Countdown To Midnight By Dale Brown

Dale Brown follows up the sensational Arctic Storm Rising adventure with a spy like history lesson on how to save the world. Brown is no slouch when it comes to writing great books, as his series have been hitting best seller lists since the early 90’s. I couldn’t pass up the chance at a second Nick Flynn journey as the first was a gripping tale of survival. 

Countdown to Midnight follows Nick Flynn, one of my favorite characters following his jaunt in the Alaskan wilderness combating the Russian Spetsnaz, doing things that most people would not dare want to do. After a dark meeting with a contact at a ski resort, blood is spilled on the slopes and Flynn is left on the run vowing not to take a bullet himself. The link to the next mystery that plagues the world rests in one of the most hostile areas on Earth, but Flynn is not scared, he lives life dangerously, or else he would not be doing what he does for a career. Nor would he have joined the Quartet Directorate and made himself one of the shadowy figures the world depends on.

Flynn teams up with Laura Van Horn to place himself quietly and precisely in the confines of a country that no American would date want to be, Iran. It is not a place that most people dare to visit, much less sneak into, to find who is behind the plan to bring MIDNIGHT to fruition. Finding out why Moscow has connections to the vilified country and why they are retrofitting large commercial naval vessels to launch weapons is on the to-do list while on his foreign country vacation. The depth of deception and treachery grows deep while Flynn is tasked with risking life and limb to serve the greater good in lands far from home. 

Brown delivers a sky bounding adventure with unmatched imagination. Nick Flynn is one of the characters that you feel like you have known forever but you are waiting to learn so much more about. Precise character development, a great supporting cast, and a plot that bleeds like a big screen flick keep you glued the whole time. The pace slows a bit to help set up the kickoff into violating airspace of a sovereign nation, but Nick Flynn is a damn fine character, and this was a fun read. 

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In The Blood By Jack Carr

Jack Carr has come out of the gates extremely hot. I’m talking complete fire. He has not only set the literary world on fire by continuously working his way to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Podcasts, beach living, gun shows and competitions, not to mention gracing the pages of Vickers Guide to SIG Sauer, he’s literally everywhere. Now he’s about to have one of the world’s most famous actors in Chris Pratt playing his beloved James Reece on Amazon Prime. You can’t stop him. By the way, In The Blood is here. Enjoy.

Life has been changing for James Reece. You’ve probably followed him for a few years now. It hasn’t been easy, and he has been challenged time and time again to prove his worth. He’s succeeded in every way in proving how bad ass and determined he is. No one should ever bet against him. He has a mission though, one that has not changed in some time. Nizar Kattan, Syrian death dealer, sniper extraordinaire, a huge pain in the ass. It’s been Reece’s mission to find and eliminate the person responsible for the death of Navy SEAL brother Freddy Strain.

A nondescript airplane in Africa is on its way to Paris is about to find its final resting place, at the hands of the man that Reece wants to find more than anyone else. As Reece, Katie, and brother in arms Raife Hastings are enjoying their normal banter before a meal, they are brought back to the importance of the moment as they find out that one of the people aboard that plane ensures that it was no accident. Reece begins his journey to find out what happened and find the man that is most likely responsible for the murder of over 100 people in Africa. After stopping through Langley with Vic Rodriguez and Camp David to have a drink with the President, Reece is introduced to one of the coolest things I hope the United States Government is honestly working on. It involves Artificial Intelligence and would be a total game changer.

Any who, James Reece doesn’t quit. Never does, never will. Can’t stop, won’t stop. He’s jet setting around the globe doing his thing, finding the dirtbag responsible, and the devil comes a knocking. After Kattan is captured, things heat up as Reece is dealt a few curveballs. Cheating death is no easy feat, but Reece is no ordinary man, he can tell the devil to kick rocks. Joining with one of the best wing men you could probably have ever, Reece ensures that if you cross him, you’ll be taking a dirt nap. Utilizing the strengths and weaknesses of him and those around him, Reece carefully crafts a plan to finish what should have never started. 

The story flows smoothly and you can see Carr’s writing ability growing in the series. Gun battles, sniper hides, and double crosses continue throughout, as expected. Carr shows professorial authority in his historical lessons, allowing Reece to continue his hunt for truth and justice. Carr delivers another chart-topping adventure that is worthy of the death and destruction that Reece leaves in his wake. BZ Jack.

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Short Mission By D.J. Scott

Thrillers today are written in many different forms with a single lead or a team of characters that are doing their jobs that force them into dangerous situations. DJ Scott had captured two of the most riveting characters who bring a whole new meaning to the word team. Scott brings back reservists lt. Commander Michael McGregor, Naval doctor, and U.S. Marine Corps captain Kelli Moore to help with solving a problem of epic proportions. As reservists, McGregor and Moore are doing life in their normal civilian jobs as an ER doctor and Detective for a local enforcement when summoned. 

McGregor and Moore are two upstanding citizens who the world owes a debt of gratitude after their mission to track down stolen nuclear weapons. Americans watching the news have seen that there are potential chemical weapons going off domestically that are inciting panic. Offenders of the terrorism happening in their own backyard are only known by one man, and he has reached out to help escape from Europe, while British intelligence and another group are trying to prevent that. McGregor and Moore are sent on a super-secret adventure to locate and extract Maxim Korshkin, the arms dealer responsible for the death of American service men and women in an almost botched covert operation overseas. As McGregor and Moore make their way to a new assignment overseas, CIA Officer Jennifer Kim is presented their unlikely handler, as her past is marked as hazardous it couldn’t be anymore tedious. 

Roadblocks and hurdles are cast in front of the duo quickly, forcing them to realize that they have targets on their backs. Following the trail of Korshkin is no easy feat as they are hunted, but immediately brings out the incredible woman in Moore and forces the hand of the methodical McGregor. But they have an ace up their sleeve, Moore is the daughter of a well renowned grandfather, Sir Charles Moore, with all the gadgets and gizmos that one could ever dream about. The trail to Korshkin involves one of huge geopolitical proportions and must be dealt with delicately. 

Scott brings these larger-than-life characters down to a level that is extremely likable and easily identifiable with. McGregor and Moore are more than just partners as you come to find out that near death experiences make life more passionate. The challenge of stopping terrorism is not an easy task,  but McGregor and Moore are two fascinating individuals that just happen to make a badass team. 

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Storm Rising By Chris Hauty

Hauty brings Chill back in Storm Rising to a place that no man or woman would ever want to be. Alone. Chill is tasked with preserving the sanctity of the democracy of the United States while dealing with overwhelming emotions.

Hayley Chill is an instrument of peace, a tool afforded to the shadowy group Publius, to prevent anarchy and mayhem. What happens when that mayhem is not only happening in the United States but in Chill’s life as well? After the insanely perfect ending to Savage Road, Chill is dealing with the eye-opening revelation about her father with how she knows best, alone. We visit Chill back in West Virginia fighting to find some normalcy in her life. She has reverted to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts training to regain some of her old self. Called back to D.C. by her Publius handler Andrew Wilde, she is tasked for an overseas assignment when information surfaces that redirects her attention. Fast forward to Texas where events deemed terrorististic are requiring the Army National Guard to intervene.

While clues are slowly starting to be pieced together, you get a glimpse of an overreach involving a white supremacist ideology plaguing the nation from the top down. Numerous incidents which require interdiction lead Hayley to a crucial crossroads where she must make the most vital decisions to protect innocent people. Chill uses her training and intuition to gather intelligence and investigate the growing dread that has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Hauty delivers another tenacious edge of your seat thriller that has Chill fighting for the lives of herself and every American. Hayley Chill is full of strength and honor, along with dedication to country and self. Chill is the charismatic and strong-willed character that defines the true meaning of selflessness in this upbeat adventure that bleeds unity and kindness.

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Cold Snap By Marc Cameron

Marc Cameron can produce some of the most outstanding and heart pounding thrillers in the game. I have seen a lot of his work including the Jericho Quinn Series, his solid Tom Clancy novels, and of more recent his great work in the Arliss Cutter series. 

Cameron has really grown the mystique and intrigue of such a hard-nosed and dedicated US Marshall in Arliss Cutter. Cutter has a set of rules that he lives by that not everyone agrees with but can completely understand why he does the things he does. Cutter has always been about the non-flashy and grinding day to day work of bringing prisoners in to pay their dues. In Cold Snap, Cutter teams up with Lola Teariki and a whole host of others for what seems to be another day in treacherous Alaska. Cutter isn’t one to complain so when he needs to help a fellow Marshall, he readies himself and gets to work. On a quick up and back to one of the north oil locations to grab some prisoners for processing, things get dicey. The unforgivable Alaskan storms and cold weather present a challenge all to themselves but when you put violent criminals and the devastating animal kingdom on edge, they get even hairier. 

With such dedication to the job and the craft that he has been performing for years, Cutter seems to put everyone else first at times and forgets about his own past. He’s been a great family man, his brothers’ children and widow and to those that know Cutter’s past, he doesn’t have the best of luck with women. When this unfortunate trip turns personal, how will Cutter hold up to the accusations of days gone by?

Cameron continues to deliver brilliant action and untouched landscapes, as the Alaskan wilderness is always painted with such vibrance and peril. Cutter is cut from a cloth that is not too prevalent in America anymore. The steadfast devotion and skill that he lends to his career make him one of the finest law enforcement characters ever. The hard charging and sometimes young at heart Teariki are a formidable team that can accomplish anything and are always in the most dangerous of situations. This is another top-notch thriller that includes everything you could ask for. 

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Assassin's Edge By Ward Larsen

Ward Larsen is nothing short of a phenomenal author and his latest just goes to prove that. His main character David Slaton has been a staple in my annual reading and after seeing what Slaton was up to in Assassin's Strike and Assassins Revenge, this was a must read for sure.

David Slaton, former Mossad assassin, is under CIA protection near the Montana-Idaho border when two simultaneous tragedies end his vacation. Raven 44, a United States spy plane, is shot down in murky circumstances in Russian airspace. Over three thousand miles away, the daughter of a close Israeli friend is mysteriously kidnapped while running down Mossad leads in Kazakhstan. Slaton is called into action to determine who the people are who are causing trouble across the world. As David is placed into perilous action, three decrepit freighters are setting up to cause even more trouble while attempting to start the mother of all wars. 

Rescue attempts are thwarted by bad actors, gun runners are mercilessly interrogated, and the world is on the brink of collapse as Slaton tries to find answers. The weapons used might seem far-fetched but in fact, they are not. Directed energy weapons, electromagnetic pulsing weapons, and hypersonic death raining from above are all achievable and are being tested in real life. Does David Slaton have the tenacity and dedication to ensure the world doesn’t come crashing down? 

Larsen delivers an unending amount of realism that is conceivable and terrifying at the same time. Slaton’s practicality and persistence in this man-on-a-mission adventure is incredible. Saving lives and enacting revenge are only part of what Slaton is capable of, and Larsen time and time again shows his tenacity and capability in Assassins Edge. This is not a book to miss as it will have you on the edge of the seat throughout. 

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Blood On The Trail By Terrence McCauley

I don’t normally read too many westerns, but they are by far some of my favorite stories from a time long gone. I enjoy the camaraderie and the pace of life that was present back in the day, which was a Tuesday by the way, it always is. To think that people lived life with death surrounding them from all sides without the simple necessities that we have today is amazing, which makes the authentic western feel that McCauley captures that more impressive. 

In the first of a new series, McCauley brings to life a complex yet charismatic deputy U.S. Marshall Jeremiah Halstead. Halstead if on the dusty Montana trail running from Rock Creek to Helena, by way of Silver Cloud. After capturing the infamous Hudson gang leader, John Hudson, Halstead uses his wit and intrepidness to end one of the most businesslike standoffs I’ve ever seen. Halstead is doing what is right and always thinking about the implications of the actions he takes, yet at no point is he able to rest as his body count starts to pile up.

In what should have been a welcoming, Halstead meets the lazy and overconfident sheriff with his cronies and bones are broken along with pride. As he learns who really runs the town, his time in Silver Cloud is plagued by inconsistent management from his boss, the death of one of the promiscuous saloon gals, and bad intentions from the town’s banker and so-called owner. Halstead’s past defines his current state of mind and how he operates, but McCauley doesn’t give up too much, heightening the intrigue. Hudson’s gang is trying to spring their former leader from jail, and the hanging that is likely back in Helena and use all kinds of trickery to try and kill Halstead. Will Halstead succeed in getting his catch back to Helena for prosecution, or will the scorned group of outlaws get their man back? Whatever the outcome, there will have been plenty of shots fired. 

McCauley crafts an exciting western adventure flush with unending action while bringing authentic emotion to an era exhausted by time. Jeremiah Halstead is a remarkable character that is not immune to the flaws that plague his foes as well. His devotion to his mission while being a lone wolf leads to incredible gunfights in the unending battle for the life of John Hudson.  If you enjoy westerns, this one will definitely quench your thirst. 

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Wild Card By Stephen England

Stephen England has continued to impress with his work. The thrillers Lodestone and The Lions Paw were two of my recent favorites and they were loaded with action. Having done extensive research on the Middle East and the groups and factions that roam that area, his work is authentic and fast paced.

Harry Nichols is a bad ass man. He has got the gusto. But there must be a little bit of crazy built in as things in this are dark and twisted. Nichols is homebound for a quick R&R trip but gets rerouted. Landing in Germany, he meets with Michael Hignett, the CIA’s Chief of Base in Istanbul, Turkey. Mehmet Ecevit, an auto shop mechanic is just trying to live a more normal life after fleeing Turkey for Germany. As things progress, Ecevit’s past comes to haunt him as the man who he once feared shows himself. Working with German GSG-9 and BfV, both Federal Police units, Hignett and Nichols are trying to figure out why terror continues to plague the Middle East and less war-torn areas of Europe. Did I mention Mehmet use to be a CIA asset? Would that be alarming? What happens next will leave families torn apart and miles of steps to retrace. The past that has come to haunt Mehmet, turns him into the man that Islamic terrorists are trying to free while Harry and his group of hunters are prowling.

England brings a thriller to the table that would be terrifying on the big screen. The teamwork from GSG-9 and BfV along with Harry's steadfast service pushes the pedal to the floor, while dark secrets long buried return to the present where one would think they would be able to hide. Dedication and adventure are two clear requirements for the CIA and Harry Nichols defines every bit of it. England gives you a front row seat to the nitty gritty side of counterterrorism operations that keep the world safe.

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The Lightning Rod By Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer has been busy over the last decade, writing fiction and non-fiction and hosting multiple different television shows. His devotion to providing incredible content is second to none and his writing is always outperforming the field. In this latest Zig and Nola adventure, The Lightning Rod, Meltzer leaves no twist or turn behind and creates one of the most satisfying reads I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. 

Archie Mint is a former military investigator with personal flaws that are known by a select few. Mint is brutally murdered in one of the best opening scenes I have enjoyed. After the actions of a struggling steakhouse valet turns Mint’s world upside down, we start the journey of finding out what lead to his demise. Insert Jim ‘Zig’ Zigarowski, a long tenured mortician who used to work at Dover Air Force base, ensuring fallen heroes of Americas military are peacefully and delicately prepared for burial. Zig is mysteriously asked for an encore to help prepare Archie Mint for his funeral when he sees unfriendly faces and one important person he hasn’t seen in quite some time. Nola brown, an amazing artist, and former Air Force artist-in-residence with a torturous background, shows her face briefly at Mint’s funeral and starts the march for truth and justice.

What transpires is a race to find the group that once was on the scene of one of the United States most secretive and valuable collections. While Zig attempts to figure out why Nola was at the funeral, a whole host of bad actors come into play. The trail follows Nola’s family’s past, an uneasy finding for Zig about his daughter, the Mint family’s unstable atmosphere, and the actions of the team that found the smoking gun at Grandma’s Pantry years ago. Not only do things not come easily for Zig and Nola, but a deadly kill team known simply as ‘The Reds’ are on the hunt for answers but more importantly, blood. When the dust settles and the story ends, no one is left unscathed. 

The cast list is long but easily managed through Meltzer’s detailed storytelling. There is no shortage of intrigue as the plot follows many angles and provides readers many suspects to consider. You’ll be absolutely stunned by the amazing substory that follows Zig and his family, as well as the bomb shell that has followed Nola to this day. Meltzer writes the perfect story about imperfect people and will test the limits of your imagination.  

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The Night Shift By Alex Finlay

Alex Finlay – The Night Shift

As of recently I have been trying to open myself up to genres or subgenres that I have been avoiding. One of the main ones is the crime and mystery thrillers that are extremely prevalent in the book world. There are many talented authors writing some of these and after reading The Night Shift by Alex Finlay, I will be reading more.

Finlay starts off a dynamic story of who, what, where, when and WOW. After a gruesome set of murders at a movie rental store in Linden, New Jersey, the suspect is unfortunately released prior to crucial evidence coming to light. The years have somewhat softened the terror and fear that have plagued Ella Monroe, the lone survivor of that tragic New Year’s Eve from years ago. Fast forward to where Ella is now a productive therapist helping others when a nearly imperceptible copycat set of murders occurs at a local ice cream shop. In eerie similarity, there is one survivor, Jesse Duvall. And as the story continues, you will learn that there is more to those murders that she is connected too.

Covering the recent case as a local public defender, we get to learn a little about Chris Ford, who also has a very haunting and connected past. Teaming up with Julia, another up and coming lawyer at the Union County Public Defender’s office, they are about to tackle this case head on. While leading the public defense for an unlikely suspect, the team learns quickly that everyone has dark secrets, and they could be a conflict of interest. The local police force teams with a FBI field office where we meet Special Agent Sarah Keller, a veteran agent who is super pregnant. While Keller and Atticus Singh, another Union County investigator, attempt to link the two cases, the nasty reality of life comes to a head and shows that not all skeletons in your closet are gone forever. 

The buildup to the finale is frightening and everyone has problems that they must battle while trying to fight for others. The imperfect characters in this twist filled debacle of a case only ass to the fascination that bleeds from every page. Finlay effortlessly blends the best and worst of humanity in one of the best stories I’ve ever read. If you haven’t given this one a thought, then check it out and you’ll be pleased. 

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Beneath The Stairs By Jennifer Fawcett

Jennifer Fawcett drops her debut into the thriller world, and it should come paired with a psychiatrist. Beneath the Stairs is creepily dark, giving me chills right out of the gate. 

Exploring and adventuring out for hours as a kid is something that none of us are unfamiliar with. Beneath the Stairs brings you back to your childhood and allows you to immediately connect with the characters as they head out discovering the haunted past of the Octagon house in Sumner’s Mills. The home is the thing of nightmares. Ones that do more than just haunt your dreams. As you follow Clare with her friends Abby, Monica, and Lori, they stumble upon dark secrets that continue to draw them back to the house. A house that has more secrets than believable.

Following freaky circumstances between the friends they do what kids do, they tell their parents they are staying at each other’s homes so they can spend a night partying with older kids. Clare meets her crush and is in progress of becoming vulnerable when things get messy, and the course of their lives are changed forever. Abby becomes traumatized after a spine-chilling encounter that same night that ruins a friendship and forces a family to move.

Years later, Clare receives unwanted emails from Abby concerning their past and the Octagon house. Abby obsesses over the home and then is found unresponsive after a spooky suicide attempt. While trying to deal with the fallout of losing her job and a failed Chicago area relationship, Clare makes the trip to Sumner’s Mills to see what is happening. 

Fawcett brings everything in this debut from lost love and redemption to the dark pasts and secrets that homes can contain. I easily pictured myself walking around the Octagon house and imagining every bit of the detail that Fawcett describes. The story is delivered amazingly, seemingly from a season veteran. Fawcett coordinates the timeline flawlessly, and it plays out great. The amount of creepiness in this book is phenomenal, not the kind of creepiness where you’re like I can’t read this, it’s too much. But the kind where you’re like no kid, don’t do it, don’t put your hand on the hot stove. You just know something bad is going to happen, but Fawcett throws some great curve balls.

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Blue Fire By John Gilstrap

I have never read any John Gilstrap work until Blue Fire came across my NetGalley.com feed and I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Blue Fire has a post-apocalyptic vibe while it also draws on the consistent ability of the government to screw things up. With the political back and forth seen in the news every day, this shows the aftermath of bad decisions and how they can affect the people that they represent.

One of the main locations in this adventure is Ortho, West Virginia, where former congresswoman Victoria Emerson has taken refuge. After choosing not to hide away in a bunker with the rest of the surviving branches of the federal government, Victoria has become the pseudo mayor of this shanty town. She also requires all capable members of this community to be fully committed to serving, not a hard bargain if you ask me. After the bombs have dropped all over America in Gilstrap’s first, Crimson Phoenix, we start to see the lawlessness. An unfortunate meeting occurs as a neighboring town comes to speak with Victoria and a gun fight ends the chat and riles up the tension. For those that are stuck in the wilderness and unsettled areas surrounding these dangerous towns, they must make their own safety or become just another body in the ground. 

As Victoria and Ortho continue to be receptive to random people walking into town, the inhabitants of the government facility are trying to determine what is happening outside the safety of their bunker. In a brave mission, one of the people attempts to go out to record the findings and meets an untimely demise. Emerson is seemingly keeping herself inundated with a broad list of keep busy items to not focus on the fact that her husband was overseas when the war started, and her oldest son was at military school which is now not standing. 

Gilstrap does an amazing job of bringing together another modern-day Red Dawn while showing that humanity can have a chance at survival with the right people involved. Though no one is immune in the aftermath of the nuclear war that was unleashed all over earth, the bloody and fierce battle between neighboring towns continue as people are literally fighting for their lives. A harsh reality and unnerving emotion highlight the hellish landscape in which few survive but maybe staying alive isn’t surviving.

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Dark Horse By Gregg Hurwitz

Gregg Hurwitz has captured one of the most remarkable characters ever in Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, in a series that bucks the trend of traditional lawlessness and political deviation. Smoak is a unique man with his own stable of quirks, but what sets him apart is his willingness and dedication to helping those in need, even though he has zero obligation to do so. 

If you’re up to speed in the Nowhere Man series, you know Orphan X has been dealt a blow, one in the form of the destruction of his sacred hideaway. We meet up with Smoak in the aftermath of the disastrous end of Prodigal Son as he utilizes the orphan code, while navigating the ‘not’ relationship with Mia and the bond that has grown with computer genius Joey. Employing workers to help redevelop and restore the man pad back to sanctuary status, Smoak’s title as the Nowhere Man reaches Aragón Urrea, an international businessman with questionable clientele. Smoak takes on a job of questionable proportions in south Texas to help find and liberate Anjelina, the daughter of Aragón, after she mysteriously is kidnapped at her quinceañera. Using classic Orphan X tactics and methodology, Smoak works his way into the offending group's secret lair. Not really a secret, but more of a haven to plan their secret takeover of the world. Okay not that either, but you get the point. While attempting to gain trust and route his way deeper inside the home turf, Smoak finds and locates Anjelina with even more disturbing news. 

Fast forward through smoke and spend shell casings. Evan has a plan; he always has a plan. But Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they’re punched in the face.” True for Evan as he deals with the violent leadership and sicarios working for the kidnappers. He then proceeds to concoct the mother of all escape plans. Leaning on his gear guy, Tommy Stojack, Smoak acquires the gear necessary to put the plan into action. By the way, his ‘not’ relationship with Mia has a giant hurdle to overcome which leads him to have to decide to follow the orphan code he has so strictly relied on or disregard them and make the toughest decision in his life. 

Hurwitz continues to create remarkable plots for the legend of Evan Smoak. The continuous give and take that Smoak must traverse, battling his own inner code, commands your attention on every page. This adventure delves into the humanity of Evan Smoak, allowing you to see more of who he is. Smoak is made to be the fearless and crazily-dedicated mercenary, but when is enough, enough? When this mission ends, what will be left of the assassin that was Orphan X and what will become the man that is left in Evan Smoak?

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The Runaway By Nick Petrie

Nick Petrie is back this year with another great adventure starring Peter Ash. If you’ve never met Ash, you’ll quickly learn he is a troubled former Marine Recon Lieutenant. He’s got problems, we all do, but Peter Ash is never afraid to lend help to those in need. The Runaway is a perfect example of the completely flawed and brilliant character that Petrie has brought to life. 

Things start off in a busted ass gas and grocery in Podunk Montana. A young girl by the name of Helene, working a dead-end job on the register, is trapped by terrible luck and a manipulative sheriff’s deputy. While contemplating life’s lemons, in walks a gentleman to fill up his tanks for a long road trip. Could he be Mr. Right, or Mr. Right now? Doing anything to get out of the god forsaken town, Helene hitches a ride and ditches Coldwater, Montana. She has a tough time trying to read the mysterious Roy Wiley, her supposed savior until his career choices become apparent. 

As far as Peter Ash goes, he’s got a knack for being there for people when they are in need. Helene is a prime example as Ash finds her on the side of a road, broken down. While rendering assistance, the marathon of fighting begins for Ash and Helene. Peter is on the run from a relentless group of people that Helene wants nothing to do with, and he’s just biding his time and trying to not eat a bullet. While working through dangerous country attempting a daring rescue, Ash must be wary of all law enforcement as they supposedly associate with Wiley. Helene fights for her life while Peter fights with her sociopath tormenter repeatedly. Who decides who lives and who dies? 

The excitement of the challenge Ash faces bleeds from the first page and doesn’t end until the last. With that being said, Petrie made me hate Roy Wiley and I loved it. The amount of emotion he allows you to feel for the characters is amazing in this one. The landscapes and tremendous action are classic Peter Ash and quite possibly the best one yet. Ash has always been in unique locations, the great outdoors, amazing river and mountainous views, and Petrie constantly paints masterpieces. 

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Targeted By Stephen Hunter

Bob. Lee. Swagger.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend. Bob Lee Swagger has led a life of dedication and service to the good ‘ole USA. The former Vietnam Vet/Marine sniper has some years on his body, but he's not lost the drive to keep people safe.

Stephen Hunter's Targeted starts off with a bang. Actually a few bangs, muffled bangs. Swagger's enjoying life in his rocking chair, recuperating after being shot by a terrorist. Congresswoman Charlotte Venable subpoenas Swagger for his act of heroism.

Swagger delivers the truth, and battles the committee back and forth until they bring up family history… This book includes shadowy operatives and foreign bad guys, which come to a head at the judiciary meeting. Hostages are taken, demands are given, and pants are wetted.

Hunter gives us an irresistible Swagger adventure! With glimpses of Redcoat treachery, unwavering dedication to country and endless servitude, Swagger will go down as one of the finest crafted characters ever. I have always enjoyed the Hunter Swagger novels, but the feel of this one is fantastic. Great work Mr. Hunter.

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End Of Days By Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor has always been one of my favorite authors due to his finesse and ability to create such an amazing character like Pike Logan. Logan is nothing short of a badass and he is continuously at the forefront of the to-be-read books when they become available. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Brad and his lovely wife Elaine here in Charleston SC, and if you have the opportunity do not pass it up. They are some of the most down to earth people and are extremely fun to be around. 

Pike Logan and girlfriend/wife to be Jennifer Cahill, ‘Koko’, are gearing up for a huge day, but are they ready for the End of Days. The wedding she wants, small and informal, with just the closest of friends and family, is here and she’s ready to relax. As they’re preparing for the big day, a small team of religious radicals, not the normal ones, are on the prowl to start World War III. The kind of war that attempts to eradicate an entire group of people. 

Shoshana and Aaron, former Mossad, are in Charleston, SC preparing for the Logan/Cahill wedding when they decide to ask for help. Without Taskforce assistance they will be hurting. The team is on the hunt in an Alpha mission to find out why prominent Americans and Israelis are turning up dead. With everything leading towards a Hezbollah linked operation, funded by Iran, the Taskforce begins to work. Pike and the team fight through mysterious killings in Italy and even have to dodge a casual car bomb while on the hunt for the notorious ‘Ninja Turtles’. 

The mismatch of Israeli contractors and American shadow figures finally get HQ Taskforce backing to help and find the people responsible for the heinous attacks on civilians leading them through Syria and Israel. Splitting a team up is never a good choice but considering the villains in play, the Taskforce splits as the tension ratchets up while guns, bombs, and God are at nothing but the forefront. 

Taylor crafts a modern-day thriller built on biblical prophecies that will have you glued to the pages. It’s not a chest bumping religious novel, it’s the cruel and callous Pike Logan that we have all come to know and love. He’s dangerous, ruthless, and what America needs as he wreaks havoc on bad guys all over the globe. Taylor’s research and imagination are full of action-filled scenes and endless bloodshed. Pike and Koko, along with the rest of the Taskforce, are always ready for a gunfight and this one will not disappoint. 

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Insurrection Day By Chris Hauty

Chris Hauty brings the stellar Hayley Chill back in a quick-paced novella playing off the political protests of January 6th. Utilizing the confrontational political environment plaguing the United States right now, this will hit a little more than most political thrillers normally do. 

After two fascinating reads from Hauty in Deep State and Savage Road, Hayley Chill is found reeling from a failure of the most epic proportions. Russian interference in American politics in the form of President Monroe forces a closer protection of politicians and the scared positions that they hold. While violent protests are taking place across America, a major uprising at the Capitol building in D.C. forces the eventual evacuation of American lawmakers. 

Chill just happens to be in the Capitol when protestors start storming the building leading to a constant head-turning escape that leads through numerous locations. After stumbling across Senator Rittenhouse being protected by a single USCP officer and a few support staff, Chill assists in leading the group to relative safety until the Senator realizes his laptop of seemingly significant importance has been left behind. As Chill teams up with Officer Gomes to return to the Capitol building to retrieve the prized technology all hell breaks loose. The unimaginable happens on United States soil and death surrounds Chill at every corner. The worst case possible is happening and she must act quickly to prevent any damaging information from coming to light. As protestors run wild in the Capitol, foreign operations of espionage are in full swing which require steadfast dedication and action immediately. 

Chill is a badass woman with phenomenal skills who fights for what is right while everything is crashing down around her. Chill’s keen awareness and unparalleled devotion paired with Hauty’s intense storytelling may leave you wanting this novella to magically become a full-length novel. It will hold you over though until Storm Rising releases later in May of 2022.

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Covert Kill By Jason Kasper

Jason Kasper is at it again in Covert Kill and the phenomenal team of secret agency operators from Project Longwing are fascinating. Kasper might not be that well known but he has produced some of my favorite thrilling reads in this awesome series. The characters alone do not follow the same style as Mitch Rapp or Scot Harvath, but as a whole they are New York Times bestseller list worthy.

Riley, Ian, Cancer, Racegun, and leader David make up the Project Longwing team in Covert Kill as they navigate the African streets of Nigeria. The group is on a recon mission to find and apprehend Boko Haram warlord Usman Mohammed, which ends quickly as Usman has security that thwarts their first attempt. After being redirected to determine the whereabouts of a recently kidnapped group of American oil executives, the team surveils the large Sambisa Forest which leads to the recovery of a portion of the prisoners and the apprehension of the warlord. As with most foreign country excursions, Nigeria takes credit and wants the terrorists for themselves. 

Following a couple casual B&E’s at a shipping port and local drug warehouse, the story comes to a head as David and the group are up against a non-stop operational tempo that leaves them ragged as Boko Haram demands the release and transfer of captured terrorists in exchange for the remaining captives Project Longwing sets up from the mother of all missions in known terrorist territory. You have to pick it up to see how everything ends, but you will not be disappointed. 

Kasper does everything right, blending remarkable action and captivating intrigue, in this amazing Project Longwing operation. If you haven't picked up any of his work and enjoyed the team he’s created, then be sure to pick any of them up, but in my preference start with The Enemies of My Country. Not only does it exude the classic spec operator vibes and pure patriotism, but the amount of adrenaline that fuels these stories is second to none.

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Armored By Mark Greaney

Mark Greaney has been at the forefront of thriller action for the last decade with “The Gray Man.” Time and time again he delivers sensational bestsellers that never cease to amaze. And if the filming of the $200 million dollar Netflix Gray Man movie wasn’t enough to be excited about, Greaney now has his own Audible Original in Armored.

Armored is not for the faint of heart. We start off by learning about Josh Duffy, or ‘Duff’ as his friends call him, who is a former Marine turned private military contractor (PMC). After a stint in the sandbox overseas goes horribly wrong, Duff ends up doing his best Paul Blart imitation as a mall cop. Duff and his wife, a former Army helicopter pilot, are just trying to make ends meet when the less-respected PMC Armored Saint company has a job that peaks Duff’s interest. It offers a lot of money, quick, but the catch is it is in a cartel run region of Mexico. What he doesn’t know heading into this dangerous mission is he was hand picked for this job as a team leader only days prior to launch. Seems a little suspect. 

While in Mexico, the team oversees security for a group trying to establish some normalcy and bring peace to the drug infested region. After a couple of small battles with local militias and cartel sympathizers the group is almost to the main operating area when things get turned upside down. At the desired meeting location, Duff and the crew of Armored Saint see weird things happen which lead to an unbelievable ending.

Greaney brings the action like a heat seeking missile. The pulse pounding exchange of gunfire leads to an amazingly fun finale. The cast assembled does a remarkable job in bringing to life the expertly written thrill ride. If you haven’t had a chance get on Audible and listen to Armored. You won’t be disappointed. 

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Arctic Sea By David Poyer

Captain Dan Lenson has been a staple of David Poyer’s writing adventures since the late 1980’s. He has left nothing to the imagination as Lenson has lived a storied career as an Officer in the United States Navy. Following the events of World War III and the battle with China, the U.S. is dealing with an unwanted civil war while trying to stymie foreign powers from gaining a military advantage. 

As the Arctic Sea begins, Capt. Lenson navigates the aftermath of the war at home and abroad with an abrupt deployment to Alaska for an unusual geological survey for a potential port of operations. Lenson is also battling medical issues from radiation exposure from the war and an international investigation to actions he took while the commanding officer of the USS Savo Island. Not only is Dan a big deal, but his wife Blair is also heading up a Presidential election campaign for a former Naval Admiral while everything that could go wrong does. Nancy Lenson, daughter of Blair and Dan, is a CDC representative taking risks to enter rebellious held areas trying to calm the spread of a typhoid epidemic. 

Lenson embarks on his temporary assignment as Lieutenant Commander Sloan Tomlin and his team are utilizing the Orca Prime equipment to hunt down a newly minted Russian nuclear tipped torpedo. As Tomlin and the crew on the submarine USS Tang are on the hunt, the AI ability and communications suite doesn’t work as intended. Tomlin in turn decides manual control of the Orca is the only way to ensure mission success. Following hours of harrowing experiences, it’s on Dan Lenson to conduct a precarious rescue mission. 

Poyer delivers a very harrowing and perilous story that defies the odds. One of true heroism and dedication to country, even one in violent disrepair. The adventure isn’t set on one specific action and allows the group of main characters to work in unison even though there is a bit of unease and uncertainty in their assignments. There is nothing but true authentic feelings and detail in this Lenson thriller. If you’ve never read the Dan Lenson series, you have an amazing 20+ book series to catch up on.

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