“Do not pick up this book unless you have a few hours to spare, as once you start you are unlikely to put it down! This is a well-researched barn burner of a story, literally torn from today’s headlines about the Wagner Group, revolt, and instability in Russia. Steinke picks up the Jake Fortina saga a few years after Jake and Sara’s first adventure in Major Jake Fortina and The Tier One Threat. The author’s detailed knowledge of both the US and Italian governments’ military, law enforcement, interagency, and international cooperation processes are clear as he leads us through the labyrinth of coordination that success would require. Roman Conspiracy includes a wonderfully volatile mix of right-wing extremists on two continents, Russian oligarchs bent on replacing the Russian President, and a rainbow of international Special Forces – some good, some bad, some both.  It also details several US and Italian law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomatic officials.  I would be remiss not to mention weapons of mass destruction directed against the United States, Italy, and NATO Alliance countries, crafted into the story for good measure. Enjoy this exhilarating read!”

“Colonel (Ret) Rick Steinke continues the engrossing story of Jake Fortina, now stationed in Italy, and his adventures to keep America and its allies safe in a complex, dangerous world. Drawing on current global events and contemporary domestic issues, Rick boldly takes on and weaves a fictious story that easily darts in and out of a chilling and realistic tale. Rick further draws on his vast experience as a military Foreign Area Officer and professional educator to portray the events and characters in a believable narrative only he can accurately illustrate! This story continues further to fill a gap in depicting what our US military and federal government interagency heroes are doing in the shadows daily around the world. Do not be fooled by its fictional heading!”

“This is a gripping story, ripe with reality, reflecting today’s environment of hybrid warfare, and world leaders who demonstrate a complete disregard for the rule of law and the rules of war, placing humanity at risk. Roman Conspiracy imagines a step further with the deployment of weapons of mass destruction against civilians outside the theater of war. Steinke deftly weaves this with a parallel plot focused on an extremist network in the United States. Roman Conspiracy also provides hope—hope that has its parallel in the real world—a testament to the importance of strong relationships among U.S. government agencies and their international counterparts.”

“Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy is ripped from today’s headlines about violent war in Ukraine, international art theft and potential nuclear war in Europe. Author Ralph Steinke does not spare the tension and the reader is likely to find his blood pressure starting to rise from the first chapter to the last in this classic thriller. The graphic descriptions of Rome and eastern Europe and the ornate delineation of the security world of NATO and other organizations inform as well as entertain. An excellent read by an expert who well understands the covert twilight that exists all around us.”

“Rick Steinke’s stories continue to skyrocket through the in-depth geopolitical, military, and diplomatic expertise of the author. Linking the theft of three Italian masterpiece works of art to an emerging global threat, Steinke has again produced an extremely realistic, compelling, and spectacular techno-thriller! I highly recommended it for Italian, US, and international readers alike.”

“Enthralling from the very first lines to the end of the fast-paced story, Roman Conspiracy is a true page-turner. Combining a gripping plot, expert knowledge, and elaborate storytelling, this thriller is a timely and fascinating read. Rick Steinke artfully uses his military and diplomatic expert knowledge as the foundation for a fast-paced and engrossing story. First-hand experience and a talent for story-telling blend to make the perfect recipe for an absorbing thriller!”

“Rick Steinke has done it again!  Bringing his own unique military background, experiences, and voice to his equally unique character, US Army officer Jake Fortina.  Be ready when you pick this book up! Steinke’s ability to blend historical fact and his prescient view of current and developing geopolitical events keeps Jake on his toes and the reader continually engaged and looking for the next installment. Highly recommend this captivating sequel to Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat!”

1. Short List, Chanticleer Global Thriller Book Awards for High Stakes Suspense, 2022: The 2022 Global Thriller Book Awards Short List for High Stakes Suspense | Chanticleer Book Reviews (chantireviews.com)