely had time to recuperate from her previous mission when she is once again brought in to solve a brand new mystery that might be her undoing. This time she is brought in by the CIA to infiltrate an anti-government group that is trying to make life difficult for everyone. It appears that someone has leaked some sensitive materials and documents regarding the secrets of the USA. But here is the catch; no one knows which of these documents are real and which are not. Due to the subject matter of these documents, the public is outraged. The intelligence agencies believe that there is a mastermind behind this leak and they want Kate to help them find that person. Known as the Whistleblower, this person might be a hero or may be a villain. No one knows who this person is, if the Whistleblower is the enemy or not. What can Kate do? Can she find out who this person is, or is she going to find she's met her match after all? Wow! This is a bumpy ride that is very enjoyable. From the very beginning, I was invested in the story, which is all thanks to the narrative. Holly Bell kept the momentum going, kept the pace and ensured that I was hooked by Kate’s spunk and spark. Kate is one of those characters who simply live in the mind of the reader and don’t go away. She is smart, attentive, and witty and has her own charm. I enjoyed her quick thinking and how she took charge of the situation. I loved Whistleblowers.

Holly Bell’s Whistleblowers is the second entry in the Kate Adams Series and it is a very engaging read. A professor turned spy is out to get The Executive, a code name for a vicious whistleblower. This enemy could be the only link to the organization that is leaking government secrets onto the internet, causing a lot of damage with false and misleading propaganda, which the public swallows without due judgement. Kate Adams is back with the CIA and charged with a very delicate and dangerous mission — infiltrate an anti-government group. Follow her as she steps into a dangerous terrain and a world with a completely new culture in the hunt for the bad guy. Can she deal with what awaits her, and how long can she survive in a world that is as ruthless as it is treacherous, a world surviving on its own terms? Intrigue, political machinations, and economic control are skillfully developed in this spellbinding story. It’s a story that reminds readers of something they have seen before; drama and a game that they’ve witnessed during the US Presidential Elections campaign. In this spellbinding novel, the author explores the power of the web and shows readers how the public can be manipulated to believe just about anything. The characters are very compelling and the intelligence community infrastructure is well thought out. This is a plot with a strong conspiracy, masterfully crafted and well-paced. It’s intense and readers can’t resist falling for Kate Adams, a compelling character. Holly Bell’s Whistleblowers is among the best reads I have enjoyed this year with a gripping plot, an original and well-developed idea, and great entertainment.