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Eric J. Gates
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Death Mask Kindle Edition

by Eric J. Gates (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 102 ratings

Zoe Davis, late-thirties, bookstore owner, now living with a new family in Albuquerque, NM.

Ordinary. Unremarkable.

So why are Special Ops elite soldiers trying to kill her?

Perhaps Zoe isn't who she seems to be...

2021 Reader's Favorite GOLD MEDAL AWARD winner

Readfree.ly ''The 50 Best Indie books of 2021" Award (Nº 1 in Thriller category. Nº 3 overall)

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  1. Print length
    263 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    November 29, 2020
  5. File size
    3.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review


For immediate release:
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy book "Death Mask" by Eric J. Gates, currently available at amazon.com/gp/product/B08PCDZWB6.
Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
"Reviewed By Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Death Mask by Eric J. Gates is an espionage thriller that makes you doubt your neighbor. Zoe Davis (or Sheran) is a bookstore owner living with the man she loves, which is normal enough. After he proposes, her past collides with her present and she puts him and his sons in danger. One freak mistake saves her life, giving her enough time to put distance between herself and Liam. Transforming back to her ghost agent days, she must decide if she will try hiding again or take the fight to them. It has taken them six years to find her, but now she doesn't even know who is leading this renegade team of killers.

I found Eric J. Gates' writing similar to Robert Ludlum's. Death Mask is a military thriller that will have you hanging onto every step Sheran takes. The Egyptian process of mummifying a person is behind the meaning of Death Mask. The Egyptians constructed a similar face on the outside of the coffin so that the soul would recognize and join its body in the afterlife. Sheran had to find her death mask when she left the special ops so she could distinguish her soul after she left it behind. This novel is a fast-paced journey from near-death to impossible odds. With an edgy precision for details and danger, Gates creates a web of espionage and deceit at the highest levels. I loved how the characters come alive, with strong personalities that connect readers to the terror that awaits them."
You can learn more about Eric J. Gates and "Death Mask" at readersfavorite.com/book-review/death-mask where you can read reviews and the author's biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Readers' Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
readersfavorite.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08PCDZWB6
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 29, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 263 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 102 ratings

About the author

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Eric J. Gates

Eric J. Gates

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Multiple award-winning author Eric J. Gates has had a curious life filled with the stuff of thriller novels. Writing Operating Systems for Supercomputers, cracking cryptographic codes under extreme pressure using only paper and pen and teaching Cyberwarfare to spies are just a few of the moments he's willing to recall. He is an ex-International Consultant who has travelled extensively worldwide, speaks several languages. His specialty, Information Technology Security, has brought him into contact with the Military and Intelligence communities on numerous occasions. He is also an expert martial artist, holding 14 black belt degrees in distinct disciplines. He has taught his skills to Police and Military personnel, as well as to the public.

He now writes thriller novels, drawing on his experiences with the confidential and secret worlds that surround us. Sign up for his Newsletter on his website https://www.ericjgates.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
102 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great action-packed thriller with a fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters, particularly appreciating the strong female lead. The story features short chapters that enhance its readability, and customers describe it as a must-read.

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SuspensefulStory lengthCharacter developmentEnjoymentPacing
30 customers mention "Suspenseful"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful elements of the book, describing it as a great action-packed thriller with a compelling storyline and fast-paced narrative that draws readers into each scene.

"...DEATH MASK is another triumph, clever in its twists and turns and unexpected choices and actions of his well-developed characters...." Read more

"Quick, fun, escapist read with a decent female lead and believable plot and characters...." Read more

"...Intelligence; in other words Eric J Gates is the ideal thriller writer for the 21st Century because he knows his stuff...." Read more

"...Until the end. There were interesting characters, a good plot, lots of action. Liked all of it. Then got to the end...." Read more

17 customers mention "Story length"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story length of the book, particularly appreciating its short chapters and well-paced narrative, with one customer noting how the rhythm is enhanced by this structure.

"...His prose is so efficient, it makes you wonder how he does it, yet he gets the job done every time...." Read more

"...Can easily be read as a stand-alone novel." Read more

"...The rhythm of the writing is augmented by the brief chapters, switching at a beat between the first person perspective of Sheran, the lead..." Read more

"...Author Gates has concocted a fast-paced narrative with short chapters and alternating points of view which serve to increase the overall tension in..." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the lead character is a very strong woman.

"...in its twists and turns and unexpected choices and actions of his well-developed characters...." Read more

"...fun, escapist read with a decent female lead and believable plot and characters...." Read more

"...Until the end. There were interesting characters, a good plot, lots of action. Liked all of it. Then got to the end...." Read more

"...I love the way he depicts characters. His action sequences are clear...." Read more

13 customers mention "Enjoyment"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and worth their time, describing it as a must-read.

"Quick, fun, escapist read with a decent female lead and believable plot and characters...." Read more

"I enjoy reading Gates. Beyond the sterling entertainment, a reader is assured of learning something new about operational tradecraft, quantum..." Read more

"...Well done." Read more

"...Just know it's definitely worth your time (and lack of sleep)...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced, with one customer noting how the short chapters enhance the momentum.

"...cracking and military life is apparent throughout, and short chapters enhance the pace, tension and anticipation. And that plot? A lie is a lie...." Read more

"Quick, fun, escapist read with a decent female lead and believable plot and characters...." Read more

"...All the characters are well-developed and the pace is fast but perfect for the high stakes game our protagonist finds herself in...." Read more

"Death Mask is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. There was only one thing that held this back from 5 stars for me...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • B. J. Tiernan
    5.0 out of 5 stars AN ENGAGING THRILLER!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    31 seconds. No alarm. No lights. No warning. No witnesses. 2 adults. 2 kids. Gone in 31 seconds. No loose ends. Or are there?

    This is the high-speed rate my heartbeat follows whenever I read an Eric Gates thriller. His prose is so efficient, it makes you wonder how he does it, yet he gets the job done every time. DEATH MASK is another triumph, clever in its twists and turns and unexpected choices and actions of his well-developed characters. The author's deep understanding and knowledge of code cracking and military life is apparent throughout, and short chapters enhance the pace, tension and anticipation. And that plot? A lie is a lie. For a moment it may deceive, but it cannot deceive forever.

    The ending implies that there might be a sequel. Some matters are left unresolved, leaving one dangling, longing to tie up unfinished business. But if stories of betrayal are what you thirst for, DEATH MASK is an engaging thriller that has you covered with enough action and interest to keep you guessing right up to the end and keep those pages turning.

    Another winner in my book.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • M. Dannelley
    4.0 out of 5 stars As much fun as a decent movie, with a side of schooling
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Quick, fun, escapist read with a decent female lead and believable plot and characters. Some lectures on the science behind artificial intelligence were interesting to me, but should you choose to skip those you won't feel like you've lost the plot. Can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
    One person found this helpful
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  • MJ Fine
    5.0 out of 5 stars A ratatata-boom of a novel, both action-packed and intriguing.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoy reading Gates. Beyond the sterling entertainment, a reader is assured of learning something new about operational tradecraft, quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence; in other words Eric J Gates is the ideal thriller writer for the 21st Century because he knows his stuff. DEATH MASK is a case in point. It's a ratatata-boom of a novel, both action packed and intriguing.

    The rhythm of the writing is augmented by the brief chapters, switching at a beat between the first person perspective of Sheran, the lead protagonist - we get to 'see' her inner thoughts italicized - and well paced storytelling.

    I commend the author's portrayal of women. Gates has discarded the typical sexist tropes. He doesn't waste time trying to trade on Sheran's looks, bust size and scenes of coquettish flirtation, instead he focuses on her competence, her tradecraft, her mission focus, and the overwhelming and inexplicable jeopardy she is confronting.

    As is now the norm in modern publishing, every book is a set up for the sequel, and DEATH MASK is no exception. Questions still linger despite the booming termination of the plot; but this is all tantalizingly good provided Eric J Gates gets out the sequel pronto. I can't wait to read it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jeffrey Cochrane
    3.0 out of 5 stars Death Mask
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I liked it more than I thought I would. Until the end. There were interesting characters, a good plot, lots of action. Liked all of it. Then got to the end. It seemed rushed and anticlimactic. She blows up the generators. Next chapter everything is over and swept under the rug. Questions remain. What kind of end stories do the main characters have? Are two of them going to get together, as hinted? What will happen to the main character? I would like to have seen some resolution for them.
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  • Jasper
    5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-pounding, intense thriller!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Zoe is living an ordinary life. A bookstore owner in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she resides with a man she loves and his two sons. But a covert operation completed in a mere thirty-one seconds on a street similar to hers, in a house equally similar, will turn her ordinary world upside down. For Zoe is not what she appears to be. Her name, her background, even her appearance have all been carefully fabricated and now her past, violently and without warning, rises up to haunt her. Someone is trying to kill her. But who and why?

    Death Mask is a heart-pounding, intense thriller that, once you read page one, is hard to put down. Author Gates has concocted a fast-paced narrative with short chapters and alternating points of view which serve to increase the overall tension in the story. Gates’ high tech expertise is on full display in Death Mask and, while totally invested in Zoe’s journey, I actually learned a thing or two about artificial intelligence while on the ride.

    Death Mask is a must-read for lovers of political intrigue and espionage thrillers, or those who simply enjoy a high-tension, page-turner that will keep you up into the wee small hours of the morning, unable to put it down.

    I understand that Author Gates has other novels involving the vividly written characters in Death Mask and I will be sure to put them on my to-read list.

    Death Mask comes highly recommended by this reader. Five big shiny stars!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ellen Oceanside
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast Action
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Different type of thriller as you begin, showing how this group operates and wonder why they hit this home. The woman in the lead is strong and has the ability to do her job. He is a master at breaking codes an military life and giving us a fast pace story with twists that keep you to the end. Well done.
    One person found this helpful
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  • M.Larsen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very absorbing read. Most enjoyable!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Eric Gates writes a tight story--I won't go into all the details. Just know it's definitely worth your time (and lack of sleep). I can only hope he drives somewhat more sedately than he tells an action story--you seriously need to fasten your seat-belt and hold for this story.
    I love the way he depicts characters. His action sequences are clear. His depth of knowledge of techy stuff and weapons is well reflected in the writing. He comes up with seemingly far-fetched, but actually quite possible plot lines, which makes it all the more tense. Language aside, they are clean, which I also appreciate.
    I'm not an eloquent review writer. Just know this is one author and book to keep on your list. You should probably sign up for his emails too.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Suzanne Hunt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent plot and well written as always from this author!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I follow this author for a reason. I love everything he writes. Well constructed plots and believable characters that catch you up and sweep you along for a thrilling ride. It will not disappoint, I promise you. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
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  • Diogenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for lovers of the high-octane narrative
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Zoe Davis, former undercover operative, finds her life in danger. And not only hers: the lives of those she loves.
    “[The family] have just discovered they welcomed a stranger to their midst. Someone different from who she appeared to be. Someone unexpected. Dangerous. A killer.”
    Eric J Gates’ latest offering contains all the incidents and narrative energy that I have come to expect from his novels.
    But Gates is that rarest of male action/thriller-writers: one who can create three-dimensional female characters who sit at the centre of events (and not at the periphery waiting to be ‘saved’ by some hunky man).
    The chapters of ‘Death Mask’ are short and punchy: not a word is wasted. This makes for a very fast reading experience (“Oh, I’ll just read one more chapter. Well, maybe two…”). The author alternates between the first and third person POV, which allows him to put you inside the mind of the protagonist at key moments. Crafty. The novel is also laced with impressive weaponry knowledge and some imaginative, well-informed IT stuff. Among the bullets and explosions you might well learn something too!
    Gates is my go-to author whenever I want some well-constructed escapism with a satisfyingly high body-count.
    Highly recommended for lovers of the high-octane narrative.
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  • Kimina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast, fuel-packed thriller!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Another super book from this author.

    Really liked the way the chapters were short, concise and written from two angles that got you hooked straight away.

    Given the author's interesting background, I'm sure a lot of truths that we'll never get to hear confirmed, is contained within.

    Get settled and ready to be drawn in!
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  • snowdrop1941
    5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book, and the suspense which increased the tension between the characters making a truly exciting story. The descriptions of the methods, and how they were used was refreshingly different.
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  • Eleanor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A well written book which I think, shows us the danger in AI. Humans can make enough mistakes without computers trying to run things. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, couldn’t put it down.
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