The Warmaker By Benjamin Spada

Benjamin Spada has something impressive brewing with the first two books in the Black Spear series. I thought the first book FNG was crazy, but The Warmaker takes things to a much higher level of madness. Containing wicked fast pacing, anxiety-inducing events, and tremendous characters, this book is an incredible thrill ride that military thriller fans will flip over.

Black Spear, a covert special ops outfit, is in the fight of their lives against enemies foreign and domestic hellbent on starting World War III. Facing high-tech weapons wielded by cunning adversaries, Captain Vaun, Cole West and the team are facing the longest of odds to put a stop to the dastardly plans. They are shot at, stabbed, chased by incendiary nanobots, engaged by robotic weapons, and more. However, Black Spear will not stop. They charge headfirst into the danger, even in the face of near certain death. But they have some tricks up their sleeves and throw the Hail Mary of all Hail Maries to avert a catastrophic global nuclear war. Will it be enough? Or are they too late to stop the inevitable?

The Warmaker is one hell of an insane balls-to-the-wall military thriller. People spontaneously combusting, nothing left but bones after a couple of seconds. Tanks that convert into spider-like creatures to advance on any possible terrain. Spike grenades, explosive bullets, smart napalm that chases targeted individuals, robotic exoskeleton war machines, x-ray vision rifle scopes and more futuristic tech than you can shake a stick at. Not to mention the unassuming but incredibly capable and creepy assassins that strike fear in all they encounter. Crashes, fire fights, and blazing infernos. World War III on the cusp of reality. And a black ops team of a few individuals trying to weather the storm and save the day. What more could any thriller fan want?

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Devil's Own Day By Joe Goldberg

Joe Goldberg’s Devil’s Own Day comes in white hot and burns bright to the very end with surprises lurking behind every page. Good luck catching your breath during this jaunt through a cutthroat and savage world where everyone’s a target and no one can be trusted.

Bridger and the Spy Devils are caught up in a high-stakes game of international corruption and espionage with death stalking everyone involved. A Chinese assassin. A Mexican drug cartel leader. A Chinese MSS double agent. The leader of the CIA. Bridger’s mom. A businessman/CIA handler. The Spy Devils. All are engaged in a murderous cat and mouse battle of wits that requires deals and double crosses, misdirection, and balls of steel. Enemies agree to temporary truces. Alliances can’t be trusted. Everyone is at risk of meeting their maker. And all Bridger really wants is to get out of the game and start his life with the woman he loves. But first, he must settle old scores and save the day. Only then can he truly be free. If he survives.

There’s a ton of stuff happening in this book and it’s fantastic, keeping readers on their toes and requiring heads to be on a swivel because anything can happen next and come from any direction. A Chinese official wants to defect before being exposed as a spy? Let’s go. An assassin is forgiven by someone who has every reason to kill them but then someone else tries to assassinate said assassin? Why not? A drug lord burns down a compound in Texas but then forges a pact with the very person he tried to kill? Hell yeah. The CIA wants to incarcerate the only people who can help them with the intelligence coup of a lifetime? Right on. A wedding is interrupted by the officiant being abducted and spirited away via helicopter to a black site only to return and finish the ceremony? I’m here for it. A plane is blown up with the wrong guy on board while the right guy is secretly transported by ship in a small box while hooked up to life sustaining oxygen and drugs but then is nowhere to be found when the box is opened? OMG yes! It’s a cornucopia of violent, clever, intense and dramatic events that are interwoven into one hell of a stimulating tale.

A fantastic wrap up to a three-novel story arc, Devil’s Own Day will thrill and excite readers with a heavy dose of action, intrigue and subterfuge. Kudos to Joe Goldberg on another highly entertaining novel.

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The Great Gimmelmans By Lee Matthew Goldberg

Filled with passion, greed and peril, The Great Gimmelmans is sure to excite and enrage in equal measure. Lee Matthew Goldberg has crafted a roller coaster of a story with captivating characters inside an irresistible plot that is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, twisted and glorious.

After losing all their money along with their house and most of their possessions due to the stock market crash of 1987, the Gimmelmans hit the road in their RV in search of a new life. Which turns out to be robbing convenience stores and banks. And they are good at it, netting some serious money while bringing them together as a family in ways that far exceed their prior strained relationships. But family patriarch Barry isn’t satisfied and wants to go bigger and bolder, putting the family in more dangerous – and more lucrative – situations that test their resolve and commitment to one another. With law enforcement and unsavory individuals hot on their trail, sticking together might be the only way to flee with the loot…and their lives.

The Great Gimmelmans is all kinds of fucked up and I dig it! A 12-year-old who does cocaine and acts as the only rational adult in the room most times. A little girl who’s only friend is a taxidermied squirrel. A lustful young woman obsessed with Debbie Gibson, Tiffany and her boyfriend. Two parents who unabashedly exhibit their sexual attraction towards one another anytime and anyplace no matter who might be watching. And they rob banks, smoke and do drugs. In fact, they get off on the thrills. It’s incredible to witness their rise while also questioning their actions. Should you root for them to keep going or pray they get stopped before something catastrophic occurs? In either case, it’s a thrill ride of epic proportions. One for the ages and entertaining as fuck. An unforgettable tale that will leave you completely spent.

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Calico By Lee Goldberg

Vivid, immersive and endlessly fascinating, Calico is an unforgettable investigative thriller that will burrow into your brain and set up shop before completely blowing your mind. Lee Goldberg has crafted a tale that is as engrossing and inventive as anything you’ll read this year. A creative novel that you won’t be able to stop thinking about for a long time.

In Barstow, California a vagrant is killed when hit by a RV in the middle of the night. At the same time, a man driving through town on the interstate disappears without a trace. These separate incidents are given to ex-LAPD detective turned San Bernardino County detective Beth McDade to investigate. As she gathers clues and evidence, a connection between the two cases arises and ties back to events in Calico, a small mining town from the late-1800s. Faced with shocking revelations that defy logic, Beth must tread carefully to unlock the entire unbelievable mystery before she is shut down by powerful forces that will do anything to keep the situation from becoming public.

I lost sleep over Calico. Yes, it was incredibly difficult to put down and so I read late into the night. But that’s not all. I just couldn’t stop thinking about the overall concept. It opened a Pandora's box of what-if questions that got stuck in my head. And when I did fall asleep, I dreamt about the book and woke up thinking about it even more. And even a week later I still can’t shake it. Because Calico is more than a police procedural or crime novel. Way more. And the method by which the story is told, switching back and forth between present day Barstow and Calico from the late-1800s, makes it damn near impossible to stop reading as the intrigue increases and the story sinks it’s hooks into you deeper and deeper. You get absolutely invested in certain characters and have a burning desire to know what happens next, asking yourself over and over how you would respond if put in similar situations. I would say more but won’t dare risk spoiling the experience for readers. Best to go into this one knowing as little as possible.

Calico is alluring and entrancing. Extraordinarily thought-provoking and riveting. Memorable and mind bending. Something exceedingly different from the typical thriller. A fantastic book expertly crafted by Lee Goldberg and gifted to readers.

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Sons of Valor III: War Machine By Andrews & Wilson

Suspenseful, agonizing and packed with non-stop action, Sons of Valor III: War Machine ramps the intensity levels to such lofty levels that you can’t stop your blood pressure from increasing or your heart rate from spiking.

Many believe the threat from terrorist organization al Qadar ended with the death of it’s leader Hamza al-Saud. But Whitney “Heels” Watts knows better, suspecting that British Aero executive Qasim Nadar is leading a double life that includes being the new leader of this terrorist group. Finding an ally in British Intelligence, Whitney jumps at the chance to pursue her hunch, but when they get too close to the truth Whitney ends up in grave danger with her Tier One teammates powerless to rescue her. However, “Chunk” Redman won’t give up and will do everything in his power, including setting back diplomatic relations between the US and the UK by decades, to help Whitney and see that Qasim pay for his evil machinations. And with stealth drone technology now in the wind and a potentially catastrophic attack in the works, Chunk and team better hurry…and pray they get lucky before time runs out.

Andrews and Wilson once again deliver their trademark brand of violent action accompanied by distressing anxiety as they put their characters through the wringer. And this time it’s Whitney Watts battling for her life, attempting to survive a harrowing experience better suited for her Tier One Operator teammates. But the connection she has cultivated with them in conjunction with her brilliant intellect results in heightened abilities that might just see her through to a reunion with the team. Meanwhile, Chunk is forced to play a waiting game, yearning to take the fight to the enemy but unable to be let off the leash until the proper intelligence is provided. And being patient is something he’s ill-suited for as a man of action who feels the pain of a teammate in harm's way. But if they can both survive the circumstances and the terrorist threat in front of them, they could come out the other side stronger and with a closer bond than ever before.

Unsurprisingly, Sons of Valor III: War Machine is another hit by the dynamic duo of Andrews & Wilson. And with the multi-book al Qadar terrorism storyline seemingly reaching its conclusion, it’ll be exciting to see where the authors take this series next. With great characters and limitless potential operations, the future is bright for Chunk, Heels and team.

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The Spy Coast By Tess Gerritsen

Sometimes amusing, almost always intense, and just plain fun to read, The Spy Coast is an excellent and explosive start to a new series by Tess Gerritsen.

Maggie Bird is a former CIA spy who has retired to the tiny village of Purity, Maine and is living a simple life on her farm. Until her past catches up with her and she’s pulled back into a world she had hoped to leave behind. Especially given how her last mission ended in disaster. But now she has no choice but to engage the threat against her in hopes of reclaiming the peace and safety she desperately desires. Aided by a group of retired spies all living in the same town, the “Martini Club” as they call themselves will use their still sharp minds and skills to find who’s behind the plot to harm Maggie and help her thwart those who would do her harm. And in doing so – beyond feeling useful again – they may just save the quiet life they’ve built in this little corner of the country.

What’s not to love about retired senior citizens fighting off assassins, traveling the globe and outmaneuvering local law enforcement? Seriously, The Spy Coast is a refreshing and entertaining departure from spy thrillers featuring young, toned and gorgeous operators out for blood. And while there is plenty of suspenseful action to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats, this book focuses more on the themes of experience, loyalty, cunning, intellect, and a feeling everyone wants as they age – the desire to be useful. It also explores how past trauma shapes individuals and never truly leaves them, sometimes coming back in harmful ways. And while for most of us those harmful ways don’t involve assassination attempts on our lives, it’s still relatable and makes Maggie a sympathetic character worth rooting for. Because anyone who’s been through what she has deserves a calm and enjoyable retirement.

The Spy Coast contains great storytelling combined with fast pacing, memorable characters and an air of anticipation for the big reveal. A satisfying thriller that whets the appetite for further installments to this budding series.

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The Paleontologist By Luke Dumas

A cross between A Night At The Museum and Jurassic Park with a dash of Poltergeist, The Paleontologist will chill you to the bone and terrorize your dreams. You’ll never look at a museum exhibit the same way again. Luke Dumas has crafted a harrowing tale that’s scary enough to make you stop reading, but curious enough to force you to keep going.

Simon Nealy’s sister was abducted from the Hawthorne Museum of Natural History when they were kids. Now a doctor of paleontology and museum curator, Simon has returned to the Hawthorne to finish a dinosaur exhibit years in the making while also searching for answers about his long lost sister. But strange things are happening in the museum. Simon hears unexplainable animal sounds, sees giant bloody footprints and is stalked by prehistoric killers. Despite fearing he’s losing his mind, Simon searches the archives for clues about the and obsesses over solving his sister’s disappearance while trying to complete the exhibit on time for the big reveal. But what will be revealed is way more than dinosaur bones and will shake the community to its core.

A crime novel wrapped inside a ghost story, The Paleontologist combines two main storylines into one riveting story of obsession, madness and vindication. It explores the search for truth in the face of extensive skepticism and institutional opposition, and how the human spirit will not give up no matter the odds if the cause is just in the eyes of the pursuer. And that all it takes is a friend who believes in you, has your back and encourages you to keep going. It also helps if that friend has a fat checkbook and a similar window into a supernatural world that others don’t possess. Also, it has dinosaurs. Big ass dinosaurs. Which is awesome and scary. But mostly awesome.

Luke Dumas is carving out a nice niche on the scary story scene, going two for two with frightening the crap out of readers accompanied by a side of anxiety induced blood pressure increases. Don’t sleep on his horror stories…and don’t expect to sleep after diving into one.

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Deadly Tides By Mary Keliikoa

Well-written with appealing characters caught up in a dark and gritty case, Deadly Tides is a crime novel with a little bit of everything. Mary Keliikoa delivers a fast-paced and compelling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, continuously changing your mind on who could be behind the crime.

Violent crime doesn’t often visit the Oregon coast. But when a severed foot washes ashore on the same day a surf shop owner goes missing, Misty Pines Sheriff Jax Turner and his understaffed department kick into high gear to investigate a potential homicide. In the process, they come across a pool of blood, an additional missing persons case, another dead body, and several folks with hidden agenda and strong motives. Working with his ex-wife/FBI agent Abby Kanekoa, Jax diligently follows up on leads to untangle the mess of these cases as well as the mess his life has become. And he better act quickly. Or the safety of the town, those he cares about, and his own life could be in serious jeopardy.

The appeal of Deadly Tides is twofold. First, it’s the relatability of the characters. Jax is struggling to put his life back together after the loss of his child and the subsequent divorce from the love of his life. He’s flawed and vulnerable yet hopeful and a work in progress, all things everyone can relate to on some level. Same goes for his ex-wife Abby, who shows a different way of coping and living her life. And the list goes on, every character has a backstory with challenges and uncertain futures. It makes for a compelling and sympathetic cast (except for the potential murderer of course).

Second, it’s the violent crimes and increasingly urgent investigation with numerous suspects and equally abundant twists and turns. Severed feet and dead bodies bring darkness to a picturesque beachside town. Troubled youth, jealous businessmen, combustible politicians, and incompetent care facilities all lend realistic disquiet, complexity and uncertainty to how things will unfold. And once it becomes clear who is the main suspect, it’s a high-intensity race to the finish with bated breath. Hoping for a positive outcome but fearing the worst is about to happen. Engaging and exciting from start to finish.

A fantastically crafted second book in this young series, Mary Keliikoa has something brewing here that is worth watching. Especially for fans of murder mysteries and flawed characters. Deadly Tides has both and I expect we’ll see more in future tales of Misty Pines.

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Ransomed Daughter By Eric Bishop

A non-stop dramatic and electrifying thriller novella, Ransomed Daughter is sure to entertain, enthrall and enrage. Eric Bishop has packed a metric ton of intensity and emotion into this tiny but mighty package.

A young woman has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Warned not to involve law enforcement, the woman’s wealthy father is desperate to find a way to get his daughter back, not trusting that paying the ransom will be enough. He calls up an old buddy nicknamed The Colonel and asks for help from his Omega Group, an elite black-ops unit will the skills and means to track down and rescue his little girl. Led by Troy Evans, the team gets to work and uses intellect, intimidation and technology to get the job done. But rescuing the woman from her captors may turn out to be the simplest part of this complex mission.

Ransomed Daughter introduces readers to Troy Evans, an intriguing character with a lot of potential. He’s highly skilled from his armed forces training and exhibits the hallmarks of a good leader. However, he’s no military lemming who blindly follows orders. Yes, he accepts direction from his superior officer and focuses his team on completing the mission, but he also demonstrates the ability to think for himself, evaluate situations in the moment and make an informed decisions on the proper course of action. Which makes him a highly capable and likeable protagonist that readers will want to see more of in the future.

Containing fast-pacing, solid storytelling and a thrill ride of a plot, Ransomed Daughter is an engaging and stirring thriller that signals the beginning of a new and exciting series.

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Blood Lines By Nelson DeMille & Alex DeMille

Powerfully vivid, endlessly fascinating and intensely horrifying, Blood Lines wreaks havoc on your emotions, keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you questioning the current state of the world.

Army CID Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are reunited in Berlin to investigate the murder of fellow CID Agent Harry Vance. German law enforcement believes this is an open and shut case of Islamic terrorism, with the US Embassy’s legal attaché and her team in full agreement. But to Brodie and Taylor the facts are too convenient and as they continue to ignore the narrative and follow new leads, they discover additional evidence that points to a more sinister plot. One that dates back to the Cold War and the Stasi secret police of East Germany, involves the rising threat of the neo-Nazi movement, and includes a traitor code named Odin who has gone unexposed for over three decades. Now Brodie and Taylor are the only ones who can stop a cataclysmic event from occurring…if they can decipher this twisted web of clues in time and avoid becoming victims themselves.

Brodie and Taylor are fantastic characters, with Brodie being the brash, sarcastic, impulsive, anti-authority “bad cop” to Taylor’s thoughtful, methodical, follow the rules “good cop” (thought Brodie’s approach definitely rubs off on Taylor as time goes on). As a pairing they are incredibly formidable, putting aside subtextual sexual tension to focus on the case and getting justice for their colleague. And despite pissing on procedure and pissing off every single member of the German and American law enforcement community involved in this investigation, they see things others cannot or will not see and they get results. Causing incredible frustration witnessing the resistance they face along the journey but experiencing extreme satisfaction when they are proven right in the end.

But the star of Blood Lines is the ominous plot and its linkages back to Nazism, Communism and the Cold War. It’s no exaggeration to say I felt extreme anxiety at the real reason Harry Vance was murdered and the dastardly, murderous scheme that comes to light. It feels all to plausible in this age of scientific and technical advancements coupled with increasing xenophobia and extremism. Which is beyond terrifying to consider. Though it makes for one hell of a heart-pounding thriller.

Kudos to Nelson and Alex DeMille for crafting such a compelling, entertaining and frightening story. Combining past and present narratives, they’ve delivered a highly effective and distressing cautionary tale in thriller form. And it’s excellently executed. A brilliantly constructed novel that you will not soon forget.

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The Last Guardian By Simon Gervais

Clayton White is back and must avert a major conspiracy to reshape the world order in The Last Guardian. Simon Gervais delivers another pulse-pounding, blood rushing, race against the clock thriller that will keep you in suspense and leave you winded.

Clayton White is on top of the world. Following his viral moment from the sensational takedown of an Iranian intelligence asset, he's working directly for the president while expecting his first child with the love of his life. But the fentanyl epidemic is claiming lives every day and the President has asked him to meet with the FBI director to discuss an investigation into the Red Dragon Triad drug cartel. However, right before the meeting is to occur, the director is assassinated and White puts his life on the line to chase down the perpetrators. What he uncovers is a plot that goes much higher than a cartel and puts thousands of innocent Americans – and his growing family – in danger. With secret identities, traitorous behaviors and wicked plots at every turn, Clayton White must risk everything to protect the country and people he loves from becoming victims of unbearable tragedy.

The Last Guardian takes several hot topics of today – the fentanyl crisis, the Russian war against Ukraine, China’s desire for Taiwan, divisive US politics – and melds them into a gripping tale that feels too real and quite possibly predicts future events. Add in duplicitous characters (some with ambiguous loyalties), rousing shootouts across the globe and a bunch of Stinger surface-to-air missiles in enemy hands, and this future is one we’d be best to avoid.

Additionally, it appears Clayton White is at a crossroads. He is critical to the national security of the United States and won’t stop running headfirst into danger. But he’s also about to be a dad and needs to evaluate his choice of profession. An internal struggle that Simon Gervais wonderfully addresses and allows to unfold throughout the book, making White relatable and empathetic while he shoots bad guys in the face.

Electric and absorbing, The Last Guardian is another must read from the venerable Simon Gervais. Yet again, picking up his latest book is several hours very well spent.

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Moscow X By David McCloskey

An instant contender for the best thriller of 2023! Moscow X is phenomenal and enters the pantheon of all-time great USA/Russia espionage novels, joining the likes of DeMille’s The Charm School, Matthew’s Red Sparrow and Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October. David McCloskey has crafted a remarkable story brimming with intrigue and suspense that will leave you completely spent and astounded.

Sia Fox is a lawyer for a London law firm that specializes in hiding dirty money for the ultra-wealthy. Max Castillo runs the family business breeding racehorses in Mexico. They are also CIA officers in the middle of a daring operation designed by the CIA’s Moscow X division leader Artemis Proctor to sow chaos in Russia. Their mission is to recruit Vadim, one of Putin’s moneymen, and his wife Anna to get access and information on the Russian leader’s finances. But Anna is a SVR agent and is simultaneously trying to recruit Sia as part of a private operation to find where Putin’s right-hand man, a ruthless man everyone calls Goose, has secreted away hundreds of millions of dollars stolen from Anna’s father. The big question is - who is running who? The game is afoot. No one can be trusted and with the prospect of being tortured and killed in a Russian prison a very real possibility for all involved, is it worth winning the game if the cost is your life?

Reading Moscow X is a full body experience. You sweat, shake, yell and deal with growing paranoia alongside the characters as the ever-increasing danger takes shape and the inevitability of what is going to happen next reveals itself with you powerless to alter the outcome. That’s not to say it’s predictable, which it most certainly is not. There are enough twists and proceedings you don’t expect that will leave you feeling as if you were run over by a truck. Furthermore, the storytelling is immaculate, the characters are perfectly constructed, and the plot is so realistic and audacious that it’ll leave you shellshocked as you turn the pages. It’s a brilliant piece of writing that you won’t be able to easily shake after completion.

Fans of dark, gritty, intense spy novels will fall in love with Moscow X. It’s got all the hallmarks of classic espionage stories with a timeless feel that would work equally well in today’s world or if it had been published during the height of the cold war. And with cinematic storytelling, it’s easy to picture this on the silver screen one day. It’s something else! David McCloskey strikes gold with this book. Do not miss it.

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Boom Days By Montana Kane

Boom Days is an explosive thriller filled with menace, intrigue and sexual tension. Hot and dark, fun and dangerous, flirtatious and treacherous. Montana Kane has crafted another dynamic, engaging and entertaining novel that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Tensions are rising in the picturesque mountain town of Boomville, Colorado. Rents are pricing out the locals. Out of towners are swarming the town for the summer. And things keep exploding. Namely vacation rentals. Enter Brandy Martini, former Chicago detective turned private investigator, who is hired by a property owner to look into the matter. Partnering with local law enforcement, Brandy’s investigation puts her at odds with an angry hippie, a collective living in the woods, and old-timers who hate tourists. To add to the drama, her sister is onto yet another business idea, her mother shows up unannounced for a visit, and her romantic feelings for the police lieutenant continue to confound her. Despite all that’s going on around her, Brandy must block out the noise and focus on the task at hand – finding those behind the explosions and bring them to justice before more people are hurt or killed. And she better hurry, because not only is she in the crosshairs of these dangerous individuals, but so are the people she loves the most.

The plot is captivating and enticing, grabbing your attention early and never letting go. However, it’s the eclectic characters who are the propulsive force behind this story. You can’t help but fall in love with the bong brothers carefree take on life and willingness to help no questions asked, Brandy’s sister’s joyful can-do spirit, the deputy sheriff’s one-way jealous rivalry with Brandy, or the local drunks who will talk your ear off for a free drink. Then there’s the “will they, won’t they” intensity between Brandy and the police lieutenant that turns up the heat and threatens to derail their professional responsibilities in favor of succumbing to their desires. On the flip side, we have the antagonists. Villains that damn the consequences and don’t fit the usual profile of rampaging criminals hellbent on blowing shit – and people – up. An unconventional and crafty approach to the backstories of those on the wrong side of the law.

But the star of the show is Brandy. She’s a highly capable badass who has her flaws and blind spots, but wants nothing more than to be a valuable member of the community and live her life in peace. Which requires introspection and no longer avoiding the hard work of addressing past traumas. But until she is ready to do that work, she’s surrounded by a tremendous support system and has a purpose to keep her occupied – catching bad guys/gals. Something at which she is supremely qualified and good at doing. And in Boom Days, she sees more than her fair share of action in this regard. Making her continued development as a strong female protagonist enjoyable to witness.

A second straight banger to kick off this series, we can only hope for more Brandy Martini to enrich our lives in the future.

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Dark Ride By Lou Berney

A crime novel with heart, Dark Ride will tug at your emotions and set up shop in your mind. Lou Berney has crafted an unputdownable story with unassuming but immaculate characters that will give you all the feels.

Hardy “Hardly” Reed is a young stoner drifting through life without much direction. That is, until he notices two children sitting on a bench in a municipal building with signs of having been abused. He reports his observations to Child Protective Services, but the overworked and understaffed department is unlikely to investigate any time soon. Unable to let it go and move on with his life, Hardly is determined to help the kids and seeks assistance from some new and unlikely friends to get a plan in motion. Despite everyone telling him to let this go, he conducts his own investigation and devises a strategy to rescue the kids. The situation is rife with danger and getting the kids to safety means putting himself in harm’s way against violent men. But having finally found a purpose, Hardly will stop at nothing to see this through to the end no matter the consequences.

Dark Ride’s hook is bearing witness to a young person who’s aimlessly floating through life who rises up and stands for something good despite the odds. It’s watching the unassuming underdog who hasn’t amounted to anything pitted against the violent bully who hasn’t tasted defeat and believes themselves untouchable. And no amount of urging or pleas to use common sense will deter the would-be hero from attempting the seemingly impossible, because he’s tasting small successes along the way and now believes in himself, maybe for the first time ever. So even if you strongly believe the outcome is preordained, you can’t look away from the imminent car crash of events because the journey has you fully invested in seeing it through to the end. And in this way, you become just like Hardly.

While the focus is on Hardly and his battle to free the kids and their mother from the abusive father/husband, this book has a small but mighty cast of splendid supporting characters – a young female goth city employee, a sexy 40-something former private investigator turned realtor, a 16-year old loser hanger on co-worker from the haunted amusement park attraction, a cantankerous old granny with great taste in rock music, and a few others – all who perfectly fit the narrative and seamlessly help move the story forward. It’s a flawless ensemble that worms their way into your heart and adds another layer of depth to a fantastic tale.

An unforgettable and thrilling reading experience, Dark Ride is not to be missed.

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The Belgrade Conspiracy By Jason Kasper

Jason Kasper continues the captivating Shadow Strike series with The Belgrade Conspiracy, an explosive and twisting thriller with treachery and death around every corner. 

David Rogers and his CIA Project Longwing team of ground branch operators are still on the hunt for terrorist mastermind Erik Weisz.  They have uncovered the identity of the man selling high-level military weapons to the terror syndicate and set up a clandestine operation to take him out while he's on a brief stop in Serbia. But nothing ever goes to plan for David's team and suddenly they are being hunted by multiple factions.  But first they have recovered a potential treasure trove of Intel that could be a game changer...if they can now only escape with their lives.

The Belgrade Conspiracy is a compelling blend of espionage and direct military action with every single character in the crosshairs.  And as usual, David Rivers takes insane risks in the name of seizing and exploiting every opportunity he's presented to him. But that puts his team in incredibly dangerous situations with casualties a foregone conclusion. But this team of operators are at their best when improvising and fighting their way out of impossible odds. And this time they are tested like never before. Leading to slinging lead and explosives downrange at an incredibly high rate while a bevy of bad guys seek to send them to the afterlife. All of which result in killer action sequences, propulsive pacing, uncertain outcomes and a bunch of dudes bleeding out in the snow.  What more could one want?

Jason Kasper continues to publish some of the most action-packed novels in the genre and this one is high up the list. If you're not reading his stuff, now's a perfect time to jump on board. 

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The Ninja's Oath By Tori Eldridge

Loyalty, family and martial arts take center stage in The Ninja's Oath, a smashing thriller that climaxes with a death-filled battle royale that would make Quentin Tarantino blush.  Tori Eldridge kills it with this tale, interchanging tender family moments with explosive, slashing fisticuffs. 

Modern day ninja Lily Wong finds herself in Shanghai and Japan helping family friend and former triad enforcer Lee Chang track down and rescue his young neice.  A task that is further complicated when it comes to light another one of Chang's relatives has gone missing.  And it gets even messier when Lily's Los Angeles based Sensei gets pulled into the mix by an old adversary hellbent on revenge.  With danger lurking around every corner, they are joined by assassin J Tran, who infuriates, exites and confuses Lily.  But together, the group must maintain complete focus on the mission to rescue the captives and escape with their lives.  

The dichotomy of family and violence makes for an exceedingly absorbing read.  On the family front, Chang puts past drama and hurt feelings to the side to help family members in need. Then Witnessing Lily's internal struggle between her desire to help Chang while simultaneously feeling guilty for not being home with her ailing father makes her relatable.  While she possesses a skill set most people will never be able to duplicate, her concern over her parents well being makes her human and empathetic. Which then makes her ass-kicking ability even more impressive and fun to watch.  

Then there's the violence. Gory, vicious, explosive violence with guns, knives, swords and more.  Pure eruptive brutality and bloodshed that results in a mountain of dead bodies.  Oh shit moments that you will want to read twice.  It's glorious! 

This might have been my first Tori Eldridge book but it won't be my last.  The writing is fantastic, the story telling is propulsive and the characters are well developed. Also, don't worry if you haven't read the prior books, because The Ninja's Oath is a great entry point into this compelling series.  And once you pick up this book, you'll definitely want to go back and read the others to see how Lily came to be a ninja and do what she does best. Which is good news if you're looking to grow your TBR pile. 

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Code Red By Kyle Mills

Code Red is as electrifying and intense as a cattle prod to the testicles. Mitch Rapp at his most cunning and badass self. Kyle Mills completes his Mitch Rapp journey with an explosive exclamation point.

Mitch Rapp’s word is his bond. So when crime lord Damian Losa calls in the favor Mitch owes him, he sets off to Syria to dig up information on a powerful new narcotic and negotiate a distribution deal for Europe on behalf of Losa. However, Rapp finds the drug is part of an asymmetrical warfare operation by the Russians to use as a weapon against the west, not a for profit business by the Syrians. Despite being on this unsanctioned mission, Mitch can’t in good conscience let this play out and harm millions of unsuspecting people. Which leads to Mitch devising a secret and devious plan to take out the drug operation and capture its mastermind. All while ensuring the blowback can’t point to the United States as thwarting the Russians dastardly plot. Because if the Russians figure it out, the world will be forever changed.

As usual, the action sequences are sublime and the operational details on point. Mitch goes from dangerous situation to even more dangerous situation and continues to find a way to stay cool, stay alive and stay one step ahead of his adversaries. He plots his moves with aplomb, leverages his assets to their maximum potential and outsmarts those trying to do him harm. But in addition to his usual impressive array of badassery, he flashed a side we haven’t seen before when he is forced to act the part of a vulnerable, frightened Canadian lawyer. Requiring him to be more subtle and restrained in his actions and reactions to collect valuable information, rather than go straight for the kill shot as he normally would. It shows his full range of capabilities and that he’s more than just the harbinger of death. He’s Mitch Fucking Rapp. Best operative on the planet.

A million thanks to Kyle Mills for not only accepting the difficult job of continuing to write Mitch Rapp novels after Vince Flynn’s untimely passing, but for elevating the series to new heights. Fans will forever be indebted to him for keeping Mitch alive and saving the world while killing a bevy of bad guys in spectacular fashion. But Mills did more than just allow our beloved hero to continue. He ensured Mitch thrived, grew as a person and gave him a life with people he cares about; bringing his personality to the forefront. All of which are on display in Code Red. A job very well done, one that exceeded every lofty expectation when he took the reins. From the bottom of our hearts, Kyle Mills you have our everlasting gratitude. Thank you.

Don Bentley, you’re up next. You’ve got big shoes to fill but if anyone can do it, you can. Good luck. The entire Rapp-verse is rooting for you.

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Tom Clancy's Weapons Grade By Don Bentley

If you’ve ever wondered if Jack Ryan Jr can survive multiple violent encounters with mercenaries, gang bangers, and corrupt cops while saving the world from tremendous calamity, then Tom Clancy’s Weapons Grade is the thriller for you. It’s Jack versus ceaseless and vicious fuckery of the highest order for hundreds of pages. And it’s glorious!

Jack Ryan Jr is driving to Austin after attending a Texas A&M football game when he witnesses a car wreck. Raised by his parents to help those in need, he stops to lend assistance. That’s when the bullets start flying. And Jack doesn’t take kindly to being shot at. So he continues his involvement by running down the one lead he has. Which quickly results in him getting drugged, beaten and on the precipice of death at the hands of dangerous men executing a massive international conspiracy. Calling in support from his colleagues, Jack hopes and prays they show up in time to save his life and help him avert a potentially catastrophic global disaster.

Weapons Grade starts with multiple storylines that are intriguing on their own and seem to be unconnected but are expertly woven together to reveal a sinister plot of epic proportions. Bentley masterfully crafts this story in a way that hooks the reader with action and propels them forward through the mental exercise of trying to put the puzzle pieces together. And it all comes together in an explosive conclusion that will leave your heart palpitating and your lungs gasping for air.

Additionally, let’s talk about Jack Ryan Jr and the unbelievable badass he’s become. Rather than ride the coattails of his famous father, he’s worked tirelessly to succeed on his own merit and become the man he wants to be. Which is to be a world class operator who runs headfirst into danger to serve his country and help others in need. And while he’s a bullet magnet and death seemingly follows him in droves everywhere he goes, he’s as honorable a person as you could hope to have on your side. His actions in Weapons Grade only further that narrative and his development on Bentley’s watch has made him one of the most beloved and admirable characters in the genre.

As Don Bentley’s run of writing Jack Ryan Jr. books comes to an end, let’s take a moment to express our appreciation for all the energy, audaciousness and high-quality entertainment that he brought to this series. Every single novel has been a non-stop thrill ride littered with shell casings, explosions and dead bodies. No character was safe from harm and great new characters were introduced, all breathing rejuvenated life into a tried and true cast of characters. A tip of the cap for a job seriously well done. Bravo Don!

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It Ends With Knight By Yasmin Angoe

It Ends with Knight is a combustible and intense continuation of this fantastic series featuring one of the strongest female protagonists in the genre. Yasmin Angoe hits all the right notes, once again delivering emotion and exhilaration throughout a twisting and deep story.

After the death of her mentor, Nena steps up to lead the Tribe’s Dispatch and Network departments. It’s a different and more complicated role than being an assassin, requiring more political savvy and forethought than she’s had to demonstrate before. But there’s no time to ease into it as she’s thrust into a volatile negotiation for mining rights in a small African town where no one can be trusted and an individual from Nena’s traumatic past surfaces. After explosions, assassinations and kidnappings occur, she will need to put her anger and old fears behind her and fall back on her elite skillset to save the day.

Nena is incredibly relatable, no small feat given most of us aren’t elite assassins and/or members of a rich and powerful family. But we can understand the self-doubt she has as she takes on a new role with bigger responsibilities, wondering if she’s qualified and can live up to the lofty expectations of others. And many of us can relate with her ongoing struggle to overcome past trauma. These things make her vulnerable and human, resulting in readers rooting extra hard for her to be successful because we know those feelings of inadequacy and pain from our own life experiences. So when she stands up to someone dismissing and underestimating her or she eliminates a bad guy who desperately had it coming, it’s that much sweeter because of her journey, our ability to connect to her as a person and our wish that she find peace and happiness.

Beyond Nena’s general awesomeness and ability to overcome adversity, It Ends with Knight features an intricate cast of characters and a strong storyline with excellent buildup that explodes in well crafted action sequences at the right moment. It keeps you guessing on the motivations of each key player and how far they might go to get what they want. It’s compelling stuff from start to finish with the outcome highly uncertain and no character safe from harm or death. Just how thriller fans like it!

If this is indeed the end of the Nena Knight series, it finishes with a bang. We should all be thankful to Yasmin Angoe for bringing this strong, powerful, and capable Black woman into our lives for the past few years. She’s a tremendous character that enriched the thriller genre and will be greatly missed. But I will have my fingers crossed in hope that she returns in the future. Because I choose to believe in the adage “never say never.“

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The River We Remember By William Kent Krueger

With The River We Remember, William Kent Krueger once again showcases his breathtakingly brilliant ability to tell a tale that reaches the depths of your soul and touches your heart. He’s the most powerful storyteller in the genre today and this the most exquisite book you’ll read in 2023.

It’s 1958 and Jimmy Quinn is found dead in the Alabaster River in Jewel, Minnesota. Sheriff Brody Dern kicks off an investigation into the demise of the white, wealthy and disliked landowner which ultimately leads to the arrest of Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran with a Japanese wife. With prejudice and anger in the air, the court of public opinion has already convicted Noah of the crime. However, Sheriff Dern’s search for the truth continues while he struggles with demons of his past. As this crime and investigation tears through the small community, several individuals must face their tragic histories and determine how it will shape their lives going forward. And the truth, as horrible as it might be, could be the only thing that sets them free.

The centerpiece of this wonderful story is the beautifully flawed yet perfect characters. There’s a lot of past trauma that haunts these individuals, but most of them strive to be the best versions of themselves even as they take missteps along the way. Which makes them eminently relatable and admirable, people you want to see find peace and happiness. And they’re all put through the ringer of a story filled with juxtapositions – love and heartbreak, justifiable conduct and unfathomable behavior, heroes and miscreants, acceptance and ignorance, honor and disgrace – that test their resilience and moral character. It’s at times overwhelming to witness and hard to process, but stunning to be an observer of this grand journey of personal exploration and healing.

William Kent Krueger is the master at teaching life lessons while building emotional connections between the characters and the reader. And he absolutely knocks it out of the park once again. As a result, The River We Remember is a book you feel more so than read. A beautiful experience unto itself. And if it doesn’t have you contemplating the meaning of life while trying to hold back a flood of tears, then check your pulse.

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