Loved Branigan – it was a great read. I adored his character and the absorbing and thrilling descriptions in the book. Mr. Surmanek’s writing style is eloquent…so rarely found with other authors.

"BRANIGAN, The Needs of the Few,” written by Jim Surmanek, is an intriguing thriller that could be drawn from today’s headlines. He does a fine job of weaving a strong protagonist and a strong antagonist in a struggle against each other that highlights their distinct cultural, moral, and religious differences. Jim’s finely drawn characters use those differences to justify their actions and to cloak immorality in false morality. His detailed descriptions and well-developed dialogue draw the reader deep into the storyline all the way to its conclusion. If you enjoy a thriller based on today’s global events, this is the book for you.

For 43 chapters, Branigan's journey captured my imagination. A great blend of intrigue, suspense, adventure, and romance, Branigan - The Needs of the Few brought me back to New York City through its vivid descriptions of the people and places of The Big Apple. Branigan's professional and personal quests intertwine satisfactorily throughout the novel and left me wondering what he would do next.

Branigan hits the mark on delivering the raw flavor of New York City mixed with everything you want in a crime mystery. Surmanek placed me directly into the story, taking me back to my New York roots and on a mysterious path of page-turning curiosity.

Liked it a lot. Branigan is quite the character, and quite the hero.

Branigan was a good read, not a great read. Good story, good characters (especially the protagonist and antagonist), good scenes, but I didn’t find it to be a page-turner.