Meet BTB Reviewer Chris "Seafoam" Miller

 
 

Background: Husband, Dad, and Submarine Veteran who loves to read. Virginia to South Carolina with thousands of miles in between.

Go-To Author: I love the duo of Andrews & Wilson, Simon Gervais, and Matthew Quirk (author of The Night Agent on Netflix).

Author People Should Discover: One of my recent finds I've enjoyed has been Bruce Robert Coffin and Linder Walkers Turner’s Mosley series. Treasure hunting at its finest with death and action following everywhere will keep you turning pages.

Book You Would Recommend From 2024: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown was absolutely mesmerizing. Imagine a book that gives you the ability to walk through any door on the planet, but you must protect it as evil lurks to steal your power. Amazing read, check it out.

Most-Anticipated Book Of 2025: Jack Carr's Cry Havoc. A James Reece prequel about Tom Reese, sign me up please!

Favorite Local/Indie Bookstore: Main Street Reads in Summerville, SC and if I am ordering out of state I usually go with The Book Dragon Shop in Stanton, Virginia.

Favorite Charities: Compassion International advocates for children, committed to Jesus Christ in all that they do. Food for the Hungry seeks to end ALL forms of human poverty by going to the hard places and walking with the world’s most vulnerable people.

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

View Chris’ Latest Reviews (book pub. dates)
Cold Zero by Brad Thor & Ward Larsen (2/10/26)
The Method by Matthew Quirk (1/20/26)
The Second Son by Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck (11/11/25)
White Tiger by Andrew Warren (11/6/25)
Crimson Thaw by Bruce Robert Coffin (11/4/25)
The Tin Men by Alex and Nelson DeMille (10/28/25)
Cry Havoc by Jack Carr (10/7/25)
Red Tide by M.P. Woodward (9/23/25)
Sidewinder by Andrew Warren & Ross Sidor (9/15/25)
Fade In by Kyle Mills (7/29/25)
Edge of Honor by Brad Thor (7/1/25)
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (6/10/25)
Tokyo Black by Andrew Warren (5/6/25)
Silent Horizons by Chad Robichaux & Jack Stewart (5/13/25)
Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz (2/11/25)
Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (1/28/25)
Chain Reaction by James Byrne (1/28/25)
The Pirate's Secret by LynDee Walker & Bruce Robert Coffin (10/29/24)
Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr & James M. Scott (9/24/24)
Capture or Kill by Don Bentley (9/3/24)
Shadow of Doubt by Brad Thor (8/6/24)
Ember by Andrews & Wilson (7/2/24)
Red Sky Mourning by Jack Carr (6/18/24)
The Cardinal's Curse by LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin (6/11/24)
Holy City by Henry Wise (6/4/24)
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (5/21/24)
Act of Defiance by Andrews and Wilson (5/21/24)
All Secrets Die by Andrew Watts and Dale M. Nelson (4/30/24)
The Bin Laden Plot by Rick Campbell (4/23/24)
Extinction by Douglas Preston (4/23/24)
The Infiltrator by TR Hendricks (4/23/24)
The General's Gold by LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin (4/16/23)
City in Ruins by Don Winslow (4/2/24)
Four Minutes by Andrews & Wilson (4/2/24)
The Day Tripper by James Goodhand (3/19/24)
Lethal Action by Andrew Warren & Aiden Bailey (3/19/24)
Outlaw by Jack Stweart (2/20/24)
Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita (2/13/24)
The Book of Doors By Gareth Brown (2/13/24)
The Price You Pay by Nick Petrie (2/6/24)
The Trigger Man by Aiden Bailey (1/31/24)
Target Area by Lawrence Colby (1/23/24)
Dream Town by Lee Goldberg (1/16/24)
Broken Trust by Mike Lupica (11/28/23)
Unknown Rider by Jack Stewart (11/21/23)
Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi (11/14/23)
The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (11/14/23)
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett (10/24/23)
Second Term by J.M. Adams (10/17/23)
The Last Guardian by Simon Gervais (10/10/23)
Ransomed Daughter by Eric P Bishop (10/10/23)
Ghost Tamer by Meredith R. Lyons (9/19/23)
Code Red by Kyle Mills (9/12/23)
Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg (9/1/23)
Wide Awake by Steven Konkoly (8/15/23)
Deadlock by James Byrne (8/8/23)
The Last One by Will Dean (8/8/23)
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (8/8/23)
Valiant Women by Lena Andrews (8/1/23)
Dead Fall by Brad Thor (7/25/23)
The Block Party by Jamie Day (7/18/23)
The Guardian by Joshua Hood (6/27/23)
Tournament of Shadows By Andrew Watts & Dale Nelson (6/20/23)
Zero Days by Ruth Ware (6/20/23)
Inside Threat by Matthew Quirk (6/13/23)
All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby (6/6/23)
A Killer's Game by Isabella Maldonado (6/1/23)
Vengeance Flight by TR Matson (5/30/23)
Citizen Orlov by Jonathan Payne (5/23/23)
The Devil You Know by Chris Hauty (5/23/23)
Dead Drop by MP Woodward (5/23/23)
Only the Dead by Jack Carr (5/16/23)
Drowning by TJ Newman (5/11/23)
Beast Three Six by Jason Kasper (4/25/23)
City of Dreams by Don Winslow (4/18/23)
The Instructor by TR Hendricks (4/11/23)
The Treadstone Rendition by Joshua Hood (4/4/23)
Total Empire by AJ Tata (3/21/23)
Red London by Alma Katsu (3/14/23)
Deep Fake by Ward Larsen (3/14/23)
Wolf Trap by Connor Sullivan (3/14/23)
The Sniper by Jim Lindsay (3/7/23)
What Have We Done by Alex Finlay (3/7/23)
Sea Castle by Andrew Mayne (2/21/23)
White Smoke by John Gilstrap (2/21/23)
Dempsey by Andrews and Wilson (2/21/23)
Burner by Mark Greaney (2/21/23)
The Last Orphan by Greg Hurwitz (2/14/23)
Scavenger Hunt by Chad Boudreaux (1/31/23)
Particles in the Air by Jenna Podjasek (1/24/23)
The Devil's Ransom by Brad Taylor (1/24/23)
The Bullet Garden by Stephen Hunter (1/24/23)
The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera (1/10/23)
City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita (1/10/23)
The Den by Cara Reinard (12/13/22)
Prime Target by Forrest Waide (11/11/22)
No Plan B by Lee and Andrew Child (10/25/22)
The Blackbriar Genesis by Simon Gervais (10/18/22)
The Other Side of Night by Adam Hamdy (10/11/22)
The Maze by Nelson Demille (10/11/22)
Righteous Prey by John Sandford 10/4/22
Treasure State by CJ Box (9/27/22)
Oath of Loyalty by Kyle Mills (9/13/22)
Narco Assassins by Jason Kasper (8/23/22)
Heat 2 by Meg Gardiner & Michael Mann (8/9/22)
The Last Sentinel by Simon Gervais (8/9/22)
FNG by Benjamin Spada (7/31/22)
The Last Paladin by P.T. Deutermann (7/19/22)
Upgrade by Blake Crouch (7/12/22)
Fatal Witness by Robert Bryndza (7/7/22)
Rising Tiger by Brad Thor (7/5/22)
Movieland by Lee Goldberg (6/21/22)
Zero Hour by Don Bentley (6/7/22)
Red Warning by Matthew Quirk (6/7/22)
Sons of Valor II: Violence of Action by Andrews and Wilson (6/7/22)
The Handler by MP Woodward (5/31/22)
Countdown to Midnight by Dale Brown (5/17/22)
In the Blood by Jack Carr (5/17/22)
Short Mission by D.J. Scott (5/17/22)
Storm Rising by Chris Hauty (5/3/22)
Cold Snap by Marc Cameron (4/26/22)
Assassin's Edge by Ward Larsen 4/12/22
Blood on the Trail by Terrence McCauley (3/29/22)
Wild Card by Stephen England (3/15/22)
The Lightning Rod by Brad Meltzer (3/8/22)
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay (3/1/22)
Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett (2/22/22)
Blue Fire by John Gilstrap (2/22/22)
Dark Horse by Gregg Hurwitz (2/8/22)
The Runaway by Nick Petrie (1/18/22)
Targeted by Stephen Hunter (1/18/22)
End of Days by Brad Taylor (1/11/22)
Insurrection Day by Chris Hauty (1/4/22)
Covert Kill by Jason Kasper (12/21/21)
Armored by Mark Greaney (12/9/21)
Arctic Sea by David Poyer (11/30/21)
Veterans Day Message: What Am I Thankful For?
The Last Protector by Simon Gervais (11/1/21)
The Killer in the Snow by Alex Pine (10/28/21)
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child (10/26/21)
Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg (10/26/21)
The Lion's Paw by Stephen England (10/15/21)
State Of Terror by Louise Penny and Hillary Rodham Clinton (10/12/21)
The Wilkes Insurrection by Robbie Bach (10/12/21)
Wolf Point by Ian K. Smith (10/5/21)
Enemy at the Gates by Kyle Mills (9/14/21)
Last Target Standing by Jason Kasper (9/14/21)
Pantheon 2: Ares & Athena by K. R. Paul (9/9/21)
Dark Intercept by Andrews & Wilson (9/7/21)
The Island by Ben Coes (8/17/21)
Assassin's Dawn by Ward Larsen (8/2/21)
Black Ice by Brad Thor (7/20/21)
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby (7/6/21)
Falling by T.J. Newman (7/6/21)
Sleeping Bear by Connor Sullivan (7/6/21)
Shadow Masters by J.T. Patten (7/4/21)
Shadow Target by David Ricciardi (6/15/21)
Sons of Valor by Andrews & Wilson (6/8/21)
Chasing the Lion by A.J. Tata (6/1/21)
Bone Rattle by Marc Cameron (4/27/21)
The Devil’s Hand by Jack Carr (4/13/21)
Deep Strike by Rick Campbell (3/16/21)
2034 by Ackerman & Stavridis (3/9/21)
The Outside Man by Don Bentley (3/2/21)
Firewall by Andrew Watts (2/23/21)
Relentless by Mark Greaney (2/16/21)
The Treadstone Exile by Joshua Hood (2/2/21)
Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz (1/26/21)
American Traitor by Brad Taylor (1/5/21)
Drone Strike by David Austin (11/25/20)
Lodestone by Stephen England (11/18/20)
Assault by Fire by Rip Rawlings (9/29/20)
Total Power by Kyle Mills (9/15/2020)
Collateral by Andrews & Wilson (9/1/20)
Assassin's Strike by Ward Larsen (8/18/20)
Reaper: Drone Strike by Nicholas Irving (7/21/20)
Near Dark by Brad Thor (7/21/20)
Scars by Andrews & Wilson (5/1/20)
Savage Son by Jack Carr (4/14/20)
Fight Fight by Kevin Miller (9/3/18)

Cold Zero By Brad Thor & Ward Larsen

In a world where the technological landscape is evolving at a pace never seen before, countries will do anything to gain an advantage in warfare. While China leads the pack with unmatched progress in their military capabilities, everyone else is holding nothing back trying to capture that information. 

CIA officer Kasey Sheridan is a dedicated and determined woman with the win of the century at her fingertips, when her whole mission is about to be put on ice. On a flight from china to the United States the plane carrying Sheridan’s mark, his treasure trove of technology, and the information inside of his head are slipping through her fingers. In the most remote part of the world, Sheridan must fight for survival in the frozen tundra while battling foes oceans away while trying. iPod to succumb to the conditions. 

Brad Thor teams with Ward Larsen for a frozen battle of epic proportions in Cold Zero. Introducing premier characters, a storyline like no other, and locations you wouldn’t dream of, Thor and Larsen create a fun and exhilarating story that‘ll give you chills. 

Fresh characters with plenty of room to grow, technology well beyond human imagination, and warfare on battlefields never seen before will have you feeling like you’re going crazy. I absolutely love the main characters, dutiful and bound to the core, but with flaws all their own. The story is so unique and fresh, not one you’ve heard time and time again, and you’ll be wishing you had more nice you tear through this one.

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The Method By Matthew Quirk

Matthew Quirk is back at it again, delivering a sensational powder keg story thats about ready to blow. The Method is creative, entertaining, and full of top notch storytelling by one of the best authors out there. 

Anna Vaughn is an actress working her way through life, looking for the next gig here and there. Chatting with pal Natalie Harris, Anna overhears a questionable phone call followed by Natalie’s insistence on going out to party. While everything would be kosher on the surface, Natalie goes missing and Anna begins the deep dive into her disappearance.

What happens next is a torrid battle of good and evil, right and wrong, and the need to find the truth. Anna is caught up in an unassuming play of blackmail and influence in the highest offices where people go missing and there’s proof, that is never intended to see the light of day. Who is responsible for the violence occurring and what ties does it have to government officials could have international implications.

Quirk has always delivered and this time is no different. His ability to create such an exciting storyline and blend it with an atypical main character is testament to his imagination. Creating an actress and finding a way to infuse her past with creative training and experience, then putting it to use to fight for the truth wasn’t what I was expecting. This is a healthy reprieve from the alpha male truth-solving type and it goes hard!

I really enjoy how Quirk presents his characters; vulnerable at times, violent at others, but confident in a non-assuming way. I enjoyed that the characters have a level of creativeness that stays true to the story, not fantasy based expectations. The Method is not to be missed.

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Purchase The Method
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Once Upon A Crime
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The Second Son By Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck

Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck team up for one of the most electric releases in 2025. The Second Son is just the start of dark conspiracy that threatens the world and Chase Burke is the man to uncover that darkness.

Chase Burke is just minding his own business making his way through life when an accident leaves him devastated when his brother is lost in Columbia. Following what is ruled the act treachery, Chase, a young but talented sommelier, is forced into a battle in the streets of New York. Caught up in a world where everything happening around him is seemingly connected, Burke must tap his talent as a former soldier to see the signs and avoid danger at costs. The loss of a brother and a critically ill parent would shaken anybody to their core, but Chase Burke is left looking over his shoulder to right wrongs and stop a war being fought in the shadows. 

There’s so much in this adventure it’s hard to pinpoint just a few favorites. Gervais and Steck highlight love for country, fellow, and family while showing that life still glides on, even in the worst of times. The action does not cease and there’s plenty of misdirection riddled throughout to keep you guessing. 

One of my favorite things to focus on while I’m reading is the creativity of characters and how over the thousands of books I’ve read in my life they always impress uniquely. Through both of their impressive writing careers, Gervais and Steck have created and brought to life amazing characters who aren’t perfect, but are perfect for the stories they written, and they’ve nailed it again. Chase Burke is great, brought to you by an incredible writing duo! 

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Purchase The Second Son
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White Tiger By Andrew Warren

Andrew Warren – White Tiger

In a fist fight from beginning to end, Andrew Warren highlights the viciousness of Thomas Caine like never before. White Tiger is a slug fest, without a doubt, where Thomas Caine must show resolve and dedication when his career and life are on the line.

Mission driven in South Korea, Caine is thriving off the adrenaline and emotion that have given him life. His mark prodding along with a simple-minded goal of winning as a man would think, ends up deceased and naked with a mistress of opportunity. With a huge debt to repay to Koichi, one of the leaders of a Japanese ‘Yakuza’, Caine is tasked with finding a woman with no idea how her world is about to be turned upside down. Spy craft be damned, Caine harnesses courage and violence to end the horror facing the world while trying to save lives.

While traversing multiple countries, Caine is battered, bruised, quizzed, and nearly decimated but finds away to sustain the onslaught and deliver severe punishment to those standing in his way.

Warren absolutely upholds the standards and expectations that come in a Thomas Caine thriller. Delivering brutal endings to enemies while digging deep to utilize all of his well-honed skills, Caine provides readers with a trip that they will never forget. With his relationships old and new on the line, lives at stake, and plenty of ammunition to get you through, Warren lets the streets run red at the hands of one of the best characters out there.

One of the most encouraging things readers see if the development of a character but revisiting past relationships and paying old debts while navigating the future of a story really sets this one off. Caine is by far one of my favorite characters as he never backs down and is dedicated to the core.

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Purchase White Tiger
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Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

Crimson Thaw By Bruce Robert Coffin

Bruce Robert Coffin has a new star born in Detective Brock Justice in Crimson Thaw. A gripping tale of dedication and sacrifice, you follow Justice on his atonement journey from his actions of days past. 

Detective Brock Justice is in a new setting working for the Maine State Police. He was transferred to the Major Crimes Unit in Northern Maine following unsavory behavior resulting in a suspicious murder at the hands of another officer. Justice is trying to gain his footing when he gets tasked with supporting an investigation into the death of a man handcuffed to a submerged snowmobile.

Teamed up with junior Detective Chloe Wright, Justice wades through the murkiness and death that seems to follow the two. Battling limited information in a relatively new locale with inexperience leads Justice to guard his information and suspicions, causing even more confrontation. He must navigate the hand he’s been dealt and work to ensure that Justice is served and the people responsible are held accountable. 

Crimson Thaw is suspenseful and extremely entertaining. Coffin’s Detective Justice debut hits all the right notes at all the right times. His writing style is creative as he weaves Juctice’s ups and downs through the twists and turns of a murder investigation. He captures authenticity in law enforcement from a weathered outcast as well as  through the lenses of a rookie investigator trying to make a name for herself. He highlights real life people making bad decisions when stuck in terrible situations. 

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Purchase Crimson Thaw
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Once Upon A Crime
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The Tin Men By Alex & Nelson DeMille

The Tin Men – Alex DeMille/Nelson DeMille

Army Criminal Investigation Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are back in their most recent deadly encounter in The Tin Men. Brodie and Taylor battle a futuristic war while searching for the truth at Camp Hayden, a remote Army camp in Southern California.

Brodie and Taylor are sent across the United States to uncover the truth of the death of an Army Major working for the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). While stuck in a remote location with very limited access to the normal communications methods, they discover a world of secrecy and despair as Army Rangers train repetitively with futuristic autonomous prototypes.

Trying to get jacked up soldiers who may have been lead astray on their mission and expectations in an unaccompanied tour to the middle of nowhere, to speak to what is happening is going to be harder than selling ice to an Eskimo. While the mystery of !Amir Ames death continues, Brodie and Taylor will learn that war is isolated to the middle of the Mojave Desert and one that they must win to live to see another day.

Alex and Nelson DeMille unite for one last amazing ride of intrigue and death defying excitement in The Tin Men. DEVCOM is real and so is autonomous and unmanned prototyping, so this hits hard and fast. Through the lens of two seasoned investigators thrown into a whirlwind of mystery and lies, the DeMille’s cleverly craft a story of conspiracy and lack of trust. Dealing with numerous plot lines, you will track lies, treason, and magical drug addiction as those who risk everything for our country won’t only die to protect her, but die in vain from those same people who live nearby. A page turning work that will have on the edge of your seat throughout.

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Purchase The Tin Men
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Chapter 2 Books
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Once Upon A Crime
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The Poisoned Pen

Cry Havoc By Jack Carr

Jack Carr reigns supreme as Cry Havoc reignites the Reece family bloodline! Creating the tale of Thomas Reece, father of James Reece, Carr wows from start to finish and leads you into a world of chaos.  

Traveling back in time to set the stage for Reece family lore, Carr inserts real events and history into a story of courage and commitment. He builds on the never ending cycle of espionage between Russian and United States government agencies, while battles rage in the jungles in Vietnam. Reece is embroiled in a life or death situation day after day, until he loses someone close to him while transporting a prisoner of war. Reece and team lead Frank Quinn are hit with reality that war waits for no one and can happen anywhere, anytime.

Realizing something is amiss, Reece uses his Navy SEAL training and MACV-SOG experience to help navigate a critical time in American combat history while cheating death. Reece is thrust into a position to find and eliminate people harming the U.S. and her interests, while battling the threat from enemy and foe.

This adventure leaves no stone unturned and turns the heat up on the James and Thomas Reece legacy. I loved every single thing about this book. Trying to write a spoiler free review was so difficult because there are so many things Carr fans will pick up in this one. Carr brilliantly highlights the vicious nature of the Vietnam war, while also giving the reader authentic perspective as he ties fact and fiction together.

The sheer amount of time and effort spent on this is recognizable as we know Carr is a student of military history. His dedication to getting the specific time period tools and weapons correct, elaborating on the importance of espionage, and how Americans were being fed into a killing machine, show the depth of his writing and make this an instant Book of the Year nominee for me. He crafts unique and powerful characters, while weaving a web of interconnection that will have you salivating for the next. I believe it is potentially the best book yet by Jack Carr.

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Purchase Cry Havoc
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Red Tide By M.P. Woodward

This is one of the best written modern war novels I have ever read. No doubt in my mind at all. MP Woodward ties in love for country and family while highlighting the current political climate in the world. Red Tide is a must read for all thriller lovers, and this one feels extremely real.

The world is on the brink of collapse as China and the United States are on opposite sides of the semiconductor revolution. Trying to capitalize on the main manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, the US makes a bid to help relocate some manufacturing to the states. Unbeknownst to them, the MSS has its claws in the industry, deeper than first thought. When the CEO of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer is suddenly incapacitated, a deal goes down the drain. 

Admiral Will Cole is tasked with reinvigorating the ship refurbishment timeline in shipyards around the US, as the steady toll of deployments and salt water eats away at America’s largest naval assets. Teaming up with reservist and genius Gabe Sorkin, Cole leads the charge to put military might to use instead of parking at slips wasting away. 

The battle is realistic and terrifying at the same time. The story is told from the vantage point of the Cole family, father, sons, daughter, along with some special people that Woodward expertly portrays. The edge of fantasy and futuristic technology isn’t that far off, as aggression between countries is at an all time high! 

 Woodward does things right with Red Tide; navigating a crucial part of everyone’s life from an apolitical standpoint at first, then leading into a confrontation with world interests at the forefront. Expert storytelling along with supreme creativity ensures this will be on my list for gift giving this year! 

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Purchase Red Tide
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Sidewinder By Andrew Warren & Ross Sidor

Andrew Warren and Ross Sidon team up in a full-tilt bullet-riddled adventure to prevent chaos from stepping foot into the United States in Sidewinder.

Dropped into Mexico to team with DEA assets, Thomas Caine is thrust into the grimy mixed up world of narco-terrorism. Hunting down ghosts of past missions, Caine and team must enter a labyrinth of weapons, narcotics, and cash destined for criminal hands to take the upper hand and neutralize the threat. 

Caine makes a deal with the devil to save the life of one of his partners but requiring him to tempt fate along a fine line. All goes according to plan until a snake gets in the hen house and it all goes up in flames. Bounced from Mexico, Caine must find a way to the devils lair to right his wrongs and make this pose responsible pay for their crimes. 

Dynamic and action-fueled writing leaves no page dull. Sidor and Warren really do this one right from start to finish with secondary plots, creative characters, and a whole lot of lead dodging. I felt like Sidewinder doesn’t get bogged down anywhere and they feed off one another’s writing styles perfectly creating blending into one voice. I really enjoyed this one and you will too. 

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Purchase Sidewinder
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Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

Fade In By Kyle Mills

In his first post-Rapp era release, Kyle Mills continues his incredible streak of fast-paced hard-hitting thrillers in Fade In. Reinvigorating former Navy SEAL Salam al-Fayed, Mills drives into the future of the once mighty and powerful fighting force known as ‘Fade’.

Fade awakens in an unexpected condition where his previous life has been uprooted and transplanted into the dumpster. Attempting to understand how he had gotten himself into the situation, he finds himself toe to toe with forces with money upwards of Scrooge McDucks gold coin vault swimming pool. This is where things start to get spicy. There are some bad actors at play attempting to bring a COVID-like era disease to wipe out populations worldwide. Fade has a decision to make about assisting with his remarkable skills or go back to a hermetical lifestyle.

Given a challenge by this wealthy individual, Fade excels and shows his worthwhile exhibiting grace and true grit at the same time. Coupled with remarkable characters and life altering ventures, Fade is put to the test physical and emotionally in trying to prevent a catastrophe that will scar the world forever.

Mills deserves the accolades; Fade is a character with mammoth potential that will succeed for years to come! Creating a flawed and truly torn character who has been through life and death, while staying above ground serves al-Fayed perfectly. You will see an already worn and damaged character, who on the inside wants what is right but has trouble fighting alongside those who have discarded him in the past. Put into tough scenarios where his will is tested.

Mills restores Fade to the one proud war machine he was while helping him understand who he really is. He’s also not scared of touching on how the governments of all counties are influenced in ways they shouldn’t be. Fade clearly doesn’t let his past define him as he’s been doing what he’s wanted for years, not doing what he must. It’s almost as if Kyle’s writing ability effortlessly tied two separate characters into one.

I’ve loved every book from Mills I’ve ever read, and this isn’t any different. Action, intrigue, character development and decline, along with some of the best writing available has Fade In at the top of my Best of 2025 this year!

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Purchase Fade In
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The Book Dragon
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Edge Of Honor By Brad Thor

Brad Thor crafts and instant summer classic in Edge of Honor. Scot Harvath belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of thriller bad asses.

When Harvath and bride Sølvi return to the states after the world’s longest honeymoon, they are immediately thrown into a gauntlet of fire. Dealing with a flash mob of deadly proportions, the newly weds jump straight to action doing what they do best. What follows is a non-stop thrill ride of danger from a group that Scot and Nicholas can’t even identify. 

Teaming up with just a couple of hitters from days gone by, Harvath jumps into action while Sølvi is called back into service of the Norwegian Prime Minister. Blending classic action with the extreme confidence and determination of Harvath, Thor mixes in the current political climate, a web of lies and spiders spinning chaos. It’s up to a select few to save democracy and Harvath is leading the charge from beginning to end with his intelligence prowess.

In typical Thor flair, Harvath and cast always have the coolest gear, best drinks, and coolest locations. His ability to insert tension and help you feel for the characters highlights his ingenious approach to writing bestseller year after year. 

These are always on my to-be read list and this one grabbed my attention page by page. The secondary plots only continue to accent the primary but lead you down a path of no return once you open the cover. 

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King of Ashes By SA Cosby

S.A. Cosby has delivered yet again. Driving King of Ashes with his passionate and intense writing style, Cosby forces you down a path of darkness and violence. 

Roman Carruthers loves doing what he does; making peoples money make more money. Living in Atlanta, Carruthers gets a call to come home as his pops has been in a bad accident. Carruthers drops everything he’s doing and makes it back to Richmond immediately to check in on his pops and brother and sister. Life hasn’t been fair to them as their momma disappeared a long time ago and they all went their separate ways.

Roman comes home to help his sister keep the family business running when his brothers’ antics lead to a path that no one foresaw coming. A little side hustle gone wrong due to some misguided decisions and overdemanding bosses has lead brother, Dante Carruthers, into a bit of a mess. Roman and his vast wealth of knowledge and contacts attempt to smooth the demands from those calling the shots, but it seems the Carruthers are being dragged in, deeper and deeper.

Forced to choose between helping his family and confronting the storm head-on, or walking away, Roman Carruthers does what most people would do, dig his heels in. It’s one of the age-old questions; will you turn a blind eye or help someone in need? This just happens to be a family in the crosshairs.

Cosby beautifully crafts a family who had made it, gotten out of the dumps and built a great story, only to have it all ripped away by some terrible choices. Their hard work and determination are all that is needed but the dark and rough nature of life rears its head, leaving a family broken and withering. The amount of ingenuity and detail that build his larger-than-life characters is stunning and frightening at the time.

Cosby does exactly what we expected him to do, giving us an abrasive and violent journey through the eyes of his remarkable characters. I don’t know how he continues to produce such hard-hitting and accolade worthy stories, but King of Ashes is not to be missed.  

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Tokyo Black By Andrew Warren

In Tokyo Black, Thomas Caine delivers violence in every way imaginable. He is thrust into the lion’s den to find out why one young woman is being hunted.

Thomas Caine is a weapon with many different abilities that was peacefully enjoying his so called retirement, or so he thought, even though he’s supposed to be dead. When a partner in Thailand subverts their agreement and chooses to make his own path to fortune, Caine ends up in one of the nastiest dark holes the world has to offer. As CIA officer and former love interest Rebecca Freeling is stateside looking for an asset to put to work in an overseas operation, one of Caine’s aliases flags on an international board. Freeling finds Caine and lures him into a journey to Japan to find the link of a missing girl.

Caine makes his way to Japan and begins his action packed quest while teaming with a local and powerful family who runs an illegal set of businesses. One again in the crosshairs of multiple groups Caine starts a fight everywhere he goes only to keep on the path to truth and justice. What ensues is a bloody and bullet-riddled adventure where death and destruction reign supreme.

Warren creatively weaves a story of redemption and sadness through the one and only Thomas Caine. He has all of the qualities necessary for success and even some that could be his downfall, but the tenacious desire to be true to his word is what makes him great. A man of his word and battling with ferocity, Caine is a must see character that is deserving of your attention. 

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Silent Horizons By Chad Robichaux & Jack Stewart

Force Recon Marine and MMA Champion Chad Robichaux partners with Retired Fighter Pilot Jack Stewart for a nail-biting adventure into the heart of Iran to track death dealers. Silent Horizons is nothing short of an international trip for one of the nation’s top tactical assets hell bent on finding the truth and someone to hold accountable for taking lives.

Foster Quinn devotes everything he has into being one of the best Marines there could be when he returns from a mission, finding out that best friends is no longer alive. Dealing with life’s losses and hurdles, Foster must navigate a troubled marriage that takes a backseat to him operating. Offered a change of pace and career, Quinn steps into the land of Persia on assignment to find those responsible for Robert James death and stop innocent killing. His mission requires his best acting, worthy of a Golden Globe if nominated. Nevertheless, Quinn is forced to play along with difficult cultural and international norms he’s not used to while trying to fit in.

Quinn is the point man for one of the world’s most lethal military commands, and his actions determine when and if a group of American commandos can enter Iran safely to execute their orders. Just when Quinn thinks he has it all figured out, he’s left speechless and confused as things don’t go the way anybody can see them going.

Robichaux and Stewart create a unique and worthy hero in Foster Quinn, who embraces his love for country, but depend on God and his family for strength and grace. They’ve created a formidable character that you will compete with any you see on a bookshelf, but their ability to be creative and intriguing, while not having a gun battle every two pages, made this one enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good shootout, but there are times when there is too much lead flying and not enough substance. Forcing Quinn into enemy territory alone allowed for a lot of freedom in this one and they absolutely crushed it. There is something great about reading a straightforward, hard-hitting, and Robichaux and Stewart absolutely nail it in Silent Horizons.

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Nemesis By Gregg Hurwitz

Gregg Hurwitz delivers unmatched vengeance and adventure in Nemesis, the tenth Orphan X installment featuring Evan Smoak. A once premier government death tool, Smoak is back righting wrongs and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. 

Hurwitz starts you off on this Orphan X journey with a little historical reverence between Tommy Stojack, Smoak’s armorer, and Evan himself. Brilliantly setup, Hurwitz builds the lore of a brotherly bond the two while returning to Lone Wolf and creating immense depth in the story. What follows is a journey of dedication by a man keeping his word to another on his death bed. While Evan goes to confront Tommy about his shady dealings, he ends up fighting for his life.

Tracking Tommy to a small town of misfit horrors, Smoak learns that there is crime destroying America due to uncontrolled hate. Working to help a tortured Mexican family, battling irresponsible youth, and fighting off the Horsemen, Smoak is tested every way possible. Not only does he have to deal with crooked law enforcement, but learning to understand and strategically move through Joey’s growth into a young woman, which tests his mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Hurwitz leaves nothing behind in Evan Smoak’s journey to hell and back in Nemesis. There’s a coming of age moment, one of guilt, sorrow, and forgiveness that X must grow in while being physically tested. His commandments have always guided him, but there is a point where he is about to break forcing him to evaluate his future. 

Orphan X has been one of those annual books I always look forward to. Superb writing, extreme violence, and nonstop cation drive Hurwitz’s storytelling and this one is no different. I do get the feeling X is growing older, a maturity that seeps through him in multiple scenes that can transform Smoak into a killer second act. Don’t miss out on this great read. 

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Dead Money By Jakob Kerr

Dripping in intense intrigue and powerful storytelling that takes you deep into Dead Money, Kerr impresses from the start! In his debut work, Kerr creates an unexpected turn of events in one of the most money rich environments and will draw you in without a doubt.

A murder occurs on the premises of one of the world’s most known companies, one that has their hands on everything. Journy’s campus is the scene of a crime while being one of the most highly invested in tech companies in the world. Hammersmith  Venture has their own legal counsel join the FBI investigation to support as they’ve got   $5 Billion invested in Journy. Mackenzie Clyde is an attorney for Hammersmith and jumps into the mix right away and she’s got history with a specific Journy employee.

What ensues is a twisting adventure with connections everywhere. Leading from missing engineers, a tech industry executive hideaway, artificial intelligence and more, Clyde and FBI Special Agent Jameson Danner must work together to find the truth. Navigating unseen surveillance and hiding the truth while looking for it Clyde is in for a troublesome task.

Kerr delivers one of the best written debuts to hit the shelves in recent years. Intrigue infused twists and turns dot the pages and will keep you guessing all the way to the end. You won’t be able to guess the outcome as Kerr cleverly shields the truth from everyone and blends his passion of law and the tech industry flawlessly. 

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Chain Reaction By James Byrne

James Byrne is back touting Desmond Aloysius Limerick “Dez” in Chain Reaction, as he’s on the hunt to jam out as a rockstar when life throws him a curve ball. Confronted by ghosts of missions past, Dez must navigate a gauntlet of mercenaries to uncover the truth of one heinous act.

Dez is not your average hero, and he would hate that moniker. But he’s about to sub in for a buddies rock and roll cover band when a mysterious young lady from his time in Spain reappears. What starts as a trip to rock out turns deadly in an instant, as the newest convention center turns into a horror set with blood being spilled everywhere. Teaming with a budding love tryst, Dez must fight his way to safety while preserving life at all costs. 

While battling through lies and deception, Dez works along side the FBI after they uncover that he’s a “Gatekeeper”. Trying to keep his new flame out of the crosshairs, Dez unravels the truth behind crimes decades old that start raining death to keep secrets hidden. 

Byrne delivers a death-riddled action adventure highlighting his premier writing creativity. His ability to tie in the beginning to the end while generating unmatched intrigue only makes Dez Limerick that much more impressive. Dez is one of the most likable and intelligent heroes and Byrne captures his aggression and power in a very meticulous fashion. He emphasizes his wit and ability without sidestepping the Gatekeepers mission and draws you in and keeps you guessing at every turn. 

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The Pirate's Secret By LynDee Walker & Bruce Robert Coffin

LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin are back with their third installment in the Turner and Mosley files. The Pirate’s Secret is an adrenaline fueled hunt for lost treasure that will shake the monarchy to its core. 

Centuries ago, King Charles II was restoring power to the rightful heirs to the thrown of England when decisions made by the crown himself lead to tragedy. With rumors of an illegitimate son and the path to the crown, Pirate Captain Ace Mullins defiles the kingdom with treachery. 

Avery turner and Carter Mosley are filming a show in the states when Carter gets an urgent and coded message from a childhood friend who is overseas. Distress signal received, Turner and Mosley and pal Harrison travel to assist only to find death staring them in the face. Being hunted left and right by thugs and outlaws of unknown origin, Turner and Mosley must search for the truth to save the name of a beloved friend. Searching for riches of great importance, they navigate the depths of the ocean, the dungeons of the underworld, and the kingdoms own palace to prove their theory. 

Walker and Coffin create a fun and fast-paced search for treasures lost centuries prior. Clever twists pieced together with historic reverence makes this one extremely enjoyable read. 

The characters are enthusiastic and likable while taking danger to new heights. It’s safe to say that this series won’t disappoint and is a great addition to the series. 

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Targeted: Beirut By Jack Carr & James M. Scott

Jack Carr and James M. Scott team up for an in-depth look at the brutally violent attack that killed 241 Americans in Targeted: Beirut. Carr and Scott create an emotionally packed account that is worthy of many accolades, as they detail the disaster through raw and unfiltered storytelling, capturing a moment in time when lives were changed forever.

In the decades since 1983, many lives have been altered by terrorism in some shape or form. Carr and Scott highlight everything from the American Embassy bombing in early 1983 in Lebanon to the political landscape and how the White House responds, including the press pool and how they received up to the minute information. They cover the family dynamic and how stateside partners and children waited vehemently on the status of their loved ones, flooding the pages with historical interviews and references that show just how unimaginable the situation was.

As I turned each page, I felt that as an American, I owed it to the survivors and those we lost to know their story, to understand why our people we’re put in harms way for the betterment of a place that may not have had any impact on American lives until that fateful day. I owe it to those families that are left without a father or brother, to understand why politicians put those men in harms way. Carr and Scott will leave you with a better understanding of what happened in Beirut on that dark day but will leave you thankless for the sacrifices that our military personnel make each and every day.

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