Furtive Retribution - Book 9

Suzanne Simpson finds herself at the center of a global conspiracy. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the CEO of Multima Corporation when shocking events occur with the company’s operations in Europe and Southeast Asia. Innocent lives are lost. Among several startling setbacks, her live-in lover and chief of security, Serge Boisvert, also suddenly disappears.

Suzanne must navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and danger to uncover the truth.

From the business section of Atlanta to the icy wilderness of Labrador—and into the shadowy underworlds of Russia and Japan—Furtive Retribution is a gripping international thriller that takes readers on a high-stakes journey across the globe.

Packed with nail-biting suspense, sudden twists, and a cast of complex characters, Furtive Retribution is a story of resilience, ambition, and the lengths one woman will go to defend everything she’s built. Perfect for fans of corporate thrillers and international intrigue, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

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Check out these reviews for Furtive Retribution!

Exotic, explosive, and exhilarating, Gary D. McGugan’s latest Multima installment, Furtive Retribution, packs the most powerful punch yet. Immediately pulling you into his world of corporate subterfuge, McGugan gets the adrenaline racing from the very first page.

Fans of previous Multima books will enjoy a sense of familiarity as they quickly encounter key players—like Suzanne Simpson, Multima’s CEO, and her long-time colleague, James Fitzgerald—as well as scintillating new characters who keep the plot fresh and engaging.

Picking up shortly after When Power Fails left off, Furtive Retribution wastes no time in setting Suzanne and her team up for a new series of struggles. As with the rest of the series, McGugan is a master at creating characters you can’t help but root for. Co-captaining this latest adventure with Multima’s CEO is her Head of Security and romantic partner, Serge Boisvert. Together, the pair is an intellectual force to be reckoned with, but they’re also a desirable target for a new mysterious enemy, known only as A, who seeks to infiltrate their company.

McGugan crafts beguiling, relentless villains. No matter how many times the protagonists outsmart various criminals, another one always seems to be waiting just around the corner. This novel takes readers on an international journey—including stops in Japan, Mexico, Paris, Canada, and the U.S.—where the forces working against Multima are determined and far-reaching. Like a real-life Hydra, for every foe Suzanne and Serge outmanoeuvre, two more take its place. The result is a nail-biting thriller you can’t put down. The stakes have never been higher than in Furtive Retribution, where every character is embroiled in their own life-threatening crisis.

Set over Christmas time, Furtive Retribution sees criminals delivering less-than-traditional presents to several Multima employees—in the form of kidnapping, blackmail, and attempted murder—quickly making it clear that this is literally the nightmare before Christmas.

Despite being a nightmare for the Multima team, Furtive Retributionis a delightful gift for readers. Fans of James Bond, Jason Bourne, and Ethan Hunt will relish the thrill of the chase, the challenge of unravelling the cause behind the chaos, and the enthralling tingle of tension that spikes on page one and simply doesn’t let up.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: February 27, 2026 

Furtive Retribution by Gary D. McGugan opens in Stonehurst Place Bed and Breakfast where without warning, Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of Multima Corporation and Serge Boisvert, her security chief and partner, are thrown into a rapidly expanding crisis involving murder, crime and corporate conspiracy. 

While Suzanne and Serge try to settle into the refined calm of their surroundings, they begin receiving a series of anonymous calls in the night where no one is speaking on the other end. Here, as a reader you begin to feel a tightening in your chest as well as a quiet instinct that something is terribly wrong even before the characters fully accept it.

The unease the two feel quickly escalates into a targeted bombing and a desperate flight to safety that shatters any illusion of control they thought they still possessed. In those early pages, as a reader, you don't simply witness danger unfold, rather, you feel the sudden vulnerability of two powerful individuals stripped of certainty in a chilling moment from which the novel begs for an urgent hunt for answers, as well as a careful check of the fragile architecture of the power that holds a global corporation together. 

It is with the final mysterious call that the tone of the novel darkens. Both Suzanne and Serge are warned to leave immediately or be finished, in a threat that materializes with shocking speed. They narrowly escape a bomb blast, before heading directly to Montreal for a high-stakes directors' meeting where Suzanne outlines a chain of troubling events including the brutal murder of Gordon Goodfellow, president of her Supermarkets division at Multima Corporation.

As she pieces together connections between organized crime and internal vulnerabilities, we see her move from explanation to action by announcing her intention to seek authorization of fifty million dollars to create a special fund for a private investigation into what happened to Gordon. That bold request shifts the narrative beyond reactive survival into what feels like calculated counterattack, to root out what she believes are genuine threats to Multima Corporation’s very survival.

Yet from that bold resolve emerges an unsettling truth that she does not fully see. As the investigation widens and loyalties get tested, the question of whether the most dangerous threat advances from the shadows outside or patiently positions itself from inside, gradually arises. 

This novel stands out in the way the author weaves high-level corporate maneuvering into moments of genuine danger. He lets every decision ripple outward into the physical world, in a fusion that becomes especially vivid in the characters’ dialogue, which he writes with the same urgency and intensity as the novel’s most explosive scene.

The characters emerge as real professionals who have largely been shaped by expertise and experience rather than convenience, especially Suzanne, a compelling female lead whose intellect and resolve anchors the corporation, even when events threaten to spiral beyond control. She does not command attention through force, but rather through clarity and restraint. Serge’s steadiness, largely shaped by his law enforcement past, reinforces the fragile equilibrium between them. But as you interact with him you feel that that balance is not entirely secure, in that it sometimes shifts subtly into tension, particularly in moments when his personal affection for Suzanne begins to blur the sharp lines of professional duty. 

Throughout the novel, the author blurs the lines between external predators and internal actors, and as a result, makes the reader constantly re-think who can be trusted and who might be working with hidden motives. This uncertainty reflects the reality of large corporations where authority is sometimes only visible on the surface, yet true control often rests elsewhere. Through that growing sense of suspicion, McGugan invites us to consider whether any institution, no matter how fortified it appears, can truly protect itself from enemies who might already have learned the art of blending in. 

Quill says: Furtive Retribution by Gary McGugan is a must-read thriller that keeps the language precise instead of ornamental.

It is that restraint that strengthens the credibility of the financial and technological intricacies that are deeply webbed in the narrative. That credibility in turn deepens the impact of every escalation, allowing the danger to feel not only dramatic but convincingly real as though the corporate towers and covert networks that it portrays could exist just within the reader's reach.

By carefully binding strategic complexity to emotional consequence, McGugan has crafted a layered narrative in which ambition demands a deeply personal cost. It is precisely this layering that naturally positions the novel as a must-read for those who appreciate intelligent thrillers where international intrigue and corporate drama unfold with equal force.

          Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (12/2025) 

Furtive Retribution is Book Nine of The Multima Saga by Gary D. McGugan and delivers exactly what you might expect, given the title. It’s a high-stakes thriller with covert threats and private retaliation in play, as criminal forces attempt to take over a multi-billion-dollar global corporation. 

The story opens with a bang (literally) as Multima Corporation CEO Suzanne Simpson and Serge Boisvert, her chief of security and life partner, narrowly escape a bombing at a bed-and-breakfast, shortly after receiving a series of strange phone calls.

With the recent murder of Gordon Goodfellow, the president of Multima Supermarkets, Suzanne can’t help but wonder if this is the work of the organized crime syndicate known as The Organization. After advising her board of directors, Suzanne places Serge in charge of the investigation into Goodfellow’s death and uncovering exactly who is behind these mounting threats. 

Suzanne has to reshape her executive leadership team with the loss of Goodfellow and stabilize the affected areas of the corporation. She also brings back a long-trusted ally to help her with the transition. A series of hostile actions against several Multima executives follows, including Suzanne herself. It’s obvious the incidents are being coordinated and carried out by highly connected and far-reaching foes. As the attacks escalate in danger and in number, it becomes very clear they are intended to take control of Multima, and Suzanne must determine just how far she is willing to go to protect everything she’s built.

I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and always look forward to the arrival of the next book by Gary D. McGugan. Furtive Retribution did not disappoint. After the dramatic opening, the tension builds relentlessly as the scope of the threats become more clear. I loved the criminal masterminds behind the terror, working largely in the shadows. Furtively. The “bad guys” are not in-your-face. Rather, you can feel their presence through the calculated actions used to undermine key executives, as they create fear and uncertainty within Multima’s leadership. 

Suzanne Simpson is one of my favorite characters. She has been ever since she took control of Multima Corporation many books ago. Her role as a strong, competent CEO is one of the many reasons I admire her character, and she remains a powerful presence in this book. Serge has become a favorite as well. He provides the needed counterbalance with the investigative side and is the only person who can (or does) speak to Suzanne with more candor (at the appropriate times, of course).

Their business and professional relationships are not without occasional hesitations, however, and I like how McGugan reveals a different side to this relationship, showing readers that even power couples have their occasional challenges. James Fitzgerald, another longtime favorite, brings a surprising twist that had me thinking I never gave him enough credit. Go James! 

What particularly works for me is the way McGugan balances fiction with enough real-world context to make the story conceivable. It’s how he makes the technology, the political action, the corporate negotiations, and the influence of organized crime all work together. Combined with the novel’s global settings (which clearly reflects the author’s own travel experiences), the result is a story that is fresh and contemporary. 

Readers who enjoy intelligent corporate thrillers will find a lot to appreciate in Furtive Retribution. For newcomers, while you will find it to be an exciting, contained read, I do recommend going back and starting with the first book, Three Weeks Less a Day.

For those who have followed the series from the beginning, buckle up! Furtive Retribution delivers another solid story that stays true to what has made The Multima Saga a hit in the international intrigue scene. 

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite

Furtive Retribution by Gary D. McGugan is an action-packed novel that reaches across the world and into the highest echelons of society’s elite.

 Multima Corporation is a massive conglomerate based in Montreal, Canada, whose core business is supermarket chains, but which is now also deeply involved in finance, I.T., and other ancillary services. Suzanne Simpson runs the massive operation with a hands-on approach and a singular commitment to excellence, building the business and brand loyalty. Assisted by her head of security operations and live-in partner, Serge Boisvert, her life is a constant menu of travel, management meetings, and tough corporate decision-making in a rapidly changing environment.

 It is just before Christmas, and something is very amiss. At the busiest time of year, a series of accidents, sabotage, and loss of life threatens the company’s success, perhaps even its very existence. Suzanne, Serge, and her most trusted management teams are in a race against time to stop this massive threat.

Furtive Retribution is an absolute roller-coaster of a read, with plots, counterplots, subterfuge, betrayal, and non-stop action. Gary D. McGugan has crafted an intricate plot and tied it all together perfectly. 

The narrative hangs together beautifully and reaches a satisfying conclusion. I always appreciate a female lead character who is successful, independent, smart, and strong. Suzanne has all those things in spades, but she is not the only strong, successful female in the story, which gives the novel a broad reach. Suzanne has a softer, more compassionate side to her that definitely came through when disaster struck. Her relationship with Serge was interesting, but I liked that their personal relationship seemed to be more of a coming together of equals. 

From Montreal to Chicago, Atlanta to Florida, Vietnam to Japan, Russia to the frozen northeast of Canada, this novel never stopped racing from one exotic locale to another from page one. I love a good conspiracy, industrial sabotage story, and Furtive Retribution certainly fits the bill.

 This was a fantastic read that I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

Furtive Retribution by Gary D. McGugan is set against a backdrop of corporate intrigue, international crime, and high-stakes drama. The story follows Suzanne Simpson, CEO of Multima Corporation, as she faces a series of coordinated attacks that threaten her company and her life.

 The plot unfolds across multiple continents, weaving a complex web of betrayal, power struggles, and unexpected alliances. The characters are compelling, and each has their own motivations and secrets that add depth to the story. Suzanne’s determination and leadership shine as she navigates the challenges of a global conspiracy, while Serge Boisvert, her partner and head of security, demonstrates unwavering loyalty and resourcefulness in the face of danger. The supporting cast, including Natalia Tenaz and James Fitzgerald, plays pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.

Gary D. McGugan’s extensive experience in global corporations is evident in the portrayal of corporate dynamics and the high-stakes world of business. The story’s international settings, from Japan to Russia to the United States, are vividly described.

 The pacing is fast and steady, making it a quick read. Furtive Retribution explores themes of power, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect what they hold dear. McGugan’s writing is engaging, and his ability to intertwine personal relationships with corporate and criminal intrigue makes for a compelling read. This ninth installment in the Multima Saga showcases McGugan’s talent for storytelling and his ability to create a world where danger lurks around every corner.

 Furtive Retribution is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of suspense, action, and corporate drama.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers’ Favorite

Furtive Retribution is the ninth novel in Gary D. McGugan’s Multima Corporation series. Suzanne, the long-standing CEO and a major shareholder of Multima Corporation, is facing mysterious threats from unknown sources. Soon after the suspicious death of the President of Multima’s Supermarkets division, Suzanne and her security chief and life partner are nearly blown up in a hotel explosion.

Murders, kidnappings, and major technological faults of Multima’s state-of-the-art security system follow, affecting Multima’s operations around the world. The new senior managers that Suzanne appoints to replace the deceased unexpectedly disappear soon after their appointment. Amidst this havoc, Multima’s stock prices plummet. What’s most baffling is that no express demands are made to Suzanne or Multima’s senior management. But who is attacking Multima Corporation and why? Can Suzanne rescue Multima? 

What an awesome treat of a breathtaking crime thriller!

Gary D. McGugan’s Furtive Retribution is one of the most exciting crime mysteries I've read recently. I liked how the story balanced suspenseful, fast-moving action with thoroughly developed characters. Astute Suzanne won me over instantly as a role model of a corporate leader, and I often found myself wondering what I would feel and do in her place. I also appreciated how the story made me suspect, respect, love, or hate the other characters.

The global span of events enhanced the scale of Multima’s dramatic challenges. One of those rare novels that kept me curious and emotionally involved from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this breathtaking story to crime fiction and action thriller fans.

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers’ Favorite

Furtive Retribution by Gary D. McGugan follows Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of a powerful global company, as her life and business are thrown into chaos after a senior executive is murdered. While traveling with her security chief and partner, Serge Boisvert, Suzanne receives a series of silent phone calls that end in a direct threat. Moments later, a bomb destroys the hotel they were staying in, forcing them to flee. Back at headquarters, Suzanne realizes the killing connects to organized crime, cyber sabotage, and financial corruption in her own company. As Serge pulls together a discreet international team, the search moves from North America to Asia, mixing corporate negotiations with covert cyber work. With hostile eyes watching, can Suzanne figure out who is targeting her company before everything she built is wiped away?

Furtive Retribution by Gary D. McGugan combines corporate intrigue, crime, and cyber warfare into a fast-moving international thriller. The writing keeps things tight and urgent, rarely giving the tension a chance to fade. The locations are current and believable, jumping between boardrooms, airports, and international operations in a way that reflects how global companies actually work. Suzanne comes across as a strong leader who has to make difficult choices in dangerous circumstances, while Serge is a steady, protective presence beside her. The story reflects concerns about how vulnerable large corporations can be to unseen digital and criminal threats. It brings to mind thrillers by authors like Frederick Forsyth or Daniel Silva, but with a stronger focus on corporate power. If you're a fan of smart, fast-moving stories about global risk and leadership, you will absolutely enjoy reading this book.

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Visionary Impart - 5 Stars on Goodreads - Furtive Retribution is a fast-paced, globe-trotting thriller that delivers nonstop tension and sharp intrigue. Gary D. McGugan crafts a compelling story around Suzanne Simpson, a formidable heroine navigating corporate power plays, personal loss, and international danger. The twists come quickly, the stakes feel real, and the settings add a cinematic mosaic to the action. A gripping installment in The Multima Saga, this novel will satisfy fans of corporate and international thrillers alike.

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Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers’ Favorite

Gary D. McGugan's Furtive Retribution centers around Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of a massive international corporation, whose professional and personal life collapse almost overnight. After a senior executive connected to her company is murdered, Suzanne and her partner, Serge Boisvert, begin receiving disturbing threats.  

A brutal attack forces them to flee, leaving no doubt that Multima Corporation is being hunted from both within the company and beyond it. Once Suzanne steadies herself, she gives Serge the green light to lead a quiet investigation, bringing together experts in security, finance, and cyber work.

 Their search moves through North America, Europe, and Asia, slowly revealing connections to organized crime, digital attacks, and corruption cleverly masked as legitimate corporate activity. Each discovery raises the stakes and adds to the growing pressure Suzanne feels as the person responsible for holding everything together. Can she discover who is pulling the strings before her company and her life are destroyed?

Gary D. McGugan’s Furtive Retribution is an international corporate thriller that embraces the genre with confidence.

 McGugan’s style is straightforward and focused, keeping events and decisions at the center without getting lost in endless inner thoughts. I really liked how the story handles corporate power—being successful doesn’t protect anyone; it just draws more danger. While Suzanne is competent and intelligent, she’s not untouchable, which makes her choices immediate and convincing. Serge brings his security know-how to the table, keeping things practical when the stakes rise.

 The global settings never feel wasted—they highlight how crime moves across borders. For anyone who enjoys suspense that’s plotted carefully, with real stakes and believable characters, this book is a solid, engaging read.