Enemies Among Us – Spy Thriller Touches on Real-World Events

In Enemies Among Us…Governing bodies in various parts of our planet appear to be fighting — sometimes with deadly violence — to create a New World Order. And while that might be a headline in today’s news, it also happens to be central to the plot in Enemies Among Us, a sequel to bestselling author Jeffrey Stephens’ thriller, The Handler. Yes, both books are novels, but Stephens says the saga throws sunlight on some real-life transgressions that might be happening all around the globe, including in our own country. The award-winning author is willing to speak openly about what he calls “corruption within our government.”

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Press Release for Enemies Among Us

The definition of an “iconoclast” is an individual who doesn’t buy everything they’re told and “willingly challenges cherished beliefs or institutions” — and Nicholas Reagan fits that description to a T. He’s the hero in Jeffrey Stephens’ new novel Enemies Among Us, and Stephens emphasizes that his saga of corruption and intrigue is not far from the truth.

“Many may have thought the continuing threat from terrorists was over, but as we now see, it remains incredibly current and violent,” Stephens said, adding that few would believe that “corruption within our government, including the CIA, is something we are dealing with in real-time.”

It may be no coincidence that Stephens seems to be just as much an iconoclast as his fictional hero, CIA operative Nicholas Reagan. Enemies Among Us is the sequel to The Handler, in which Reagan and his partner, Carol Gellos, are assigned to prevent an attack on U.S. soil plotted by a terrorist referred to as “The Handler.” While the good guys are easily identified in The Handler, telling the heroes from the villains in Enemies Among Us is a bit more challenging.

Still pursuing the terrorist handler in this sequel, Reagan begins assembling clues to the whereabouts of his prey when his superiors in the CIA inexplicably order him to stand down. Accustomed to flaunting authority, Reagan ignored the directive while seeking to identify the source of this obstruction. As he probes, it becomes increasingly evident that the evil he faces is corruption from within.

His suspicions growing, Reagan expanded his efforts beyond the dangerous hunt for a terrorist mastermind to an active investigation of both his government and the rich and powerful who possess real influence in Washington.

Stephens’ storytelling is known for its attention to detail, to the point where it feels more like reality than fiction. The target audience is those who favor the action-packed stories in the Jason Bourne and James Bond film and book franchises.

An Authors.com review said, “The Handler is a heart-pounding ride with great narratives and interesting people and places. It’s got it all — spies, assassins, guns, and terrorist cells … If you liked Vince Flynn novels, you would love Stephens’ super-cool CIA operative Nick Reagan.” Enemies Among Us takes this all to the next level.

Jeffrey S. Stephens is a successful private practice attorney residing in Greenwich, CT. In addition to The Handler and Enemies Among Us, he is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers Targets of Deception, Targets of Opportunity, Targets of Revenge, and Rogue Mission, as well as the Anthony Walker murder mystery Crimes and Passion and the Pencraft first-place award-winning novel, Fool’s Errand.

ENEMIES AMONG US

a Nicholas Reagan thriller by

Jeffrey S. Stephens © 2023

As Nick Reagan hunts down the terrorist mastermind, The Handler, 

he uncovers corruption at the highest levels of government, 

perhaps even within his own CIA.

Purchase on Amazon

Nick Reagan and his team of talented CIA operatives have managed to prevent three horrific attacks planned by the ruthless terrorist known worldwide as The Handler. Cunning and resourceful, The Handler has eluded capture, and now Reagan is determined to track him down.  

While assembling clues to the possible whereabouts of his prey, Reagan’s superiors in the CIA inexplicably ordered him to stand down. Accustomed to flaunting authority, Reagan ignored the directive while seeking to identify the source of this obstruction. As he probes, it becomes increasingly evident that the evil he faces is corruption from within.

His suspicions growing, Reagan expanded his efforts beyond the dangerous hunt for The Handler to an active investigation of both his government and those who possess real influence in Washington. Collectively, these are the most formidable adversaries Reagan has ever faced: the rich and powerful who control our energy resources, including oil and lithium; Big Pharma; the media; and the funding of politicians for their personal beliefs and gains. 

Charting an unfamiliar course amidst the pervasive treachery and deadly secrets inside the nation’s capital, Reagan is unsure who he can trust as he works to expose the worst of America’s elite—those who believe in a New World Order.

Violent confrontations intensify with each new act of treason he unearths, leaving Reagan to rely on his patriotic instincts as he and his team risk their lives to bring down these traitors and restore safety and freedom.

ENEMIES AMONG US Q&A

Your latest Nick Regan thriller, ENEMIES AMONG US, is your 8^th published novel. How did you come up with the story idea for this one? 

Stephens:           My previous book, THE HANDLER, introduced Nick Reagan, a CIA agent tasked with trying to prevent a series of catastrophic attacks planned by an international terrorist. During my research, I became intrigued with the corruption we face within our government, not to mention among the wealthiest and most influential people in America. ENEMIES AMONG US is not a political story about liberals versus conservatives. It is about forces of evil, the danger of greed, and the obligation to preserve our most basic values. Nick Reagan is a heroic and unselfish character, and I wanted to give him an opportunity to engage with the villains who exist right here at home.

After a successful career as an attorney, when did you know you wanted to be a writer? 

Stephens:           I have always written, from my earliest years when I scripted and performed puppet shows, then progressed to plays and short stories and, eventually, to novels, the form with which I’m most comfortable. Storytelling is as old as civilization itself, and it is wonderful both as an author and a reader. It allows us to inhabit worlds we might not otherwise see, meet or create characters that influence our lives, and experience adventures, travels, romance, and relationships that stay with us for a long time.  Whether it is Mitch Rapp, Holden Caulfield, or Jay Gatsby, there are people and events we will never forget, whether in books or motion pictures.

Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some good books that you’ve read recently? 

Stephens:           My favorite novelists from the past are Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Maugham, Salinger, Nabokov, Wodehouse, the list goes on and on. For modern entertainment, I enjoy Robert Ludlum, Vince Flynn, Nelson DeMille, Steve Berry, and recently, The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. Lately, I’ve read A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, which was unusual and great. I also enjoyed the second Matthew Redd book, LETHAL RANGE.

Now that ENEMIES AMONG US has been released, what’s next for you?

Stephens:           Drawing from my years as an attorney, I am in the middle of a new series featuring an eccentric young lawyer in New York City and the former NYPD detective who acts as his mentor and investigator. I believe some twisty plot lines make it entertaining and satisfying, with one book already finished while I am halfway through the second.  And, of course, I am putting together the next Nick Reagan thriller!

Find Jeffrey Stephens at the links Below.

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