Boy Fallen By Chris Gill

Like a storm building over Tasman Bay, you can see the clouds of mystery gathering on the horizon in Boy Fallen. When the deluge of intrigue hits you, there is no escape. Chris Gill keeps readers second guessing until the very end. As the saying goes… three things cannot be long hidden; the sun, the moon, and the truth.

When the body of Evan Wiley, a wealthy and bullied teen, is found faceup at the base of Taonga Falls, the evidence leaves little doubt that it was a suicide. Detective Brooke Palmer returns to the hometown she was desperate to escape to comfort her oldest friend – Evan’s mother. 

When it becomes apparent that Evan had been hanging out with one of his high school tormentors, ghosts from her own past resurface. As she begins to assist with the case, the similarities and ties to her own brother’s tragic murder are to glaring to ignore.

Gill crafts an engaging small town thriller that is so relatable and familiar that even though the story is set in New Zealand, it could have occurred in my own hometown in the US. The universal wants and desires of the people just trying to survive everyday life is explored and examined in an entertaining, but meaningful way. As readers follow Evan’s path to self discovery, the prejudices common to the setting ring true. The struggle to understand who we really are is on full display as we watch each character battle their own inner demons and all we can do is hope they come out, mostly, intact on the other side.

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Don’t Know Tough By Eli Cranor

Don’t Know Tough is a somber, sadistic, and sobering look at the virtues, volatility, and violence of football and poverty in rural America. Eli Cranor's writing burns up the pages with authenticity and deserves every bit of acclaim it has received.

On the verge of the Arkansas state football playoffs, the Denton Pirates and coach Trent Powers are dependent on running back Billy Lowe’s athletic prowess. The problem is that Billy Lowe is as violent and explosive off the field as he is between the tackles.

When his mother’s abusive boyfriend is found dead in their trailer, a series of events unfold that will likely lead to heartbreak for all involved. The question isn’t whether the Pirates will get their hands on the trophy, it is whether or not the law will get theirs on Billy Lowe.

This book is every bit a story of a player and his coach as it is a murder mystery. The strained, and often time down right violent, relationships amongst the characters is what drives this story. While I initially picked it up after hearing it described as part Friday Night Lights, football is simply the stage upon which the real story plays out. The depths to which a coach or teacher might go to protect their players and students must have its limits, but what does one do when the circumstances and your faith blur that line beyond all recognition?

Don’t Know Tough is a story of paradoxes and promises. Every character is equal parts hero and villain, saint and sinner, good and evil. When the scenarios are this convoluted, right and wrong tend to disappear into the smoke of so many shades of gray. Cranor does an unbelievable job of weaving a compelling story, while exploring what it is to be human and our debt to each other.

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Wild Card By Stephen England

Wild Card is everything you want in a spy thriller and exactly what we’ve come to expect from an author of Stephen England’s talent. Nerve wracking in its plausibility, anxiety inducing with a constant state of tension, and scenarios that are an endless source of trepidation... you simply never know who can be trusted. This book is perfect for those readers like me who enjoy the gamble of trying to predict where the story is going.

In the complex world of espionage, even the most dangerous assets sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Regardless of the stakes, CIA paramilitary officer Harry Nichols is not someone you should bet against. When even allies are not willing to show their hands, Harry always has an ace up his sleeve. Trust me when I tell you that once you read the first page, you’ll be all in.

Set in Germany, circa 2007, an asset in Turkey has slipped the net and been spotted in Rheinland-Pfalz. Harry Nichols, had been on his way back to the US for a much deserved break, but at the last second is tasked with aiding the capture and rendition of the rogue informant. When the mission takes an unpredictable turn, it’s clear there is a grave and immediate threat playing out all around him. Working with his German counterparts, Nichols must deftly navigate through both the governmental bureaucracy and shadowy battlefield of international terrorism to disrupt the plot and stop the attack.

Fresh off of writing what I considered to be one of the best books in 2021, England is showing no signs of slowing down. With his trademark of hyperrealism via insanely thorough research, this story will have you questioning what actually happened in Germany during the height of the surge and how much of it is based on real life events.

This book is not as action packed as the previous books in the Shadow Warrior series, but the threats and tension are every bit as thrilling. If you haven’t started the series, this is the perfect time to read Wild Card to understand the events that shaped Nichols into the feared operator that he is.

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Secret Identity By Alex Segura

Secret Identity is the nostalgic romp through the comic book industry of the 1970s that you didn’t know you needed. With characters that elicit strong emotional responses, fascinating interwoven plotlines, and historical tidbits that demonstrate the author's passion and knowledge, Alex Segura crafts a compelling story that keeps you guessing until the very end. 

Carmen Valdez, a Cuban transplant from Miami, undertakes the Sysiphian task of creating a space for herself in the male dominated comic book industry of 1970s New York. When an unexpected opportunity presents itself that will allow her to achieve her dream of writing a superhero book, although anonymously from the shadows, the glimmer of hope is too enticing to let pass. 

When the man she is writing the book with is suddenly murdered, Carmen is driven to find out what happened. With her work life continuing to complicate itself at an exponential rate, fate piles on with a visit from Carmen’s past. Now both her personal and professional spheres are in chaos. The only questions to be asked are can she solve what is going on and will she survive the answers she finds?

Segura’s deep passion for comics is on dazzling display. I was enthralled by the knowledge and historical tidbits he sprinkled throughout the book. I often found myself on research tangents to find out more about the origins of many of today’s favorite characters and the artists and writers who created them. If you are a devoted comic fan, then this book will blow you away. If you are a casual fan like me… this book will still blow you away, but you may also find yourself checking out more comics afterwards.

 It’s a fun, engaging story for readers who enjoy noir, mysteries, and underdogs. In other words, everyone should love this book. 

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The Lightning Rod By Brad Meltzer

Brad Meztler’s writing talents seem to know no bounds. Whether he is writing a children’s book, historical non fiction, or his latest thriller… you know that you’re in for one hell of an entertaining read. The Lightning Rod, the second installment of the Zig and Nola series, is no different.  

Mortician “Zig” Zigarowski had made a career of preparing the bodies of the fallen soldier before he left the military. When he is specifically requested to work on the body of Archie Mint, an Army veteran, he thinks nothing of it. Zig decides to stick around during the funeral, feeling a sense of sympathy and connection to the grieving family, when he spots the woman who had saved his life two years ago. Military artist Nola Brown, a magnet for trouble, has suddenly reentered his life.

Not understanding Nola’s connection to the deceased, but keenly aware of the group of men intent on doing her harm, Zig does what Zig always does… and tries to help. When Nola’s long lost brother, an enigma of a figure in his own right, shows up, things go from bad to worse as the pair try to solve the larger puzzle. Coupled with his ex-wife’s insistence that Zig get to the bottom of a mystery involving their dead daughter, it’s everything he can do to keep from being blown away in the storm of chaos surrounding him.

As shock after shock keep hitting him, Zig powers through to uncover clues leading to a top-secret military unit, sinister murders, and Cold War era government facility that holds the key to our salvation… or destruction. Only one point of contact combines all the pieces, Nola Brown… the lightning rod. 

They say that opposites attract and there is no better example than this duo. Zig, selfless and sensitive, and Nola, independent and isolated, make little sense on paper, but are inexplicably drawn to each other. A modern day odd couple, the pair are hell bent on solving the mystery, regardless of the personal costs.

Like the slow burn of a long fuse before it ignites a giant fireworks display, The Lightning Rod begins with small, calculated increases in the level of the action and intensity. Every decision, regardless of how tiny it may seem, brings the characters towards the explosive finale. Complete with a dazzling display of emotional angst and regret, this book will connect with every reader.

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A Therapeutic Death By J.B. Stevens

A Therapeutic Death is a series of absolute gut punching short stories. The violence is visceral, the emotions cut like knives, and the consequences are devastating. J.B. Steven’s does an amazing job of sucking you in from the first word and doesn’t let you go until the explosive end.

The difficulty in creating the attachment necessary for readers to care about the characters on the page is difficult in a full length novel, to do so (repeatedly) in short story after short story was truly impressive. I experienced a wide range of feelings and uttered a few choice words while reading. 

I cannot wait to read more stuff from Stevens.

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The Girls In The Fire By Dea Poirier

The Girls in the Fire is the type of story that will have you blazing through the pages. Dea Poirier unfolds events in a slow burn, keeping the heat turned up on Detective Harlow Durant as she tries to stay hot on the trail of a murderer.  

The charred remains of a young woman are discovered near Saranac Lake, a tourist destination in upstate New York. Harlow and her partner Lucas race to the scene and are confronted by the brutality of the murder. With another serial killer active in the national park nearby, the body count and demand to solve the crimes is rising dramatically.  

While chasing down any and all leads, the sudden appearance of the woman Harlow spent a lifetime running away from brings a whole new level of stress and danger to the picturesque town. As her personal and professional life collide, it will take everything Harlow can muster to put an end to the killer’s activities before they strike again. 

For fans of protagonists with a dark past, this book is a must read. Harlow’s tragic upbringing has provided her with a unique viewpoint of the murderers she’s hunting. The dramatic dual storyline of Harlow’s childhood alongside the brutal slayings of the present is incredibly well done and readers will be unable to stop themselves from flipping to the next chapter to see what happens. 

The Girls in the Fire is the second installment of the series and you will be well served to jump in early. This is a solid police procedural with a dark and twisted flare. While there is not constant physical danger like some other series, the psychological components of this book are ever present and intense. Every misstep in the investigation is deeply felt through the reader’s attachment to Harlow and the hope that the sins of her past will not overwhelm her before she can atone for them.  

I should have started this book in the morning and cleared my plans for the day. Instead I made the mistake of starting in the evening and staying up into the early morning hours. Although, I will say it was worth every second of lost sleep.

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Girl in Ice By Erica Ferencik

While the characters in Girl in Ice must battle the hostile conditions of the Arctic to survive, Erica Ferenckik forces her readers to brave the elements of a good thriller; mystery, intrigue, suspense, and fear. This book will keep you frozen in place until you reach the dramatic conclusion.

On a remote island of Greenland’s coast, a young girl is found frozen in the ice by a group of climate scientists. The decision is made to thaw the girl out and, shockingly, she is alive and speaking a language no one understands. Val Chesterfield,  an expert in dead Nordic languages, is called in to help communicate with the child. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Val is the twin of a man who committed suicide at that same remote station. Battling her crippling anxiety, Val makes the decision to head north to find answers to her brother’s death. She will have to face the danger the wind and weather will bring, but it’s the predators that she’ll need to watch out for.

While the physical temperatures in the Arctic may be extremely low, Val is a hot mess psychologically. Her anxiety is easily triggered and the familial relationships she had depended on are frayed or gone. Val’s personal struggle of overcoming her fears and getting outside her comfort zone is one of the subplots I enjoyed the most.

As it would be expected when living at the edge of the world, there is plenty of physical danger and the threats are real and constant. When the slightest mistake can cost you your life, the tension and intrigue are plentiful.

Girl in Ice layers components of suspense, mystery, and a bit of science fiction to weave a thriller that is gritty, intense, and imaginative.

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Splinter Cell: Firewall By James Swallow

Sam Fisher is back and better than ever. James Swallow delivers an adrenaline pumping thrill ride that had me flipping pages faster than I thought possible. Firewall is a fantastic book and sets up the series for some very exciting possibilities. 

Veteran Fourth Echelon agent Fisher is busy recruiting and training the next generation of Splinter Cell operatives when an immediate threat is discovered. With other agents otherwise engaged around the world, Fisher must depend on the new addition to the team… a probational agent, who just happens to also be his daughter Sarah.

As events unfold, a deadly assassin from Fisher’s past reemerges as the cleaner for an egomaniacal titan of tech. Sam and Sarah must track down Gordian Sword, an all powerful quantum computer capable of neutralizing any electronic network, before it is used to reshape the world as we know it.

With the political and personal stakes this high, Swallow runs Fisher through a full gambit of physical and psychological pain. While he is concerned about his own well being, his daughter choosing to follow in his footsteps is one of the most difficult things he’s ever had to endure. 

Phenomenal pacing, great writing, and sublime intertwining plotlines left me holding my breath as I read. This is a book you will struggle to put down, so make sure to plan accordingly and clear anything on your calendar.

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Grim Measures By David Darling

Grim Measures is a gut punch of a novella that explores a parent's worst nightmare and asks the question... what wouldn’t you do to get your child back?

Months after Ava was taken, the abductor offered John a chance to bring his daughter home, but he had to perform several tasks. First on the list was killing FBI Special Agent Robert Rothman, lead investigator on the case—after that, things only got worse. Without his daughter, nothing else mattered. So, John clung to hope as he prepared to darken his soul.


David Darling’s trademark crisp writing and lightning fast pacing is once again on display in Grim Measures. Even with the reduced word count of a novella, there is enough physical action and psychological intrigue to keep readers engaged to the very end.

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Blue Fire By John Gilstrap

John Gilstrap, with his effective storytelling techniques weaves a compelling story of what would become of us in the aftermath of a nuclear war? With infrastructure and power blown back to the dawn of man, survival is the only daily goal.  

The plot of Blue Fire is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth between intense bouts of physical danger and the gut wrenching choices that must be made. The tension is constantly increasing, bubbling just below the surface, until it boils over and explodes into kinetic action. 

This dystopian story takes place in and around Ortho, West Virginia where former congressional representative Victoria Emerson has become the new leader of a small community. Struggling to provide basic needs, like food and shelter, she must navigate the complex political waters that come with a never ending stream of desperate refugees. When a gang of National Guardsmen comes to pilfer what they can, the residents of Ortho teach them the new meaning of hospitality.  

Blue Fire is full of action sequences and moral twisting decisions. It seems no matter what they choose, everything eventually goes up in flames. When every day activities are literally a matter of life and death; do you try to reshape the world as it was recently or do you devolve back into the means and methods of our ancient ancestors? 

Gilstrap takes readers directly into the minds of his characters as he explores ‘the line’ each person draws for themselves and is unwilling to cross to ensure their own survival. That the line continues to move as each day takes them further and further from the world they used to know propels the story from page one. It is a thought provoking exercise that will have readers continuously asking themselves…”would I be willing to do that?”

I had not read Crimson Phoenix before I dove into Blue Fire, but I quickly added it to my list. While knowledge and understanding of the origin of ‘Hell Day’ is helpful, it’s not essential to enjoying the second installment. With the series being so young, this is a great time to double up and read both back to back.

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Beneath The Stairs By Jennifer Fawcett

Beneath The Stairs is a spectacular debut novel. Jennifer Fawcett blends horror, mystery, and a sort of coming of age story into a single novel that will wreak havoc on your emotions and obliterate any hope of a normal night’s sleep.

It is said that all local legends have a kernel of truth to them, though exaggerated through the years. The same would be true for the residents of Sumner’s Mills, a sleepy village in upstate New York. The rumors and whispers about the Octagon House passed down from generation to generation had to start somewhere. 

Twenty years after a traumatic event that changed the trajectory of both her and her best friend Abby’s lives, Clare returns to her hometown to unravel the circumstances that led to Abby to return to the cursed building and attempt to end her life. Still grieving from a personal loss and her own life unraveling, Clare must sift through the horrific events of the past in order to find some semblance of understanding in the present. 

I’ll be the first to admit that this is not the typical type of thriller that I read. I often find myself drawn more towards books that have a healthy dose of physical danger (i.e. bullets flying, bombs going off, etc.)...but I was absolutely spellbound by this story. I waited to start this book on a cold and stormy evening and ended up reading all night, finishing a few hours before dawn. It was a perfectly terrifying night to read this type of story.

The multiple plotlines are full of physical danger, emotional turmoil, and psychological uncertainty that go from cover to cover. It absolutely scared the crap out of me and caused me to cast an anxious look at every shadow that fell across the wall, flinch at each creak from the house settling, and jump at any noise outside my windows. 

I applaud Jennifer on a masterful story and look forward to reading more in the future.

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No Second Chances By Rio Youers

Like passing over the event horizon of a black hole, once you start your journey into this book you are driven by an invisible force until the dramatic conclusion. There is no escape, no other options, No Second Chances. 

 

In this epic tale of violence, verve, and vindication, characters’ loyalties and limbs are tried, torn, and twisted. When savagery and serendipity collide, survival is the best one can hope for in the City of Angels.

Aspiring actress Kitty Rae is still waiting for her big break after tossing caution to the wind and moving to LA. Getting by as a drug courrier for a lower level meth dealer, Kitty is given a big opportunity… just not the one she was expecting. When Johan Fly, aka The Cali Viking, convinces her to come and work for him instead, Kitty is suddenly thrust elbow to elbow with the rich and famous. Johan uses his status as a YouTuber and Instagram influencer to establish a drug enterprise catering to the Hollywood elite. 

 

The most famous… well, infamous… celebrity in Kitty’s life is actually her neighbor, who she just happened to rescue from taking his own life. Luke Kingsley, former star and alleged wife killer, has had little to live for the past three years since the disappearance of his soul singer wife, Lisa Hayes. He has even less hope of things ever turning around, that is until Kitty enters the scene.

 

When Johan catches on to Kitty skimming his wonder drug for her own personal use, things go very badly… very quickly. Dragging Luke into the situation only complicates things as the pair cook up an elaborate scheme to keep Kitty and her family safe. With a bit of dumb luck while implementing their plan, clues from the night Lisa went missing resurface, along with the former LAPD detective hell bent on putting Luke away for life. 

 

Rio Youers initially guides you by the elbow as he shows you around the L.A. universe of his creation like a man at a housewarming party giving a tour of his new multi million dollar mansion. He points out areas of interest, introduces you to some intriguing folks, and then half way through he says he wants to show you something special. By all accounts up until then it’s been an interesting and pleasant experience so you trust him. What could go wrong?

 

Then Rio smiles, opens a side door and gives you a full force shove over the edge of a cliff, suddenly you are flying through the air, catapulting down the Hollywood hills with no way of stopping yourself until the very end.


Udo Kier once said “the villain is the character people remember” and I have never felt that statement ring more true than in No Second Chances. Rio has crafted one of the most believable, brutal, and bombastic villains of all time. With a violent streak that would make even the most ruthless of his Viking ancestors blush, Johan Fly will go down as one of the greatest antagonists I’ve ever read. There is a simplicity to his logic and a purity to his barbary. The man is evil incarnate, masked with a golden smile and tens of thousands of adoring fans lapping up every morsel of carefully crafted bullshit that he broadcasts over social media.

I realize it is incredibly early in the year, but I just cannot see No Second Chances and Rio Youers not picking up a truckload of awards come the end of 2022.

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Sierra Six By Mark Greaney

Sierra Six is everything a thriller fan could want wrapped up in a single book. Whenever the Gray Man is involved you know the plot is going to include vivid action sequences, sky scraping amounts of intrigue, and absolutely zero margin for error. Add that to Greaney’s unparalleled writing ability and you have yourself one hell of a book.

While out on a relatively easy mission The Gray Man sees a dead man standing right in front of him, dredging up ghosts from the past. When history threatens to repeat itself, Court Gentry is hell bent on finishing the job himself and exacting revenge upon the man who he was told died twelve years earlier.

There are better and smarter people who have used every praiseworthy adjective to describe Mark Greaney’s writing and storytelling ability so I will not endeavor to improve upon their words, instead I’ll simply say this… damn this man is good!

I feel like I may say this every time Greaney drops a new Gray Man novel… but Sierra Six may be my favorite in the series. The before/after structure, delving into the origin of The Goon Squad, and seeing a bit into what makes Gentry who he is… all of it worked and made it impossible to put down. I literally cancelled a work meeting so I could keep reading (I hope my boss doesn’t read that).

If this is your first Gray Man book… prepare yourself, you will be purchasing the other books in the series shortly. If you are a long time follower of Court, well… you are going to absolutely love what Greaney has in store for you.

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Dark Horse By Gregg Hurwitz

Dark Horse is the most unique, morally ambiguous, and emotionally impactful book in the Orphan X series. Add that to the traditional thrill ride that is an Evan Smoak book, Hurwitz decides to take it up a level and include, what I would consider, to be one of the greatest battlefield upgrade scenes in a modern thriller. What sets this book apart from the others in the series in two fold; who The Nowhere Man is helping and the ever expanding chaos of what personal life he has managed to develop. 

 One of the staples of the Orphan X series is the worthiness of the cause and/or the individual who requires Evan’s assistance. Looking at Aragon Urrea’s resume, you’d be hard pressed to understand why Smoak would even answer the call. Urrea is a self proclaimed ‘unconventional businessman, patron to the local community, and just happens to be an international drug kingpin. Aragon is a man capable of extreme violence, but also of extraordinary devotion to his family. In other words, a man who exists in the gray area of life; not a good man, but not an evil one either. While Urrea may not be a wholesome figure, by every standard his 18 year old daughter is. When a rival drug cartel kidnaps her and imprisons her in their heavily fortified compound in Mexico, Urrea has no other option than to turn to The Nowhere Man.

The physical danger is as present as ever in what long time fans of the series would expect, but what makes this book so intense is the emotional and mental toll that Evan’s current circumstances have on him. Each situation increases the pressure on him to not only find his humanity, but to keep a firm grasp on it. When you were raised as an off-the-books government assassin, you can’t blame the guy for not understanding the normal response to ‘normal’ interactions. 

On a personal note, this was not the book I was expecting after the unbelievable cliffhanger that was the finale to Prodigal Son. I’m not sure what I was expecting, probably something more towards finding out who was responsible for that explosive ending, but Hurwitz didn’t go that route and instead decided to drop an amazing story complete with some mind boggling additional cliffhangers. Alas, we will have to wait another year to see where The Nowhere Man takes us and I for one cannot wait.

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The Runaway By Nick Petrie

The Runaway is a story with as many layers as the stratified limestone where it’s set. Nick Petrie has crafted a cast of characters with various shades of morality, each unyielding in the pursuit of their end goal. With a brilliant mix of action and psychological suspense on the page, Petrie continues to demonstrate why this series is required reading for thriller fans every year.

Peter Ash is driving his prized ‘68 Chevy back home, when he happens upon an unexpected site in rural Nebraska. A pregnant woman is standing in the cold beside a broken down vehicle. Without a second thought Peter does what he always does… he helps. Unfortunately for him, no good deed goes unpunished.

Minutes later, Peter and his new passenger find the remote road blocked in both directions with military precision. When the bullets start flying, Peter finds himself with two options; stay and get shot or swan dive off a bluff into the frigid river below. With Ash’s magnetic attraction to conflict, we all know which choice Peter will make. I like to imagine his lips curled into a sort of smirk as he sailed through the air, savoring the violence to come. As if Peter needed any more motivation to get involved before being shot at, he has all the justification he wants now. His inner wolf is about to be let loose.

After finishing this book I was trying to think about all the reactions I had while reading and the way it left me feeling. For nearly a week I just thought about it and a single quote from Rumi kept coming to mind; “what you seek is seeking you”. For Peter, this is as accurate for his physical body as it is for his mental state.

Peter’s relationship with precarious situations is well documented. Ash may not overtly go looking for trouble, but it seems to find him with ease. And when it does, he is incapable of walking away. I would also argue that Peter’s compulsive nature to aid others is driven by his own personal demons and the assistance that others, like June and Lewis, have provided him. Petrie has continued to do a stellar job exploring the psychological aspects of Peter’s character.

This book also includes one hell of an antagonist that is a wonderful embodiment of unadulterated evil, but (amazingly) with an easy to understand rationality behind it. The evolution of the ‘damsel in distress’ is also utterly fascinating.  

What I most appreciate about Petrie’s style of action thriller is that it isn’t the typical full auto, infinite ammo shootouts common in the genre. Rather Petrie spikes the reader’s adrenaline reserves with well placed and well timed shots that heightens the intensity and danger of a particular scene. It is our personal investment in his characters that makes each potential bullet wound that much more impactful. Petrie once again proves it’s not about quantity, but quality when it comes to lead flying through the air.

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Targeted By Stephen Hunter

There are few writers more respected for their attention to detail and powerful writing style than Stephen Hunter. There are even fewer characters more iconic in the military thriller genre than Bob Lee Swagger. In Targeted, both author and character are at their best.

After successfully taking down of a dangerous terrorist that left him severely injured, a recovering Bob Lee Swagger learns that no good deed goes unpunished. Summoned to a hearing by the United States Congress on a trumped up reckless endangerment charge, Swagger is aware that he’s being set up as a political scapegoat. Running the committee is a hardnosed anti-gun congresswoman known to tear through anything and anyone in her path. What starts off as a political event tailor made for the news cameras soon turns deadly when the auditorium where the committee is being held is attacked by a group of Chechen separatists.

Targeted is a no holds barred, old school style of thriller, complete with easy to understand villains, compromised political figures, and the only man you want on your side when someone needs to be put in the ground. Despite Swagger being ‘well aged’ at this point in the series, he is as tough and gritty as he was at twenty. Only now, he’s also a bit wiser. 

From a sheer writing standpoint, I’m hard pressed to find a more entertaining style of prose than Hunter’s. Descriptions are imbibed with poetic flamboyance, but somehow also detailed and specific. His explanations of weaponry are, and always have been, second to none. You don’t have to be a gun nut to be able to easily picture the tools of the trade being utilized on the page. 

The only personal tidbit I’ll add in here was that I was initially confused by and a bit skeptical of the detour into the late 1700s. I should have trusted in Hunter more. As that particular subplot unfolded I found myself eagerly seeking to understand what had happened and its impact on the present. 

Fans of the series will welcome this latest addition. To those readers who are just now familiarizing themselves with the Swagger series… Targeted is going to make you go back and start from the beginning.

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End Of Days By Brad Taylor

In End of Days, Pike Logan is back doing what he does best… kicking ass and taking names. While there are some classic Pike action sequences and all the craziness we’d expect with our two favorite Israelis show up, Taylor continues to flex his storytelling muscles and brings additional mystery into this thriller. It’s a great combination of what longtime fans of the series love with just a bit more intrigue.

When high ranking Israelis begin dying under mysterious circumstances, evidence points to the Iranian backed terrorist group Keta'ib Hezbollah. With nothing short of World War III on the line, a small group inside Mossad is not so sure about who is actually doing the killing. Aaron and Shoshana are tasked with an off the books mission to hunt down those responsible. Needing additional support, they know just who to call.

As the story unfolds, we often find Pike and Shoshana paired together, allowing for moments of pure action, intense anger, and laugh out loud humor. The continued evolution of Shoshana’s character is one of my favorite aspects of the series and to see Pike look to help her transformation from dark to light has been great to follow.  

I want to make sure and give Taylor credit for one of the more unique assassination methods. After the aquatic based death scene in Hunter Killer, I wasn’t sure he could surprise me with another creative murder scene… but he did. Brilliant in its simplicity, the sequence really set the tone for the entire novel.

Also, please note that this is not packed cover to cover with action scenes and gunfights as previous Pike books have leaned towards. This one has a bit more mystery vibe to it and I for one welcome this addition to the series. Coupled with the more increased geopolitical aspects of American Traitor, I’m really diggin the variety Taylor is providing fans over the last few books.

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Insurrection Day By Chris Hauty

With one of the most controversial events in our nation’s history as the backdrop for this fictional story, Insurrection Day is not a novella for the faint of heart. Hayley Chill is back in action, hunting down her enemies with the wit and grit we’ve come to love. Chris Hauty remains the undisputed champion of plot twists in the modern thriller game and this story does nothing to loosen his grip on that title.

Over the past few years reports and evidence of Russian interference in US affairs, particularly through social media, have been everywhere. In this riveting novella, Hauty takes a look at the events of January 6th and weaves a fast paced and action packed story exploring "what if?" the Russian efforts were not simply digital attacks, but actually a cover for a physical operation.

This is an enjoyable, quick read from one of the best writers around featuring one of the genre’s best protagonists.

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Rogue Asset By Andrews & Wilson

In Rogue Asset the Presidential Agent program is back and back in a big way. The program lives by the manta that 'drastic problems require drastic solutions'.

In a shocking kidnapping, the US Secretary of State is taken from his Cairo hotel as his protection team is cut down. When traditional routes fail to locate the man, President Natalie Cohen is left with only one option: the revival of the Presidential Agent program.

Cohen calls Charley Castillo out of retirement to direct a new Presidential Agent, a Marine Raider by the name of Captain P. K. "Pick" McCoy. Charley’s best door kicking days may be behind him, but he’s still a force to be reckoned with. By adding McCoy to the mix, anything is possible.

With a cast of resourceful characters, hilarious banter, and heart thumping action... Rogue Asset is the perfect story to restart this series with. It’s going to make long time fans happy and will definitely bring in new readers to the Presidential Agent universe.

Andrews & Wilson are hands down the best writing duo on the planet. With a long list of incredible team based series under their belts, they are the obvious choice to continue the W.E.B. Griffin legacy.

Oh, and if you like quirky CIA agents and endless sarcasm… this is the book for you. The man with many names is definitely a new favorite character.

Follow Todd on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase Rogue Asset
(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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