Khaybar, Minnesota
- "The most realistic thriller ever"
- "Buy this book!...Loved this book!! The characters were so real, I felt like I knew them. It was a total page turner and I couldn’t set it down!!"
- "A frighteningly possible story, well told."
- "Couldnt' stop reading!"
- "Great read!"
- "Speaks to us 'little people'!..."
- "Yes!"
- "If you like thrillers, you will love this."
- "Couldn't put it down...Very entertaining...Very entertaining. The story unfolds at a good pace, believable and with never a dull moment. Also, subtle humor when you least expect it! Keeps the mood from getting too intense and suspenseful. Addresses tensions in today's world without resorting to the stereotypes popular with too many authors."
- "Fast-paced murder case, reminiscent of 'Fargo', but without stupid people."
- "What a ride!"
- "Terrific characters."
- "A real page-turner, believable, topical, engaging, action-packed."
(See these and more reviews on this page.)
Reviews (76)
frighteningly possible story, well told
Nobody thinks it can happen here, until it does happen here, and then everyone wonders why nobody warned us it could happen here. This book is your wake-up call. It could happen here. Specifically, "it" is a terrorist attack in Minnesota. Seems unlikely, no? Why strike in the middle of no-where? But that's why it's believable and also disturbing: because an attack in safe, insular, fly-over America would show the world that nowhere is safe, everyone is at risk, all the time, and therefore we should submit to Islam now, to save ourselves and our children. It would produce terror precisely because it's not Israel or New York or even Minneapolis, it's sleepy little St. Paul where people don't lock their doors, they don't even remember where they put the key. Yes, yes, the usual disclaimers, not every religious person is a terrorist, blah, blah, blah. They don't all have to be: a single dedicated believer is enough to slash shoppers in a mall or set fire to a campus daycare or travel overseas to join a holy war. It's not hateful bigotry to notice acts of religious terror already have occurred and wonder if there could be more to come. As for this book, it's fast-paced and also fun. The author has perfect pitch for Diversity-Speak. The main character has enough ordinary human flaws to make him likable and enough capable friends to keep him alive. And thanks for reminding me to update my Go Bag, it's not just for tornadoes anymore. Looking forward to the next book.
A pretty good story
As others have noted, this is an engaging and interesting book that is fast-paced. The basics are in the blurb that goes with the book. I'll add that the main character has extremely good fortune throughout the story. Yes, things go bad but so many things go so right at just the right times that he is able to do a lot in a very short period of time...thus the fast pace of the story. The setting is interesting, and events play out in a variety of areas--a bar, a liberal arts college campus, an isolated forest, and several venues in St. Paul. There are a few plot developments that seem improbable (even above the serendipitous aspect noted above). The cable news channel is a caricature of reality, though perhaps not by much. There are some proofreading-level errors (is it laptop or lap top?), but overall they're pretty minimal. I would buy more from this author.
A quick paced and enjoyable read
I've now read two of Cossack's books--this one and The Grifter. Cossack likes to do a well deserved skewering of political correctness, intersectionality, diversity and HR Departments. And that's just for a start. No one is going to confuse these books with great literature. But if want to pass a pleasant afternoon or so (or a long boring cross country flight) while reading an enjoyable book, you can't go wrong with Cossack. The action (and the humorous snarky asides) comes thick and fast. I read these two books on my Kindle. I take an annual trip to England to visit my grandchildren and their family. I only regret that I can't load up three new Cossack books to pass the time on the long flight.
You won't be able to put it down
Khaybar, Minnesota is an outstanding book, definitely the best I’ve read all year. It states that it’s fictional but I believe it could be based on an actual series of events, past or future. The characters are very believable and I think some of them could be my or your neighbor(s). It’s easy to read and very compelling, so don’t start it planning to just read a few pages at a time. The plot moves along quickly, with some realistic events and actions of normal people, but surprises exist around the corner. The writing is very descriptive when needed but does not overwhelm the story. The word pictures developed in my mind throughout the book make me want to know some of the people, not so much for others. You’ll be glad you read it.
A fast-paced pleasurable read!
The first in what appears to destined to become a series, Khaybar Minnesota gallops along at a nifty pace among settings familiar to Minnesotans. Protagonist Hack is a depressed Everyman suddenly caught up in a terrorist plot, and it is much to author Cossack's credit that Hack doesn't suddenly turn in to James Bond; he remains believably human throughout. Cossack has created an intriguing and original plot (Terrorists in St. Paul!) and despite a ludicrously caricatured rendering of a left-wing news channel, creates a fun and involving story with relatable characters. Here's to seeing more of Hack soon!
A great read, a great story, and (unfortunately) extremely topical.
What would happen if Muslim terrorists in America started doing what they've been doing in other countries? How might ordinary Americans respond? This novel follows Hack, a man sleepwalking through life, who accidentally stumbles into terrorist activities. He doesn't know anything about who they are or what they want, but he needs to learn fast. This is a great story; I couldn't put it down. I give it four stars because of a couple of rough spots. For a writer's first novel, it's very good indeed. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy!
A fast-paced and enjoyable roller- coaster thrill ride!
I normally don’t enjoy reading books dealing about terrorist threats, but this was a fun read! An unhappily divorced, somewhat lackadaisical musician-cum-computer repairman obtains a used computer on which is stored some writing in Arabic. Using a translator program, he suspects some ill-doings afoot, and hands the obscure passages over to his Muslim neighbor and friend, who agrees to research it for him. When Hack’s friend is next found murdered in Hack’s basement, Hack finds himself on the run from police and the FBI, as well as the circling media vultures who have quickly presented him to the world as a serial-killing Islamaphobe. Add in some truly nefarious Muslim terrorists, a few slightly-or-definitely quirky friends to aid him, and a plot to bring “khaybar “ to a small Minnesota city, and you’re on your way in this quick but exciting read!
quickly engages the reader
I enjoyed this fast-paced book on a topic of interest to all. The characters were credible and engaging, and, though I had to put it down a couple of times, I found myself thinking about it and hastening to get back to it. The author was successful in fleshing out the characters and fairly portraying varying points of view. (I would like to know that a Gus or LG had my back.) I hope the author will continue, with these characters or others.
Excellent Story
Tremendous first novel. Well done Max. Glad AG recommended it. Written with thought about the current world and a few potshots at political figures, the news media, and 'political pundits' and their 'experts'. I believe I saw Mark D and a certain "Fake News" media organization in there, and the potshots were dead on. There might even have been a shot at a media panel on said media organization, but not sure as I don't waste my time watching the organization. Anyway, an easy and fast read and pretty believable. I highly recommend grabbing this one up and enjoying the read. And I believe I detected another story with the same characters to come. I certainly hope so!
Fast pace action with good American values
I really enjoyed reading this action thriller novel based on the recommendation from one of my favorite weekly PL columnist. The story moved along briskly and even enhanced my knowledge and understanding of some traditions and history of two of the worlds older religions. Parallel plot threads stayed tightly meshed and avoided running down dead end rabbit holes. I also appreciated some of the main characters dislike and mistrust of certain government agencies and particular news media outlets. There are several humorous passages that brought a smile to my face and a chuckle to my heart. I look forward to future stories from this author. Power on Max and AG.
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