Outlaw By Jack Stewart

Following his stellar debut, Jack Stewart delivers a fascinating adventure where death is lurking around every corner and only time will tell if anyone survives in Outlaw.

Colt Bancroft is back doing what he loves, flying fighter jets and harnessing the power that man has come to love. While attached to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan in the East China Sea, Colt’s story starts off a bit dangerously while ‘Doc’ Sierra Crowe is riding backseat. Unfortunately, an undercover CIA officer is kidnapped in China while trying to obtain some information concerning a potential attack against American assets.

Miles away from the East China Sea, NCIS Special Agent Emmy ‘Punky’ King, is busy still trying to figure out who the people were who were teaming with Chinese operatives aboard the Reagan in Unknown Rider. As information gets to the Americans that their agent in China is missing, Punky must now protect an assets wife and child in San Diego when bullets start flying. While the story builds, a new synthetic bioweapon is being released and the world is at risk and the people paid to protect her must stand up to the challenge or lives will be lost.

Stewart delivers a clever addition to his Battle Born series as Punky and the NCIS are still working through the fiasco from before. Colt Bancroft is a solid character with no introduction needed who is always ready with his high-flying war steed. His character is paramount and lives up to the calling of an All-American fly-boy. Punky has a no nonsense attitude that is clear from page one. She’s a riveting character with unkempt charisma and it shows through her increased facetime here in book two.

I was unsure of where Stewart was going to take this story following his debut, but he has delivered a no-frills hard-hitting thriller that will have you riding shotgun in Colt’s F-18F Super Hornet. He provides unmatched details from the launch sequence to tracking and firing on enemy targets. His story never lets up and even has one of the most graphic and squeamish scenes I think I have ever read. Hands down Stewart’s writing is on the rise and his storytelling ability is top-notch. If you’re up for an exhilarating ride in an F-18 and saving an American officer kidnapped in China, Buckle Up, Outlaw has you covered.

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Village In The Dark By Iris Yamashita

In one hell of a follow up to her debut, Iris Yamashita brings the heat in Village in the Dark as Detective Cara Kennedy's past comes back to life.

Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy has been through a literal ringer. Haunted by the passing of her family and the unknowingly violent adventures in Point Mettier, new information comes to light that has her diving into solved cases for clues. Teaming up with beau and fellow law enforcement officer Joe Barkowski, Kennedy returns to the Dav-Co to ask questions after pictures of her and other Alaskans that have disappeared are found on a gang member's cell phone.

Ellie Wright, 14th floor apartment block owner, has used Point Mettier as a haven from her former criminal husband. That all changes when her son Timmy is found dead in his apartment from an apparent overdose and her murderous ex walks back into her life. Ellie rides a way of emotions as she mourns the passing of her son and the reemergence of her ex as she attempts to assist Cara with her hunt for answers as the two are inexplicably tied by some unknown force. While all of this is unfolding, Mia Upash from the Unity community is learning to live life in man’s world only to find out that it is dangerous and is somehow tied into the passing of Kennedy’s husband and son.

Without a doubt this has all the makings for a television show or a movie. Yamashita brings so much to the table with this life-altering journey that Kennedy must battle through. First off, she’s been on an emotional roller coaster that would have most people self-medicating improperly. The emotions range from highest highs to lowest lows as love is lost, then found only to be lost again.

What she also drops into your lap is action and drama that you wouldn’t be expecting. The Alaskan wilderness must be known as the Wild North as there are firearms everywhere, weapons caches galore if you will. I couldn’t put this down as there was everything I could want and more from hitting me in the feels, as well as a few well timely shootouts. Yamashita builds Kennedy as a strong confident woman on the outside, but possibly broken and shattered on the inside waiting to be put back together. She allows Kennedy time to grow and learn to let go at times. Through the host of supporting characters, she also blends multiple angles of the same story to tie it all up in a nice bow at the end. If you haven’t found her first, pick up City Under One Roof and get prepared for a pleasant surprise in Village in the Dark in February 2024.

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The Book Of Doors By Gareth Brown

Gareth Brown creates a mystical world filled with enchantment and imagination in The Book of Doors. When one woman falls into possession of one of the most highly prized books ever created her life is forever changed.

In a small New York City bookstore, Cassie Andrews witnesses the passing of one her dearest customers first hand.’s The death of Mr. Webber takes back seat though, to a magical gift left behind with no discernible writing, just pictures of doors and a bunch of scribbles. This is where her friend Izzy embarks on a journey with her experiencing the magical places that The Book of Doors leads too.

While jumping from location to location through the power of the special book that Cassie has become owner of, a hunt begins as people are positioning themselves to take advantage of a library of magical books. As death lurks around the corner, Cassie meets up with owner of the Book of Shadows, Mr. Drummond Fox. Fox and Cassie become quite the duo as the play the long game to keep a specific lady from the mist, from taking all of the rare books on earth. It’s up to Cassie and crew to prevent these books from falling into the wrong hands and being lost forever.

This was one of the most captivating stories I’ve ever read. Following a rag tag group of people through the past and present, you get to experience darkness, pain, despair, along with joy and illusion. The characters are at their ends as they battle ferociously written antagonists. The story is one of a kind experience that will leave you satisfied and searching for nothing more.

His story telling ability is second to none as he cleverly lays out a story that jumps around from past to present and includes well developed and interesting characters. Cassie was one of my favorites but Izzy and her budding romance with Lund adds a special feeling to the story as you navigate the death and destruction. Brown presents a strong contender for book of the year.

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The Price You Pay By Nick Petrie

Nick Petrie brings to life a make or break moment for Peter Ash and his friends through heart pounding storytelling in The Price You Pay. Stuck in between a rock and a hard place, Ash must delve deep into the past to prevent losing everything. 

Peter Ash is set to help out his buddy Lewis, who has been his savior countless times before. While checking on a buddy from the upstate, they find their keep in tattered and torn condition. After a previous mission their buddy Teddy had memory problems and wrote everything down in notebooks to remember. Now some hardened criminals have stolen those notebooks that account for most of their crews hits.  

Lewis and Peter turn back to their dangerous skill sets to go find who is running the operation for revenge. Teaming up with June and Dinah, the team must run mistake free or it will cost them their lives. 

Petrie brings everything he has in this determination soaked journey of life and death as the reaper is on the hunt. He highlights his alluring creativeness with June and a never quit attitude to Peter, while Lewis and Dinah are given unimaginable hurdles to overcome. Fragility and uneasiness seep throughout this normally confident team as any and everything that could possibly go wrong, shows face.  

Given minimal resources and a past that haunts them, Petrie creates extremely precarious scenes that allows the team to seem 100% real and susceptible to the dangers of the task. This was a series changing story that sets the future for a whole new set of rules. Petrie has always been extremely creative and captures you with an energetic and impressive host of characters. Peter Ash is a powerhouse and he’s on a mission, watch out. 

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The Trigger Man By Aiden Bailey

Mark Pierce is a ghost to some and the angel of death to others, but The Trigger Man has a code to live by. That code is tested time and time again throughout Aiden Bailey’s upcoming release in The Trigger Man.

Mark Pierce is a CIA operative who is given the missions that no one else is capable of. His roller coaster adventure starts off when he’s sent to rescue a group of paramilitary officers in the Sahara when they are tragically killed, and their eleven million dollars go missing. Followed and hunted by mercenaries, Pierce must play it cool and deadly to keep his head on as he tried to understand what is happening. He follows along through a gambit of obstacles as he attempts to find Victor Vautrin, as the international arms dealer is setting up shop in West Africa and helping run weapons to an already unstable region on the brink of civil war.

Aiden Bailey sets the bar high with The Trigger Man with unforgettable action and an unrelenting pace. Page after page is filled with non-stop deception that Pierce must navigate. Pierce is a one-of-a-kind utility tool that can complete any type of mission in almost any location, but I love how Bailey throws hurdles at him repeatedly to add to the rigor he must maintain to finish his mission. The locations are fresh and welcoming as West Africa has been a hot bed and has been brewing for quite some time. Bailey highlights real world weapons and gear that all thriller and espionage readers will love.

I have high hopes for this series as Pierce is one of the most formidable and sharp-witted operatives that the good guys have at their disposal. He might even have a little charm in his rough exterior while he’s dazzling you the reader with his ability to serve justice. This is a must read for Mark Greaney fans and an undeniable addition to your to-be-read list.

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Target Area By Lawrence Colby

Lawrence Colby delivers everything you need in this violent espionage-soaked tale. Be ready to take a seat and immerse yourself into Target Area.

Leo Rossi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent, has a routine morning at the Pentagon upended when he finds the dead body of a beautiful young Navy Lieutenant. Rossi joins with the Pentagon’s Force Protection Agency to investigate the death while other things start occurring in the hallowed grounds of military history. While the trail is still hot, an Air Force General goes missing along with thousands of documents from the drone technology office.

Needing more than one set of eyes to navigate through the evidence, Rossi teams up with a hot little number from the FBI’s Washington Field Office in Special Agent Marcy Phillips. Phillips and Rossi methodically work their way through military secrets, family interviews, and evidence to track down the missing General as the bodies start to stack up. It is a race against time to see what secrets have gotten out and if the bloodshed stops or continues.

Colby dishes out an energetic and enthralling story highlighting how cunning American rivals can be. In an ever-developing world, security to information and infrastructure will be paramount to keeping society in line and Target Area shows just how close we could be to catastrophic events.

Leo Rossi is a formidable character who has a past that doesn’t define him but drives his confidence and effort in upholding the law. Rossi is analytical and deliberate while Marcy Phillips is a bit more maverick in her actions and processes. Together the two of them have a bit of pent-up energy and are quite the duo in case solving.

Colby keeps the pages turning effortlessly in Target Area and ratchets up the intensity into an all-time high and you’ll love it. Just when you think that everything has played out another curveball is headed straight for you. This is a fun and exciting thriller that will leave you wanting more Leo Rossi and we hope to get just that from Lawrence Colby.

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Dream Town By Lee Goldberg

In yet another impressive display of creativity, Lee Goldberg delivers a fast-paced crime adventure starring hot shot detective Eve Ronin. In a world gone glitz and glam with social media and influencing, privacy becomes a thing of the past.

Ronin has become a household name in Los Angeles, her galavanting and escapades have earned her a show in her name as a larger than life detective. Not really keen on putting herself out there, she sticks to the sidelines and monitors the progress as far away from her father as possible.

While the show is ramping up towards a debut, the Winslow family, a Kardashian-esque family, is left in the wake of a murder of one of their own. While Eve starts following the trail to determine who the murderers are, she’s also navigating a new man and the opening of her new home to her family.

Goldberg channels the new age of social media influences and how they share everything in their lives online creating prime opportunities for criminals. His relentless approach to making Ronin stand out through pure dedication and success is evident as she downplays the accolades and strives for perfection throughout. Duncan “Donuts” Pavone is the trusty sidekick that’s a bottomless pit but provides clever ideas to his Hollywood sidekick.

Goldberg continues to impress and this one hits hard for him as his home in California was recently marked and attempted to be burglarized by criminals. Using that as a launching pad for this fast paced and true to style adventure, you won’t be able to put it down. Goldberg draws you in with incredible scenes and finishes the story with grit and courage. Eve Ronin is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters due to her no-nonsense attitude and cunning detective skills.

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Broken Trust By Mike Lupica

This was my first Spenser foray and I absolutely loved how Mike Lupica crafts a brilliant tale of lost love and death in Broken Trust, starring one of the most sarcastic and witty detectives in Boston.

Andrew Crain is one of the world’s most wealthiest people. While his company is in the works to acquire another business, Crain’s wife Laura falls victim to an unknown murderer. That wouldn’t seem so ominous if it wasn’t for the fact that Laura had just reached to Spenser as something fishy is going on at Lith, Crain’s company.

Spenser falls into lock step trying to determine why and by whom Laura was felled as the case heats up for the Red Sox and Dunkin loving detective. Another death it’s unfavorably and heavy on a couple of the employees and clearly starts to create problems for the sometimes over the top Spenser.

For being my first adventure into the Spenser universe, I was overly pleased and impressed by Lupica and his ability to draw me in. The story is not overly complicated and Lupica lures you in at a leisurely pace while dropping hard hitting scenes from time to time to keep you on your toes. The amount of characters involved really play into the story’s favor and don’t crowd the page space.

Spenser is a phenomenal character who is witty, sarcastic, and creative through and through. All of that tied in with his buddy Hawk, girlfriend Susan, and his favorite eateries all nearby, Spenser is always primed for a fight or some boom boom sauce. If you’ve never picked up a Spenser adventure don’t wait any longer. Clever and exciting and fun as hell too, Broken Trust is a must read for sure!

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Unknown Rider By Jack Stewart

Jack Stewart starts his writing career with a balls-to-the-wall adventure featuring Navy fighter pilot Colt Bancroft, in the race to prevent one of the worst military disasters the world has ever seen. Highlighting one of the most dangerous and thrilling occupations the military can offer, Stewart feeds his story off of the decades of cockpit experience, bringing you so close to the action you can feel it.

Bancroft is on loan to the Black Knights of the United States Marine Corps to assist in weapons testing and in the evolution of the Navy’s new Joint Strike Fighter combat ability. While on a routine patrol, mysterious conditions around the US Navy’s Cruiser USS Mobile Bay warrant a fly-by when the situation turns almost deadly. Utilizing every avenue possible, Bancroft is certain there is something amiss as he momentarily loses control of his jet forcing the Commanding Officer to ground him as an investigation ensues.

Battling against unknown forces in an electronic battlefield, Bancroft teams up with NCIS Special Agent Emmy King in one of the most unlikely ways to help find the people at fault. King and Bancroft begin a hunt that involves a disgruntled Marine caught in a web of weakness by one beauty in the land of honeytraps. Fighting tooth and nail and avoiding death more than once, Colt and Emmy are destined to battle to the end where the truth is and where the greatest threat to American lives calls home.

Stewart sets the bar high with this fast-paced jet-fueled mission of life and death. Bancroft is a Top Gun instructor and a man of mystery as well. He’s got a history that will most likely be expounded on in future installments as Stewart sets this one up swimmingly for follow-ons. King is a bright and cheery character who was dealt a tough hand at the fingertips of Stewart, and I sure hope she gets another adventure under her belt. She provides the solid partner vibe while being that strong independent type that can take the fight to the enemy.

Stewart's plot follows a growing concern amongst the digitally friendly workspace that we all use now-a-days, while tapping into the common Chinese enemy that fills our news channels. I really enjoyed this book; it has plenty of likable characters, a formidable adversary, and a plot that absolutely scares me. You won’t be disappointed in this debut as Jack hits on every point you could ask for and more. BZ brother!

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Perfect Shot By Steve Urszenyi

Perfect Shot is a magnificent and high-powered adventure from debut author Steve Urszenyi, which holds nothing back with hot shot Alex Martel.

Martel’s journey starts off through the crystal-clear optics on top of her most trusted tool, while preparing to take down a group who is in possession of some stolen nuclear material. As the op starts to heat up, Martel begins a chase of epic proportions to prevent the material from leaving the eyes of law enforcement and keeping the bystanders safe. Eventually, things get personal when friend Krysten, an MI5 agent, is murdered in England and a friend reaches out for help.

Martel, an FBI Special Agent on loan to Interpol, a stack of bodies starts to build behind her, along with a reputation as a hard-nosed win-at-all cost individual. The Netherlands isn’t particularly keen on Martel’s skill set being shown in public, but after preventing a potential nuclear attack she’s let off the hook. This is where things start to get hairy. Martel is made aware of a serious situation in Incirlik, Turkey as a nuclear weapon from the American storage facility has gone missing. Will Alex be able to piece the puzzle together and recover the weapon or will the fate of millions rest in her soul forever?

Urszenyi crafts a gripping tale of perseverance highlighting dedication and selflessness while the grim reaper is knocking at the door. Martel is vivacious and cunning yet not perfect at everything, which drives confidence and understanding of how Urszenyi introduces you to Alex. He finds the perfect combination of uncertainty and creativity that allows Martel to shine. He doesn’t unload the past preventing you from indulging in the main plot line but blends the two into the right balance. Martel has a lot going on that he doesn’t let onto, but it is there for the taking in the future. Secondary characters are not overpowering and provide the right amount of support that makes them enjoyable as you try and figure out who is fighting for the right reasons.

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The Helsinki Affair By Anna Pitoniak

The Helsinki Affair is an explosive tale of treachery and deception that details the dark side of espionage. Anna Pitoniak drops this fresh take on historical spy craft and how one decision can affect decades leading to built up tension and suspense.

Learning to embrace her new career as a CIA station chief, Amanda Cole has been primed for this her whole life. Her Father Charlie was an Agent in the CIA as well with some questionable history. Cole is met by a junior Russian GRU contact who warns of an imminent threat to an American official.

Cole learns of some problematic decision making from fellow agents as she’s thrust into investigation mode. While learning that her families history has a large part of damage potentially done to the United States best interests, she must focus on keeping her contact alive and the U.S. safe.

Pitoniak brings to life a story of deceit and redemption by one career family and really embraces the spy culture from beginning to end. You get a story that spans decades that will take you on the journey from exciting opportunities to fallacy riddled decisions that preempts death. This isn’t your normal action backed blockbuster drama, but a detailed look at how tedious and methodical the life of a spook is.

The character buildup from beginning to end is amazing as you get to know the Cole family and why father and daughter are so much alike, yet so different. The story tracks easily from the start with a whole host of Russian and American characters, all with their own unique problems and quirks. Internal conflict is present as well as Pitoniak cleverly jumps from problems in personnel, to decision making issues that Cole must resolve before moving forward. I really enjoyed this one as it has a classy cinematic feel while blending decades of espionage.

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The Christmas Appeal By Janice Hallett

In one of the most unique and mind-stretching styles, Janice Hallett delicately delivers an almost comedic tale of love and death in The Christmas Appeal.

While the town of Lower Lockwood and its Fairway Players are preparing for a December production of Jack and the Beanstalk, the past is about to rear its ugly head. Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald are putting together a more recent number of the famed play when the beanstalk from 30 years prior rises from the ashes to be used on stage. As the group starts to rehearse the typical small-town antics between people begin. The skeletons in the closet come out eventually and you’ll have to read it to see it.

Dropping information from the start through messages, emails, and transcripts from police investigations, this story flies by easily. Hallett will keep the gears turning in your mind with how she pieces everything together in her rather unconventional writing style, but one that I found easy to follow. Paying quick attention to the way the people communicate, it sounds very similar to modern society norms within small communities and how the holidays can become burdensome. Character development takes a backseat to a fast-paced story that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.

The story reads fast and dangerous as a whole host of people are planning and scheming while others are just trying to keep a lid on the incessant negativity following the production. Hallett has opened my eyes to a new style that was completely foreign at first but all consuming when it was all over. I couldn’t believe that I read through as quickly as I did and found myself going back to a specific conversation multiple times to see if I could piece it together myself before I got to the end.

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Second Term By J.M. Adams

J.M. Adams drives a fiery American political narrative in a blood-soaked adventure where democracy is on the verge of distinction in Second Term.

Cora Walker is an American with one thing on her mind: Protecting Americans and the sanctity of life. Her story starts in Benghazi with the impending death that surrounds the Ambassador and how the teams in country need to put together an effort to protect the man. She is a great gun woman who has precision and determination keeping her alive. Things go sideways and history itself is known as Benghazi becomes the second tragedy to occur on 9/11.

Years down the road, back to serving at the behest of the Speaker of the House, Walker is living in the D.C. area. Now a mother to a dear daughter, Walker is as deadly as she ever has been but a little more emotional. When the current President loses the election, he decides that before the results can be certified he will incite his followers to make a stand and prevent the certification. As if pontifying his Lordship, President Locke makes a speech and then the crowd turns to the capitol building as Walker spirits the Speaker away to safety. What ensues is a bloody massacre of many while a deranged man attempts to take a stranglehold on the Presidency of the United States. Will Walker be able to stop the savageness, or will democracy be ruined forever?

Adams drops this debut that highlights the American political division that is ongoing in the United States. As political as this book is, I love the character that he has created in Cora Walker. She’s a hard-nosed woman with an ax to grind and democracy to save. She’s creative, emotional, and more than that she’s determined to succeed. The plot line is very delicate and could be divisive to some, but if you have the ability to look past that and enjoy the characters and how the story builds on itself you will enjoy this.

Adams keeps the ending under wraps very well and builds off the corruption of many different government officials who have their own agenda in play. Walker is pretty badass and as much as I loved her, I’m excited to see how Adams builds her legend. She is well-rounded and thorough in her assessments and ability to logically work through a battle or any situation for that fact. Her life is a bit of a mystery as you don’t know everything about her, and I hope we’ll see the aura around her grow in the future.

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The Last Guardian By Simon Gervais

Simon Gervais holds nothing back with the hard-hitting action and excitement in The Last Guardian. Building off Clayton White’s prowess for stopping tragedy, Gervais highlights the ever-growing geopolitical conflicts that enable the drug and weapons black market to flow into borders across the world.

Clayton White is back stopping bad guys when a hit on a house at the Mexican-United States border finds a stockpile of fentanyl. Battling the drug war at the United States border is one priority for the newly minted yet hated President Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton and White have a highly confrontational relationship which creates animosity at the utmost level.

Oceans away Henry Newman, an American entrepreneur and casino owner, is busy looking over his properties in Macau, China when he’s hit with an obligation of epic proportions. While White has a run in and battle with a former teammate named Ian Miller, Newman is forced to help create instability and terror in America. White and team must act quickly to prevent the wrath of the Red Dragon Triad who have spread their wings outside the borders of the People’s Republic of China.

Gervais is on the up and up - tying-in news headlines and government failure that play right into the hands of the bad guys. His creativity and well-built story lines create a vivid adventure that provides the high intensity that we have come to expect from his novels.

Gervais has become a staple of my reading over the last decade as he continues to drum out electrifying thrillers left and right. Clayton White isn’t his first main character that is deserving of the praise he receives, but he has taken White and his escapades to new heights. White’s history with the President and his relationship with the President's daughter adds a salacious vibe while having action that bleeds Clancy and Thor. Simon Gervais is someone you should have on your to be read list every year with how much passion that he devotes to his craft. I can’t give him enough credit for his meteoric rise and impression he’s made on the thriller world and this is another homerun.

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Ransomed Daughter By Eric Bishop

Eric P. Bishop delivers a fast-paced excitement-filled adventure starring Troy Evans and the elite Omega Group in the race to find a kidnapped girl overseas in Ransomed Daughter.

Agency employed and driven, Troy Evans has been on the end of hair-raising situations. This one kicks off with a small snatch and grab operation in Austria. This leads to a delicate interrogation of Arjun Shakir as the Omega Group is on the hunt for the kidnapped daughter of billionaire Glenn Roberts. Roberts is a wealthy man but well known as he’s sold out to the Big’s in the Oil Industry to make his money.

With his brain racked by an unpleasant and surprising meeting from a Middle Eastern man with a gift of unfortunate proportions, Roberts turns to a long-lost pal for help. With the almighty dollar/euro doing its job and creating a demand, Troy and team are on the way to Paris to get their girl back and not lose any money. Will they get her back and are they people involved who they really say they are?

Bishop is as entertaining as they come and one hell of a storyteller. He delicately builds the plot while luring you in with detail and fantastic characters. The dialogue between Troy and the team and the secondary characters is superb. Bishop makes it just like you’re having a beer with some buddies and overhearing everyone else's conversations as well.

Troy Evans has a little bit of the good ole boy feel as he seems to know everyone, and he cares about his team. The sign of a true leader is one that values his team and will go above and beyond while leading them from the front. Evans is that guy. Couple pages with this guy and you’ll want to go to war with him.

I’ve been fortunate enough to hang with Eric a handful of times and he has a great feel for his storytelling ability and one hell of an imagination that leads to genuine and authentic adventures. This is a great read with nail-biting action, perfectly timed twists and stellar characters.

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Ghost Tamer By Meredith R. Lyons

In a ghostly and emotion driven adventure, Meredith R. Lyons highlights the supernatural spirits surrounding aspiring comedian Raely in Ghost Tamer.

Raely and her best friend Joe are finishing up a snowy night of comedy and jumping on a train to head home when disaster strikes. A train crash that changes the trajectory of Raely and Joe’s life is what ensues that includes some of the most mind-boggling emotions. Raely must endure a roller coaster ride of emotions after a night of terror that turns into an unexpected pleasantry.

Let me stop right there. Casper, the friendly ghost that you’ve probably heard of, makes an appearance. He’s not quite what you think he is but it’s close. A supernatural spirit or ghost as most would refer to him, is on the trail of his keep to prevent anything bad from happening. The relationship between Raely and Casper is difficult to explain, but it is one that is forged through fire and uncommon paths. Casper, who might go by another name eventually, is Raely’s keeper to prevent the ‘Jimani’ or the death ghost from continuing to reign terrorizing thoughts and hell in her life. This is one time when only time will tell how Raely will fair and if Casper can help prevent the ‘Jimani’ from taking Raely’s soul.

I don’t typically gravitate towards the supernatural genre, but Lyons cleverly crafts a fun, energetic and humorous thriller. This is an adventure where lives are on the precipice of devastation. The highs and lows are excellent, but what kept me going was the energy and comedy that Raely and Casper share while navigating the twists and turns of some of the darkest beings the world has ever seen. Wherever your mind takes you in this dark-seeded story is all due to the creativity and energy that Lyons creates through one special woman and her ‘brother ghost’ and how they choose to fight until the threat is gone.

I loved the banter that Raely and Casper continue throughout the story and how she ties in family and the casual psychic and ghost hunters with ulterior motives. This is one of those books that you didn’t know you needed but one that you should definitely add to your to-be-read pile so that you can enjoy.

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Code Red By Kyle Mills

In his final Mitch Rapp work, Kyle Mills lives up to the Vince Flynn standard and delivers a nail-biting performance with Code Red!

Mitch Rapp is no stranger to the wicked people in this world, but when a notorious Mexican drug runner named Damian Losa wants to cash in a marker, he listens. Losa is a very wealthy and persuasive man and on the hunt for some Syrian drug manufacturers and why they are attempting to encroach on his turf in Europe. Rapp is a man of his word and agrees to a cross-border adventure acting as Losa’s Canadian attorney when the call is placed. Aware that he should be careful working for a criminal, Rapp understands there is a reason that his family is safe and sound following Losa’s assistance in Oath of Loyalty.

Mitch plays up the faux attorney role energetically and manages to stay alive long enough to find out that the Syrians aren’t behind the drug manufacturing or dispersion, only to be blindsided by one of America’s premier allies. When the truth is finally out in the open, Rapp must act to prevent death from spreading across the world and his team will be the pointy end of the spear.

Mills does an incredible job delivering one last Mitch Rapp journey and covering something other than the Russian - Ukraine war theme that has overtaken plot lines recently. This drug-fueled death-defying adventure shows how deadly and violent Mitch Rapp is. The untimely departure of Mike Nash and his sell-out to the prior administration makes a brief resurgence but Mills keeps the timeline turning and pushing forward with the Irene Kennedy death train putting in work.

Mills has had a stellar run authoring Mitch Rapp and his merry band of hardened peace-keeping operators. He has delivered some amazing characters, phenomenal stories, and more than enough to keep the Mitch Rapp army pleased and I’m excited to see where his writing career takes him next. For this well-written swansong, it is a must-read for the avid Rapp connoisseur as we set ourselves up for the Don Bentley era. Thank you, Kyle Mills. You’ve been a great steward for the Rapp brand and it was a pleasure to see you carry on such a great series!

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Malibu Burning By Lee Goldberg

In keeping with his fiery and fast-moving writing style, Lee Goldberg delivers an electrifying adventure in Malibu Burning. California wildfires are out of control and the homes aren’t going to save themselves, and neither are the valuables inside of them.

As California is on fire, firefighters from all over the state are attempting to extinguish or at least contain them. This includes the Department of Corrections light security fire teams, who just happen to have some criminals with a little bit of thievery left in them. Detective Walter Sharpe and newly acquired partner Andrew Walker are part of the department that focuses on arson investigations and are there to assist in any fire related manner to put the criminals behind bars.

As Sharpe and Walker fight through their Type A relationship battling for dominance, Danny Cole, a former criminal caught by Walker years past, is putting together a heist of relative ease and epic proportions. There is just one little issue plaguing the heist, Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker. The team must fight through their differences and personalities to prevent wildfires from ravaging even more land and the loss of homes and valuables.

This is classic Goldberg as he immerses you into a quick-paced, action-packed adventure with no letting off the gas. I’ve always enjoyed his books because they easily hold your attention, drive themselves, and have so may characters with measurable depth. The detail is just enough to enable you to picture the scenes playing in your own head while constantly grabbing you and begging you to read the next page. His ability to place intrigue in places you wouldn’t expect is outstanding. I found myself time after time thinking, is this something I should really jot down in the memory bank, because I know that Lee has done something like this before.

Lee Goldberg has effortlessly become one of my favorite storytellers with his vast creativity and the ability to drop fascinating characters in my lap time and time again. As for the duo of Sharpe and Walker, I’m excited to see where these two continue to go. Malibu Burning is a must-read for everyone.

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Wide Awake By Steven Konkoly

Steven Konkoly sets the world on fire in this action-packed and fear-inducing thriller that leaves Devin Gray and his covert team fighting for their lives.

While the battle rages in war town Ukraine, Devin Gray and his team are in for the fight of their lives as Russians mercenaries are sneaking their way into the United States following their escapades overseas. When prominent people start dying at a rapid pace and in unconventional domestic locations, Gray and team must figure out what is going on.

What looks like the dirty deeds from a clandestine group of operatives from a foreign country turns out to be a ruse while battlefield technology starts reigning terror from the skies in the United States. While tensions are at an all-time high, the perpetrators are handcuffing the defenses of the U.S, by using stolen U.S. technology in the form of razorblade drones, containing 15 lb. warheads to wreak havoc at all costs. While Gray and team must weather the storm, they must battle their way to the front lines and the epicenter of Russian intent to prevent an all-out civil war between the political parties that have divided the United States immensely.

Konkoly cleverly grasps onto the civil battle that is plaguing the United States between political parties and the ever-growing trend of disinformation. His ability to tie battlefield technology and hometown protests and the flow of illegal weapons creates one hell of a storyline that will leave you hoping for nothing but success from the team.

The ever-growing number of dollars and weapons that have been flowing from the United States into Ukraine make you think that this novel isn’t too far from the truth. The characters are tried and tested, but face almost insurmountable odds while the plotline is completely believable and scary. I found this to be one of the most fascinating and believable storylines I have read in some time. The back alley deals in the government combined with the money supplying ‘non-existent’ agencies makes this a heart-pounding adventure that just makes you ask what is real and what isn’t. Don’t miss out on the third installment of Devin Gray and be prepared to buckle in for an all-time high.

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Deadlock By James Byrne

In this comedic and hard-hitting adventure, James Byrne has magic in a bottle with Desmond Aloysius Limerick. Deadlock is the fight between good and evil that you didn’t know you needed until now.

Limerick is what is known as a gatekeeper. One of the most fierce and formidable forces on the planet, Dez is tasked with assisting a group of American Navy Seals, the British SAS, and the CIA with a task in Azerbaijan. As things don’t always go to plan, one member of the group goes missing.

Fast forward a couple of years, Dez gets a call from the Swann sisters who are in trouble. Jumping at the chance to assist Raziah and Laleh, Dez grabs his guitar and a sense of necessity to go help. Getting right at it, Dez begins looking into why Laleh was mugged and ended up in the hospital. After a hospital beat down and multiple law enforcement agencies get involved, Dez starts to realize that there is more to what is going on within this company and what is coming out of the doors at Clockjack.

Following multiple run-ins with Clockjack security, romps in the sack with a Siberian Tigress, and planning his infiltration into one of the most secure locations, Dez uses extremely imaginative and well-thought-out plans to bring the shenanigans to an end.

This was my first James Byrne thriller and will not be my last. Byrne gets everything right in this violent and witty romp through Portland. Limerick is charming and cool under pressure, and it shows through his time with the ladies and in combat. His favorite weapon may be ball bearing while he’s just as good with his hands. I found this one very energetic and fun. Almost a cross between DeMille’s John Corey and Gregg Hurwitz’s Evan Smoak, Dez is a likable and charming character who isn’t just smarter than his enemy, but more cunning and willing to think outside the box. This is a must-add to your to-be-read pile and follow up and let the Best Thriller Books team know what you think when you’re done.

Follow Chris on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Deadlock
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

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