If Something Happens To Me By Alex Finlay

If Something Happens to Me is an engaging, vivid thriller that demands attention and dares you to put it down.  Adrenaline-fueled, edge of your seat stuff by Alex Finlay.

Ryan Richardson, haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend Ali five years ago, lives under the weight of suspicion and online harassment. Despite never being charged, he changes his name and pursues a law career to move on. However, his past resurfaces when Ali's car is discovered in a lake with two bodies and a mysterious note, reigniting his quest for answers. During a trip to Italy with classmates, Ryan receives a chilling call from his father, leading him on a journey across continents to unravel the truth behind Ali's disappearance. Along the way, he encounters unexpected allies, including a rookie sheriff's deputy in Kansas and a mobster in Philadelphia, as he races against time to uncover the secrets of that fateful night.

Multiple storylines are expertly developed in parallel, containing twists and turns to keep readers off balance, before converging in an explosion of violence.  Pulsating with an intensity that thrusts readers onward with a craving for discovering the truth and witnessing the end game.  Which only works because the characters are expertly crafted with depth that elicit complex emotions.  So, while they are divided between groups of characters that you root to succeed versus those you harbor hope of being destroyed, most of the individuals are not straight good or bad.  Allowing readers to sympathize with the “bad guys” while still wishing for their demise…and harboring dislike for some of the actions of the “good guys” but ultimately cheering for them to win the day.  A well-written, fast-paced and action-filled tale that’s brilliantly crafted by one hell of a thriller author.

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The Main Character By Jaclyn Goldis

Twisting, turning and dramatic with a capital D, The Main Character will hold you in suspense while you try to unravel the tangled, tension-filled web spun between key players in this story.  Jaclyn Goldis has delivered an absorbing Agatha Christie-esque tale that propels readers forward with a desperate need for answers.

Bestselling author Ginevra Ex takes the unusual approach of hiring real people, interviewing them and their family/friends, and then fictionalizing them for her books.  Her latest main character is Rory, a former news anchor from the United States who is thrilled with the opportunity that comes along with a generous bonus and a trip along Italy’s coast on the newly renovated Orient Express.  Once she boards the train, she’s shocked to find her brother, best friend and ex-fiancé are also along for the ride.  And as the voyage commences, it’s clear there’s an ulterior motive for Ginevra inviting these individuals.  Which induces Rory to conduct an investigation.  Leading to uncovering life-altering secrets.  Some of which are worth killing for.

Having the storyline revolve around an author using real people as subjects for a fiction novel is fresh, creative and unique.  But on its own that isn’t enough to make a compelling novel.  Thankfully, The Main Character includes interesting characters with secrets they do not want to come to light, adding a big dose of intrigue and conflict, fed to readers with a slow drip until it explodes with action, violence and clarity that satisfyingly resolves every open question.  Resulting in a book that hooks readers early and takes them on an intense journey of lies, betrayal, and murder.

If you like a good reality TV drama, then Jaclyn Goldis has gifted you a book squarely in your wheelhouse.  But even if that’s not your thing, The Main Character serves up enough intrigue, mystery and charm to entertain any mystery fan looking for a good story. 

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Double Tap By Cindy Dees

Double Tap is a suspenseful, action packed and highly entertaining thriller with a hell of a body count.  A buffet of death served up by a fifty-something year old woman who at this stage of her life would prefer serving apple pie at family functions rather than being called to thwart would be assassins.  Cindy Dees has delivered another tantalizing story of deceit, spy craft and violence that will satiate even the biggest appetites for blood lust.

Retired CIA assassin Helen Warwick is brought back into the agency to hunt down a Russian mole embedded in the CIA, code name Scorpius.  Not only has this individual provided Russia with unparalleled access to American intelligence, but this person has been recruiting psychopaths who have mustered out of the military, training them to become an extremely off-the-books hit squad.  With her family at risk, Helen has never been more motivated to succeed.  And the only way she can enjoy the peaceful retirement she earned is to go head-to-head with this traitor, expose the conspiracy and put an end to their nefarious endeavors.  That is, as long as she can stay alive while being targeted by a bevy of crazy killers.

Once again readers will be captivated with Helen Warwick’s guile, intelligence and deadly skillset as the quinquagenarian woman is called upon to ply her trade one more time in service to her country.  But it’s the personal aspect of this mission that hooks you in and keeps you engaged.  With her family at risk and past secrets coming to light, the stakes are higher than just stopping a mole.  Additionally, Helen’s adversary is equally cunning as more ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they come out on top.  Which leads to an intense journey for the truth that leaves many dead bodies in its wake. 

If you’re middle aged and looking for a protagonist in your age bracket, then this is the series for you.  But even if that’s not what you seek, Double Tap provides an array of skills, thrills, and kills sure to entertain thriller fans of all ages. 

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Truth Truth Lie By Claire McGowan

Truth Truth Lie is mysterious, suspenseful and will fill you with anxiety.  A story in which panic, paranoia and murder take center stage.  Claire McGowan keeps you guessing by making everyone a suspect while concurrently having them all fear for their lives.  It’s intense!

A group of friends congregate on a private Scottish island to celebrate the 40th birthdays of two members of the crew.  As the festivities begin, they play the game two truths and a lie, leading to reading a slip of paper that insinuates everyone present is responsible for someone’s death, there’s no way off the island and that they will all either kill or be killed.  But who wrote these statements, and which one is the lie?  As old actions, secrets and resentment are revealed, tensions and paranoia increase with violence seemingly inevitable.  And then someone turns up dead.  Then the fun really begins.

Claire McGowan pulls off a neat trick in Truth Truth Lie.  She spills the tea on each character and their unsavory past, yet somehow keeps several of the characters worthy of sympathy.  Not all of them mind you.  Some of the character’s actions are more despicable and unforgiving.  But even then, there are little moments where you might feel sorry for them.  Which brings depth to the story and a way for readers to pick which people they believe are behind the devious plot versus which ones they cheer for to be innocent.  That’s the beauty of this book.  Each reader could have a different view of each character.  Which makes for fun book club discussions.

Crime, suspense and the psychological collide in Truth Truth Lie.  A thriller that will leave your nerves frayed and your mind on edge.

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Tom Clancy Act Of Defiance By Andrews & Wilson

The literary tag team of Andrews & Wilson serve up a tall glass of satisfying nostalgia with Act of Defiance, a brilliantly crafted modern-day homage to the Tom Clancy masterpiece The Hunt for Red October.

Trouble is afoot in Russia.  A potential coup is in the works and the Belgorod – a special missions submarine carrying advanced nuclear torpedoes and helmed by a troubled captain – is lurking in the Atlantic Ocean.  As tensions escalate, Naval Intelligence officer Katie Ryan analyzes the unfolding events and connects the dots to prove a clear and present danger to the United States.  Now it’s up to President Jack Ryan’s youngest daughter – along with a few of the President’s old friends – to untangle the plot, thwart the enemy and stop World War III before it begins.  

The plot is fresh but sentimental, the intensity is dialed up to sweltering levels and the sequencing of events is impeccably on point.  But what makes Act of Defiance special is the parallels and throwbacks to Red October.  It starts with a young analyst named Ryan spotting patterns no one else can see, drawing all the right conclusions and putting themselves in the middle of the action.  Like father, like daughter.  And like her father before her, Katie Ryan is forced to put herself in the shoes of a Russian submarine captain to determine his intentions and safeguard the United States from imminent peril.  Knowing that one wrong assumption spells doom for the entire world but having complete confidence in her abilities that belie her age.  Sound familiar?  Then throw in several old characters we know and love, including a couple of amazing cameos, and it really takes you back in time.  Resulting in a gigantic smile and a gratifying sigh as you lean back into your chair having finished a book that you have to believe Tom Clancy would be eminently delighted with having his name adorn the front cover.  

Prepare to be blown away by Act of Defiance.  It is a beautiful symphony that hits all the right notes.  A throwback to the classic Clancy novels, reminding us why we fell in love with this genre.  If you call yourself a military thriller fan, you can absolutely not miss this book.  It’s perfect.  10/10 no notes.  Contender for best thriller of 2024.  

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Think Twice By Harlan Coben

Another satisfyingly twisting, turning and suspenseful Harlan Coben novel, Think Twice brings the heat to challenge our ideas on friendship, love and getting away with murder.  It’s a classic Coben brain bender that keeps you guessing and entertains at a high level.

Former basketball star turned sports agent Myron Bolitar is approached by the FBI demanding to know where his friend, client and murder suspect Greg Downing is located.  Only problem is that Greg died 3 years ago.  But Myron starts to think, what if he isn’t really dead?  Myron teams up with his friends and colleagues to investigate, bringing him from New York to Las Vegas to Montana and places in between.  And what they uncover goes beyond the one murder, shining a light on a sinister plot that could be the work of a meticulous serial killer.  Now the only question is can they identify the killer’s identity before more people – including Myron – end up dead?

Long time Coben fans will enjoy this story that features characters they know and love and how they are challenged in Think Twice.  But if you aren’t familiar with these characters, don’t let that scare you away from picking up this book.  It’s easy to catch up on the character’s histories and relationships within the plot of this story.  And it’s a hell of a plot featuring someone back from the dead, multiple murders, innocents being framed, twisted personal relationships, private jets and more.  All the while keeping you guessing on who’s the culprit, who knows what and how’s it going to end.  

Another fantastic novel for the Coben catalog.  It’s high on drama, hitting all the right notes to keep you in suspense before finishing with a bang.  

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Blood Red Summer By Eryk Pruitt

A tale of justice delayed but not denied, Blood Red Summer elicits a bevy of emotions from heartbreak to inspiration, outrage to compassion, and frustration to satisfaction.  Eryk Pruitt superbly crafts another fascinating novel featuring a relentless true crime protagonist.  

After the success of her debut true crime podcast, Jess Keeler is now investigating the 1984 Lake Castor sniper case as a possible topic for a new documentary series.  The sniper killed five people in the historically Black part of town with barely any attention from the police and hardly a mention in the local news.  However, when a white journalist was killed in similar fashion, the wheels of justice spun quickly with a quick arrest and confession.  But did this individual really do it?  As Jess follows the evidence and looks for connections to another gruesome murder of three bootleggers, she will once again put herself in grave danger to uncover the truth.  A truth many would prefer to stay dead and buried.

Blood Red Summer ambitiously and successfully tells a story spanning two timelines 40 years apart that tackles complex and challenging issues relevant to both eras.  Racism, corruption, gang violence, the changing media landscape and impact on journalistic integrity all feature prominently.  And by jumping back and forth between past and present, slowly dripping clues and critical information along the way, it cranks up the suspense to high levels before landing a crushing blow when the truth is finally revealed.  All the while readers will be theorizing on what happened, who knew about it and how it impacted the communities on the different sides of the racial divide.  Making it an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.  Another compelling and entertaining thriller from the pen of Eryk Pruitt.

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The Instruments Of Darkness By John Connolly

Twisty and laden with numerous moments of increased anticipation that propel the reader forward with urgency, The Instruments of Darkness is an incredibly well written story with a little bit of everything – crime, investigations, violent action and a touch of the supernatural.  John Connolly has crafted an explosive thriller loaded with darkness and scheming, counteracted by sincerity and righteousness.

Colleen Clark is accused of abducting and killing her own son, and everyone in Maine thinks she’s guilty.  But she’s entitled to a defense and fair trial.  Enter Lawyer Moxie Castin and private investigator Charlie Parker, who after some initial investigating believe Colleen to be innocent.  But proving that she was set up is the hard part.  Involving a husband who is certain of his wife’s guilt, a medium/psychic with a dubious past, strange characters and even stranger houses in the woods, and racists arming themselves for battle, the investigation will take multiple twists and turns – some deadly – until the truth is finally revealed.

This was my first Charlie Parker novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.  I was struck by Parker’s quiet professionalism and pragmatic investigations approach that leaves emotion out of the equation.  He’s intelligent, highly capable and relentless.  He has a stable of resources at his disposal that allows him to obtain critical and hard to get information or provide muscle/backup for dangerous situations, situations in which he’s able to handle himself with aplomb.  Furthermore, he has a past that adds depth to his actions, motivations and thought processes.  All of which make him a fascinating character.

And in The Instruments of Darkness, all those character traits come into play.  Parker engages in a battle of wits with cunning lawyers.  He must discern fact from fiction as he interviews individuals with various motivations and reputations.  He puts himself in harm's way in the name of justice.  All the while there’s a darkness lurking that he may be uniquely qualified to understand.  Leading to a showdown where no one is left unscathed.  It’s exciting and compelling stuff.

It's a masterfully crafted tale by John Connolly.  One that is sure to thrill and satisfy long-term Parker fans while also providing an accessible on ramp for new readers to experience this excellent series.  

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Missing White Woman By Kellye Garrett

Missing White Woman is a stunning, suspenseful thriller with life lessons galore. A novel that has a lot to teach us if we’re open to listening and capable of introspection. Kellye Garrett has knocked this one out of the park!

Breanna is in Jersey City for a romantic weekend with her new boyfriend, Ty. Despite Ty having to work more than expected, they’re having a nice weekend checking out the sites in New York City and the sheets in their Airbnb. But it all goes to hell when Bree wakes up one morning to find a dead woman in the house and Ty missing. And it’s not just any dead woman, but suspected to be Janelle Beckett, a woman who disappeared earlier in the week and the subject of viral posts and videos on social media. With Ty the main suspect and Bree’s past something she wants to keep hidden, she’s forced to turn to her ex-best friend, who’s now a lawyer, for help despite their falling out over a decade ago. Together, they will uneasily search for the truth while trying to keep Bree from becoming another victim of social media’s cancel culture.

I’m obviously not a black woman nor someone who has had the same life experience as Bree’s character. So, it’s impossible for me to fully understand or appreciate how it would feel to be her in this situation. But Kellye Garrett’s writing is so vivid and storytelling so immersive that I was able to connect with Bree, strongly feel her emotions, and sympathize with her plight. And that connection is enhanced by the relatability of Bree through her relationships, whether it’s finding love with someone special or the difficult nature of a great friendship that ended abruptly. All of which put me on edge the entire time, nervous energy coursing through my body, urging Bree to figure out the truth and wishing hard for her to find peace and move forward with her life.

Additionally, the usage of social media as a central part of the plot is brilliantly done. How it’s deployed to shape the court of public opinion and convict people of wrongdoing without hard evidence is poignant commentary on the current state of the world. Highlighting that by being too quick to judgment and lacking intellectual curiosity, we’re causing undue or premature harm to others. And positing that the drive for a large number of views, likes and shares has the potential for great harm and impacts our humanity. Something we should all take a hard look at next time we log on to post or comment.

Missing White Woman is a fantastic book written by a marvelous author. A thriller that entertains, educates and holds up a mirror to society. One that demands your attention and stimulates reflection. Not to be missed.

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The Infiltrator By TR Hendricks

The Infiltrator is a second straight hit right out of the gate for T. R. Hendricks. It’s action-packed, suspenseful and emotional. A book that patiently sets the stage before opening the gates of hell with a ferocious barrage of violence that’ll leave you in shambles.

Following his heroics to bring down a camp of would-be domestic terrorists in upstate New York, Derek Harrington is now the key forward element in the FBI’s effort to root out the remaining cells of the dangerous group known as Autumn's Tithe. Having successfully shut down several other locations, the latest intelligence shows a final camp located in Kentucky that appears similar to the others. But this camp is way more than it seems and the FBI operation is met with significant resistance, leading to a showdown between Harrington and the leaders of Autumn’s Tithe that will threaten everything Derek holds dear.

The star of the show in The Infiltrator is definitely the action sequences. Black Hawks, Apaches, MRAPs, SWAT & HRT, snipers, and more. A torrential downpour of hot lead and missiles. A firefight that is as intense, insane and incendiary as anything you’ll ever read. Unapologetically brutal and indiscriminate in dealing out death. Cinematic in description. Packing an emotional punch. Glorious, unputdownable stuff.

Additionally, as with any nascent series, character development is critical, and Hendricks does an excellent job on this front. He provides additional insight into Derek Harrington’s personality, skillsets and relationships that go a long way to making him relatable while also qualifying him as an elite operator. Witnessing his attempt to put the pieces of his life back together with his wife, son and father provide context on his flaws but also show how he’s approaching trying to be a better person outside the wire. But the character development goes well beyond Harrington with the introduction of several fascinating individuals who have a major influence on events and outcomes in The Infiltrator. And they are sure to provoke strong reactions from readers.

Jump on this series now because it’s got the legs to reach lofty heights. And there’s unfinished business at the end of this one that projects towards a killer third installment on the way. Which is great news for thriller fans!

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Close To Death By Anthony Horowitz

The continuation of a remarkably fun series, Close to Death is another expertly crafted tale of murder, deception and investigative genius.  Anthony Horowitz delivers another wonderfully mysterious whodunit in which he’s the Watson to Hawthorne’s Sherlock.  

With no active case being investigated by Hawthorne, Anthony Horowitz is compelled to write his next book about a murder that happened several years ago in a small, exclusive gated community called Riverside Close.  Containing six houses and friendly neighbors, it seems like an idyllic neighborhood.  That is until the newest resident is found murdered.  With every inhabitant a suspect, the police call in Hawthorne to assist in the investigation.  Using notes, recordings and conducting a few new interviews, Horowitz reconstructs the events and tries to figure out who’s the killer and their motive.  But with several individuals strongly recommending abandoning this story in favor of finding a different case to write about, Horowitz just might conclude this is a crime best left dead and buried in the past. 

Close to Death has a different and intriguing feel to the prior books in the series in which the author is the sidekick during an active murder investigation.  This time, he’s researching and reconstructing a past crime investigated by Hawthorne.  And while Horowitz isn’t constantly being told by the onery Hawthorne that he’s getting it all wrong and compromising the investigation, he’s still being told that his writing isn’t capturing events exactly as they occurred.  So, there’s still some investigative stress between the two.  But the conflict ratchets up to higher levels as Horowitz attempts to learn more about Hawthorne’s past.  And that’s the part that really propels the character development and moves the series forward.  It’s a great device for delving into Hawthorne’s past and providing a deeper look into what makes him tick.  Though there’s still plenty left uncovered to keep him mysterious and enigmatic, which keeps the tension between the main characters in place.

Additionally, this feels like a potential turning point for the series with an uncertain ending that could go multiple directions.  Adding to the suspense of the novel with ambiguity for the future.  But as long as we get more Hawthorne and Horowitz, whatever comes next will be a treat.

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A Calamity Of Souls By David Baldacci

David Baldacci has written a lot of books.  Many of them instant best sellers that entertain the masses.  But this novel is on a completely different level.  A Calamity of Souls is the most profound and captivating story David Baldacci has ever told. 

It’s 1968 in southern Virgina and a black man is accused of killing the white couple he worked for.  Jack Lee, a local white lawyer, believes in the man’s innocence and agrees to defend the accused despite never having been involved in a murder trial before. He’s soon joined by Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer out of Chicago who works for the Legal Defense Fund and has offered her considerable skills and experience as co-counsel.  With the state sending in the attorney general and handpicking the judge to preside over the trial, in addition to the rampant racism in that part of the country, Lee and DuBose know the deck is heavily stacked against them.  But the two will stop at nothing to put up a vigorous defense for their client despite the grave danger they face, fighting a corrupt system and an almost certain guilty verdict in pursuit of true justice and the dream of an equal society. 

It's apparent Baldacci put a ton of time and care into crafting this intricate story, resulting in a powerful tale that elicits strong emotions.  The characters are exquisitely constructed to extract extreme compassion for those fighting against and experiencing injustice and provoke deep loathing of the contemptible individuals on the other side.  The plot is designed to constantly ramp up the intensity and levels of infuriation while systemic racism continues to wield its ugly power to facilitate a seemingly certain and exasperating outcome.  And the storytelling is formulated to propel the reader forward with great urgency and desire to learn the fate of all involved, alternating between providing hope and generating despair.  It’s an emotional rollercoaster.

And while A Calamity of Souls takes place over 50 years ago it’s also quite relevant to events of the near past and present day.  Which can make it an uncomfortable book to read.  But it’s nonetheless important to read it and spend time reflecting on it.  Kudos to Baldacci for taking on such an ambitious and important topic and turning out a brilliant novel.  It’s his finest work to date.

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Blood Mountain By Alisa Lynn Valdes

Treacherous weather and duplicitous intentions are front and center in Blood Mountain, where if the major snowstorm doesn’t kill you, a family member or a large animal might cause your demise instead.  Alisa Lynn Valdes has crafted a tension-filled, blood pressure increasing, enchanting mystery that will keep you guessing until the shocking reveal.

New Mexico game warden Jodi Luna has been ordered by her boss to lead an elk hunt on the enormous ranch of a wealthy family, one member of which is a woman Jodi has become friendly with.  When she arrives, she is thrust into a complicated situation with bickering siblings and an incoming blizzard that leaves them stranded in the lodge.  Then one of the family members goes missing and is later found murdered.  Jodi, as the sole law enforcement officer on site, must brave the elements and the warring family to determine the motive and figure out which one of the handful of suspects could have perpetrated the crime.  

This book is high on drama and contains quite a bit of intrigue that goes beyond the murder investigation.  Loud and obnoxious siblings fighting like cats and dogs.  Environmental conservation issues.  Teenagers thinking they know more than adults.  Dynamics of rich vs. poor.  A daughter trying to find her place in a family after being united with her birth mother.  And a woman referred to as the Goat Lady who shoots homemade arrows at people, keeps a black bear as a pet, and speaks almost exclusively in bible verses.  So while this book has a compelling crime and a twisting, turning, suspenseful investigation, the characters are the driving force behind making this story pop.

Blood Mountain is an engaging and gripping tale that succeeds in moving this budding series forward with a positive step in character development while also setting the stage for future installments.  A thriller that will entertain crime novel enthusiasts with a predisposition for the outdoors, animals and family drama.

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Day Of Wrath By Matt Cricchio

Day of Wrath is crackling with intensity and as dark as an underground doomsday bunker.  Matt Cricchio has crafted a malevolent crime novel that is not for the faint of heart.

Caleb and Krissy Rhoades are married but drifting apart.  Krissy owns the most popular bakery in town and has a large social media following.  Caleb is an ex-Marine who’s struggling with civilian life and owns a failing tactical training school.  Their issues are exasperated when Krissy is violently assaulted behind her bakery while sitting in Caleb’s truck.  Was Caleb the real target?  As the police seemingly botch the investigation, Caleb and Krissy each try to find out who’s behind the attack.  Which opens old wounds and puts them on a collision course with dangerous individuals.  Leading to a massive shootout that threatens to kill or maim everyone involved in this case.

This book is overflowing with tension and consternation.  Every single relationship in Day of Wrath is fraught with acrimony.  Which facilitates the transfer of each character’s angst onto the reader.  Sending you on a rough journey down a deep, dark rabbit hole of discontent, corruption, and violence.  Experiencing a gritty story filled with ruthlessness that is frightening to think exists in the world but provides macabre entertainment within the pages of a novel.

An action-packed thriller with indiscriminate viciousness, Day of Wrath is big, loud and chilling.  A story for those possessing strong internal fortitude who desire an audacious and brutal tale. 

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Four Minutes By Andrews & Wilson

Four Minutes is a brain busting and fascinating military, spy and sci-fi thriller combo containing blazing action sequences, world altering technology and enough time travel to make you exclaim “Great Scott!”  Andrews and Wilson have delivered another compelling techno-thriller that will leave you breathless and contemplative.  

Chief Tyler Brooks is one of the best special ops leaders on the planet.  After a mission that goes devastatingly wrong and leaves him with more questions than answers, he’s recruited to join Task Force Omega with the promise to get some of those answers while leading an elite team of operators who will gain an advantage over their adversaries by having access to technology that gives them a look at the future.  However, there are risks and a cost for using this technology.  Furthermore, they are being hunted by an unknown force lurking in the shadows with plans of changing the world order.  With nuclear war staring them in the face, Chief Brooks and his team will have to do everything in their power to stop the unimaginable from happening.  The question is – is glimpsing the future four minutes at a time enough to save the day?

Four Minutes is a great concept that is executed flawlessly.  Yes, there are military thrillers out there that include futuristic technology and there are also plenty of time travel novels out there.  But combining them, adding in a dash of CIA secrecy and manipulation to keep you on your toes and throwing in a twist of only being able to go 28 days into the future and stay for only 4 minutes at a time is a differentiator.  It ratchets up the suspense and the pressure the characters – who are required to have very special skills and elite brain function – feel because time is of the essence with every single operation.  It’s compelling stuff.  Not that we should be surprised when the dynamic writing duo is behind the pen.

If you’re looking for a novel to break your brain thinking about the laws of physics and the space-time continuum while being entertained by gun battles and a race to save the world, then Four Minutes is squarely in your wheelhouse.  It will entertain, mystify and engage you.  Kicking off a series with infinite potential.  

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The Underhanded By Adam Sikes

A tale of a secret cabal and a global conspiracy that’s centuries in the making yet with a ripped from the headlines here-and-now feel, The Underhanded is sure to thrill while making you question who’s really wielding power and driving the events that shape our world. Adam Sikes has crafted an intricate, pensive and action-packed story that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.

Professor William Dresden is in France, licking his wounds from being discredited by his peers over a research paper he published. With a past that includes a difficult childhood, having witnessed genocide in Bosnia, and driving away the woman he loved, you’d think he’s all filled up on problems. But enters MI6 officer Adeline Parker, who tells him shocking information about his family and then nearly gets him killed by a bomb meant to silence them both. Now, Dresden and Parker find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes game of life and death against the Strasbourg Executive, a group of neo fascists and extreme nationalists who have designs of reigning terror across Europe to further their hateful agenda. But to survive, Dresden and Parker will have to turn the tables on this dangerous group, go on offense, enlist the help of other shadowy figures, and pray it all comes together to stop all hell from reigning down across the continent. And maybe save their own lives in the process.

The Underhanded is the perfect book for those who love a good conspiracy that’s rooted in historical context and aligns with current events. It goes deep down the rabbit hole of secret cabals influencing events and sacrificing innocent people to further their cause. It also includes family drama that goes well beyond what most people can imagine, deplorable villains who do despicable things and a likeable protagonist whose evolution and development is a sight to behold. And then lastly, it’s filled with pulse-pounding action and gasp-out-loud twists. Everything a discerning thriller fan could want, packaged within an intriguing novel that’s well written with good pacing and entertains while it makes you think about the state of the world and who’s really pulling the strings.

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City in Ruins By Don Winslow

A tale of ambition, vengeance, love and loss, City in Ruins is the dramatic finale to this grand trilogy that demonstrates while you might be able to change your destiny, you can never outrun your past. Don Winslow delivers another beautifully constructed story and rides off into retirement with a bang.

In the glittering world of Las Vegas, former Irish mobster turned legitimate tycoon Danny Ryan seemingly has it all—wealth, a loving family, loyal friends, and a special woman in his life. However, driven by innovative vision and unquenchable ambition, he maneuvers to acquire the last coveted piece of prime real estate on the iconic strip, sparking a war that dredges up his dark past. Now, facing imminent danger and threats to his business and loved ones, Danny must resurrect his ruthless mobster persona to safeguard both his business empire and the people he holds dear. In this high-stakes gamble, he confronts ghosts he thought were buried to secure a future he could only have dreamed of as a kid.

City in Ruins is steeped in emotion, building intensity steadily until it erupts in violence. It twists and turns, splendidly tying the trilogy together and delivering action and events that seem preordained yet avoidable. Even when you might predict what is about to happen, you are still unprepared for the consequences and subsequent empty feeling following the power punch to your gut. You’ll discover yourself empathizing with the rich, the powerful and the criminal with whom you likely can’t relate, and whose nefarious dealings shouldn’t garner that kind of connection. It’s a final wonderful example of Winslow’s storytelling genius.

Thank you, Don Winslow, for delivering hours upon hours of literary entertainment that provided an escape from our real-world challenges to immerse us in the vivid universes you created to ooh and ahh over the trials and tribulations of your amazingly complex characters. You will be missed, but we won’t cry now that your run is over. Rather we’ll smile because it happened.

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Matterhorn By Christopher Reich

Matterhorn is a mountainous tale of deception, betrayal and revenge.  A story about family, love and spy craft.  One that begs the question – how far would you go to protect the ones you love?  

Robbie Steinhardt is living a simple and peaceful life in a small Swiss alpine village.  But he has a secret.  He’s actually Mac Dekker, a former CIA agent who faked his own death and is hiding out after being framed for treason.  When he learns that his son Will died while on a mission for the agency, he comes out of hiding to get answers.  Which puts him in the crosshairs of the very individuals who set him up almost a decade ago.  And the more he learns, the more danger Mac faces while trying to stop a terrorist plot that could kill millions.  But quit is not in his vocabulary and he will climb to the highest peaks on the planet to stop the terrorists and avenge his fallen son.

This book has everything.  A spy in hiding coming out of the cold?  Check.  Not knowing who can be trusted?  Check.  Raging gun battles?  Check.  Urban car chases?  Check.  Foot pursuit on rooftops?  Check.  Mountain climbing to gather critical evidence?  Check.  A race against the clock to stop a terrorist attack?  Check.  Reigniting a long-lost love affair?  Check.  Seeking revenge against your nemesis?  Check again.  Simply put, Matterhorn is the complete package.

A thriller that will elevate your heart rate and leave you trying to catch your breath.  Christopher Reich delivers a story with brisk action, cold-blooded deceit and rekindled emotions.  An engaging book with unrepentant violence juxtaposed against an idyllic setting.

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A Forgotten Kill By Isabella Maldonado

Filled to the brim with suspense and danger, A Forgotten Kill is one of those great reads that crackles with nervous energy from start to finish. A book that urges you forward with a desperate desire to learn the outcome as quickly as possible.

FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega is compelled to relook at the evidence of her father’s murder from ten years ago. To get access to the files, she will have to help a veteran NYPD homicide detective uncover the identity of a newly discovered serial killer who’s been secretly operating throughout New York City for a decade. Given Dani’s background as an Army Ranger trained in codebreaking, she’s the best person to find hidden patterns and decipher riddles left behind by the perpetrator. But the killer is watching her every move and engages Dani in a deadly game that puts more innocent people in danger and also unearths secrets that will rock Dani’s world and everything she thought she knew about her father’s death.

A battle of wits between a strong and intelligent female FBI agent versus a brilliant and obsessive male serial killer? Yes please and thank you. And it’s the mental battle that really elevates this thriller to another level. There is certainly enough action – gun battles, hand to hand combat, hot pursuits through the streets of New York – to satisfy anyone looking for their fix of physical confrontations. But the true action is in the psychological contest between the hunter and the hunted. Where every move our hero makes is anticipated and countered by the killer she so desperately wants to bring to justice, bringing renewed vigor and motivation to the chase rather than frustration or resignation. A deadly engagement where neither side knows the meaning of the words quit or surrender. A chess match between two grand masters that enthralls and entertains every spectator as each “check” is immediately counteracted by a move to prolong the game.

Isabella Maldonado has delivered a second straight banger to kick off the Daniela Vega series. Fans of serial killer novels like the UNSUB series by Meg Gardiner should add A Forgotten Kill to their 2024 TBR pile without delay. It’s intense, propulsive and fantastic!

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The Debt Collector By Steven Max Russo

Gritty and intense with a side of playfulness, The Debt Collector is a captivating story set in New Jersey’s dark underworld of bookies, hoodlums and organized crime.  Steven Max Russo has delivered a novel  filled with fascinating characters and dangerous liaisons.

Abigail Barnes is an attractive young woman who leverages people underestimating her to thrive as a collector, seeking out and intimidating people to pay their debts to bookies and loan sharks.  Now in New Jersey and in need of work, she gets an introduction to a couple of low-level thugs who hook her up with a job collecting for a local bookie.  After successfully completing the job, the bookie is found murdered in his office with all signs pointing to Abigal as the main suspect.  But she didn’t do it and believes it’s either the thugs behind the killing or possibly their boss, mobster Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone.  Now being hunted by criminals, the mob and the police, she needs to figure out who took out the bookie before she goes on the run…or is caught and thrown in jail…or winds up swimming with the fishes.

Following Abigail’s journey through this labyrinth of crime is entertaining as hell.  She’s intelligent and tough as nails, able to hold her own in a physical confrontation with men twice her size.  Her calculating nature allows her to see various angles and pick the best path forward.  And she’s able to use her appearance and the prejudice of others to her advantage.  Simply put, Abigail’s a pro’s pro who gets the job done, doesn’t take things personally and wins over those who initially doubt her capabilities.  

And in The Debt Collector, she’s in the deep end facing off against powerful and dangerous forces out to get her.  Forcing a grand battle of wits between law enforcement, crooks and herself where the losers are certain to end up dead or in prison.  No higher stakes than that, leading to an exceedingly engaging entanglement that thrills, delights and results in multiple “oh shit” moments.  It’s a great read!

Perhaps we’ll see more of Abigail in the future as there are more stories that can be told while she continues to navigate the illicit collections business.  Would be a highly entertaining series if Steven Max Russo is so inclined to go that route.  I for one hope that’s the case.  

Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Debt Collector
(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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