Steve Netter

December 14, 2024

Meet BTB Reviewer Steve Netter

Steve Netter

December 14, 2024

Background: Born and raised on the East Coast, I now live on the West Coast after stints in the Midwest and Southwest. Day job is working for a large tech company. Married for 20+ years with 2 kids nicknamed "The Clown Show." Huge sports fan, addicted to good food, appreciate live theatre and music, enjoy camping & hiking...oh yeah, I also love reading thrillers and military non-fiction.

Go-To Author: William Kent Krueger. His Cork O’Connor series is incredible. I started with Lightning Strike and then read the remaining eighteen books within a year. It’s a collection of great writing filled with suspense, emotion, wisdom and fantastic characters. Each book teaches me something, makes me think deeply about my own life and actions, and reading each one for the first time is like a spiritual experience. Then there’s William Kent Krueger’s standalone novels. Wow! They’re breathtaking literature. The River We Remember was one of my favorite books of 2023. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this fantastic author.

Author People Should Discover: James Byrne. If you haven’t read the first two books in the Dez Limerick series (The Gatekeeper and Deadlock), you are missing out! Action packed with a sarcastic wise-cracking protagonist whose skillset is something to behold. Incredibly fun thrillers! And rumor has it we’ll have a third installment later in 2024. So now’s a great time to jump on board because this series is poised to explode.

Books You Would Recommend From 2023:
1. The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. Beautifully written, heartfelt, emotional tale of self-discovery via a murder investigation in post-WWII America.

2. Moscow X by David McCloskey. Superb US vs. Russia espionage novel that goes toe-to-toe with classics like Hunt for Red October, Red Sparrow and The Charm School.

3. Dark Ride by Lou Berney by Lou Berney. A crime novel with heart that follows a stoner finding purpose and battling to help kids escape an abusive situation.

4. Calico by Lee Goldberg. Vivid, immersive and endlessly fascinating story that defies simple genre definition and will have you deeply invested in the characters.

5. The Guilty One by Bill Schweigart. Suspenseful, dark and twisty story with a serial killer on the loose leaving dead bodies in their wake.

6. The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon. Powerful, anxiety-inducing, haunting tale of an abducted woman who never quits trying to escape.

Most-Anticipated Book Of 2024: Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger. 2023 brought us a brilliant standalone WKK book but it was a year without Cork O'Connor. Now Cork returns in 2024 with this 20th novel in the series. I cannot wait to catch up with these old friends and see what mystery Cork is called upon to solve.

Favorite Local/Indie Bookstore: Powell's in Portland, OR. One of my favorite things to do is to get lost for hours in the stacks at Powell's, checking out their amazing selection of books. It's one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, but more importantly it serves as my happy place.

Follow Steve on Twitter and Instagram or contact him via the site.

View Steve’s Latest Reviews (book pub. dates)

Steven Netter

December 14, 2024

The Medusa Protocol By Rob Hart

Steven Netter

December 14, 2024

Rob Hart has done it again! The Medusa Protocol is another stunningly unique and bad-ass thriller that combines brutal action and perilous circumstances with heartfelt moments and commitment to self-improvement. It’s the most fun you can have watching assassins trying to not kill people.

Astrid has missed several Assassins Anonymous meetings and the group is concerned, not knowing if she’s still alive. When a pizza covered in olives is delivered to their secret location, they know Astrid is still above ground and in need of help. Then the pizza delivery is immediately followed by a kill team looking to eliminate these dangerous former assassins who have taken the pledge never to kill again. After finding a way through this dangerous situation, Mark, Booker and the others set out to locate Astrid and enact a rescue plan. But infiltrating a black site on a remote island covered in poisonous snakes to save a member of their “family” without taking a life will test their skills and their resolve like never before.

Most thrillers put the protagonists in an untenable position surrounded by enemies with blood lust in their eyes, then have the good guys kill everyone as they make their escape or stalk their prey. But The Medusa Protocol is not like most thrillers. First, the main characters are former assassins who were addicted to killing and are now trying to reform themselves through putting their lethality behind and making amends to the living relatives of those they dispatched. With so much blood on their hands, it’s hard to say they’re the “good guys.” Second, because they’re in recovery they cannot kill again and still maintain their sobriety. So when Mark, Astrid, Booker and the others are put into incredibly dangerous situations, they must fight their way out by hurting, disabling, neutralizing and maiming, but not killing. A less than ideal situation that takes a lot of skill and dedication to the program to avoid caving to temptation and relapsing into their murderous ways.

The result is fantastic action sequences filled with creativity, fisticuffs and thoughtful violence with a purpose that is spawned from a moral clarity of those who are trying to be a little bit better every day. So when vicious predators interrupt their attempts at salvation and a peaceful existence, they act like the rest of us and just do the best they can with the hand they’re dealt. It just happens to be that their best is a lot more physically punishing and potentially incapacitating with higher risk of death than what the general population experiences on a daily basis. But growth is in the learning and attempting to do better, right? And if a few bodies drop in the process, who’s going to put up a fuss? I’m certain thriller fans will be quite alright with it.

Two books into this unique series and it’s already one of my favorites in the thriller genre. And the great news is Rob Hart’s got the chops, storylines and characters to continue entertaining us for many books to come. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Medusa Protocol
(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

Steven Netter

December 5, 2024

Hidden In Smoke By Lee Goldberg

Steven Netter

December 5, 2024

Gripping and intense, Hidden in Smoke is a combustible story that moves at a scorching pace and will ignite the thrill of the hunt in readers’ minds. Another fantastic book by Lee Goldberg, one of the most bankable authors in the genre for engaging, fun, smooth novels containing great characters and intriguing plots. All he does is churn out one great story after another.

An arsonist is setting fires at apartment buildings across Hollywood. Then a massive fire shuts down a major Los Angeles freeway. And just like that, arson investigators Sharpe and Walker are in the middle of the action, charged with finding those responsible. Could it be the same person causing havoc across the city or is there something more diabolical at play? Meanwhile, an old acquaintance of the two investigators is back in the fold and doing what he does best. Namely scheming and thieving. But this time, it could come back to burn them.

This third installment in the Sharpe and Walker series is as compelling and absorbing as the prior two. The banter between the two investigators is entertaining, their strengths are perfectly complimentary, and their investigative approaches are vastly different. But they form a brilliant team that gets the job done, usually with Walker having to make nice for all the people pissed off at Sharpe. It’s the interplay between the duo that makes this book, and this series, so much fun to read.

It also helps that the storylines are fire (pun intended) and the books well researched and written. I mean, it’s not often that someone throws together a serial arsonist, a world class cat burglar, delicious BBQ, big pharma, street artists, and the craziest museum you’ve ever heard about into a single book. But Goldberg pulls it off, seamlessly weaving it all together – and throwing in a few surprises and fan favorite characters – to construct a story that is equal parts amusing, anxiety-inducing and satisfying.

If you’re not reading Goldberg’s stuff, what are you waiting for? Get on it. Because I promise you a good time. And whatever he writes next, I’ll be first in line to grab a copy.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Hidden In Smoke
(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

Steven Netter

December 3, 2024

Strangers In Time By David Baldacci

Steven Netter

December 3, 2024

Both heart-wrenching and uplifting, Strangers in Time explores the devastating realities of war, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the unexpected bonds of friendship forged in the most unlikely circumstances. David Baldacci has crafted a painful, yet beautiful story set in WWII England that will wreck and inspire you in equal measure.

It’s 1944 in England. Charlie Matters is a fourteen-year-old kid from London’s East End who has no parents, dropped out of school, steals to make ends meet and has no prospects for a better life. Molly Wakefield is a child of privilege coming up on her 16th birthday, who has just returned to her London home after spending the last 5 years safely tucked away in the countryside, only to find her parents are missing. Ignatius Oliver is an educated man, the widower owner of a book shop and volunteer air raid warden, helping to keep people safe during German bombing runs over the city. These three strangers are each dealing with heavy loss in their lives, but when they find each other and form an unexpected friendship, their lives all change for the better. However, they each have secrets and a past that might catch up to them at any time. And the only way for them to survive is to trust one another, face some hard truths and take things one day at a time.

This book is an emotional roller coaster, filled with a constant barrage of gut punches that you would expect to knock out these characters. But they keep getting back up and forging ahead. Showing how resilient and strong people can be when being strong is their only choice. And despite the ugliness of the world around them, they refuse to dwell in a state of bitterness and instead choose hope and seek to make new human connections that give their lives meaning. It’s a beautiful and inspirational thing to witness, especially since it would be easier to yell at the sky about how unfair life is and give up. But they don’t. They dust themselves off, acknowledge the pain and then find the best path forward. Which happens to involve transforming the serendipity of these strangers meeting and turning it into the foundation of a new family.

This is another home run novel by the great David Baldacci. And I’m loving the direction he has taken his writing. From last year’s brilliant A Calamity of Souls to this year’s fantastic Strangers in Time, his books are deep diving into history, exploring the human spirit and forcing readers to contemplate the lives we lead. Entertaining, emotional and thought-provoking stories? Sign me up every time!

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Strangers In Time
(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

Steven Netter

December 3, 2024

Gothictown By Emily Carpenter

Steven Netter

December 3, 2024

Gothictown is a novel that starts off hopeful but quickly turns dark, chilling and sinister. A thriller that charms and captivates before alarming, unnerving and frightening readers. A well-constructed story hellbent on freaking you the hell out. Enthralling stuff by Emily Carpenter.

Billie Hope seizes what seems like the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to trade her tiny New York City apartment for a sprawling Victorian home in a quaint Georgia town, all for just $100. The offer comes with a business grant to open her dream restaurant and the promise of a fresh start for her family in the picturesque community of Juliana. At first, everything appears idyllic as Billie throws herself into her new life. But beneath the charm and Southern hospitality, something feels unsettling. As unease creeps in, Billie begins to question the town’s true nature—and whether escaping Juliana will be as easy as arriving.

Gothictown explores the themes of finding purpose in your life, how judgment can be impaired if you’re in a seemingly desperate situation, navigating relationship difficulties, how far you’ll go for your family, the problems with consolidated power wielded by a few people, and that if a deal seems too good to be true than it probably is. And the exploration of these ideas is superbly done within the context of a thrilling psychological and horrifying tale that slowly builds in intensity, suspiciousness and body count. But despite the disturbing and creepy vibes that ooze off the pages and make you scream at Billie to get the hell out of there and run like her life depends on it, you keep racing ahead to find out what will happen next. Because while the plot is chilling, it’s also fascinating and entertaining as hell. A story that you can try to put down, but it will then beckon you like a ghostly whisper in your dreams.

One last thing. The next time you come across one of those news stories about small towns around the world offering insane deals on cheap homes or piles of cash to move there, I promise you’ll view them with a completely different mindset after reading Gothictown. And if you do decide to take them up on that offer, well, do so at your own peril.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Gothictown
(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

Steven Netter

December 2, 2024

The Other People By C.B. Everett

Steven Netter

December 2, 2024

Frightening, perplexing, gruesome and engrossing, The Other People will challenge your mind with intricate twists and keep you on edge as you unravel the mystery of both the culprit’s identity and the escape from the old, locked mansion. A devilishly conceived and skillfully executed blend of Agatha Christie and Dennis Lehane by author C.B. Everett.

Ten people find themselves trapped inside a mansion with no way out and no memory of how they arrived. They’re told that the only way to secure their freedom is to solve the mystery of a missing young woman within 12 hours. But this house harbors a killer, and one by one they are picked off in brutal yet intimately personal ways. And the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they find themselves in. Why are they here, how were they selected and who wants them dead? That’s only the beginning of the myriads of questions that pop up within this suspenseful thriller.

This book fucks with your head in a big way. From the jump you’re tasked with figuring out multiple mysteries without sufficient information while hearing the story from multiple points of view, which further muddies the waters. Then, as the slow drip of reveals are disclosed, you get some answers and even more questions, making you feel like you’re no closer to the truth than before. But in reality, you are progressing towards an outcome that will both shock you and feel inevitable at the same time.

This is anything but a cozy murder mystery. The Other People is a locked room psychological thriller with horror elements infused throughout that will have you muttering to yourself as the bodies drop and the tension ratchets up. An entertaining and terrifying read that will keep you riveted from start to finish.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Other People
(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

Steve Netter

November 30, 2024

Witness 8 By Steve Cavanagh

Steve Netter

November 30, 2024

An intense psychological legal thriller that keeps you on edge throughout, Witness 8 is a riveting tale of murder, secrets, contract killers, organized crime and deceptive cons. Steve Cavanagh delivers another smash hit of a story that puts a bright spotlight on Eddie Flynn’s humongous brass balls and sharp legal mind.

Once a privileged member of Manhattan’s elite, Ruby Johnson now cleans the homes and watches the kids of those in her old wealthy neighborhood. Quiet, observant and smarter than anyone gives her credit for, Ruby is taking notes on her client’s secrets. And when Ruby witnesses a murder, she decides to exploit this opportunity for her benefit. This leads to Eddie Flynn, the former con man turned successful defense attorney, taking the case of the man accused of the murder Ruby witnessed. Meanwhile, Eddie has a contract out on his life for his actions on another case and has to navigate the dark underworld of New York’s organized crime and assassins to stay alive long enough to defend his client in court. All of which put Eddie’s unorthodox methods and dedicated team on full display to solve the case, get his client acquitted and find a way to get the contract on his head reversed.

Having an apparently innocent man charged with murder and his lawyer trying to find a way to defend him when the evidence is overwhelmingly stacked against the defense would be enough of a compelling story. But then add in the lawyer being targeted by a corrupt organization looking for revenge, a young woman adept at deflecting attention from her schemes, a hit man with an interesting moral code, a gangster falling in love with a legal secretary, and several other intriguing characters/storylines, and you have a novel that is incredibly thrilling from start to finish.

Oh yeah, then this book lands a haymaker of a twist near the end that sends you reeling while also tying up all the loose ends in a neat little bow. It’s fantastically executed from concept to final product. A non-stop white-knuckle journey to the truth. Once again highlighting Steve Cavanagh’s world-class storytelling and character development abilities through the continuation of this tremendously fun and exhilarating series.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Witness 8
(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

Steven Netter

November 20, 2024

The Summer Guests By Tess Gerritsen

Steven Netter

November 20, 2024

Suspenseful, unpredictable and dynamic, The Summer Guests is the most fun you can have following retirees as they try to solve crimes in a small Maine town. Tess Gerritsen has delivered another compelling thriller in this charming and promising series.

During a family summer vacation to Purity, Maine, a teenage girl goes missing and local police chief Jo Thibodeau is short on leads and focused on a few possible suspects. But the Martini Club, a group of friends all retired from the CIA and led by Maggie Bird, join the investigation to help find the girl and prove the innocence of Maggie’s friend. Forming an uneasy alliance with law enforcement, the gang of retirees seem to be one step ahead of the police, leveraging their years of intelligence experience and intuition to untangle a web of deceit, coverups and unsolved crimes that go back decades. And in the process, they just might save the life of a young woman and others who dare to expose dark secrets that some people will do anything to keep buried.

The Summer Guests isn’t an overly emotional book in the traditional sense of bringing readers to tears, but it still does a tremendous job eliciting strong feelings. Anxiety and dread for the girl who has gone missing. Despair and angst for the mother who’s desperate for the police to find her daughter alive. Inspired and in awe of the elderly ex-CIA agents who realize their purpose and what keeps them feeling young is to continue deploying their skills to help those around them. Disgust and anger at the despicable actions of some characters. Empathy and optimism for the police chief to solve the case and to find balance in her life. Disturbed and unsettled by a certain familial relationship. And ultimately satisfied and triumphant upon the conclusion of the story and one budding romance.

Just two books into this series and it’s become a must read. It’s engaging, intriguing, twisting, entertaining and contains characters of an advanced age that you don’t normally see in espionage thrillers/murder mysteries. It’s simply an enjoyable reading experience.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Summer Guests
(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

Steve Netter

November 17, 2024

Where The Bones Lie By Nick Kolakowski

Steve Netter

November 17, 2024

Dark, gritty and raw, Where the Bones Lie is a twisty noir thriller that locks you in its grasp and begs to be read in one sitting. Nick Kolakowski has delivered a captivating novel that’ll have you surrendering to the emotional stakes of every moment.

Dash Fuller knows Hollywood’s dark side better than anyone, having made his living burying the misdeeds and secrets of LA’s rich and famous elite. Cynical, broken and trying his hand at standup comedy, Dash is in need of some redemption. Which he thinks presents itself in the form of Madeline Ironwood, who hires Dash to find out who killed her enigmatic and absent father in San Douglas. Together, they navigate a dangerous maze of crime, corruption and ruthlessness that unravels a long-term conspiracy that puts their lives in danger and makes them wonder if learning the truth was worth it.

At its core, this book is about wrestling with your demons, letting go of the past and finding your purpose. The vehicle for those narratives is an investigation that propels forward with a fiery sense of urgency and reveals treacherous situations one after another. Testing Dash’s resolve and resilience over and over, presenting multiple opportunities to give up and walk away. Given he’s starting off as a broken man due to his prior occupation, it could be seen as cruel to put him in this pressure cooker. But by doing so, it provides Dash the opportunity to rise to the occasion, bury the past, make amends and forgive himself. And it gives readers a reason to root for him to succeed. Especially given the malevolent forces he’s up against.

Fans of Lou Berney’s Dark Ride and Jordan Harper’s Everybody Knows will love this book, finding similar themes and dark storylines within Where the Bones Lie. It’s a fantastic noir thriller that’ll stick with you for a long time.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Where The Bones Lie
(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

Steven Netter

November 3, 2024

Another Try By Gene Koon

Steven Netter

November 3, 2024

Politics, money, violence and deception fill the pages of Another Try, a twisting and turning story about covert ops, hidden agendas and pursuit of the truth. Gene Koon has crafted a compelling, fast-paced plot that keeps you guessing until the end.

Garris Kelley was a covert CIA operative…until President Cahill exposed him for pulling off a daring assassination of a cartel kingpin. Now he can’t go anywhere without people asking him for selfies and autographs. But then he finds himself in the middle of a shooting targeting a US Senator in Portland and he jumps into action. Taking him to eastern Oregon and the Willamette Valley wine country, Kelley is on the hunt for the shooter while simultaneously helping a FBI agent track down a missing colleague and getting involved with the security team of a wealthy vintner with powerful friends. Oh, and the cartel has a hit team hunting him down as well. Using every bit of skill in his arsenal and leveraging his vast experience, Kelley will have to navigate a hornet’s nest of trouble to save the day…and stay alive.

Another Try contains multiple storylines neatly weaved together to ensure constant forward motion and a dynamic read that never hits a lull. Between the main investigation, the billionaire winemaker’s obsession with Kelley, a security team that is more than they seem, the President’s involvement, a missing FBI agent and a cartel seeking revenge, there is never a dull moment in the book. Giving the well-developed and sometimes mysterious characters a clear purpose that fits the narrative perfectly. And it is all connected, coming to an explosive head that will elicit gasps, fist pumps and the muttering of a few expletives as everything is revealed with a barrage of violent action.

This is an entertaining, suspenseful and intriguing thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat while you traverse the beautiful state of Oregon in pursuit of justice with a protagonist that you will easily cheer for to be successful.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Another Try
(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

Steve Netter

October 27, 2024

Midnight Black By Mark Greaney

Steve Netter

October 27, 2024

What happens when the Gray Man is exhausted, desperate, unrestrained and obsessively focused on an intimately personal yet seemingly impossible objective that he is willing to die trying to achieve? You get Midnight Black, an insanely intense balls to the wall heart-pounding journey that is gripping, suspenseful and packed with so much adrenaline-soaked action that you’ll need a moment to catch your breath after every chapter. It’s classic Mark Greaney. Delivering another legendary, mind-blowing Gray Man thrill ride.

Court Gentry is hellbent on covertly entering Russia to rescue Zoya Zakharova, the woman he loves, from a Russian prison. Meanwhile, Zach Hightower is tasked with helping the Russian Resistance in Poland to take out enemy spies and train their paramilitary forces. And Matt Hanley back at the CIA has crafted a plan that will put goth Court and Zach in the middle of an audacious mission that would deal a massive blow to the Russian president. But it’s so dangerous that it might be too much for even the Gray Man to pull off. And the only thing that’s certain is that bullets will fly and bodies will drop in copious amounts.

Midnight Black is up near the top of my favorite Gray Man books of all time. It includes a fascinating blend of the intense direct action we know and love with a raw vulnerability from Gentry that makes him more emotional and leads to a loss of composure at times. Presenting a fresh dichotomy we have not witnessed before from the most effective and efficient assassin on the planet. And the best part is it works incredibly well. Adding depth and a new dimension to one of the genre’s most beloved characters and opening new avenues to explore in future novels.

That’s not to say it’s all feelings, rainbows and hugging it out for 500+ pages. Au contraire mon frère. The big mission with multiple moving parts is as daring and recklessly hopeful as anything you’ll ever read and filled with death, destruction and chutzpah. It’s an operatic masterpiece of military operations with an outcome so uncertain that you cannot begin to guess what’s going to happen. It’s high-stakes, white-knuckle, nail-biting stuff of the highest order. And it’s exceptionally written, beautifully executed and unputdownable. A masterclass in thriller storytelling by Mark Greaney. Proving once again that he's one of the absolute best in the business.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Midnight Black
(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

Steven Netter

October 24, 2024

You Are Fatally Invited By Ande Pliego

Steven Netter

October 24, 2024

You Are Fatally Invited is a super intense locked room psychological and horror thriller that will keep you puzzled and riveted to the very end. Like a macabre game of Clue, but with more dead bodies, enhanced methods of killing, and a puppet master hellbent on revenge invisibly pulling the strings. Suspenseful, intriguing and dark stuff by Ande Pliego.

Several well-known writers are invited to the private island of famously anonymous author J.R. Alastor for a thriller writers’ retreat. But this isn’t any ordinary retreat. Alastor has hired a host who will help execute a week of contests, riddles and scary situations intended to rattle and inspire these writers who all have a dark secret from their past. Meanwhile, this host has a hidden agenda – she wants to murder one of the participants and feels this week of mayhem is the perfect cover. However, when one of the guests turns up dead and it’s not the person she planned to kill, all bets are off and everyone on the island is in mortal danger. Can the guests outwit the unknown killer in their midst? Or will they all die the death they deserve?

Your brain will get twisted up like a pretzel and you’ll feel cold chills down your spine as you follow the deadly action and try to figure out who’s the mastermind behind this sinister retreat. Every character is both a suspect and a potential victim. They all have reasons to kill while also harboring secrets that someone could find punishable by death an appropriate course of action. Which leads to being deeply skeptical of everyone while also trying to find a sliver of goodness that would eliminate them as a killer. And it’s that dichotomy of fearing the worst but hoping for the best from each individual that propels this story forward. Forcing you to reconcile the two and pick sides until the truth is finally revealed.

The result is an engaging and enthralling story that grips you early and doesn’t let go. Exercising your brain and nerves in equal measure while you watch authors put through hell to see if/how they come out the other side.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase You Are Fatally Invited
(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

Steven Netter

October 19, 2024

Nemesis By Gregg Hurwitz

Steven Netter

October 19, 2024

Gregg Hurwitz has outdone himself with Nemesis, a pensive and explosive knock-down-drag-out of a thriller that will leave you more drained than one of Orphan X’s high-end bottles of vodka after a tough mission. It’s an emotional, action-packed, turning point kind of story that will make you think about friendship, morality, and humanity while enjoying merciless violence and brutal battles to the death.

Evan Smoak is pissed off with his friend and armorer Tommy Stojack, feeling that Tommy has crossed a line and sold weapons to some bad people who did bad things with them. When Evan goes to Tommy’s shop to confront him, he’s ambushed by half a dozen men trying to kill him. They are unsuccessful and now Evan wants to kill Tommy even more than before. Meanwhile, Tommy has traveled to a rural community to help the son of an old Army buddy whose dying wish was for Tommy to look after his kid. And the kid is in a ton of trouble, spouting racist ideology and taking part in the murder of innocent people. Evan tracks Tommy down to this small town, learns about the murders, and determines this group deserves to die along with Tommy. To add fuel to the already white-hot fire, a group of assassins have been hired to take out Tommy. It all comes to a head with a violent collision of forces with the only question being who will survive this deadly encounter of extremely capable operators.

There is a ton happening in Nemesis. The feud between Evan and Tommy takes center stage and is distressing enough to witness good friends on the warpath to kill each other rather than hash things out peacefully. Then add the continuously worsening, gut wrenching details of the rural racist group that Tommy is trying to advise and possibly hold accountable for their heinous actions, imbecilic views and senseless decisions. And then throw in Evan’s “niece” Joey’s crisis born out of good intensions and trying to fit in with a group of women at college, only to find she’s played an unwitting part in a spread of hurtful information. But wait, there’s more. There’s a group of savagely depraved assassins gleefully taking out their targets and setting their sights on Tommy. It’s a lot to take in.

But holy schnikes, it is outrageously fantastic and beautifully executed. Each story line connects with the others and comes together perfectly. Along the way, you’ll feel the full gamut of emotions and have strong opinions on the actions of every individual and what you believe the consequences should be. Additionally, Evan starts to show some vulnerability and cracks in the façade of his Orphan X/Nowhere Man persona. Does it mean he’s becoming more flexible and more human? Time will tell. But for now, it’s more than enough to witness him kicking ass, evaluating his actions, searching his feelings and doing what he does best – helping innocents in need and righting the wrongs they have experienced. Entertaining and intriguing as hell. A brilliant continuation of this exceptional, must-read series.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Nemesis
(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

Steven Netter

October 7, 2024

The Oligarch's Daughter By Joseph Finder

Steven Netter

October 7, 2024

A modern-day homage to classic cold war thrillers, The Oligarch’s Daughter is an intriguing, pulse-pounding and exhilarating story that’s all gas no brakes. Joseph Finder’s latest novel will keep you on your toes and on the edge of your seat as you journey through this tangled web of finance, love, espionage and geopolitics.

Grant Anderson is living a quiet life building and repairing boats in a small New Hampshire town. But he has a secret. Grant is really Paul Brightman, a man hiding out from dangerous people looking to find and kill him. Because 6 years ago, Paul was a hot shot on Wall Street who fell in love with and married the daughter of a Russian oligarch, for whom he went to work and then found himself becoming a spy for US law enforcement and intelligence agencies rather than conduct illegal investment activities. Unfortunately for him, the Russians don’t take kindly to traitors and have long memories. Now, with Paul’s location and cover being compromised, he must go on the run once again while trying to unravel a long-standing conspiracy that, if he can solve and expose, could save his life. If the Russian operatives hot on his trail don’t get to him first.

Expect to be in a constant state of tension and anxiety as you jump back and forth from the present to the events of 6 years ago. Finder barely ever lets you take a breather, moving from one perilous moment to another, wondering if each one will spell disaster and finally result in Paul’s death or maybe he will continue to narrowly escape by the skin of his teeth. It’s this contrast of terror and hope that propels this novel forward at a blistering pace, compelling you to rush to the end in search for the truth.

Another well-crafted and wonderfully executed thriller by Joseph Finder, The Oligarch’s Daughter will appeal to those who love a good cold war-esque story, as well as anyone who enjoys an adrenaline-fueled cat and mouse game. It’s compelling and exciting from start to finish.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Oligarch's Daughter
(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

Steven Netter

October 1, 2024

A Killer's Code By Isabella Maldonado

Steven Netter

October 1, 2024

Filled with intrigue, twists and a never-ending sense of urgency, A Killer’s Code keeps you in suspense while you join the frantic pursuit to solve this mystery. The third installment in the Daniela Vega series is another action-packed adventure that will exercise your brain and accelerate your heart rate.

Hitman Gustavo Toro is dead, but he planned to take others down with him upon his demise. He left a video to be watched by the FBI in the event of his death, which requires Special Agent Daniela Vega and her team to decode cryptic clues and hunt down the evidence Toro left behind that will expose the malevolent forces directing his actions for years. But they’re not the only ones searching for this evidence. The very mastermind behind Toro’s nefarious orders is desperate to get there first and ensure he can continue to operate and maintain his riches and power. What follows is a deadly race to the finish where everyone’s in danger, secrets are exposed, and lives will be changed forever.

Dani Vega is undoubtedly the star of the show, her impressive skillset and intellect on full display along with being her unapologetically authentic self. She is asked to not only crack daunting codes using her impressive brain and prior training, but she’s asked to lead tactical planning and execution in dangerous situations to leverage her prior military service. Vega is one of the strongest most capable female protagonists in the genre and she kicks major ass on this case.

Additionally, there are several other aspects of A Killer’s Code that elevate this book to a high level. First, Vega’s boss Steve Wu delivers a masterclass in leadership and political savviness, navigating a difficult relationship with his direct superior that results in a successful outcome on the case and elevating his career prospects in the FBI. Second, the development of supporting characters is fantastic. From Vega’s genius brother Axel to NYPD detective Mark Flint to Vega’s mother and others, each character adds depth and purpose to move the story forward. And finally, there’s Gustavo Toro. The arc of this hitman’s story and the possibility of redemption for someone who has done so many despicable things are an incredible feat that can only be pulled off by an exceptional author. And Isabella Maldonado is absolutely at the top of her game.

A Killer’s Code is a top notch, fast-paced novel that flies by in the blink of an eye. Once you pick it up, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to stop. Another explosive and exciting thriller from the pen of Isabella Maldonado.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase A Killer's Code
(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

Steve Netter

September 21, 2024

Chain Reaction By James Byrne

Steve Netter

September 21, 2024

Chain Reaction is an intellectually stimulating and action-packed battle of wits between two highly proficient and violent opposing forces hellbent on beating the other and settling an old score. It’s playful, entertaining, cerebral and fun as hell. Another home run by James Byrne in this fantastic series.

Dez Limerick is summoned to sit in with a band at the opening of the Liberty Center, a massive new commercial complex on the east coast. Shortly after arriving, Dez finds himself a hostage in the middle of a terrorist attack. Not one to sit idly by, he deploys his impressive skillset as a “gatekeeper” to contact law enforcement, thwart the nefarious plot and put a stop to the mercenaries’ violence. However, Dez figures out this attack was much more than it seemed, kicking off a cat-and-mouse game with a ghost from his past who is as capable as he is and highly motivated to succeed. With the help of a beautiful and talented thief, Dez aids the FBI in uncovering the broader conspiracy and finding justice for the numerous victims. And maybe along the way Dez can exercise this particular demon from his past…but he will find out that it’s easier said than done.

In Chain Reaction, Dez continues to be one of the most fascinating characters in the thriller genre. His combination of intelligence, lethality, strategy, disarming nature, humor and animal magnetism are unmatched. He’s the star of the show and someone who has enough pull to keep you enthralled by himself for hours. But he doesn’t have to carry the full load because the other characters are fantastic as well, each offering something different and complimentary. Whether it’s a partner or an enemy, everyone plays their role perfectly, adding depth and intrigue to a brilliantly crafted plot filled with mind games, twists and a plethora of cunning moves. It’s a highly engaging and exciting novel that will have you trying to predict each subsequent move in an intricate and deadly chess match.

If you’re not reading this series yet, it’s time to dive in. No excuses. Just get on with it. Because it’s one of the most riveting and enjoyable thriller series out there today and you don’t want to miss it. Trust me, you need Dez in your life.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Chain Reaction
(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

Steve Netter

September 20, 2024

Cross My Heart By Megan Collins

Steve Netter

September 20, 2024

An intriguing and unpredictable mystery about love and loss, Cross My Heart is filled with enough thrills, chills and kills to entertain and bewilder in equal measure. Megan Collins has crafted a wonderfully twisty thriller that explores infatuation, broken hearts, hopelessness and resilience.

Rosie Lachlan, recovering from a heart transplant and longing for love while working in her family’s bridal shop, believes her new heart once belonged to Daphne Thorne, the wife of famous author Morgan Thorne. She reaches out to him anonymously, hoping for a connection. As their conversations deepen, Rosie becomes captivated bordering on obsessed with Morgan and convinces herself that they’re meant to be together. When unsettling rumors about Daphne’s death surface, Rosie wonders if she’s falling for a man with a dark past—and if her heart might be in more danger than she thought.

Cross My Heart does a fantastic job leaving you in suspense throughout, keeping open multiple possibilities on various plot points including what really happened to Daphne Thorne and who might have been involved, what’s Rosie mental state and what is she capable of, and which enigmatic characters have hidden agendas and to what means. This results in a twisting and turning thriller that makes it difficult to pin down exactly who is involved in each event until the big reveal occurs. It also makes you suspicious of every character, questioning their actions and motives, making for a devious read where everyone is a suspect. It’s deliciously dramatic.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Cross My Heart
(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

Steve Netter

September 18, 2024

Zulu Center By F.X. Regan

Steve Netter

September 18, 2024

An explosive, pulse-pounding journey with unrelenting action, Zulu Center grabs your attention early with a murder investigation and keeps you in a state of constant suspense as it takes a turn into the world of clandestine operations. F.X. Regan has crafted another intriguing, high-octane thriller that’s hard to put down.

Former FBI agent turned private investigator CJ Hawk is hired to investigate the murders of three prominent residents in Old Town Alexandria. As he homes in on the likely suspect, he uncovers something explosive – an off the books government agency within the State Department that’s engaged in covert intelligence operations with no oversight and the ability to leverage technology like never before. Predictably, something that was set up with good intentions is now being used for nefarious means. Now Hawk must team up with his former FBI colleagues, the Alexandria sheriff’s department and his friends to bring this dangerous and slippery murderer to justice while simultaneously putting a stop to dangerous government overreach…if he can survive those hellbent on keeping him from succeeding.

Zulu Center lets you ride shotgun with CJ Hawk through an investigation that has numerous twists and turns, expanding into something beyond what anyone thought possible at the beginning. You also get to witness firsthand how capable and determined yet flawed Hawk is – from his persistent and sometimes line-crossing approach for solving the case to his excessive drinking and confusing relationship with his female friend Kori. Hawk’s north star is to do the right thing, but his approach is unconventional and sometimes dangerous, putting friends and colleagues in harms way. However, he gets the job done using his plentiful resources and extensive network, saving the day and bringing justice to the bad guys. All of which make for an entertaining, exciting and unpredictable story that keeps you guessing until the end.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Zulu Center
(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

Steven Netter

September 17, 2024

Tom Clancy Defense Protocol By Andrews & Wilson

Steven Netter

September 17, 2024

Intense, action-packed and politically charged, Tom Clancy Defense Protocol is a high-stakes chess match between world powers on the brink of war. Andrews and Wilson deliver a smashing hit of a story filled with intrigue, suspense and non-stop tension.

Chinese President Li Jian Jun has ordered a military operation that will secure his legacy – reuniting Taiwan with mainland China. The plan is audacious, dangerous and Minister of Defense Qin Haiyu believes it to be disastrous for China. Risking everything, Qin reaches out to the Americans in an effort to protect the country he loves from becoming a global pariah. While President Jack Ryan works the diplomacy angle and prepares for war with his cabinet, John Clark is tasked with forming an international team similar to Rainbow Six to extract Qin and the American asset hiding him. Simultaneously, Navy Commander Katie Ryan, the president’s daughter, is deployed to Taiwan to collect intelligence and find a way for the US to thwart the Chinese President’s plans. Tensions are high and rising, and it’ll take everyone working together – and a little luck – to stop a bloody war from commencing.

Defense Protocol is told from the point of view of various individuals under extreme pressure, providing multiple perspectives that coalesce around a single narrative of attempting to avert a catastrophic war. Giving the reader insight into the thinking of people at all levels – from the President of the United States and the Chinese Defense Minister at the top end, to US and Chinese Naval ship Captains in the middle of the action, to John Clark and a Chinese CIA asset in the shadows, to Katie Ryan and her team gathering intelligence and figuring out what the other side is going to do. Every single person plays a vital role in the story and by highlighting each of their voices and actions the narrative is enhanced, making for a propulsive read that’s hard to put down.

Andrews and Wilson have absolutely crushed their first two Jack Ryan books. Both are modern and exciting while honoring the classic elements of what made Clancy novels so compelling. Looking forward to seeing what they have up their sleeves for the next one. No doubt it’ll be another must read.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Defense Protocol
(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

Steve Netter

September 14, 2024

Deadbeat By Adam Hamdy

Steve Netter

September 14, 2024

Dark, tragic and unsettling, Deadbeat is a soul-searching tale of love, loss, and living with the consequences of your actions. A tense and anguishing story that makes you contemplate good vs. evil and reflect on how far you’d go to take care of your family. Adam Hamdy has delivered another thought-provoking and devastatingly powerful novel that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.

Peyton Collard’s life was shattered after a drunk driving car accident left a young woman dead, leaving him broken, estranged from his wife and daughter, and drowning in alcohol. After his latest transgression, an anonymous benefactor bails him out and makes Peyton a lucrative offer he is unable to refuse… life changing money if he agrees to kill specific malevolent individuals. As Peyton sets out on a violent spree across California, he starts to question the motives of the unseen figure pulling the strings and wonders about the true identities of those he’s executed. Now finding himself investigating the very murders he committed, he is determined to unmask the identity of the person behind the contracts and the dark reasons behind the killings he’s committed.

The pages of Deadbeat are filled with desperation, violence and regret. But they are also packed with hope, sacrifice and determination. Which is why it’s so hard to determine if Peyton is likeable or loathsome. He does some absolutely abhorrent and morally corrupt things, but his motivation can be seen as pure and in the name of seeking redemption. In the end, it’s up to the reader to make up their own mind on where Peyton stands with them. But there’s no middle ground. Either you will be understanding of his ends-justify-the-means approach and find him worthy of your support, or you will gleefully root for him to rot in prison for the rest of his days.

That there’s even a choice to make given the Peyton’s actions speaks to the brilliance of Adam Hamdy’s storytelling. He finds humanity in the darkest corners of even the most hopeless of souls. Using his brilliant and flowing prose to suck you into a debate about virtue vs. vileness. Requiring reflective contemplation that may not have a satisfying conclusion in the end. Regardless, you will be entertained while reading this powerful story and its impact won’t end for quite some time, as the angel and devil in your head will continue the conversation for many days after putting the book down.

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Deadbeat
(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

Meet The Review Team