Chris Miller

The Bin Laden Plot By Rick Campbell

It’s been three long years since we’ve heard from US Navy Submarine Captain Murray Wilson and former Navy SEAL Jake Harrison. Campbell comes out firing on all cylinders in his latest treacherous path of death and destruction, The Bin Laden Plot. 

The US Navy Destroyer USS Stethem is performing peaceful show of force in the Persian Gulf when the fate of many onboard is sealed when a torpedo hits and sinks her. Unsure of how to properly proceed, Secretary of the Navy Brenda Verbeck tasks Capt. Wilson and the crew of the USS Michigan with hunting a rogue American unmanned underwater vehicle and destroying it before it can cause any more American casualties. While CIA Director Christine O’Connor is busy protecting the world, the fact that her and former frogman and CIA officer Jake Harrison have had thing in the past resurfaces and upend the life that he has made since things didn’t work out.  

Harrison has been ran through the thick of it, time and time again, and saved more than he can count. He finds out that disgraced former Navy SEAL Lonnie Mixell is not dead as once thought and former Navy SEALs are dropping dead. Coincidence? Teaming up with CIA badass Khalila Dufour, they begin the hunt after a mysterious message is left for Harrison after the death of one of his former teammates deaths. But who is Khalila and who is she really working for? 

As the story progresses, Dufour and Harrison are tasked with finding the truth when that is the last thing that they have between themselves. Why are people dying and who is hiding their true colors? O’Connor and Harrison, along with a whole host of others are fighting not only with an unknown enemy but with those who might just be traitors.  

Campbell does it all in this return from a brief hiatus. Cleverly developing multiple storylines and keeping them nicely organized. Campbell brings to life a true view behind the curtain, adding to the never answered question of “What really happens inside the power brokers of the federal government?” While learning who the major players are, you’ll grow an attachment to certain figures and learn that being frustrated from not knowing who Khalila Dufour is just part of the journey. Campbell has the right scenes crafted for just the right time. Whether it is rigid and traditional, or action packed and high speed, he provides you an adventure that you do not want to miss.

I’m partial to the Trident Deception series because I served on submarines, but he provides some of the most authentic and memory recalling language that has me serving back on my old boat. Submarine warfare, paramilitary operations, government conspiracies and back door deals benefiting only those with already deep pockets are all beautifully laid out and you won’t regret giving this one a shot.

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Extinction By Douglas Preston

When the son and daughter in law of a prominent billionaire go missing in one of the most exotic locations in the United States, Colorado Bureau of Investigations Agent in Charge Frankie Cash is called in. Taking advantage of her newly minted title that the paint hasn’t even dried on, Cash is up and on the run to start the investigation. What she finds at the prehistoric and unimaginable Erebus Resort is nothing short of astonishing. Erebus CEO, Maitland Barrow, is a one of a kind dreamer who had visions of creating something never done before, or in this case, something that hasn’t been done in millions of years. 

Erebus Resort is home to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures, including the Mammuthus Columbi (Woolly Mammoth), Woolly Indricothere (large Rhino), Megatherium Americanum (Giant Ground Sloth). Erebus has been able to seemingly bring Jurassic Park to life and create an environment mimicking the natural habitats that seems like a time from centuries past. While the investigation begins, Cash and Eagle County Sheriff James Colcord begin to believe there is more than meets the eye of this tropical oasis. What they don’t see are the secrets that Chief of Security Andrew Maximillian and his team are keeping from them and what the real mission of the resort is. 

There is something mysterious running around the Erebus property that is killing people and terrorizing the law enforcement and the visitors that remain. Who is in charge of the madness and what happens to the to everyone left at the resort when all hell breaks loose?

Preston brings to life historic creatures that clash in modern day America! Life and death are two things that are certain in our world, but when scientists and men start playing God and giving those creatures a second chance, bad things are certain to happen!

Preston creates an imaginary universe that doesn’t seem that far off. An energetic storyline that is bloody and dangerous from the start with fleeting images of Jeff Goldblum whispering to you, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." There is a mysterious feeling that surrounds the Erebus property and danger looks around every corner and you’ll be greeted by imperfect characters in the perfect roles. Preston doesn’t make everything fall into line, bringing determined and valiant characters that make mistakes and highlight an authentic environment aside from the once creatures. Mad men with money doing crazy things sounds familiar, but this one adds a twist you can’t even fathom. Enjoy this ride!

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The Infiltrator By TR Hendricks

Hendricks embraces the violence while staggering intrigue throughout this great follow up to last years debut. The Infiltrator is sure to impress all with its grit and fantastic storytelling. 

Derek Harrington has been on a mission for quite some time to quiet the impending doom from the domestic terrorist group of ‘Autumn Tithe’. After disbanding one of the most treacherous domestic terrorist camps in America, Harrington takes on a new role as a tip of the spear tool to prevent any further disasters. Stalking and providing intel back to the FBI, Harrington utilizes his skillset to pinpoint new camp locations so that the leaders and offenders of freedom can be apprehended and charged accordingly. 

Battling with a new Special Agent in Charge, Harrington must tip toe around the moment seeking Samuel Liu while trying to rebuild his life with his former wife Kim, and son Michael. Being out in the field tracking and providing intelligence to the team prevents him from being home like he wants too, but with Autumn Tithe still trying to wreak havoc, Harrington must continue to perform one of the utmost important jobs. Embedded at one location attempting to find the group building a plan to terrorize, Harrington finds actionable intelligence. What follows is a catastrophe of epic proportions and an all-out battle of well-trained snipers and a no-quit outdoorsman. 

Hendricks wows again with impressive action sequences and never-ending violence. Trying to follow up a huge success in his debut, Hendricks rekindles the fire that bled from The Instructor with ease. Derek Harrington is a unique character that you don’t always see in this firestorm action thrillers, but one that has a rarified grace to him. He’s got a little of Peter Ash (Nick Petrie) crossed with Orphan X (Evan Smoak from Gregg Hurwitz). He is well built in terms of not being a simplistic character, but one that values the wants of everyday people. Being an everyday person is not for Harrington in his line of work and you’ll see the sacrifices he’s willing to make at the hands of Hendricks. 

The story is well crafted and will take you from the foothills of America to modern suburban neighborhoods where no one is safe. The supporting characters bring out the best that America has to offer and will have you cheering for them from the sideline as the bullets start flying. I had this as my 2024 Most Anticipated book and it does not disappoint, not even the slightest. Be on the lookout for TR Hendricks and Derek Harrington coming soon in The Infiltrator. 

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The General's Gold By LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin

Avery Turner is on top of the world after helping design and create a reservation application, that paired with her former best friend’s company, turn the two into instant billionaires. After moving her way south to the keys, Turner is embracing the retired life for someone who has decades remaining. Unbeknownst to Turner, she teams up with a very influential social media superstar to learn to scuba dive, while also fending off potential lawsuits from the company that previously purchased her app.

Carter Mosely is a danger seeking thrill master who has been giving Avery lessons when Turner get a call that her best friend and former business partner was found deceased in a Boston area slum hotel. Turner quickly jets to the Northeast with her current assistant and former Detective ‘Harry’. What she finds is suspicious conditions surrounding the death of Mark Hawkins which hits drastically hard but with that comes the opportunity of a lifetime. Mark was on to something major, and it involves lost Confederate treasure worth billions that never made it to safety.

Teaming with Carter and Harry, Avery turns super sleuth to nibble on the breadcrumbs of history to find the final resting place of the Generals Gold. Battling through numerous hurdles while trying to find clues from Maine to the South Carolina coast, Turner and team need to watch their back at every turn as the treasure is surely worth killing for.

Walker and Coffin build an epic story involving one successful woman and her desire to find justice. The energy in their writing increases throughout as the search for long lost treasure continues. The misdirection and clues provided will lock you in while Turner and Mosely are on their adventure. Turner and Mosely have something going on, almost imperceptible at times but Walker and Coffin do a great job of not making that the priority in this storyline. Turner is a very methodical individual who prioritizes the truth in clearing her friends name while being the best version of herself. She’s not a John Wick type character, but she’s clearly able to take care of herself.

Mosely is a great supporting character providing wittiness and a slightly more relaxed attitude which blend well with Turner and Harrison. The action scenes are solid with bad guys who clearly are in it with nothing to lose.

The General’s Gold takes you on a fun and spirited search for unfathomable riches in dangerous fashion. This unique team is motivated not by greed but in the hunt itself, in hopes that it will shed some light on the death of a close friend.

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City In Ruins By Don Winslow

In classic Don Winslow fashion, he delivers Danny Ryan in an unforgettable race against the path while building his future. City in Ruins is a fitting farewell but somber as Winslow’s decorated writing career comes to an end.

Danny Ryan has been through hell and back in his many years in the game, and the ones since he’s tried to leave that life behind have been relatively normal. He’s had three loves in his life and two are gone, the only one that remains is his son Ian. Now that Vegas has become his next fixer upper, Ryan must navigate the skeletons in his closet while rebuilding himself. Attempting to avoid the Nevada Gaming Commission and the heavy hitters from cities like Detroit and Chicago, Ryan has embarked on a new dream, building some of the most extravagant hotels and casinos the Vegas strip has to offer. 

He's also been sweet on a little yoga instructor who knows the aura that follows Danny Ryan around, preventing a serious relationship, by hiding it from the public eye. While negotiating with his partners of the beautiful Tara hotel, Ryan teams up with Abe Stern and his billions only to come up against Vern Winegard and his goons. What starts out as the rebuilding of an American dream quickly turns into the same old past Ryan has been avoiding. With the people he loves at risk, and his dream almost up in smoke, will Ryan turn into the monster in the closet or maintain his path and weather the storm?

Winslow has a unique writing ability that will capture your attention and not let go. I fully expected this to take me a week to get through, but after three days it was coming to a close and I wish I had more to soak in. What Winslow has created in Ryan is a long-lost soul who has seen friends and family come and go, while maintaining some humanity deep down inside. Ryan channels his need for a life fully lived throughout City in Ruins and Winslow shows how vulnerable he’s willing to make himself to prevent falling back into the rabbit hole. 

Winslow has the keen ability to turn the pages into a feature film with such ease. From The Power of the Dog to the Danny Ryan trilogy, everything he has written grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let go. Emotional and riveting action with impactful characters at every turn, Don Winslow will have you feeling triumphant for the closure for Danny Ryan and his dream. 

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Four Minutes By Andrews & Wilson

In keeping with the standard set by the Andrew & Wilson duo, Four Minutes will have you picking your jaw up off the floor.  

Navy SEAL Chief Petty officer Tyler Brooks is the tip of the proverbial spear when a night time hit in a country far from home changes his life forever. Battling against ghost terrorists with assistance from Intel Officer Zee Williams, bad guys seemingly disappear out of thin air and Brooks and team take a loss for the special operations community.  

After returning to their forward staging point aboard a nuclear powered aircraft carrier, is regaled with the potential ability to see what the disappearing combative are all about. CIA spook-like man named Pat Moody presents Zee a once in a lifetime opportunity to operate with the might highly classified technology ever created by man. Teaming with Brooks and a handful of other magnificently minded military personnel, they take a jump to the dark side. There just one catch, for four minutes you can alter the future, but the toll it takes on your body will last a lifetime.  

In stunning fashion yet again, Andrews & Wilson have captured my full attention with a stunning and heart pounding race against time to prevent the worst disaster in the history of mankind. They continue to provide unique storylines that bleed dedication and triumph while stretching the limits that your mind can imagine.  

Time and time again I wonder how they are capable of providing action packed and character worthy pieces for the masses to enjoy. This is no different as Tyler Brooks is a fantastic leader, but a man with the ability to question the greater meaning of things and it allows the story to evolve from simpleton to a deep complex of people and events that can alter the world Brooks lives in. The setup from the start gives you a path to consider while watching the maturation of the operators and the processes they flow through to become travelers. It doesn’t get saturated down with nerdy scientific literature but gives provides the perfect amount to become fascinating.  

Tyler Brooks and Four Minutes solidify the greatness of Andrews & Wilson’s writing in this sci-fi infused action flick printed in the form of a book. 

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The Day Tripper By James Goodhand

Living life one day at a time is a philosophy that many people live by. James Goodhand takes you on a journey where one man wakes every day, not knowing which day in his life will be next. The Day Tripper will test your normal thought process and have you thinking about yourlife choices. 

Alex Dean is a man with two loves, Holly Chan and his incredible musical ability. Alex is absolutely infatuated with Holly, knowing that she is the love of his life. He also has an appointment to Cambridge and a potential sk0y tipping ceiling to his life. That is, until one day a chance meeting with a bully while on a date with Holly changes his life forever. 

Awaking from an accident of epic proportions, Dean tries to place himself as he’s in an apartment where he’s never been, with a woman he’s never met. It’s not the same month, year, or even decade as Dean starts to put things together. As the days start to pass by one after another, Dean learns that nothing in his life is normal, having to determine timelines and what year it is everywhere he goes. Jumping through time like a pinball in an arcade, Alex Dean dodges prison, career changes, alcoholism, along with gaining and losing the love of his life on a daily basis. 

Goodhand drives decades of life through ups and downs while capturing raw life in the process. He captures you straight out of the gate and doesn’t let go while driving you down a mountain switchback, never letting you get comfortable. The emotions are raw and authentic as you get a large glimpse of Dean's life, but broken down into 24-hour increments, not knowing where it is going to lead. There are plenty of characters that support Alex through his journey, and plenty of hurdles he must navigate while trying to determine what happened. 

What you feel like you’re missing is exactly what Goodhand is provides. He makes you subconsciously think about what you can do to change the trajectory in your own life and how every single interaction could play into the future. This was a well written adventure that draws you in immediately and will leave you hanging onto Deans every day to ensure he doesn’t mess them up. It’s a battle for Alex Dean and one that you will absolutely love to journey with him. Don’t miss this one. 

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Lethal Action By Andrew Warren & Aiden Bailey

Andrew Warren and Aiden Bailey team up in this Jason Bourne style novella where state secrets are about to hit the open market. 

CIA Paramilitary Officer Thomas Caine is on a mission to stop information from falling into the wrong hands. Tracking down an American traitor to prevent the handoff of a very coveted briefcase, Caine encounters more than one other group interested in stopping his mission. While the Russians are attempting to find the briefcase, the Chinese are out looking for Caine and the information. Cheng Mian, A Chinese MSS agent, is a mysterious character from Caines past that is intent on killing him and ending his ability to stop Chinese interests.

Anja Volchenkov, a Russian asset of tremendous skill and ability, is one ruthless operative taking action to prevent Caine’s success. It’s up to Caine to determine if the information falls into the wrong hands and the end will tell if it was worth it.

Warren and Bailey use this novella perfectly, gripping you from the beginning and giving you a death ride throughout. No one is safe, including Thomas Caine and his team, while they navigate this creative and violent tale. Detailed action combined with mysteriously formed antagonists lead to a wowing read that will have you Thomas Caine fans in no time. 

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Outlaw By Jack Stewart

Following his stellar debut, Jack Stewart delivers a fascinating adventure where death is lurking around every corner and only time will tell if anyone survives in Outlaw.

Colt Bancroft is back doing what he loves, flying fighter jets and harnessing the power that man has come to love. While attached to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan in the East China Sea, Colt’s story starts off a bit dangerously while ‘Doc’ Sierra Crowe is riding backseat. Unfortunately, an undercover CIA officer is kidnapped in China while trying to obtain some information concerning a potential attack against American assets.

Miles away from the East China Sea, NCIS Special Agent Emmy ‘Punky’ King, is busy still trying to figure out who the people were who were teaming with Chinese operatives aboard the Reagan in Unknown Rider. As information gets to the Americans that their agent in China is missing, Punky must now protect an assets wife and child in San Diego when bullets start flying. While the story builds, a new synthetic bioweapon is being released and the world is at risk and the people paid to protect her must stand up to the challenge or lives will be lost.

Stewart delivers a clever addition to his Battle Born series as Punky and the NCIS are still working through the fiasco from before. Colt Bancroft is a solid character with no introduction needed who is always ready with his high-flying war steed. His character is paramount and lives up to the calling of an All-American fly-boy. Punky has a no nonsense attitude that is clear from page one. She’s a riveting character with unkempt charisma and it shows through her increased facetime here in book two.

I was unsure of where Stewart was going to take this story following his debut, but he has delivered a no-frills hard-hitting thriller that will have you riding shotgun in Colt’s F-18F Super Hornet. He provides unmatched details from the launch sequence to tracking and firing on enemy targets. His story never lets up and even has one of the most graphic and squeamish scenes I think I have ever read. Hands down Stewart’s writing is on the rise and his storytelling ability is top-notch. If you’re up for an exhilarating ride in an F-18 and saving an American officer kidnapped in China, Buckle Up, Outlaw has you covered.

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Village In The Dark By Iris Yamashita

In one hell of a follow up to her debut, Iris Yamashita brings the heat in Village in the Dark as Detective Cara Kennedy's past comes back to life.

Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy has been through a literal ringer. Haunted by the passing of her family and the unknowingly violent adventures in Point Mettier, new information comes to light that has her diving into solved cases for clues. Teaming up with beau and fellow law enforcement officer Joe Barkowski, Kennedy returns to the Dav-Co to ask questions after pictures of her and other Alaskans that have disappeared are found on a gang member's cell phone.

Ellie Wright, 14th floor apartment block owner, has used Point Mettier as a haven from her former criminal husband. That all changes when her son Timmy is found dead in his apartment from an apparent overdose and her murderous ex walks back into her life. Ellie rides a way of emotions as she mourns the passing of her son and the reemergence of her ex as she attempts to assist Cara with her hunt for answers as the two are inexplicably tied by some unknown force. While all of this is unfolding, Mia Upash from the Unity community is learning to live life in man’s world only to find out that it is dangerous and is somehow tied into the passing of Kennedy’s husband and son.

Without a doubt this has all the makings for a television show or a movie. Yamashita brings so much to the table with this life-altering journey that Kennedy must battle through. First off, she’s been on an emotional roller coaster that would have most people self-medicating improperly. The emotions range from highest highs to lowest lows as love is lost, then found only to be lost again.

What she also drops into your lap is action and drama that you wouldn’t be expecting. The Alaskan wilderness must be known as the Wild North as there are firearms everywhere, weapons caches galore if you will. I couldn’t put this down as there was everything I could want and more from hitting me in the feels, as well as a few well timely shootouts. Yamashita builds Kennedy as a strong confident woman on the outside, but possibly broken and shattered on the inside waiting to be put back together. She allows Kennedy time to grow and learn to let go at times. Through the host of supporting characters, she also blends multiple angles of the same story to tie it all up in a nice bow at the end. If you haven’t found her first, pick up City Under One Roof and get prepared for a pleasant surprise in Village in the Dark in February 2024.

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The Book Of Doors By Gareth Brown

Gareth Brown creates a mystical world filled with enchantment and imagination in The Book of Doors. When one woman falls into possession of one of the most highly prized books ever created her life is forever changed.

In a small New York City bookstore, Cassie Andrews witnesses the passing of one her dearest customers first hand.’s The death of Mr. Webber takes back seat though, to a magical gift left behind with no discernible writing, just pictures of doors and a bunch of scribbles. This is where her friend Izzy embarks on a journey with her experiencing the magical places that The Book of Doors leads too.

While jumping from location to location through the power of the special book that Cassie has become owner of, a hunt begins as people are positioning themselves to take advantage of a library of magical books. As death lurks around the corner, Cassie meets up with owner of the Book of Shadows, Mr. Drummond Fox. Fox and Cassie become quite the duo as the play the long game to keep a specific lady from the mist, from taking all of the rare books on earth. It’s up to Cassie and crew to prevent these books from falling into the wrong hands and being lost forever.

This was one of the most captivating stories I’ve ever read. Following a rag tag group of people through the past and present, you get to experience darkness, pain, despair, along with joy and illusion. The characters are at their ends as they battle ferociously written antagonists. The story is one of a kind experience that will leave you satisfied and searching for nothing more.

His story telling ability is second to none as he cleverly lays out a story that jumps around from past to present and includes well developed and interesting characters. Cassie was one of my favorites but Izzy and her budding romance with Lund adds a special feeling to the story as you navigate the death and destruction. Brown presents a strong contender for book of the year.

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The Price You Pay By Nick Petrie

Nick Petrie brings to life a make or break moment for Peter Ash and his friends through heart pounding storytelling in The Price You Pay. Stuck in between a rock and a hard place, Ash must delve deep into the past to prevent losing everything. 

Peter Ash is set to help out his buddy Lewis, who has been his savior countless times before. While checking on a buddy from the upstate, they find their keep in tattered and torn condition. After a previous mission their buddy Teddy had memory problems and wrote everything down in notebooks to remember. Now some hardened criminals have stolen those notebooks that account for most of their crews hits.  

Lewis and Peter turn back to their dangerous skill sets to go find who is running the operation for revenge. Teaming up with June and Dinah, the team must run mistake free or it will cost them their lives. 

Petrie brings everything he has in this determination soaked journey of life and death as the reaper is on the hunt. He highlights his alluring creativeness with June and a never quit attitude to Peter, while Lewis and Dinah are given unimaginable hurdles to overcome. Fragility and uneasiness seep throughout this normally confident team as any and everything that could possibly go wrong, shows face.  

Given minimal resources and a past that haunts them, Petrie creates extremely precarious scenes that allows the team to seem 100% real and susceptible to the dangers of the task. This was a series changing story that sets the future for a whole new set of rules. Petrie has always been extremely creative and captures you with an energetic and impressive host of characters. Peter Ash is a powerhouse and he’s on a mission, watch out. 

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The Trigger Man By Aiden Bailey

Mark Pierce is a ghost to some and the angel of death to others, but The Trigger Man has a code to live by. That code is tested time and time again throughout Aiden Bailey’s upcoming release in The Trigger Man.

Mark Pierce is a CIA operative who is given the missions that no one else is capable of. His roller coaster adventure starts off when he’s sent to rescue a group of paramilitary officers in the Sahara when they are tragically killed, and their eleven million dollars go missing. Followed and hunted by mercenaries, Pierce must play it cool and deadly to keep his head on as he tried to understand what is happening. He follows along through a gambit of obstacles as he attempts to find Victor Vautrin, as the international arms dealer is setting up shop in West Africa and helping run weapons to an already unstable region on the brink of civil war.

Aiden Bailey sets the bar high with The Trigger Man with unforgettable action and an unrelenting pace. Page after page is filled with non-stop deception that Pierce must navigate. Pierce is a one-of-a-kind utility tool that can complete any type of mission in almost any location, but I love how Bailey throws hurdles at him repeatedly to add to the rigor he must maintain to finish his mission. The locations are fresh and welcoming as West Africa has been a hot bed and has been brewing for quite some time. Bailey highlights real world weapons and gear that all thriller and espionage readers will love.

I have high hopes for this series as Pierce is one of the most formidable and sharp-witted operatives that the good guys have at their disposal. He might even have a little charm in his rough exterior while he’s dazzling you the reader with his ability to serve justice. This is a must read for Mark Greaney fans and an undeniable addition to your to-be-read list.

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Target Area By Lawrence Colby

Lawrence Colby delivers everything you need in this violent espionage-soaked tale. Be ready to take a seat and immerse yourself into Target Area.

Leo Rossi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent, has a routine morning at the Pentagon upended when he finds the dead body of a beautiful young Navy Lieutenant. Rossi joins with the Pentagon’s Force Protection Agency to investigate the death while other things start occurring in the hallowed grounds of military history. While the trail is still hot, an Air Force General goes missing along with thousands of documents from the drone technology office.

Needing more than one set of eyes to navigate through the evidence, Rossi teams up with a hot little number from the FBI’s Washington Field Office in Special Agent Marcy Phillips. Phillips and Rossi methodically work their way through military secrets, family interviews, and evidence to track down the missing General as the bodies start to stack up. It is a race against time to see what secrets have gotten out and if the bloodshed stops or continues.

Colby dishes out an energetic and enthralling story highlighting how cunning American rivals can be. In an ever-developing world, security to information and infrastructure will be paramount to keeping society in line and Target Area shows just how close we could be to catastrophic events.

Leo Rossi is a formidable character who has a past that doesn’t define him but drives his confidence and effort in upholding the law. Rossi is analytical and deliberate while Marcy Phillips is a bit more maverick in her actions and processes. Together the two of them have a bit of pent-up energy and are quite the duo in case solving.

Colby keeps the pages turning effortlessly in Target Area and ratchets up the intensity into an all-time high and you’ll love it. Just when you think that everything has played out another curveball is headed straight for you. This is a fun and exciting thriller that will leave you wanting more Leo Rossi and we hope to get just that from Lawrence Colby.

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Dream Town By Lee Goldberg

In yet another impressive display of creativity, Lee Goldberg delivers a fast-paced crime adventure starring hot shot detective Eve Ronin. In a world gone glitz and glam with social media and influencing, privacy becomes a thing of the past.

Ronin has become a household name in Los Angeles, her galavanting and escapades have earned her a show in her name as a larger than life detective. Not really keen on putting herself out there, she sticks to the sidelines and monitors the progress as far away from her father as possible.

While the show is ramping up towards a debut, the Winslow family, a Kardashian-esque family, is left in the wake of a murder of one of their own. While Eve starts following the trail to determine who the murderers are, she’s also navigating a new man and the opening of her new home to her family.

Goldberg channels the new age of social media influences and how they share everything in their lives online creating prime opportunities for criminals. His relentless approach to making Ronin stand out through pure dedication and success is evident as she downplays the accolades and strives for perfection throughout. Duncan “Donuts” Pavone is the trusty sidekick that’s a bottomless pit but provides clever ideas to his Hollywood sidekick.

Goldberg continues to impress and this one hits hard for him as his home in California was recently marked and attempted to be burglarized by criminals. Using that as a launching pad for this fast paced and true to style adventure, you won’t be able to put it down. Goldberg draws you in with incredible scenes and finishes the story with grit and courage. Eve Ronin is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters due to her no-nonsense attitude and cunning detective skills.

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Broken Trust By Mike Lupica

This was my first Spenser foray and I absolutely loved how Mike Lupica crafts a brilliant tale of lost love and death in Broken Trust, starring one of the most sarcastic and witty detectives in Boston.

Andrew Crain is one of the world’s most wealthiest people. While his company is in the works to acquire another business, Crain’s wife Laura falls victim to an unknown murderer. That wouldn’t seem so ominous if it wasn’t for the fact that Laura had just reached to Spenser as something fishy is going on at Lith, Crain’s company.

Spenser falls into lock step trying to determine why and by whom Laura was felled as the case heats up for the Red Sox and Dunkin loving detective. Another death it’s unfavorably and heavy on a couple of the employees and clearly starts to create problems for the sometimes over the top Spenser.

For being my first adventure into the Spenser universe, I was overly pleased and impressed by Lupica and his ability to draw me in. The story is not overly complicated and Lupica lures you in at a leisurely pace while dropping hard hitting scenes from time to time to keep you on your toes. The amount of characters involved really play into the story’s favor and don’t crowd the page space.

Spenser is a phenomenal character who is witty, sarcastic, and creative through and through. All of that tied in with his buddy Hawk, girlfriend Susan, and his favorite eateries all nearby, Spenser is always primed for a fight or some boom boom sauce. If you’ve never picked up a Spenser adventure don’t wait any longer. Clever and exciting and fun as hell too, Broken Trust is a must read for sure!

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Unknown Rider By Jack Stewart

Jack Stewart starts his writing career with a balls-to-the-wall adventure featuring Navy fighter pilot Colt Bancroft, in the race to prevent one of the worst military disasters the world has ever seen. Highlighting one of the most dangerous and thrilling occupations the military can offer, Stewart feeds his story off of the decades of cockpit experience, bringing you so close to the action you can feel it.

Bancroft is on loan to the Black Knights of the United States Marine Corps to assist in weapons testing and in the evolution of the Navy’s new Joint Strike Fighter combat ability. While on a routine patrol, mysterious conditions around the US Navy’s Cruiser USS Mobile Bay warrant a fly-by when the situation turns almost deadly. Utilizing every avenue possible, Bancroft is certain there is something amiss as he momentarily loses control of his jet forcing the Commanding Officer to ground him as an investigation ensues.

Battling against unknown forces in an electronic battlefield, Bancroft teams up with NCIS Special Agent Emmy King in one of the most unlikely ways to help find the people at fault. King and Bancroft begin a hunt that involves a disgruntled Marine caught in a web of weakness by one beauty in the land of honeytraps. Fighting tooth and nail and avoiding death more than once, Colt and Emmy are destined to battle to the end where the truth is and where the greatest threat to American lives calls home.

Stewart sets the bar high with this fast-paced jet-fueled mission of life and death. Bancroft is a Top Gun instructor and a man of mystery as well. He’s got a history that will most likely be expounded on in future installments as Stewart sets this one up swimmingly for follow-ons. King is a bright and cheery character who was dealt a tough hand at the fingertips of Stewart, and I sure hope she gets another adventure under her belt. She provides the solid partner vibe while being that strong independent type that can take the fight to the enemy.

Stewart's plot follows a growing concern amongst the digitally friendly workspace that we all use now-a-days, while tapping into the common Chinese enemy that fills our news channels. I really enjoyed this book; it has plenty of likable characters, a formidable adversary, and a plot that absolutely scares me. You won’t be disappointed in this debut as Jack hits on every point you could ask for and more. BZ brother!

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Perfect Shot By Steve Urszenyi

Perfect Shot is a magnificent and high-powered adventure from debut author Steve Urszenyi, which holds nothing back with hot shot Alex Martel.

Martel’s journey starts off through the crystal-clear optics on top of her most trusted tool, while preparing to take down a group who is in possession of some stolen nuclear material. As the op starts to heat up, Martel begins a chase of epic proportions to prevent the material from leaving the eyes of law enforcement and keeping the bystanders safe. Eventually, things get personal when friend Krysten, an MI5 agent, is murdered in England and a friend reaches out for help.

Martel, an FBI Special Agent on loan to Interpol, a stack of bodies starts to build behind her, along with a reputation as a hard-nosed win-at-all cost individual. The Netherlands isn’t particularly keen on Martel’s skill set being shown in public, but after preventing a potential nuclear attack she’s let off the hook. This is where things start to get hairy. Martel is made aware of a serious situation in Incirlik, Turkey as a nuclear weapon from the American storage facility has gone missing. Will Alex be able to piece the puzzle together and recover the weapon or will the fate of millions rest in her soul forever?

Urszenyi crafts a gripping tale of perseverance highlighting dedication and selflessness while the grim reaper is knocking at the door. Martel is vivacious and cunning yet not perfect at everything, which drives confidence and understanding of how Urszenyi introduces you to Alex. He finds the perfect combination of uncertainty and creativity that allows Martel to shine. He doesn’t unload the past preventing you from indulging in the main plot line but blends the two into the right balance. Martel has a lot going on that he doesn’t let onto, but it is there for the taking in the future. Secondary characters are not overpowering and provide the right amount of support that makes them enjoyable as you try and figure out who is fighting for the right reasons.

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The Helsinki Affair By Anna Pitoniak

The Helsinki Affair is an explosive tale of treachery and deception that details the dark side of espionage. Anna Pitoniak drops this fresh take on historical spy craft and how one decision can affect decades leading to built up tension and suspense.

Learning to embrace her new career as a CIA station chief, Amanda Cole has been primed for this her whole life. Her Father Charlie was an Agent in the CIA as well with some questionable history. Cole is met by a junior Russian GRU contact who warns of an imminent threat to an American official.

Cole learns of some problematic decision making from fellow agents as she’s thrust into investigation mode. While learning that her families history has a large part of damage potentially done to the United States best interests, she must focus on keeping her contact alive and the U.S. safe.

Pitoniak brings to life a story of deceit and redemption by one career family and really embraces the spy culture from beginning to end. You get a story that spans decades that will take you on the journey from exciting opportunities to fallacy riddled decisions that preempts death. This isn’t your normal action backed blockbuster drama, but a detailed look at how tedious and methodical the life of a spook is.

The character buildup from beginning to end is amazing as you get to know the Cole family and why father and daughter are so much alike, yet so different. The story tracks easily from the start with a whole host of Russian and American characters, all with their own unique problems and quirks. Internal conflict is present as well as Pitoniak cleverly jumps from problems in personnel, to decision making issues that Cole must resolve before moving forward. I really enjoyed this one as it has a classy cinematic feel while blending decades of espionage.

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The Book Dragon
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The Christmas Appeal By Janice Hallett

In one of the most unique and mind-stretching styles, Janice Hallett delicately delivers an almost comedic tale of love and death in The Christmas Appeal.

While the town of Lower Lockwood and its Fairway Players are preparing for a December production of Jack and the Beanstalk, the past is about to rear its ugly head. Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald are putting together a more recent number of the famed play when the beanstalk from 30 years prior rises from the ashes to be used on stage. As the group starts to rehearse the typical small-town antics between people begin. The skeletons in the closet come out eventually and you’ll have to read it to see it.

Dropping information from the start through messages, emails, and transcripts from police investigations, this story flies by easily. Hallett will keep the gears turning in your mind with how she pieces everything together in her rather unconventional writing style, but one that I found easy to follow. Paying quick attention to the way the people communicate, it sounds very similar to modern society norms within small communities and how the holidays can become burdensome. Character development takes a backseat to a fast-paced story that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.

The story reads fast and dangerous as a whole host of people are planning and scheming while others are just trying to keep a lid on the incessant negativity following the production. Hallett has opened my eyes to a new style that was completely foreign at first but all consuming when it was all over. I couldn’t believe that I read through as quickly as I did and found myself going back to a specific conversation multiple times to see if I could piece it together myself before I got to the end.

Follow Chris on Twitter or contact him via the site.

Purchase The Christmas Appeal
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

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